Properties for Sale in Al Bateen

Al Bateen is a prestigious and beautiful district in Abu Dhabi, home to impressive palaces, luxurious villas, diplomatic offices, marinas and the beach. The area is full of gorgeous greenery, tree-lined boulevards, manicured paths and multiple calming fountains. In addition, the district has a coveted location; stretching along the coastline on the South-West of the capital, Al Bateen offers all benefits of a waterfront community and allows easy access to the center of the emirate.

The neighbourhood is perceived as one of the most affluent places to reside in. Firstly the area is home to Al Bateen Palace, which is one of the residences of His Highness Khalifa Al Nahyan, the ruler of Abu Dhabi. Secondly, there are many other important establishments that host diplomatic and social events on a regular basis, which are mainly concentrated on Khalifa Bin Shakhbout St. Along with this, Al Bateen houses the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, as well as art galleries, grand hotels and famous restaurants. Generally, Al Bateen is a fashionable community that attracts a vast amount of people either for work or for entertainment.

Another side of Al Bateen is the beach, fishing ports and marinas. Al Bateen Wharf (Fishermen’s Marina), the seaside part of Al Bateen, is known as one of the oldest seafaring and fishing operational points in the UAE. Previously the area also housed the dhow yard, where traditional boats have previously been made. Lately, the neighbourhood has been redeveloped, withe old venues and buildings being regenerated, making way for elite housing and upgraded areas of 3 new marinas called Al Bateen Wharf, Marasy Marina and Marsa Al Bateen.

Al Bateen is said to be the oldest occupied area of the capital city. Along with traditional living quarters, the area comprises contemporary residential projects, with some containing primarily multi-apartment complexes and others including an existing number of detached housing such as large villas and townhouses. On the whole, Al Bateen is a low-rise development, with a few skyscrapers scattered across the skyline. Apartments are mainly concentrated in the communities of Al Marasy, Al Bateen Wharf, Bloom Marina, and the Al Bateen complex. Villas are clustered in Al Bateen Park, Al Bateen Villas, Al Bateen Airport and along Al Khaleej Al Arabi Str.

It is important for foreigners to note that Al Bateen is not included in the list of Abu Dhabi’s freehold areas, meaning the properties here may only be acquired by UAE nationals. However, overseas citizens may rent homes in the area as the development is consistently in high demand. Residents in the Al Bateen area will be mainly Emirati locals, along with well-off Arab and Western expat families.

As mentioned before, Al Bateen is a long-established and well-to-do capital district, featuring the distinctive merits of an exclusive neighbourhood to the Royal residences, an advanced infrastructure, waterfront location and close proximity to the city center. Commonly, these factors ensure a good liquidity for properties.

Still, the area is experiencing ongoing improvements and renovation in recreational zones, such as the Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Park, the former Al Khalidiya Ladies Park, as well as further development of new residential parts, such as Al Marasy, Al Bateen Wharf, and the marinas’ areas. Once completed these projects will undoubtedly add value to the area and will allow owners to sell properties for a greater profit.

As per Bayut’s report for 2020, Al Bateen is Abu Dhabi’s top area to rent luxury villas (4 bedrooms plus), with rentals starting from AED 200,000 (USD 55,000) yearly. In Q1 of 2021 demand for the Al Bateen luxury villas was particularly high which allowed Al Bateen to be known as“the most popular area to rent luxury villas in Abu Dhabi” in the Bayut’s market report.

Rental prices for villas in Al Bateen became more affordable at the beginning of 2021, compared to Q4 2020. Thus, 5-bedroom villas in Al Bateen saw a moderate decline by 9%, which resulted in an average annual rental price of AED 178,000 (USD 48,500). Meanwhile, 6-bedroom homes remained relatively steady, averaging around AED 243,000 (USD 66,200) yearly.

The Al Bateen area is rich in cultural landmarks. Apart from those mentioned above, the area houses Qasr Al Watan – a large complex, where visitors can develop an insight into the history of the UAE, its governance, architectural legacy and more. Sightseeing tours allow visitors to explore the library with timeless literature, walk through the hall of presidential gifts and other impressive zones. Another place of historical importance is the Zayed Heritage Center; the museum displays the biography facts of the late Sheikh Zayed.

For a taste of Abu Dhabi art, you can visit the Etihad Modern Art and Antiques galleries located in the two adjacent villas behind the Al Bateen Mall. Modern Art gallery plays host to monthly exhibitions showcasing both international and Emirati artists. Some of the exhibits are available for free. The Antique section is home to a wide collection of Islamic, European, Arabian and Middle Eastern artworks, with the gallery initially only open for private viewing, now everybody interested may visit the venue.

The Observation Deck is among another top destination in Al Bateen, which is situated on the 74th level of Etihad Towers. It is the highest vantage point in Abu Dhabi and it is extremely popular with both locals and tourists.