Al Shaleela, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi
Al Shaleela is a lively area in Abu Dhabi that is part of the Al Raha Beach development. It features modern homes, including apartments and villas, with stunning beach views. The entire Al Raha Beach project spans over 5.2 million square meters and is designed to house 120,000 people. It comprises 11 unique areas, like Al Zeina and Al Bandar, each with its own style.
Al Shaleela’s location is close to major landmarks and transport routes, making it convenient for residents and visitors. The community blends modern living with cultural attractions, showing Abu Dhabi’s focus on creating sustainable and vibrant spaces.
Key Highlights of Al Shaleela, Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi
-
Waterfront apartments with modern designs.
-
Close to schools, malls, and healthcare facilities.
-
It is a peaceful setting with cultural attractions nearby.
-
Proximity to beaches and recreational spots.
-
Ideal for families and professionals.
Real Estate Overview in Al Shaleela
Al Shaleela is home to sleek, contemporary apartments. Many offer waterfront views, spacious interiors, and access to shared community facilities. Located in Al Raha Beach, it’s a top choice for families and professionals due to its closeness to schools, cultural hubs, and shopping options. The area perfectly blends modern living with a lively atmosphere.
Public Transportation
Several bus routes serve the Al Shaleela area, providing convenient connections to different parts of Al Raha Beach. Here are some notable routes:
Bus Line Number | Destination |
Route 350 | Sweihan Slaughter House to Central District, Othman Bin Affan St / Al Ain Central Bus Station |
Route 300 | Al Shamkha, Al Shamkha Makani Mall to Al Danah, Sultan Bin Zayed St / Capital Park |
Route 202 | Al Rahbah, Al Yaseer St / Al Rahba Hospital to Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Bus Station |
Route 201 | Al Bahyah, Al Saʹay St / Shuhadah Badar Mosque to Al Nahyan, Abu Dhabi Bus Station |
Route 200 | Al Zahiyah, Ghurair Al Ojaan Mosque to Abu Dhabi International Airport, Terminal 2 |
Route 180 | Al Shahama Bus Station to Al Maqta, with stops near Al Raha Beach |
Route 170 | Saadiyat Island (New York University) to Al Zeina, Al Raha Beach |
Amenities
Al Shaleela is home to several top schools like:
- Raha International School
- GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi
- The International School of Choueifat – Khalifa City
Residents of Al Shaleela have easy access to multiple supermarkets for their daily needs, such as:
- Spinneys
- Carrefour
- Waitrose
Al Shaleela offers convenient access to top healthcare facilities, including:
- NMC Royal Hospital
- Burjeel Medical Centre
- HealthPlus Family Health Centre
Here are some places of worship near Al Shaleela:
Mosques:
- Jama Al Hamd
- Abdullah Bin Omar Masjid
- Abu Ayoub Al Ansari Mosque
Hindu Temples:
- BAPS Hindu Mandir
Churches:
- St. Paul’s Church – Musaffah
- All Saints Anglican Church
- Mar Thoma Church
Best Hotels in Al Shaleela, Abu Dhabi
Al Shaleela has several nearby hotels offering great accommodations, including:
- Al Raha Beach Hotel
- Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi
- W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
- Crowne Plaza Yas Island
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Abu Dhabi Yas Island
Lifestyle
For shopping and leisure, residents can visit:
- Al Raha Mall
- Gardens Plaza
- My City Centre Masdar
Al Shaleela features a variety of restaurants and cafes, such as:
- Nolu’s
- Meylas
- Pacifico Tiki
- Jones The Grocer
- Kababs & Kurries
Residents of Al Shaleela can easily access several beautiful beaches, including:
- Al Zeina Beach
- Yas Beach
The activities mentioned below make Al Shaleela a great location for fun and entertainment:
- Al Zeina Beach: Just 10 minutes from Al Shaleela, Al Zeina Beach offers clean sand and calm waters. You can enjoy beach walks, play in the sand, or grab a coffee at nearby waterfront cafes.
- Yas Marina Circuit: A short 15-minute drive brings you to Yas Marina Circuit. You can try karting, cycling, or tour the famous Formula 1 track here. It’s great for adventure seekers or those wanting to learn about motorsports.
- Al Raha Mall: Only 8 minutes away, Al Raha Mall is a great spot for shopping and dining. It offers clothing stores, electronics, and supermarkets. A food court and a cinema offer entertainment, making it ideal for a casual outing.
- Yas Waterworld: Located 15 minutes from Al Shaleela, Yas Waterworld is full of thrilling water slides and family-friendly pools. It’s a great place for kids and adults to enjoy on a sunny day. Expect fun, laughter, and lots of splashes!
- Manarat Al Saadiyat: A 25-minute drive will take you to Manarat Al Saadiyat, a hub for art and culture. You can enjoy exhibitions, art workshops, or interactive displays. It’s peaceful and a great learning experience for all ages.
- Yas Links: Just 12 minutes away, Yas Links Golf Club is perfect for golfers or anyone who loves stunning views. The golf course is surrounded by greenery and overlooks the sea, offering a beautiful, relaxing experience.
- Al Raha Gardens: Only five minutes from Al Shaleela, Al Raha Gardens is a quiet green area ideal for walks and picnics. It’s a peaceful spot to enjoy fresh air and a break from the city. Families often come here to spend quality time outdoors.
Distance and Commute Time
Al Shaleela is a vibrant community with many places to stroll around. Some of them are:
- Al Shaleela to Al Raha Mall: 3 km
- Al Shaleela to Gardens Plaza: 2.5 km
- Al Shaleela to Al Zeina Beach: 4.5 km
- Al Shaleela to Spinneys (Al Raha Gardens): 2 km
- Al Shaleela to Carrefour (Al Raha Beach): 3.5 km
Rating and Reviews
I love the art galleries and waterfront cafes. The area is so peaceful and perfect for a weekend stroll. If you enjoy quiet, scenic spots, it is a must-visit.
There are great schools and lots of space for kids to play. The apartments are modern and nice. I just wish there were better public transportation options.
The area is beautiful and has everything you need, but the construction noise can be annoying. Once it’s done, it’ll be perfect.
This place has cafes, art, and beautiful views. It’s peaceful but has plenty to do. I always recommend it to friends!
Top Articles on Real Estate in Abu Dhabi

Dive Deep into Long-Term Property Ownership With A 99-Year Lease in Abu Dhabi
A 99-year lease in Abu Dhabi permits ex-pats to own property (excluding land) for up to 99 years. Under this…...

Step-By-Step Process To Change Property Ownership In Abu Dhabi

Estidama: Abu Dhabi’s Big Step in Real Estate

Real Estate Goes Digital With DARI Abu Dhabi

An Inclusive Guide to Cancelling Tawtheeq Agreement

Invest and Own : Acquiring a Title Deed in Abu Dhabi

A Simplified Guide to Musataha Agreement in Abu Dhabi

10 Leading Construction Companies in Abu Dhabi

9 Elite Residential Areas For Families in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Real Estate – Buying vs Renting Property Guide in Abu Dhabi
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Al Shaleela a freehold area?
Yes, Al Shaleela is a freehold area. Foreigners can own property here without restrictions.
Which are the top attractions in Al Shaleela?
Top attractions include Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. These are located within the Al Raha Beach area in Abu Dhabi.
How can I get to Al Shaleela via bus? Which is the nearest metro station to this area?
You can take a bus to the Al Raha Beach area. Abu Dhabi has no metro, but taxis are easy to find.
Which are the best communities in Al Shaleela?
Al Shaleela is one of the 11 zones within the expansive Al Raha Beach development. To the east and west, surrounding precincts include Al Lissaily, Al Razeen, Al Thurayya, Al Rumaila, Al Dana, Al Seef, Al Bandar, Al Muneera, Al Zeina, and Khor Al Raha. To the south of Al Shaleela lies Al Raha Gardens, a sought-after residential community in Abu Dhabi, along with the prominent Khalifa City district.
Which are the best hotels and restaurants in Al Shaleela?
Al Raha Beach has hotels like the Al Raha Beach Hotel, Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi, and W Abu Dhabi—Yas Island, offering luxury accommodations and more. Polu’s, Meylas, Pacifico Tiki, Jones The Grocer, and Kababs & Kurries. are popular restaurants nearby
Which are Al Shaleela's famous malls and supermarkets?
Al Raha Mall, Gardens Plaza, and My City Centre Masdar are popular shopping destinations. The top supermarkets in the area are Spinneys, Carrefour, and Waitrose.
What are the top schools in Al Shaleela?
Great schools near Al Shaleela include Raha International, Al Yasmina, and GEMS American Academy. They offer excellent education.
Which are the top hospitals and clinics in Al Shaleela?
NMC Royal Hospital and Mediclinic in Khalifa City are nearby. Both provide good medical care and services.
Which are the famous places of worship in Al Shaleela?
Al Rahma Mosque and St. Joseph’s Cathedral are known places of worship in and near the area.
What are the pros and cons of living in Al Shaleela?
The pros of living in this area are waterfront views, cultural places, and good schools. The cons are limited public transport and high construction noise levels.