Area guide · Abu Dhabi

Zayed City

A planned mainland district between Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Zayed International Airport, with several developers and a large share of Abu Dhabi's future home supply.

Jan to Jun 2026 vs Jan to Jun 2025

AED 1.9bn

residential sales value, Jan to Jun 2026

2.7% of Abu Dhabi's totalchange n/p

Source: Abu Dhabi Real Estate Centre (ADREC), H1 2026 market report (published 18 Aug 2026). Residential sales value.

What it is

Zayed City is a planned mainland district of Abu Dhabi, between Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Zayed International Airport, laid out under the emirate's long-term urban plan. Unlike the islands, it is a multi-developer district rather than a single master plan. It is being built out as a series of new residential communities. ADREC lists it among the few districts expected to deliver most of Abu Dhabi's new homes over the coming years.

Who buys here

Families and end users looking for newer mainland homes close to the airport and the existing suburbs, and investors buying into new communities at an early stage. Foreign ownership applies in designated investment-zone communities, so check each community before deciding.

Things to consider

  • Ownership rules vary by community. Confirm investment-zone status for the specific home.
  • ADREC expects a large share of new supply here, so many competing homes will come to market.
  • Much of the district is still under construction.
  • Service charges need DMT approval. Ask for the approved rate.

My view, October 2026

ADREC hasn't published a comparison with last year, so the direction of sales here isn't yet visible in official data. What ADREC does say is that Zayed City is one of the districts expected to carry much of the new supply. A lot of new homes in one area is the point to weigh first.