Island community · Abu Dhabi
Al Reem Island
Natural island of about 8.8 km², roughly 600 metres off the north-east coast of Abu Dhabi Island, now part of the ADGM financial district.
Discover Al Reem Island
Al Reem Island is a natural island just off Abu Dhabi Island, connected to the city centre, Al Maryah Island, Saadiyat Island and the mainland by road bridges. It covers about 8.8 km² and had an estimated population of around 60,000 in 2024. Development was split between several master developers, with Tamouh responsible for the largest share, alongside Sorouh (since merged into Aldar) and Al Reem Investments.
The island is organised into districts, the best known being Shams Abu Dhabi, Marina Square and Najmat. Housing is mainly high-rise apartments, with some low-rise and townhouse projects in newer districts. Everyday services are in place: Reem Mall opened in 2024, Reem Central Park opened in 2018, and the island has several international schools, Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi and Reem Hospital.
Since April 2023 Al Reem Island has fallen within the jurisdiction of Abu Dhabi Global Market (ADGM), which applies English common law through its own courts and registration authority. Reem was also one of the investment zones where Abu Dhabi allowed non-GCC nationals to own freehold property under the 2019 amendment to the emirate's real estate law.
- Area of about 8.8 km², around 600 metres off Abu Dhabi Island
- Population estimated at about 59,700 in 2024
- Part of the ADGM jurisdiction since April 2023
- Listed as a freehold investment zone for non-GCC nationals in 2019
- Reem Mall opened in May 2024
- Umm Yifeenah Bridge link opened in February 2023
Why buyers look at Al Reem Island
Close to the city centre
The island sits a few hundred metres from downtown Abu Dhabi and next to the Al Maryah Island business district.
Established infrastructure
Schools, a hospital, a large mall and public parks are already operating.
ADGM jurisdiction
Since 2023 the island has been under ADGM, which applies English common law through its own courts.
Freehold for foreign buyers
Reem is one of Abu Dhabi's designated investment zones where non-GCC nationals can hold freehold title.
Active sales market
Gulf News reported Reem as Abu Dhabi's highest-selling residential location in the first half of 2025.
Landmarks and lifestyle
- Waterfront promenade
- Retail and dining
- Parks
- Schools
- University
- Healthcare
- High-rise living
Reem Mall
Large shopping and leisure mall that opened in May 2024.
Reem Central Park
Public park that opened in December 2018.
Shams Abu Dhabi
District containing the Gate, Sun and Sky towers.
Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi
Branch campus of the Paris university located on the island.
Reem Hospital
Hospital with more than 200 beds, opened in 2020.
Marina Square
Tamouh-developed district of residential towers along the water.
Off-plan projects in Al Reem Island
Every published project in the area with its starting price, payment plan and handover.
No published projects in this area yet. Ask an advisor what is coming.
Where Al Reem Island sits
Questions buyers ask about Al Reem Island
Can foreigners buy property on Al Reem Island?
Yes. Reem was named among the investment zones where non-GCC nationals may own freehold property after Abu Dhabi amended its real estate law in 2019.
How big is Al Reem Island?
Wikipedia gives an area of about 8.8 km².
Which legal framework applies on Reem?
Since April 2023 the island has been part of ADGM, which applies English common law through its own courts and Registration Authority.
What kind of homes are on the island?
Mostly apartments in high-rise towers, with some low-rise and townhouse projects in newer districts.
Are there schools on Al Reem Island?
Yes, including Repton School, GEMS World Academy and Nord Anglia International School, plus Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi.
AIArea profile drafted by Emir AI from public sources and checked by our team on 2026-09-30. Information only, not advice.
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