What’s the area like?
Buried deep in Officers City, Mangrove Village is all about ‘the family’; baby buggies are defiantly the accessory of choice, and amongst its largely Western expat contingent there are the makings of a community. Facilities are top rate, but villas (generally three to four bedrooms) are like gold dust at the moment; companies were quick to snap them up and the result is that anyone looking to break the hegemony will need more than a little luck. The good news, though, is that we were told that a few have been coming on the market recently.
Amenities
Swimming pools, a gym, a children’s play area, and best of all, a Spinneys make this is a world in itself. ‘We rarely have to go into the city,’ one resident told us. We’re not surprised.
Best for…
That family feel and for those not wanting to brave the Abu Dhabi traffic.
Pros
Al Ghazal run taxis to and from the Village, but these are rarely stumbled upon and require ordering. It’s whisper-quiet (despite all the kids), and pets, including dogs, are welcome. Parking is also not a problem – in short, it’s veryfamily friendly.
Cons
Singles need not apply! It can also feel a bit like living on a holiday complex. The nightlife around Officers City is absent without leave, but the nearby Shangri-La Hotel and Souq Qaryat Al Beri offer some much-needed respite. You will want to escape every now and then, though, if only to retain your sanity.
Rent
There was nothing available at the time of writing. Expect an ugly scrum whenever something turns up.
