Al Raha is one of the most up and coming areas in Abu Dhabi as huge plans have been announced to develop the area.
Residential developments are being built, making the most of winding creeks and offering residents the chance to live by the sea, with close access to Yas Island and Abu Dhabi Airport as well as being a short drive from downtown Abu Dhabi.
Thousands of apartments are almost compeleted and the area continues to evolve and attract more residents to up sticks and move to the area.
Al Raha residents also enjoy great amenities, including Al Raha Gardens across the highway where you’ll find restaurants including Jones the Grocer and Circle Café, as well as Al Raha Mall which is home to a cinema complex, Al Raha Beach Hotel and the popular pub and night spot McGettigan’s Abu Dhabi just along the road. Also in the area, as seen from Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street is the iconic Aldar HQ, affectionately and colloquially known as the coin (if you’ve ever seen it you’ll know why). The flat circular building is an amazing architectural achievement and one of the most recognised buildings in the region.
There’s also an ADCB bikeshare in the area, where residents and guests can hire a bike and cycle to Yas Island.
Just down the road, the popular residential and leisure destination Al Bandar can be found. It’s also home to a small marina where you can moor your boat if you have one (or just look at them, if you’re like us), and looks out towards Yas Island and the exciting Yas Bay develoment. There you can visit a number of top restaurants including Nolu’s, Pacifico TIKI, Salt and Caramel, Man’oushe Street and more. There’s also a Spinney’s supermarket and the Juli Music Institute.
Whatever you’re looking for there’s lots on offer in Al Raha and Al Bandar. Here are some of the most notable spots.
Pacifico Tiki
This waterside tiki bar and restaurant is a popular destination for a bite to eat or for a night cap, with its picturesque views over towards Yas Island. Plus there is a weekly ladies’ night on Mondays where women can get unlimited drinks for Dhs199 between 6pm to 9pm.
Sat-Wed noon-1.30am, Thu-Fri noon-2am. Al Bandar Marina (050 696 9298).
Nolu’s
Nolu’s is a cool, Californian restaurant with an Afghani twist. Serving up healthy and hearty dishes, if you pay a visit you’ll be able to try a brilliant range of breakfast dishes, smoothies, coffees, kebabs and much more, all in a chilled, casual ambience perfect for the weekend.
Daily 9am-11pm. Al Bandar www.nolusrestaurants.com (02 557 9500).
Al Raha Gardens
This boutique shopping centre is home to a number of restaurants including Circle Cafe, Jones the Grocer, Subway and more, as well as a bank, dry cleaners’, pet shop, Mothercare, Starbucks and more. On site there’s also a Safa Express Supermarket and Boots the chemist, so you can get your prescriptions and groceries.
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Al Raha Mall
Al Raha Mall is a small community shopping centre, home to a number of shops including Borders, Early Learning Centre and Lulu Hypermarket. There’s also a number of casual places to get a bite to eat, including Subway, Samurai Japanese Restaurant and Gloria Jean’s Coffee. Plus there’s an Orange Wheels play centre for kids and a cinema complex.
www.al-rahamall.com.
Aldar HQ
This 23-storey, 110m-high structure was named one of the world’s Most Dazzling Corporate Offices by international building organisation Emporis. Its award winning design is the work of MZ Architects. It opened in 2010 to be the headquarters of Abu Dhabi real estate, management and development company Aldar.
www.aldar.com
