Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi: What to Know Before Visiting or Renting
Khalifa City comes up in two very different kinds of searches — people househunting, and people trying to figure out how it’s different from Khalifa City A, B, and C, which is where most of the confusion starts. Here’s the actual breakdown.
What Khalifa City Is
A residential suburb on the Abu Dhabi mainland, about 30 kilometers southeast of the city center, along the Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway.The development originally comprised three connected areas: Khalifa City A, Khalifa City B, and New Khalifa City. Over time, authorities renamed each area. Khalifa City A became Khalifa City, Khalifa City B became Shakhbout City, and New Khalifa City became Zayed City. Today, when people refer to “Khalifa City,” they generally mean the original Khalifa City A area.
Why the A, B, C Naming Still Confuses People
Older listings, older maps, and a lot of long-time residents still use Khalifa City A, B, and C out of habit, even after the official renaming. If you’re searching property sites, you’ll run into both the old and new names for the same places — worth keeping in mind so you don’t think you’re looking at three separate suburbs when it’s really one renamed area plus its neighbors.
Why People Look Into This Area
Mostly affordability and location. It sits right on the Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway, so commuters working in either city consider it seriously. It’s also home to Etihad Airways’ head office, which brings in a steady stream of airline staff looking to rent nearby. On top of that, it’s close to Al Raha Beach and Saadiyat Island without carrying the price tag those areas come with.
What Sets It Apart
No freehold ownership here — everything runs on leasehold or long-term rental, typically up to a 99-year lease for expats, and that shapes who buys versus who rents. The area features spacious villas and a peaceful suburban atmosphere, offering a quieter lifestyle than central Abu Dhabi. Although Emirati residents originally made up much of the population, the area has since grown into a diverse community of more than 100,000 people.
Getting There by Road
The E11 (Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway) and E22 (Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road) both pass through, which is basically the whole reason the area works for commuters. Parking is generous throughout — this was built as a car-first suburb, not a walkable one.
Metro and Public Transport
There’s no metro station in Khalifa City yet, and none is confirmed for the near future. Bus 160 runs to the area from central Abu Dhabi, but realistically, most residents and visitors rely on a car or ride-hailing apps to get around.
Is It Worth Visiting?
If you’re not house-hunting or visiting someone, not really — this is a residential suburb, not a tourist stop. That said, Al Forsan International Sports Resort and Khalifa Park sit within the area and are worth a visit even if you don’t live nearby.
Who It Suits
Families after villas with more breathing room than central Abu Dhabi offers, and commuters splitting time between Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Less ideal for anyone chasing walkability or nightlife, and worth remembering that renting is the only real option here — buying freehold isn’t on the table.
Housing and What It Costs to Rent
Villas and apartments both exist here, with communities like Al Rayyana offering everything from 1-bedroom apartments to larger family units, plus bigger standalone villa compounds for those wanting more privacy. It’s frequently described as one of the more affordable places to rent in Abu Dhabi, similar in that respect to MBZ City, though the amenities and layout differ.
Parks and Things to Do
Khalifa City A Park has a jogging track, basketball and volleyball courts, and a playground — a fairly standard neighborhood park rather than a destination. Al Forsan International Sports Resort is the bigger draw, with go-karting, shooting, water sports, and equestrian facilities, plus the on-site Marriott Hotel Al Forsan. Khalifa Park, just outside the immediate area, adds gardens, a train ride, a small museum, and a lake.
Shopping and Malls
BOUTIK Mall, Etihad Plaza, and Al Raha Mall cover most day-to-day retail needs. Forsan Central Mall is another option in the wider vicinity, alongside Etihad Plaza for a smaller, more local shopping experience.
Schools and Healthcare
International schools here run across British, American, IB, and Montessori curriculums, covering nursery through secondary — a big part of why families choose the area over cheaper but less school-dense suburbs. Healthcare access includes several hospitals and clinics offering 24/7 emergency care, specialist consultations, and general family medicine.
Hotels and Dining
Marriott Hotel Al Forsan, inside Al Forsan International Sports Resort, is a 5-star option with a waterpark, outdoor pools, and six restaurants. The Westin Abu Dhabi Golf Resort & Spa, on the Abu Dhabi Golf Club grounds, adds 153 rooms and 19 suites overlooking the course. For dining, The Grill at Marriott Hotel Al Forsan and La Brioche both come up regularly in local recommendations.
Nearby Places
Al Raha Beach and Saadiyat Island are both within reach without the higher rents that come with living directly in either. Masdar City, Abu Dhabi’s sustainability-focused business district, borders the area too. Abu Dhabi International Airport is close, which explains why so many airline staff choose to live here.
Mistakes People Make
Confusing the old Khalifa City A/B/C naming with the current one is the most common issue — check whether a listing means the renamed Khalifa City, Shakhbout City, or Zayed City before assuming location. Another is expecting freehold ownership, which isn’t available here. And underestimating the lack of metro access trips people up if they’re used to Dubai’s transit network — plan around driving.
A Few Practical Notes
If renting, compare Khalifa City proper against Shakhbout City and Zayed City side by side, since they’re often listed under overlapping search terms but differ in price and amenities. Budget for a car — public transport coverage is thin. And if commuting to Dubai is the plan, the highway location is the main selling point, so check actual drive times at rush hour before deciding.
People Also Ask
Is Khalifa City the same as Khalifa City A?
Yes, in current usage. Khalifa City A was renamed Khalifa City, while Khalifa City B became Shakhbout City and New Khalifa City became Zayed City.
Does Khalifa City have a metro station?
No. There’s currently no metro connectivity in Khalifa City, and residents rely on buses, cars, or ride-hailing apps to get around.
Is Khalifa City freehold?
No. Properties here are leasehold or long-term rental, including 99-year leases available to expats, rather than freehold ownership.
Is Khalifa City close to Dubai?
Yes. It sits along the Abu Dhabi–Dubai highway, which is a major reason commuters working in either city choose to live there.
What are the best attractions in Khalifa City?
Al Forsan International Sports Resort and Khalifa City A Park are the main options, with Khalifa Park and Masdar City both nearby for a change of scenery.
Daniel Brooks specializes in practical travel advice for anyone visiting the United Arab Emirates. His expertise includes transportation, airports, visas, budgeting, road trips, travel safety, and itinerary planning. From navigating Dubai’s metro system to planning scenic escapes in the Northern Emirates, Daniel creates easy-to-follow guides that help travelers explore the UAE with confidence.
