Al Rawdah is a mature, quiet residential neighborhood on Abu Dhabi Island, located directly south of Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. It offers a rare combination of central location and low-traffic streets, with 2-bedroom apartment rents typically ranging from AED 45,000 to AED 75,000 annually. The area is characterized by older, low-rise apartment buildings and high walkability to daily amenities.

What is Al Rawdah in Abu Dhabi?

Al Rawdah is a long-established residential district on a grid layout, bordered by Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street (Muroor Road) and Zayed the First Street. Primarily residential, it features 4 to 6-story apartment buildings from the 1990s and early 2000s, local ground-floor retail, and wide, tree-lined streets. Its defining feature is proximity to major healthcare institutions while maintaining a quiet, family-oriented atmosphere.

Al Rawdah Neighborhood Vibe and Layout

The area is organized, calm, and self-sufficient, with distinct characteristics.

• Residential Core: A network of parallel streets filled with well-maintained, older apartment blocks housing a mix of Emirati families, long-term expatriates, and medical professionals.
• Institutional Proximity: The northern edge is defined by the large medical campus, contributing to a quiet, orderly environment frequented by hospital staff.
• Local Commercial Strips: Internal roads are lined with practical services like supermarkets (West Zone, Al Maya), pharmacies, bakeries, and casual eateries catering to residents.

Pros and Cons of Living in Al Rawdah

Living here offers a specific trade-off between urban convenience and subdued daily life.

Advantages: The Appeal of Quiet Convenience

• Central Yet Peaceful: Residents are a 5 to 10-minute drive from the Corniche and main commercial hubs, yet home streets experience minimal through-traffic.
• High Walkability for Essentials: Daily needs like groceries, pharmacies, and basic dining are within a 5-10 minute walk in most parts of the neighborhood.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The area features wide sidewalks, low traffic density, and local schools like Al Rawdah School, making it safe and community-oriented.
• Proximity to Top Healthcare: Living within walking distance of SKMC and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi is a major advantage for healthcare workers, retirees, or families with medical needs.
• Good Value for Central Location: Rents are generally 15-30% lower than in newer central developments, offering more space per budget.

Challenges and Key Considerations

• Aging Building Infrastructure: Most apartments are in buildings over 20 years old, with dated common areas and interiors; modern amenities like gyms or pools are almost nonexistent.
• Limited Nightlife and Social Venues: The area is quiet, with no vibrant cafe or bar scene; social life is home-based or requires travel to other districts.
• Peripheral Traffic Congestion: While internal streets are calm, accessing them requires navigating the consistently busy Muroor Road and Zayed the First Street.
• Parking Limitations: Many older buildings lack sufficient dedicated parking, leading to competition for street parking in the evenings.

Cost of Living Rental Prices and Fees

Al Rawdah is a mid-range market focused on livable space in a prime location.

Apartment Rental Prices (Annual)

• Studio/1-Bedroom: AED 30,000 – AED 52,000
• 2-Bedroom: AED 45,000 – AED 78,000
• 3-Bedroom: AED 65,000 – AED 98,000

Additional Mandatory Costs

• Security Deposit: 5% of annual rent + a AED 2,000 DEWA (utilities) deposit.
• Abu Dhabi Housing Fee: 5% of annual rent, added to monthly bills.
• District Cooling (Chiller) Charges: Most buildings use centralized cooling; confirm the provider (e.g., Tabreed) and budget AED 250 – 600 per month for a 2-bedroom in summer.
• Agent Fee: Typically, 5% of annual rent, paid by the tenant upon signing.

Who is Al Rawdah Best Suited For?

This neighborhood aligns perfectly with residents who prioritize practicality and peace.

• Healthcare Professionals & Hospital Staff: For whom walking or a very short commute to work at SKMC or the Cleveland Clinic is a major lifestyle benefit.
• Families with School-Age Children: Who value safe, quiet streets, good walkability, and proximity to schools over luxury amenities.
• Budget-Conscious Professionals: Working on Abu Dhabi Island who want to minimize commute time without the premium cost of a new tower.
• Retirees and Older Couples: Who may prioritize easy access to top-tier healthcare and a calm, established community environment.

How to Find an Apartment in Al Rawdah:A 5-Step Checklist

Follow this practical guide to secure a suitable home.

• Confirm Parking and Cooling Costs First: Begin inquiries by asking: “Is there a guaranteed, assigned parking spot?” and “What is the average monthly district cooling charge for this unit?”.
• Inspect Building Common Areas: Evaluate the lobby, stairwells, and exterior maintenance. Well-kept common areas indicate proactive building management.
• Visit During Peak Evening Hours (7-9 PM): Assess the real-world parking availability on the street and listen for ambient noise levels in the specific apartment.
• Evaluate Renovation Potential: For dated units, consider if the layout and space justify a cosmetic update (painting, lighting) within your budget, as underlying square footage is often generous.
• Test the Walkable Amenities: Walk from the building to the nearest supermarket and pharmacy to personally gauge convenience. Note the types of local shops available.
• For navigating Al Rawdah's specific building stock and identifying the best-maintained properties, Eplog Offplan Properties' local expertise is invaluable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1: Is Al Rawdah a good area for families?

Yes, Al Rawdah is considered a good family area due to its quiet, low-traffic streets, wide sidewalks, proximity to schools, and high walkability to daily shops and services. It lacks communal pools or playgrounds but offers a safe, practical environment.

2: How much is the rent for a 2-bedroom in Al Rawdah?

The annual rent for a 2-bedroom apartment in Al Rawdah typically ranges from AED 45,000 to AED 78,000. The price varies based on the building's age, condition, exact location, and whether the unit has been renovated.

3: What are the main disadvantages of living in Al Rawdah?

The main disadvantages are the age of most buildings (lacking modern amenities), limited social/nightlife options, potential parking challenges, and the need to navigate busy perimeter roads like Muroor Road for access.

4: Is Al Rawdah close to hospitals?

Yes, Al Rawdah is exceptionally close to major hospitals. It is located directly adjacent to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC) and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, making it a prime location for healthcare workers and those with medical needs.

5: How long is the commute from Al Rawdah to the Corniche?

The drive from Al Rawdah to the Abu Dhabi Corniche is very short, typically taking only 5 to 12 minutes depending on the specific route and traffic conditions on Zayed the First Street.