Living in Al Shamkha
Family villa land and new villa communities off Mohammed bin Zayed Road, home of Aldar's Alreeman.
About Al Shamkha
Al Shamkha is an Abu Dhabi investment zone on the mainland, close to the airport, Yas Island, Masdar City and Mohammed Bin Zayed City. Aldar launched Alreeman here in January 2019 as villa and commercial plots open to all nationalities. Alreeman II (2019) was for UAE nationals only.
Plot owners can design their own villas within Aldar's approved limits, and newer villa projects such as Fay Alreeman have followed.
Your guide to Al Shamkha
Buying in Al Shamkha
- Check which phase you are buying in. Alreeman II plots were sold to UAE nationals only.
- Foreign buyers can own freehold in Abu Dhabi's investment zones under Law No. 13 of 2019. We confirm every unit's status on DARI before you pay anything.
- Budget for the one-off 2% ADREC registration fee. It is a purchase cost, not a yearly tax.
- In H1 2026, 61% of ready-home purchases in Abu Dhabi were paid in cash and 89% of sales value was off-plan (ADREC).
- Homes worth AED 2 million or more can qualify for the UAE 10-year Golden Visa, off-plan included. The authorities make the final decision.
Renting in Al Shamkha
- Big villas at lower prices per sq ft than the islands, for families who drive to work.
- Since 2 June 2026, ADREC has frozen rent increases until further notice: renewals stay at 0%, and a new lease on a previously rented unit cannot go above its last registered Tawtheeq rent.
- Every lease is registered on Tawtheeq. Tenants also pay the 3% municipal housing fee on the annual rent.
Investing in Al Shamkha
- Abu Dhabi recorded AED 70.4 billion in home sales in H1 2026, against AED 25.3 billion a year earlier. Repeat-sale prices rose 20% for apartments and 12% for villas (ADREC).
- 0% income tax and 0% property tax*. Individuals' rental income from UAE property is outside UAE Corporate Tax (Cabinet Decision No. 49 of 2023). *T&Cs apply.
- Keep the rent freeze in your numbers: rents on existing and re-let units cannot rise while it lasts.
Selling or letting in Al Shamkha
- Repeat-sale prices rose 20% for apartments and 12% for villas year on year in H1 2026 (ADREC), so check today's value before you set a price.
- Most sales value now goes to off-plan launches, so a ready home has to stand out on price, condition and photos. We handle all of that for you.
Lifestyle and amenities
Community
Parks, mosques, cycling tracks and a school are part of the Alreeman plan (Aldar).
Shopping
Neighbourhood retail, with Yas Island a drive away.
Roads
Access via Mohammed bin Zayed Road.
Space
Large villa plots of 500 to 1,000 sq m in Alreeman II.
Getting around
- Zayed International Airport · nearby
- Yas Island · nearby
- Masdar City · nearby
- Mohammed Bin Zayed City · nearby
Al Shamkha FAQs
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- ADREC – Abu Dhabi Real Estate Market Report H1 2026 (press release, 18 Aug 2026)
- Modon – A complete guide to buying property in Abu Dhabi (investment zones)
- Khaleej Times – Abu Dhabi rent freeze guide (ADREC measure from 2 June 2026)
- Aldar – Alreeman launch, January 2019
- Gulf News – Alreeman II for UAE nationals
Thinking about Al Shamkha?
Tell us your budget and timing. An iRealtor advisor will share the best options on Al Shamkha, ready or off-plan.