Madinat Al Riyadh, formerly known as Al Shamkha South, is a rapidly developing mixed-use community in Abu Dhabi. Spanning approximately 8,000 hectares, the area is designed to offer a perfect blend of residential, commercial, and retail properties along with essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, mosques, malls, and parks.

This vibrant development provides affordable housing while ensuring proximity to key locations like Al Wathba, Al Shamkha, and Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road (E11). If you are planning to move in, rent, or invest, Madinat Al Riyadh presents excellent real estate opportunities with modern infrastructure, well-planned roads, and a family-friendly environment.

Overview And Development

Madinat Al Riyadh is a testament to Abu Dhabi’s commitment to strategic urban planning. The region is experiencing significant growth with a master plan designed to support a high standard of living. The following are some major components of this development, including –

• Comprehensive Infrastructure – The development includes essential amenities such as schools, hospitals, mosques, and parks, ensuring a high standard of living for residents.
  
• Commercial and Retail Spaces – The neighborhood is furnished with retail establishments, dining options, and shopping malls to give residents easy access to daily essentials.
  
• Diverse Housing Options –The community has a range of residential units to suit various lifestyles and price ranges from its contemporary apartments to spacious villas.

This combination of infrastructure, commercial accessibility, and various properties makes Madinat Al Riyadh an extremely desirable place for both residents and investors.

Properties in Madinat Al Riyadh

Madinat Al Riyadh offers a diverse selection of residential properties designed to accommodate different family sizes and lifestyles. The community features a mix of villas and apartments, with both off-plan and ready-to-move-in options, providing buyers and investors with flexibility in their choices.

• Villas: The neighborhood is well-known for its spacious villas, which make it a great option for families looking for privacy and lots of space. These villas range from 2 to 7-bedroom units, with built-up areas spanning 5,000 sq. ft. to 12,000 sq. ft.
  
• Apartments: For individuals and smaller families, apartment buildings in Madinat Al Riyadh provide well-designed living spaces. The available units comprise one, two, and three-bedroom flats with urban area sizes ranging from 748 to 3,000 sq. ft.
• Off-Plan and Completed Properties: There are also options for buyers and investors to choose between ready-to-move-in homes or off-plan projects which provides flexibility in selection.

Renting in Madinat Al Riyadh

If you’re looking to rent in Madinat Al Riyadh, you’ll find it’s generally more affordable than living in the heart of Abu Dhabi. For apartments, you can find small studios starting at around AED 15,000 per year. 

As you need more space, the prices increase. A one-bedroom apartment might cost between AED 25,000 and AED 40,000, while a two-bedroom could be between AED 35,000 and AED 65,000. The annual rent for larger flats like those with four bedrooms starts at AED 85,000.

There are also options available in villas for smaller families which will start from two-bedroom villas at around AED 45,000 yearly. Additionally, you may choose from three-bedroom villas that range in price from AED 76,000 to AED 115,000. But if you need a larger villa with four or five bedrooms, expect to pay between AED 100,000 and AED 200,000, depending on the amenities and location.  

Buying Property in Madinat Al Riyadh

Madinat Al Riyadh offers excellent value for homebuyers, especially for those seeking spacious villas.A four-bedroom villa starts at AED 3.8 million, while five and six-bedroom villas are priced at approximately AED 4.5 million and AED 4.7 million, respectively. For those looking for extra space, seven-bedroom villas spanning 12,000 sq. ft. start at AED 5 million. 

In addition to ready-built villas, residential land plots are available for purchase, giving consumers the freedom to plan and build their own home. This option is particularly attractive to investors and homeowners seeking a property customized to their specific needs and preferences.

Overall, Madinat Al Riyadh presents a strong investment opportunity, combining affordability with spacious living. Whether you’re looking for a ready-to-move-in villa or a plot to develop, this growing community offers long-term potential and a high standard of living.

Transportation and Parking in Madinat Al Riyadh

Private and Residential Parking

Madinat Al Riyadh provides enough parking for visitors as well as residents. There are apartments that have ground-level parking or a dedicated basement, whereas villas have garages or compounds that can hold many automobiles. 

Public Transportation

The Abu Dhabi public transport system offers taxis, buses, and ferries in select areas. Taxis are available at nearby shopping malls or can be booked via mobile apps for convenience.

Buses are accessible in the neighboring areas of Al Shamkha and Baniyas, located about 10 to 20 minutes away. The key bus routes serving these areas include:

• Bus 300
• Bus 405
• Bus 406

Amenities, Schools, Lifestyle and Healthcare in Madinat Al Riyadh

1. Schools Near Madinat Al Riyadh

Madinat Al Riyadh is well-served by a number of reputable schools offering both local and international curricula. As the area continues to develop, more schools are expected to be established in future which will be more convenient for families.

• Al Yasat Private School (Al Shamkha)
• Abu Dhabi Indian School (ADIS) – Branch 1 Al Wathba
• Future Leaders International Private School (Baniyas East)

2. Mosques Near Madinat Al Riyadh

There are numerous mosques in the neighborhood that offer convenient locations for local Muslims to attend regular prayer services. Some of them are mentioned below –

• Al Kawthar Mosque
• Alaml Mosque
• Riyadh Al Jannah Mosque

Other Places of Worship Near Madinat Al Riyadh

Madinat Al Riyadh is a cultural hub with religious sites serving various faiths –

• BAPS Hindu Mandir: This Hindu temple led by BAPS Swaminarayan Sanstha is located 29 minutes away.
• Guru Nanak Sikh Darbar: The nearest Sikh Gurdwara is located in Dubai.

• Christian Churches: Several Christian churches are situated nearby, which includes – New Life Church in Al Shahama, Armenian Church of Abu Dhabi in Musaffah, St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Musaffah, and Mar Thoma Abu Dhabi Church in Musaffah. 

3. Supermarkets in Madinat Al Riyadh

Residents of Madinat Al Riyadh have access to well-stocked supermarkets offering fresh produce, household essentials, and groceries. These stores provide a convenient shopping experience with quality products at affordable prices.

• Zenith Hypermarket (46th Street)
• LuLu Express Supermarket (Aliyah Street)

4. Healthcare Facilities Near Madinat Al Riyadh

Residents can find top-quality healthcare services within a short drive. Nearby clinics and hospitals offer advanced medical treatments, emergency care, specialized consultations, and general examinations.

• Baniyas Healthcare Centre (Baniyas East)
• Burjeel Medical Centre (Al Shamkha)
• Al Karama Medical Centre (Baniyas East)

5. Shopping Malls Near Madinat Al Riyadh

Although the community has no large malls, residents can visit nearby shopping centers offering fashion, electronics, dining, and entertainment. These malls provide a complete retail experience for all needs.

• Bawabat Al Sharq Mall (25 minutes away)
• My City Centre Masdar (26 minutes away)
• Mazyad Mall (33 minutes away)

6. Dining Options Near Madinat Al Riyadh

Residents can explore a variety of dining options in and around the community. There are many locations to savor a delectable lunch ranging from simple cafes to international dining.

• Arabian Hut (Zenith Supermarket)
• Makani Al Shamkha Shopping Mall (10-minute drive) – Gazebo, Pizza Hut, Starbucks, Subway

Nearby Cafes:

• Tea Time (Haris Masjid, Al Shamkha 12)
• BRITO Cafe (31st Street, Sweihan – Abu Dhabi Road, Al Shamkha)
• Five Degree Café (31st Street, Sweihan – Abu Dhabi Road, Al Shamkha)

7. Beaches Near Madinat Al Riyadh

While Madinat Al Riyadh is inland, beautiful beaches are just a short drive away. These locations offer soft sands, water sports, beach clubs, and scenic views.

• Yas Beach (30-minute drive)
• Al Bateen Beach (30-minute drive)

8. Parks and Fitness Centers Near Madinat Al Riyadh

The area offers several parks and fitness centers, ideal for relaxation and workouts. Residents can enjoy jogging tracks, gym facilities, and green spaces.

• Al Shamkha Parks (10–15 minutes away)
• Baniyas Park (21 minutes away)
• Al Wathba Park (28 minutes away)

Nearby Gyms:

• Fit Pro Gym  
• Body Classic Gym  

Popular Landmarks and Entertainment Spots

Madinat Al Riyadh is surrounded by exciting attractions offering family-friendly entertainment, cultural experiences, and thrilling adventures. Residents can visit zoos, race tracks, and finest amusement parks within a short drive.

• Emirates Park and Zoo Resort (28 minutes away)

A family-friendly destination featuring a zoo, interactive animal experiences, a gaming arcade, and dining options, making it a great place for both education and entertainment.

• Al Wathba Camel Race Track (33 minutes away)

A cultural attraction where visitors can witness thrilling camel races with robot jockeys, offering a unique insight into the UAE’s rich heritage and traditions.

• Ferrari World Abu Dhabi (33 minutes away)

A world-renowned theme park with high-speed rides, Ferrari-inspired attractions, and dining experiences, perfect for thrill-seekers and motorsport enthusiasts.

Conclusion

As Madinat Al Riyadh continues to develop, it is set to become a dynamic mixed-use hub in Abu Dhabi. The area will feature a diverse range of residential and commercial properties, complemented by enhanced amenities such as new dining options, leisure centers, and community events. These developments will further establish Madinat Al Riyadh as a self-sufficient urban destination, offering a well-balanced lifestyle.

With its affordability, modern infrastructure, and strategic location, Madinat Al Riyadh presents an excellent opportunity for residents and investors alike. It is an ideal choice for those seeking quality living in Abu Dhabi without the high costs associated with the city center.