Spanning the length of Abu Dhabi from north to south, Airport Road, also known as Airport Street or 2nd Street, is considered the central artery connecting the capital. Known formally as Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al Maktoum Street, Airport Road runs through the heart of the city, dividing it into eastern and western halves.
As a vital transportation corridor and commercial center, Airport Road is densely developed with high-rise apartment towers, hotels, offices, malls, and restaurants. Apartment living attracts young expat professionals and families alike, given the central location and proximity to downtown attractions.
With its diverse mix of old and new, Airport Road offers residents convenient access to work, shop, and learn - making it one of Abu Dhabi's most vibrant and eclectic neighborhoods.
Key Highlights of Airport Road, Abu Dhabi
What's Great Here!
The central location provides easy access to downtown attractions, major malls, diverse dining options, and key transport links.
High-rise towers offer modern amenities like gyms, pools, and maintenance services.
Lots of family-friendly attractions nearby, like Al Bateen Beach, Umm Al Emarat Park, the Corniche, and Yas Island.
Plenty of school options, including GEMS World Academy, Pearl Primary School, and international curriculums
Major healthcare facilities located on or just off Airport Road, like Cleveland Clinic and NMC Royal Hospital.
Historic sites like Qasr Al Hosn Fort and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque are nearby.
What Needs Attention!
Traffic congestion and limited parking availability, especially during peak times.
Mostly high-rise living, few villa options available.
Lack of community parks and green spaces.
Construction causes noise and disruption, impacting the quality of life
There is flooding during heavy rainfall.
Real Estate Overview in Airport Road, Abu Dhabi
The area is home to numerous high-rise apartment towers, with units ranging from modest studios to spacious four-bedroom units. These apartments cater to singles, couples, and families and offer conveniences like gyms, pools, restaurants, and maintenance services within the buildings themselves.
Layouts range from functional studios of around 300 square feet to large three and four-bedroom units spanning over 2,000 square feet. Most apartments include amenities like air conditioning, built-in wardrobes, balconies, and one designated parking space. Some also provide views of the city or waters around Abu Dhabi.
While apartments make up the majority of options, a limited number of detached and semi-detached villas are also available, largely concentrated in the Al Wahda area. These units have three to six bedrooms, along with garden space and private pools in some cases.
However, villa availability is low, given the prime location. In addition to residential offerings, the area has numerous hotels ranging from budget to luxury five-star properties. These provide short-term furnished apartments and an array of dining, leisure, and event facilities.
Public Transport
Public transportation on Airport Road and surrounding areas is convenient, efficient and affordable - catering well to the area's residents and visitors. The extensive bus network offers multiple routes running the length of Airport Road, connecting key landmarks from downtown to the suburbs. Major bus stations in Al Wahda and Al Zahiya provide shelters, seating, and easy route access. Double-decker buses operate on the most popular routes.
An extensive fleet of metered taxis can also be easily hailed on the street or pre-booked by app or call center. Given the area's popularity, taxis frequent the district well into the night. Rates are reasonable, with an airport road trip typically costing 10-25 AED depending on traffic.
Finally, key attractions are accessible via public ferries and water transport from neighboring zones like the Corniche, Saadiyat, and Yas Islands.
Bus Line Number
Destination
32
St 5 / Qaryat Al Beri Souq to Hamdan St / Central Souq
40
Al Matar South to Khalifa St / Central Souq
54
Petroleum Institute to Zayed 1st St / Shk Rashid Bin Saeed St
Amenities
Nurseries/ Educational Institutes
Supermarkets
Healthcare Facilities
Places of Worship
Nurseries/ Educational Institutes
Airport Road and surrounding neighbourhoods feature a wide range of nurseries and schools owing to the many resident families living in area apartments. The area features pre-schools, primary schools, and high schools following American, British, IB, and local MOE curriculums – both private and public options. This gives resident families access to top-rated institutions, all within a short commute.
Nurseries
ABC Nursery
Giggles English Nursery – Airport Road Branch
Sara Nursery
Schools
GEMS World Academy
Pearl Primary School
Summit International School
Al Bateen Secondary School
American Community School
Supermarkets
Airport Road is one of Abu Dhabi’s most densely populated areas, with thousands of residents housed in the string of high-rise towers running the length of this bustling corridor. Catering to the needs of these residents and corporate tenants is a whole host of supermarkets and grocery stores clustered around the apartment buildings.
The high concentration of quality supermarkets makes grocery runs extremely convenient for occupiers of Airport Road. Within a 5-minute drive from any tower are outlets like:
Alam Supermarket
Fathima Supermarket
Millenium Supermarket
Spinneys Supermarket
Lulu Hypermarket.
Healthcare Facilities
Airport Road is one of Abu Dhabi’s most important hubs for healthcare infrastructure, thanks to many leading hospitals and clinics located along the busy corridor. Whether multispeciality hospital care, clinics for consultation and diagnosis, pharmacies or laboratories – a comprehensive range of medical services are all based a short drive away on Airport Road itself.
Residents and visitors alike have access to state-of-the-art facilities for routine and urgent care just by heading to the main stretch:
Universal Hospital
MediClinic Airport Road
NMC Women’s Hospital
The American Surgecenter
Nation Hospital
Canadian Medical Centre Abu Dhabi.
Places of Worship
Airport Road and its adjoining neighbourhoods house a multicultural population from across the globe. Catering to the prayer needs of this diverse mix are numerous places of worship found in close proximity.
Mosquеs Nеarby:
Islam is the official religion in the UAE, and Airport Road gives residents and visitors convenient access to over 15 mosques within the surrounding neighbourhoods. Popular options include:
Muhammad Bin Zayed Mosque
Sheikh Butti Al Hamed Mosque
Mosque Mus’ab Bin Umair
Churchеs Nеarby:
Several churches are located just a short drive away in the Al Mushrif area next to Airport Road, such as:
St Andrew’s Church
Evangelical Community Church
St George’s Orthodox Cathedral
Gurudwara Nеarby:
Given the relatively small Sikh population, there are no designated gurudwaras in the immediate Airport Road vicinity. Worshippers have the option to visit gurudwaras in Dubai or hold congregations at home.
Hindu Tеmplеs Nеarby:
There are currently no Hindu temples on Airport Road itself, but worshippers can visit temples in Jebel Ali and Bur Dubai.
Best Hotels in Airport Road
Airport Road is home to a range of hotels catering to both business and leisure visitors to Abu Dhabi. High-end five-star hotels rub shoulders with more budget-conscious, business-focused hotels along this diverse corridor.
Millennium Capital Gate Abu Dhabi - This striking leaning tower hotel features luxury rooms and suites appointed with modern amenities. Guests can enjoy fine dining, a tranquil spa, an infinity pool, and event spaces for corporate functions or weddings.
Marriott Hotel Downtown Abu Dhabi - With sophisticated Arabic design cues, this five-star hotel offers elegantly appointed rooms and suites. Guests have access to multiple swimming pools, a modern fitness centre, and a choice of international restaurants.
Al Rawda Arjaan by Rotana - This contemporary hotel by the Rotana Group provides stylish, design-led accommodations for travellers. The dining options showcase eclectic international cuisines in a relaxed atmosphere.
Murjan Asfar Hotel Apartments - Ideal for long stays, these hotel apartments are fully furnished with living rooms and kitchenettes.
Centro Al Manhal - Created for business travellers, this modern hotel features comfortable rooms equipped with workstations. Guests also appreciate the rooftop pool, fitness centre and meeting facilities.
Lifestyle
Shopping Centers/ Malls
Restaurants/ Dining
Beaches Nearby
Leisure Activities Nearby
Shopping Centers/ Malls
Airport Road retail amenities span necessity-driven community stores to lavish luxury malls, allowing visitors to combine grocery runs with indulgent shopping sprees. These include:
World Trade Centre Mall in the Al Danah district
Lulu Hypermarket in both the Al Wahda Mall and Al Mushrif Mall
Restaurants/ Dining
Boasting 200+ restaurants, Airport Road enjoys a reputation as Abu Dhabi’s de facto “food street”. From casual courtyards to fine dining, visitors can traverse the globe one meal at a time with cuisines spanning Thai to Tex-Mex.
Pizza Hut
Taza Restaurant
SFC Plus
KFC
Xiao Wei Yang Hot Pot
Oasis Chinese Restaurant
Al Arab.
Peppermil
Hankook restaurant
Pizzar
Costa Coffee
Blacksmith Coffee Company
Beaches Nearby
With its prime waterfront location, Airport Road offers easy access to several popular beach options in Abu Dhabi. These sandy retreats provide the perfect blend of water sports, play areas for children, and leisure facilities for both residents and tourists.
Key beaches near Airport Road include:
Corniche Beach – One of Abu Dhabi’s most popular beaches stretches for over 8 kilometers along the main Corniche Road area. Its pristine beach and clear waters are ideal for swimming and sunbathing, while facilities like showers/washrooms, lifeguards, and restaurants make it very visitor-friendly.
Breakwater Beach – Another family-friendly option, Breakwater features play areas for children, an ice cream parlor, a cycling track, and dancing water fountains that make for quite the evening spectacle.
Leisure Activities Nearby
Located amid major cultural and recreational attractions, Airport Road offers no shortage of leisure pursuits in close proximity for enjoyment during off-work hours or weekends.
Qasr Al Hosn: The symbolic birthplace of Abu Dhabi, this 18th-century fort turned cultural attraction allows visitors to connect with the Emirate’s tradition for trade. Its recent renovation features museums and event spaces.
Al Nahyan Stadium: Football fans can enjoy matches at this modern 25,000+ capacity stadium located south of Airport Road. It has also hosted cricket, rugby, and athletics events since opening in 2015.
Umm Al Emarat Park: Featuring botanic gardens, wildlife exhibits, lakes, and play areas, this urban getaway achieved the Green Flag award, ranking it among the world’s best parks. The perfect spot for family picnicking and outdoor fun off Airport Road’s busy thoroughfares.
Abu Dhabi Corniche: Eight kilometers of manicured waterfront promenade stretch from Airport Road to the iconic Emirates Palace. It features separate cycle tracks, play areas for kids, restaurants, and green spaces within steps of the beach.
Airport Road Area Abu Dhabi - Location & Nearby Facilities
Airport Road offers convenient access to essential physical and social infrastructures, with easy commuting options to major regional areas.
Airport Road to Abu Dhabi International Airport is approximately 25 minutes (29.9 km)
Airport Road to Yas Island is approximately 32 minutes (37.9 km)
Airport Road to Abu Dhabi is about 5 minutes (2.4 km)
Airport Road to Abu Dhabi Mall is about 12 minutes (5.2 km)
Airport Road to Marina Mall is about 1 hour 13 minutes (123.4 km)
Airport Road to Burj Khalifa is around 1 hour 26 minutes (139.0 km)
Airport Road Area, Abu Dhabi
Ratings and Reviews
Alicia Thompson
Living on Airport Road gives me walking access to major malls, grocery stores, cafes and the buzzing Corniche. With everything minutes from my apartment tower, I barely use my car! Public transport is very convenient too, with the metro and plentiful buses. It does flood during heavy rains, but a small price to pay for the central location.
Ryan Cooper
This stretch seems to have it all – workplaces, restaurants, clinics, and entertainment. But finding parking is impossible with so many high rises! The area needs more designated underground parking. Also very few proper parks or community spaces. But great to have major hospitals like Cleveland Clinic close by for any healthcare emergencies.
Maya Sharma
We moved offices to an Airport Road skyscraper last year, and I just love being in the heart of the action! During lunch hour, I can choose between Italian, Chinese or Arabic cuisine. My kids attend a brilliant IB primary school just across the road. And we have pool access right in our tower. It’s become our favourite Abu Dhabi district, giving us the real international big city feel!
Alexander Brookes
This stretch caters brilliantly to expat residents with malls selling global brands, bars serving alcohol and many private schools to choose from. However, very fast-paced living environment, I preferred my previous suburban neighbourhood with family-oriented amenities.
Priyanka Mehta
Having previously lived by the quieter Corniche end, moving to an Airport Road high-rise took some adjustment! It is much more crowded and noisy but just so convenient – my office, kids’ school, and favorite shops – are all at my doorstep now. Buzzing with activity day and night, this stretch has its unique energy that slowly grows on you. Hard to beat location-wise!
Key adjoining neighborhoods are Al Wahda, Al Mushrif, Al Nahyan, Al Hosn, Al Zahiya, Al Karama, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, Al Mina and Al Falah.
What amenities are easily accessible living here?
Tons of shops, over 200 cafes & restaurants, fitness centres, clinics, parks, mosques, and petrol pumps are all located conveniently along Airport Road.
How suitable is it for families?
Very suitable with amenities, safety and school options for kids. But mostly high-rise living, with few villa communities nearby.
What are the peak hours to avoid using Airport Road?
Weekday mornings are 8-10 AM, and evenings are 4-7 PM, given office commutes. Friday afternoons due to prayers and the weekend mall rush.
How good is public transport here?
Very strong bus, metro and taxi access making a car avoidable as all necessities are close by.
Where can I practice sports around here?
At nearby Al Nahyan Stadium, Al Wahda Sports Complex or fitness centres in residential towers. Corniche also offers cycling and running tracks.
Any quiet gardens or museums around?
Qasr Al Hosn museums/garden, Cultural Foundation art gallery/cafe, and Mushrif Central Park.
How expensive is retail therapy here?
The mall spectrum ranges from value offerings to luxury brands at WTC, The Souk, and premium malls in the vicinity.
Can visitors easily access Airport Road?
Yes, off Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St from the airport or via several entry roads connected to other districts.
Does flooding occur during rains?
Yes, occasional flooding happens, but authorities have storm drains/pumps to clear quickly, assisted by residents.
