Al Maqtaa, Abu Dhabi — Complete Area Guide (2026)

Area: Al Maqtaa (also: Al Maqta, Al Maqta’a)

Former name: Bain Al Jessrain — Arabic for “Between the Two Bridges”, reflecting the district’s position between Mussafah Bridge and Al Maqta Bridge

Emirate: Abu Dhabi

Location: Mainland Abu Dhabi, adjacent to Khor Al Maqtaʼa waterway, between Mussafah Bridge (west) and Al Maqta Bridge (east); accessible from Abu Dhabi Island via Maqta Bridge, Sheikh Zayed Bridge, and Mussafah Bridge; Eastern Ring Road to the east; Al Raha Beach to the west

Neighbouring areas: Al Muzoun (north, across the khor on Abu Dhabi Island); Al Rawdah (northwest, across the bridges); Al Raha Beach (west); Khalifa City (further east); Sas Al Nakhl (northeast)

Character: A quiet, upscale, family-oriented mainland villa district spread along the banks of Khor Al Maqtaʼa, with luxury gated communities, historic landmarks (Al Maqtaa Fort, Al Maqtaa Watchtower), world-class waterfront hotels, the Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, and one of Abu Dhabi’s most scenic waterway settings

Ownership: Mixed. Hills Abu Dhabi and some villa stock available to non-UAE nationals as investment-grade properties. Verify per specific property and community

Property types: 5–6 bedroom luxury villas (Hills Abu Dhabi); 3–5 bedroom villas (Al Maqta Village and broader district); studios to 3-bedroom apartments (limited stock)

Sub-communities: Hills Abu Dhabi (The Hills); Al Maqta Village; Bain Al Jessrain; Qaryat Al Beri (adjacent hotel and souk development)

Key heritage: Al Maqtaa Fort and Al Maqtaa Watchtower — approximately 200-year-old monuments; Maqta Conservation Area

Key gated community: Hills Abu Dhabi — 147 luxury villas, 5–6BR, 4,200–9,000+ sq ft; developed by East & West International Group / First Gulf Properties; pools, gym, spa, café, clubhouse, basketball courts, heliport; rents AED 240,000–850,000/year

Key hotels: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (5-star, 369 rooms, views of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque); Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri (5-star, 160 rooms, CHI Spa, private beach)

Bus routes (AdMobility + Moovit primary): Free community bus service (2 routes, from Al Khor St / DoT headquarters, since 2019); Bus 56 (Al Maqta Village); Bus 26. Hills Abu Dhabi stops: Al Nada St/Abu Dhabi Hills; Al Nada St/Armed Forces Officers Club. Car strongly recommended

Airport: Abu Dhabi International Airport approximately 10–15 minutes by car

Al Maqtaa — Overview

Al Maqtaa is Abu Dhabi’s most scenically positioned mainland residential district — a quiet, upscale community spread along the banks of Khor Al Maqtaʼa, the ancient tidal waterway that has separated Abu Dhabi Island from the mainland for centuries. Its former name, Bain Al Jessrain — “Between the Two Bridges” in Arabic — describes its geography precisely: the district occupies the strip of mainland between Mussafah Bridge to the west and Al Maqta Bridge to the east. Both bridges connect to Abu Dhabi Island, and the Sheikh Zayed Bridge provides a third crossing to the north, giving the community exceptional road connectivity to the island city despite being on the mainland.

Al Maqtaa is defined by four qualities that distinguish it from every other Abu Dhabi mainland residential community. First, its waterway heritage: the Khor Al Maqtaʼa is one of the most historically significant waterways in the UAE, and the community’s villas face it from positions that offer views no island address can replicate from the mainland side. Second, its historical depth: Al Maqtaa Fort and the Al Maqtaa Watchtower — approximately 200 years old and among Abu Dhabi’s most visited heritage landmarks — are visible from the waterway itself. Third, its hotel character: Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, and Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri all front Khor Al Maqtaʼa from the district, providing 5-star dining, spa, and leisure access to residents. Fourth, its proximity to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque — one of the world’s most magnificent mosques, visible from the district’s waterfront and accessible in approximately 5–10 minutes by car — which gives Al Maqtaa an architectural proximity to a UNESCO World Heritage-listed structure that most residential communities could only dream of.

The district’s main residential asset is Hills Abu Dhabi — a gated community of 147 luxury 5 to 6-bedroom villas, developed by East & West International Group / First Gulf Properties, with a clubhouse, health spa, gym, café, swimming pools, basketball courts, and a heliport. Its rents range from AED 240,000 to AED 850,000 per year, with some exceptional waterfront properties reaching higher. The broader Al Maqtaa villa district offers further options across a wide size range, while Al Maqta Village provides a more compact gated villa and townhouse community designed for medium to large families.

Al Maqtaa is Abu Dhabi’s most historically immersive mainland residential district — a waterway community “between the two bridges” where Khor Al Maqtaʼa frames every villa view, a 200-year-old fort and watchtower guard the crossing, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr and Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri front the waterway at 5-star quality, the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is visible and 5–10 minutes away, the first water cable park in the Middle East is 15 minutes away, and Hills Abu Dhabi offers 147 luxury villas in a heliport-equipped gated community.

Location and Connectivity

Al Maqtaa is positioned on the mainland of Abu Dhabi, separated from Abu Dhabi Island by Khor Al Maqtaʼa. The district runs along the khor from Mussafah Bridge in the west to Al Maqta Bridge in the east. The Eastern Ring Road defines the eastern boundary, with Abu Dhabi International Airport just beyond. Al Raha Beach is immediately to the west. Sas Al Nakhl is to the northeast. The district connects to Abu Dhabi Island via three bridges: Al Maqta Bridge (built 1967; the original crossing); Sheikh Zayed Bridge (approximately 842m long; distinctive wave-like design; the most visually striking crossing); and Mussafah Bridge (western crossing).

Key distances from Al Maqtaa: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque approximately 5–10 minutes by car. Abu Dhabi International Airport approximately 10–15 minutes. Yas Island approximately 15–20 minutes. Al Raha Beach approximately 5–10 minutes. Al Rawdah (Zayed Sports City, Capital Gate) approximately 15–20 minutes via Sheikh Zayed Bridge. Al Maryah Island approximately 25–30 minutes via the bridges. Dubai approximately 90 minutes via E11.

Al Maqtaa Fort and Watchtower

Al Maqtaa Fort is one of the oldest standing structures in Abu Dhabi — an approximately 200-year-old fort on the mainland bank of Khor Al Maqtaʼa that once guarded the only land-and-water crossing between Abu Dhabi Island and the mainland. Built in the early 19th century in traditional Arabian military style — thick coral and stone walls, corner watchtowers, restricted entry points — it served as a defensive outpost against bandits, a customs checkpoint for goods entering and leaving the island, and a residence for the soldiers who guarded the crossing. The Al Maqtaa Watchtower stands nearby as a second historical structure, also dating from the same period. Both are now part of the Maqta Conservation Area, which protects and contextualises buildings from the Pre-Oil, Transition, and Post-Oil periods of the UAE. The fort is open to visitors; it is recommended to hire a guide for a comprehensive tour. Al Maqtaa Fort and the Watchtower are visible from both sides of Khor Al Maqtaʼa and are among the most photographed heritage structures in Abu Dhabi.

The Al Maqta Bridge — built in 1967 and the structure that superseded the old boat crossing the fort once guarded — is immediately adjacent to the fort and watchtower. At night, the bridge’s reflection in the still waters of the khor creates one of Abu Dhabi’s most admired waterway views. The bridge connects Abu Dhabi Island to the mainland at the nearest crossing point and remains one of the capital’s most photographed civic structures.

Khor Al Maqtaʼa

Khor Al Maqtaʼa — the historic tidal waterway that gives Al Maqtaa its identity and setting — is the natural waterway that has defined Abu Dhabi’s geography since the emirate’s earliest settlement. Before the bridges were built, crossing the khor was the only way to reach Abu Dhabi Island from the mainland. The waterway today is a 2–5 kilometre inlet of calm, shallow water flanked by the mangroves of the Eastern Mangrove National Park to the north and the waterfront hotels and villas of Al Maqtaa to the south.

On UAE National Day and New Year’s Eve, Khor Al Maqtaʼa is the focal point of Abu Dhabi’s most spectacular firework and air shows — organised by the Abu Dhabi Tourism and Culture Authority, drawing visitors from across the emirate to watch the displays over the waterway with the bridges, the Grand Mosque, and the illuminated Al Maqtaa Watchtower as backdrop. For Al Maqtaa residents, these events are visible from their own community, from Khor Al Maqtaa Park, and from the hotel waterfront terraces. The Eastern Mangrove National Park — Abu Dhabi’s protected mangrove reserve — runs along the northern bank of the khor, approximately 10 minutes by car from the district.

Hills Abu Dhabi

Hills Abu Dhabi is the district’s flagship gated community — a luxury villa development located at the intersection of Al Nada Street and Al Kayt Street, directly opposite the Armed Forces Officers’ Club and Hotel, with Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street providing direct access within a few minutes. The development was built by East & West International Group / First Gulf Properties and comprises 147 superluxury villas in 5 and 6-bedroom configurations, with partial sea and park views, set within a landscaped gated compound with wide internal streets and abundant greenery.

Villa sizes range from 4,200 sq ft to over 9,000 sq ft (with some exceptional properties exceeding 13,000 sq ft on live listings). Each villa includes private pools (in most configurations), separate majlis rooms, fully fitted kitchens, staff accommodation, balconies, terraces, and gardens. The community provides a heliport — a facility unique among Abu Dhabi’s residential compounds — along with a clubhouse with swimming pools, health spa, gym, and café.

Community amenities: Khor Al Maqtaʼa Park and a paintball field within a 15-minute walk. Bus stops: Al Nada St / Abu Dhabi Hills and Al Nada St / Armed Forces Officers Club (confirmed in metropolitan real estate sourcing). Nearby embassies within the broader Al Maqtaa corridor include those of Denmark, Mexico, Costa Rica, Republic of Korea, and the Netherlands. Current rents on live listings (market research): 5-bedroom villas from AED 240,000 to AED 850,000 per year; some exceptional waterfront properties reaching higher.* Overall Hills rents quoted by PSI: AED 300,000 to AED 1,000,000.*

Al Maqta Village

Al Maqta Village is a smaller gated development within Al Maqtaa, positioned between the Eastern Ring Road and Abu Dhabi International Airport. The neighbourhood features a mix of villas and townhouses in contemporary designs that blend European and Arabic architectural elements. Properties are comparatively newer, all with similar specifications and layouts, and offer spacious living for medium to large families in a 24-hour secured gated environment. The development sits off the East Corniche, adjacent to Khalifa Park (in Al Muntazah). Bus 56 (Route 56) serves Al Maqta Village, connecting it to the broader Abu Dhabi bus network. Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is accessible in approximately 5 minutes via Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10).

Qaryat Al Beri

Qaryat Al Beri — meaning “Village at the Water’s Edge” in Arabic — is the prestigious waterfront development immediately adjacent to Al Maqtaa on the southern bank of Khor Al Maqtaʼa, directly facing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque across the waterway. The development includes a high-end traditional souk, three landmark hotels, and a promenade that is one of Abu Dhabi’s most atmospheric leisure settings. The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri — a traditional-style shopping, dining, and leisure destination — is 5 minutes from most Al Maqtaa residences and is the district’s primary neighbourhood shopping and dining hub. Boat transfers to Al Maryah Island are available from Qaryat Al Beri.

Fairmont Bab Al Bahr

The Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is a 5-star beachfront hotel in Al Maqtaa with 369 rooms and suites (including Executive Rooms and The Fairmont Gold floor). The hotel’s greatest attraction is its position: it faces Khor Al Maqtaʼa and the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque directly, providing some of the most dramatic hotel views in the UAE. 5 restaurants and 4 bars include dining with Grand Mosque views. The hotel offers 6 meeting venues, a spacious ballroom, a distinctive outdoor lawn and beach venue, concierge services, and a full-service spa. The ESPA at Fairmont Bab Al Bahr is among the most sought-after spa destinations in the district. For Al Maqtaa villa residents, the hotel’s restaurants, beach club, and spa facilities are within a short drive.

Shangri-La Hotel, Qaryat Al Beri

The Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri is a 5-star hotel directly adjacent to the Souk at Qaryat Al Beri, also facing the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque across the khor. The hotel has 160 guest rooms (described as largest in the UAE at the time of opening) decorated in modern Arabic style, each with a balcony or terrace overlooking the waterway. 2 outdoor pools; 5 meeting rooms; 24-hour business centre; full-service spa (CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La). A private beach and additional waterfront leisure. Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri — a 4-star offering in the same complex — provides private beach access and a value-tier alternative to the 5-star hotels for guests and residents.

Al Forsan International Sports Resort

Al Al Forsan International Sports Resort is approximately 15 minutes from Al Maqtaa and is one of the most distinctive sports and leisure venues in the UAE — a comprehensive outdoor sports resort that introduced the water cable park system to the Middle East. The resort’s kart circuit is open year-round and is bookable for corporate events, birthdays, and racing sessions. Watersports offered include wakeboarding, wakeskating, and water skiing on the cable park (suitable for beginners and experts). Additional activities include paintball, air-gun shooting, horseback riding, and swimming. The resort is popular with Al Maqtaa families as an accessible weekend and after-school activity destination that requires no travel to the islands or city centre.

Parks and Green Spaces

Khor Al Maqtaa Park

Khor Al Maqtaa Park is the community’s principal public park — a well-maintained space on the banks of Khor Al Maqtaʼa providing children’s play areas, open green lawns, shaded seating, and walking paths. The park’s waterway-side position means that families can walk, picnic, and watch the water traffic on the khor while using the park facilities. It is the primary outdoor gathering point for Al Maqtaa residents on evenings and weekends, particularly during the cooler winter months.

Bain Al Jessrain Families Garden

Bain Al Jessrain Families Garden is a residential park in the centre of the Al Maqtaa community, named after the district’s former name. Gyms are located within the park grounds: Junior Gym, Lion Gym, and Tone Fitness Studio all operate on the premises. This makes Bain Al Jessrain an unusually active community park — one that combines traditional open green space with in-park fitness facilities for residents who prefer outdoor training.

Dining

Al Maqtaa’s dining scene is anchored by its waterfront hotels. The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri (5 minutes from most residences) hosts restaurants, cafes, and casual dining in a traditional open-air souq setting facing the Grand Mosque and the khor — the most atmospheric dining environment in the Al Maqtaa catchment. At Fairmont Bab Al Bahr: dining with Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque views across the water. At Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri: waterfront restaurants and casual dining. Within the residential community, Milas, Bait Ommy, and Al Sayyad Restaurant & Grills are cited as local dining options. The Hills Abu Dhabi café provides in-compound dining. For comprehensive restaurant access, the Al Raha Beach hotel and leisure circuit to the west, and the broader Corniche and city-centre hotel restaurants, are accessible via the bridges within 20–30 minutes.

Shopping

Al Maqtaa Mall is the district’s central retail hub — a community mall providing supermarkets, cafés, salons, gyms, and family-friendly amenities. The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri (5 minutes) provides boutiques and specialty shops in a traditional-market environment. Al Haji Ahmed Baqala and Al Maqtaa Mall Supermarket are convenience grocery options within the community. For larger format grocery shopping: Mushrif Mall (Lulu Hypermarket) is approximately 10–15 minutes by car; Al Seef Village Mall (Carrefour Market) is approximately 10 minutes in the direction of Al Muntazah.

Healthcare

Al Maqtaa Healthcare Centre — operated by SEHA (Abu Dhabi Health Services Company) — is the community’s primary healthcare facility, providing general practice, outpatient specialist care, and essential health services. Danat Al Emarat Hospital for Women & Children is accessible within the broader catchment. Dr Fawzia Khalfan Medical Center and Doctor Sherif Mattar Specialized Center are in proximity. For hospital-level care: Mediclinic Airport Road Hospital (JCI accredited, 24-hour emergency) is approximately 15 minutes. Zayed Military Hospital is within the broader Abu Dhabi Island catchment via the bridges, approximately 20 minutes. Healthpoint at Zayed Sports City in Al Rawdah is approximately 15 minutes. For dental care, Masters Dental and Aesthetic Center is approximately 3 minutes from Al Maqta Village (Bayut primary source).

Schools and Universities

Darweesh Bin Karam School serves students within the Al Maqtaa catchment. Hunain School in Abu Dhabi Gate City is within reach. ADNEC Schools Sas Al Nakhl is accessible. Khalifa University SAN Campus — the Science and Arts campus of one of Abu Dhabi’s leading universities — is located directly opposite Al Maqta Bridge on Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, confirming the district’s strong university proximity. The Petroleum Institute of Khalifa University is also at Al Maqta. For international schooling, Al Yasmina Academy, Raha International School, and Al Muna Primary School are accessible from Hills Abu Dhabi (PropertyDigger primary). Nurseries available: Little Dreams Nursery, Blossom Nursery, and others in proximity.

Getting Around

By Car

Al Maqtaa’s car connectivity is excellent. The three bridge crossings provide fast access to Abu Dhabi Island at multiple points along the western Corniche: Al Maqta Bridge (most direct to the southern island and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque), Sheikh Zayed Bridge (connecting to the central city and Corniche), and Mussafah Bridge (western connection to Abu Dhabi Island and the Al Raha Beach corridor). The Eastern Ring Road and Abu Dhabi International Airport are immediately to the east — approximately 10–15 minutes. Yas Island is approximately 15–20 minutes. Dubai is approximately 90 minutes via E11. Most villa properties include private garages or covered parking for multiple vehicles.

By Bus

Al Maqtaa’s public transport is limited. A free community bus service with two routes was launched in 2019 by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Transport (DoT), operating from Al Khor Street (DoT headquarters). Bus 56 serves Al Maqta Village. Bus 26 traverses the broader Al Maqtaa community. Confirmed bus stops at Hills Abu Dhabi: Al Nada St / Abu Dhabi Hills and Al Nada St / Armed Forces Officers Club. For residents of the gated communities, private vehicles and taxis/ride-hailing (Careem, Uber) are the practical primary transport options given the limited frequency of bus services. Real-time schedules: AdMobility app (admobility.gov.ae) and Darbi (darbi.itc.gov.ae). Hafilat card: AED 2/journey on city routes.

Rental Prices

Al Maqtaa is one of Abu Dhabi’s premium mainland villa markets, with pricing reflecting the Khor Al Maqtaʼa waterway views, the Hills Abu Dhabi luxury specifications, and the proximity to Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.*

Hills Abu Dhabi (5–6BR, 4,200–13,000+ sq ft)

Current villa rent range (market research, live listings): AED 240,000 to AED 850,000 per year*

Exceptional waterfront properties: Up to AED 1,000,000 per year*

Broader Al Maqtaa Villas

District villa rent range: AED 190,000 to AED 950,000 per year*

Average annual villa rent: Approximately AED 550,722 per year (market research)*

3-bedroom villas (broader district): AED 180,000–400,000 per year*

Asking rent change (6 months): +6% (market research)*

Apartments (limited stock)

Studios to 3-bedroom apartments are available in limited numbers, primarily associated with the Shangri-La and related hotel-apartment buildings. Contact Address Point Properties for current apartment availability.*

Investment

Al Maqtaa’s investment profile is strong for the villa segment, driven by consistent demand from the senior diplomatic, corporate, and government community that values the waterway character, Grand Mosque proximity, and airport access (10–15 minutes).* The +6% asking rent change over the past 6 months (market research) indicates growing demand.* Hills Abu Dhabi villa sales prices range from AED 5,250,000 to AED 5,900,000 (Metropolitan Capital Real Estate primary, 2022 figures).* Verify current freehold eligibility per specific property with the relevant Abu Dhabi authority; prospective buyers should obtain independent legal advice.* Contact Address Point Properties for current sale availability and investment analysis.*

Who Lives in Al Maqtaa

Al Maqtaa is primarily inhabited by Emirati families in long-held properties, senior expatriate professionals who prioritise the combination of villa space, waterway views, airport proximity, and Grand Mosque accessibility, and diplomatic and government-sector households who want the mainland’s calmer character compared to the island’s commercial density. The community is described across multiple area guides as quiet, peaceful, and family-oriented — a community where the pace of life is set by the waterway views and the communal lifestyle of the gated compounds rather than the commercial activity of the inner city. Hills Abu Dhabi’s international community reflects the embassy cluster nearby (Denmark, Mexico, Costa Rica, Republic of Korea, Netherlands and others); the broader Al Maqtaa district has a predominantly Emirati character.

Frequently Asked Questions — Al Maqtaa

Why is Al Maqtaa called “Bain Al Jessrain”?

“Bain Al Jessrain” is the original Arabic name for Al Maqtaa, meaning “Between the Two Bridges.” The name describes the district’s geography precisely: the community occupies the strip of mainland Abu Dhabi between Mussafah Bridge to the west and Al Maqta Bridge to the east. The Al Maqta Bridge was built in 1967 as the first road bridge between Abu Dhabi Island and the mainland; before it, the only land crossing was by boat via the khor, which the Al Maqtaa Fort was built to guard. The district is now officially listed as “Al Maqtaa” on Abu Dhabi’s city maps and in municipality district designations, though the old name Bain Al Jessrain remains in local use and appears in the name of the community park (Bain Al Jessrain Families Garden).

What is Al Maqtaa Fort?

Al Maqtaa Fort is an approximately 200-year-old fortification on the mainland bank of Khor Al Maqtaʼa — one of the oldest standing structures in Abu Dhabi and one of its most historically significant. Built in the early 19th century in traditional Arabian military architecture (thick coral and stone walls, corner watchtowers, narrow entry points), it served as a defensive outpost against bandits, a customs checkpoint for goods crossing to and from Abu Dhabi Island, and a garrison for the soldiers who guarded the crossing. The Al Maqtaa Watchtower stands nearby as a second historical structure from the same period. Both are now part of the Maqta Conservation Area, which protects structures from the UAE’s Pre-Oil, Transition, and Post-Oil periods. The fort is open to visitors; hiring a guide for the tour is recommended. The Al Maqta Bridge (1967) stands immediately adjacent to the fort, creating one of Abu Dhabi’s most striking contrasts of historical and modern infrastructure.

What is Hills Abu Dhabi and what makes it special?

Hills Abu Dhabi is a luxury gated villa community in Al Maqtaa developed by East & West International Group / First Gulf Properties. The development comprises 147 superluxury villas in 5 and 6-bedroom configurations, ranging from 4,200 sq ft to over 9,000 sq ft. All villas have partial sea and park views. Community amenities include swimming pools, a health spa, gym, café, clubhouse, basketball courts, and a heliport — one of only a handful of residential communities in the UAE with on-site helicopter landing infrastructure. The development is located opposite the Armed Forces Officers’ Club and is within minutes of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, ADNEC, and Abu Dhabi International Airport. Rents range from AED 240,000 to AED 850,000+ per year.* Multiple national embassies are in proximity. The surrounding khor views and the Grand Mosque backdrop give Hills Abu Dhabi a setting that is unique among Abu Dhabi mainland communities.

What are rental prices in Al Maqtaa?

Al Maqtaa is a premium villa market.* Hills Abu Dhabi: AED 240,000–850,000 per year (live market research listings); exceptional properties up to AED 1,000,000.* Broader Al Maqtaa villas: AED 190,000–950,000; average approximately AED 550,722; 3-bedroom villas AED 180,000–400,000.* Asking rents have increased +6% over the past 6 months (market research).* Limited apartment stock is available in the district, primarily associated with hotel apartment buildings.* Contact Address Point Properties for current listings.*

What hotels are in or near Al Maqtaa?

Al Maqtaa has one of Abu Dhabi’s most concentrated luxury hotel clusters, all fronting Khor Al Maqtaʼa with direct views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque across the water. Fairmont Bab Al Bahr: 5-star; 369 rooms and suites; Grand Mosque views; 5 restaurants and 4 bars; 6 meeting venues; ballroom; outdoor lawn and beach venue; ESPA. Shangri-La Hotel Qaryat Al Beri: 5-star; 160 guest rooms; CHI Spa; 2 outdoor pools; 5 meeting rooms; waterfront promenade. Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri: 4-star; private beach. For Al Maqtaa residents, these hotels provide restaurant, spa, and leisure access within a short drive — a rare hotel cluster at 5-star quality within a residential community.

How close is Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque to Al Maqtaa?

Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is approximately 5–10 minutes by car from Al Maqtaa — accessible via Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E10) from Al Maqta Village and the broader district. The Grand Mosque is visible from the waterfront hotels and from Khor Al Maqtaʼa itself, its white domes and minarets forming the backdrop of the khor’s most photographed view. Al Maqtaa is one of the closest residential communities to the Grand Mosque in all of Abu Dhabi. The mosque is the largest in the UAE and one of the largest in the world, with a capacity of over 40,000 worshippers. Entry is free for visitors; guided and self-guided tours are available.

What bus routes serve Al Maqtaa?

Public transport in Al Maqtaa is limited. A free community bus service with two routes has operated since 2019, launched by the Integrated Transport Centre (ITC) of the Department of Transport, with routes starting from Al Khor Street (DoT headquarters). Bus 56 serves Al Maqta Village (Route 56). Bus 26 traverses the broader Al Maqtaa community. Confirmed bus stops at Hills Abu Dhabi: Al Nada St / Abu Dhabi Hills and Al Nada St / Armed Forces Officers Club. For residents of gated communities, private vehicles and taxis/ride-hailing (Careem, Uber) are the practical transport options. Real-time schedules: AdMobility (admobility.gov.ae) and Darbi (darbi.itc.gov.ae). Hafilat card: AED 2/journey.

What is Al Forsan International Sports Resort?

Al Forsan International Sports Resort is approximately 15 minutes by car from Al Maqtaa and is one of the most comprehensive outdoor sports and leisure venues in the UAE. Al Forsan introduced the water cable park system to the Middle East — a facility where wakeboarders, wakeskaters, and water skiers are towed around a cable-park course without a boat. The system accommodates complete beginners through to professional-level riders. The resort’s kart circuit is open year-round and can be booked for individual sessions, corporate events, and birthday parties. Additional sports at the resort include paintball, air-gun shooting, horseback riding, and swimming. The combination of water cable park, karting, and multi-sport options makes Al Forsan the most versatile outdoor sports destination accessible to Al Maqtaa families.

What makes Al Maqtaa different from other Abu Dhabi residential areas?

Al Maqtaa offers a combination of attributes that no other Abu Dhabi residential community — island or mainland — replicates. A 200-year-old fort visible from the community. Three 5-star hotels on the waterway doorstep. The Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque visible across the khor and 5–10 minutes by car. Abu Dhabi International Airport 10–15 minutes by car — among the closest of any villa community in the emirate. A heliport within the gated villa compound (Hills Abu Dhabi). Khor Al Maqtaʼa fireworks on UAE National Day and New Year’s Eve visible from the community itself. Khalifa University SAN Campus opposite the bridge. Water cable park (Al Forsan, first in the Middle East) 15 minutes away.* No other Abu Dhabi residential area combines historical depth, waterway character, luxury hotel access, Grand Mosque proximity, and airport convenience in the same geography.*

Summary

Al Maqtaa (former name Bain Al Jessrain — “Between the Two Bridges”) is a prestigious mainland Abu Dhabi district along Khor Al Maqtaʼa waterway, between Mussafah Bridge (west) and Al Maqta Bridge (east); connects to Abu Dhabi Island via three bridges; Al Raha Beach to the west; airport 10–15 min to the east. Primary sub-communities: Hills Abu Dhabi (147 luxury villas, 5–6BR, 4,200–13,000+ sq ft, East & West International Group / First Gulf Properties, pools, gym, spa, café, clubhouse, basketball courts, heliport, partial sea/park views; rents AED 240k–850k*; sales AED 5.25M–5.9M*); Al Maqta Village (gated, villas/townhouses, European/Arabic design, 24-hr security, Bus 56). Al Maqtaa Fort (~200 years old; customs checkpoint and defensive outpost; open to visitors; part of Maqta Conservation Area). Al Maqtaa Watchtower (~200 years old). Al Maqta Bridge (1967). Khor Al Maqtaʼa (historic waterway; UAE National Day and New Year fireworks). Qaryat Al Beri and Souk at Qaryat Al Beri (5 min; traditional-style). Fairmont Bab Al Bahr (5-star, 369 rooms, Grand Mosque views, ESPA). Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri (5-star, 160 rooms, CHI Spa). Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri (4-star). Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque 5–10 min (visible from waterfront). Al Forsan International Sports Resort 15 min (water cable park, first in Middle East; kart circuit). Khor Al Maqtaa Park (family park, waterway views). Bain Al Jessrain Families Garden (gyms on premises). Khalifa University SAN Campus opposite Al Maqta Bridge. Al Maqtaa Healthcare Centre (SEHA); Danat Al Emarat Hospital. Bus: free ITC service (2 routes, from Al Khor St); Bus 56 (Al Maqta Village); Bus 26. Car essential. Rents: Hills AED 240k–850k*; district avg AED 550,722*; range AED 190k–950k*; +6% change.*

Prices marked with an asterisk (*) are indicative only, sourced from market research, and subject to change without notice. Address Point Properties makes no warranty as to the accuracy or currency of any pricing, yield, or investment information on this page. All area, unit size, and distance figures are approximate. Freehold eligibility varies by property; prospective buyers must independently verify current eligibility with the relevant Abu Dhabi authorities and obtain independent legal and financial advice before entering any transaction. For full details please review our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.