Pixel — Building Guide | Makers District, Shams Abu Dhabi, Al Reem Island

Overview

Pixel is a seven-tower mixed-use development by IMKAN Properties, located in Makers District on Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi. Designed by Dutch architecture firm MVRDV, the development is visually and conceptually unlike any other residential project in Shams Abu Dhabi — or on the island as a whole. Where most Al Reem Island towers follow a conventional high-rise format with floors of identical apartments stacked vertically, Pixel takes the opposite approach: seven low-to-mid-rise towers are arranged around a pedestrianised central plaza, pushed to the edges of an 18-hectare site so that their positioning creates shade, channels cooling breezes, and maintains sightlines to the waterfront developments that surround Makers District on three sides.

The development contains 525 residential units ranging from studios to 3-bedroom apartments and 4-bedroom penthouses, alongside 94 office spaces and 24 ground-level retail outlets. It was the first completed project within Makers District and, by design, acts as the social and commercial heart of the broader neighbourhood. The ground-level plaza — framed by cafés, restaurants, co-working spaces, boutique shops, and a community events area — is intended to be activated throughout the day and evening, creating a street-level energy that is deliberately absent from most apartment tower developments in Abu Dhabi.

The architectural concept draws on Abu Dhabi’s pearl-diving heritage: the outer concrete façades are imprinted with a graphic pattern by artist Nicole Martens, inspired by oyster shells, while the interior-facing surfaces of the towers and the shading screens of the central plaza are clad in ceramic tiles in 14 different pastel colours — evoking the image of a pearl within a shell. Each of the seven towers adopts its own colour profile internally, giving each building a distinct identity and making navigation through the complex intuitive. The pixelated bay windows and staggered balconies that face the central courtyard give the development its name and its most recognisable visual quality.

Location and Setting

Pixel sits within Makers District, a planned waterfront precinct on the northern edge of Shams Abu Dhabi on Al Reem Island. The district is positioned between Shams Abu Dhabi’s existing established buildings to the south — including Mangrove Place and Meera Towers — and the open waterfront to the north and west. This waterfront orientation means that upper floors and balconies in Pixel’s seven towers offer unobstructed views across the Arabian Gulf and, in clear conditions, toward Saadiyat Island.

The broader Abu Dhabi context: Al Maryah Island — home to Abu Dhabi Global Market, the Galleria, and a cluster of international banks and professional services firms — is approximately 10 minutes by car. Saadiyat Island, with the Louvre Abu Dhabi, NYUAD, and several beaches and golf clubs, is roughly 20 minutes. Abu Dhabi’s CBD and Corniche are around 15–20 minutes. Yas Island, with its theme parks and leisure venues, is approximately 30 minutes. Abu Dhabi International Airport is roughly 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.

On foot, Reem Central Park — the island’s main public green space, with a beach, skate park, canal promenade, sports courts, and a cycling track — is approximately a 15-minute walk from Pixel. Shams Boutik Mall is around the same distance on foot through the Shams promenade network, or a five-minute drive. Reem Mall, opened more recently and offering a snow park, cinema, hypermarket, and extensive dining, is approximately three kilometres away. Within Makers District itself, Cove Beach Abu Dhabi — a beach club and dining venue on the district’s shoreline — is walking distance from the towers.

Property Types and Specifications

Pixel’s 525 residential units are distributed across seven towers of varying heights — the tallest reaching approximately 12 floors — with the lower floors activated by the pedestrian plaza and retail frontage below. The product mix spans studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom apartments, plus a smaller number of 4-bedroom penthouses on the upper floors of the taller towers. All units include built-in wardrobes, fitted kitchens with granite countertops, and central air conditioning. Apartments with 2 or more bedrooms include a staff/maid’s room. Many units have balconies facing either the central plaza or the waterfront exterior, and the staggered, pixelated façade design means that lower-floor units facing the plaza — which would typically be considered less desirable in a conventional tower — benefit from the activated ground-level courtyard environment and are intentionally designed to be as desirable as upper-floor equivalents.

Studios

Studios in Pixel range from approximately 480 sq ft to 620 sq ft with an average of around 520 sq ft, according available data*. This is a more generous studio footprint than is typical in Abu Dhabi — many competing studios in older Shams Abu Dhabi buildings are smaller. Studios include a fully fitted kitchen, one bathroom, built-in wardrobes, central AC, and access to all shared building amenities. They are among the highest-demand units in the complex for investors targeting the rental market, given their lower entry price relative to 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom stock.

1-Bedroom Apartments

One-bedroom apartments are the most actively listed category in the building on both sale and rental platforms. Floor areas in the 1-bedroom range sit within the overall property size band of 480–1,600 sq ft, with 1-bedroom units occupying the mid-portion of that range. Each unit includes two bathrooms in many configurations, an open-plan kitchen and living area, and a balcony or terrace. The interior colour schemes — which vary by tower — give each 1-bedroom apartment a distinct aesthetic character depending on which of the seven buildings it sits in.

2-Bedroom Apartments

Two-bedroom units in Pixel range from approximately 1,200 sq ft to 1,900 sq ft, with an average of around 1,300 sq ft. Each includes a maid’s room, multiple bathrooms, an open-plan living and dining area, a fully fitted kitchen, and balcony access. The pet-friendly policy makes this configuration particularly popular with families and tenants with pets. Walk-in closets are a feature of the larger 2-bedroom configurations. Two parking spaces are typically allocated.

3-Bedroom Apartments and 4-Bedroom Penthouses

Three-bedroom units are at the upper end of the standard residential range in Pixel and occupy the largest non-penthouse floor plates in the development. They include maid’s rooms, multiple en-suite bathrooms, and in the best configurations, wraparound balconies with dual waterfront and plaza aspects. The 4-bedroom penthouses on the uppermost floors of the taller towers represent the premium product in the complex: at up to approximately 4,359 sq ft per floor plan data, they are among the largest residential units available anywhere in Shams Abu Dhabi. Penthouse pricing is not consistently represented in the current listings pool and is best confirmed directly through Address Point Properties.

Amenities and Community Facilities

Pixel’s amenity offer is unlike anything else in Shams Abu Dhabi because the majority of it is experienced at ground level rather than on a conventional building podium. The pedestrian central plaza — the core design feature of the development — brings together the following within a single walkable open-air environment:

• Artisanal cafés and casual restaurants with plaza-facing seating
• Co-working spaces and shared office facilities for residents and visitors
• Boutique retail and service outlets including pharmacies and salons
• Pop-up and event space for community activations, markets, and art installations
• Children’s playground and shaded outdoor play areas within the plaza
• Ceramic lattice shading screens in 14 pastel colours — a functional and aesthetic architectural element that defines the character of the central space

Each tower’s building-level amenities supplement the shared plaza environment and include:

• Swimming pools (including children’s pools in some towers)
• Fully equipped gymnasium and fitness facilities
• High-speed passenger and service elevators
• Covered basement parking for residents
• Guest parking
• 24-hour security personnel and building concierge
• Prayer room
• Private beach access within Makers District

The Makers District beachfront — immediately accessible from Pixel on foot — extends the outdoor amenity offer further, with Cove Beach Abu Dhabi providing a beach club, restaurant, and water sports facilities within walking distance of the towers. This combination of a private-beach-adjacent setting with a fully activated ground-level plaza and per-building swimming pools and gyms makes Pixel’s total lifestyle offer one of the most varied of any residential development in Al Reem Island.

Schools and Education

Pixel’s Makers District location places it within reach of a strong concentration of educational facilities on Al Reem Island. Repton School Abu Dhabi — a British-curriculum co-educational school from Foundation Stage 1 through Year 13, rated ‘Very Good’ by ADEK — has two campuses relevant to Pixel residents: Repton Rose Campus (for younger years) and Repton Fry Campus, both within approximately 1.8 kilometres of the development and reachable within a few minutes by car. The nearest bus stop, served by ITC routes on Al Reem Island, is within a short walk of Makers District and connects to the wider island network.

Nord Anglia International School Abu Dhabi — one of the island’s newer premium schools, operating the IB curriculum and part of the global Nord Anglia Education network — is approximately 3.3 kilometres from Pixel. GEMS World Academy Abu Dhabi, another IB-curriculum international school, is approximately 3.5 kilometres away. For nursery-age children, Redwood Montessori Nursery has two branches within walking distance: one within Reem Island and one inside Shams Boutik Mall. Hummingbird Nursery’s Reem Island branch is also a short drive. Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi, offering French higher-education programmes, is approximately 2.8 kilometres from the development.

Healthcare

Reem Hospital — a full-service private hospital on Al Reem Island that offers emergency care, maternity, surgery, and specialist outpatient services — is approximately 1.8 kilometres from Pixel, making it one of the closest major hospitals to the development on the island. Burjeel Day Surgery Centre, specialising in day-surgery procedures and outpatient specialist consultations, is approximately 2.3 kilometres away. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, one of the UAE’s most advanced multi-disciplinary hospitals and partner of the globally recognised Cleveland Clinic brand, is approximately 4.7 kilometres from Pixel on Al Maryah Island — typically a 10-minute drive. Pharmacies are available within Makers District and in nearby Shams Boutik Mall for everyday pharmaceutical needs.

Transport and Connectivity

Pixel’s location within Makers District places it at the outer northern edge of Shams Abu Dhabi, which means it is a slightly longer drive to the island’s southern bridges than buildings such as Oceanscape or Reflection Tower, which sit closer to the main exit points. That said, Al Reem Island’s bridge network connects efficiently to both Al Maryah Island and the Abu Dhabi mainland, and the drive from Makers District to the CBD is typically 15–20 minutes in normal traffic. Direct bridge links to Al Maryah Island — Abu Dhabi’s financial district — provide a quick route for residents who work in the ADGM zone.

ITC public bus routes serve Al Reem Island, with stops within a short distance of Makers District accessible by a five-minute drive. Taxis and ride-hailing via Careem and Uber are readily available throughout Al Reem Island. The development’s pedestrian-first design ethos means that many daily needs — groceries, cafés, pharmacies, and co-working — can be met without a car within the Pixel and Makers District precinct itself. Covered basement parking for residents is provided across all seven towers. Abu Dhabi International Airport is approximately 32.8 kilometres from the development, typically 25–35 minutes by car.

Shopping, Dining, and Attractions

The ground-floor retail and dining within Pixel’s own central plaza is the building’s first amenity for daily needs — cafés, casual restaurants, a pharmacy, a salon, and a supermarket are all accessible without leaving the Makers District precinct. Cove Beach Abu Dhabi, a beachfront dining and leisure venue directly within Makers District, adds a lifestyle-focused dining option that many residents treat as an extension of the building’s own amenities.

For larger grocery runs, Salla Supermarket, Lulu Express Fresh Market, Carrefour Market, AlMaya Mart, and Dikkan Saifan are all within the broader Reem Island area, accessible within a short drive. Shams Boutik Mall — the Shams sub-district’s principal lifestyle retail centre — is approximately 1.9 kilometres away. Reem Mall is approximately 3.3 kilometres and offers a hypermarket, Snow Abu Dhabi indoor snow park, a cinema, and a wide range of dining and retail. The Galleria on Al Maryah Island — Abu Dhabi’s premium waterfront retail destination with luxury brands, Books Kinokuniya, VOX Cinema, and a large restaurant selection — is approximately 5.1 kilometres, typically 10 minutes by car.

Reem Central Park, approximately 1.8 kilometres from Pixel, is the island’s most-used public green and recreational space, with a canal promenade, city beach, skate park, fitness equipment, children’s playground, and a café. For cultural attractions, the Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island is approximately 10.9 kilometres away. Abu Dhabi Mall is approximately 4.8 kilometres. The Grand Mosque is roughly 9.8 kilometres.

Sale Prices

Pixel is a freehold development, available for purchase by all nationalities. Apartments in Pixel are priced from AED 1,200,000* overall, with an average asking price of approximately AED 2,040,000* across all unit types. Sizes range from 480 sq ft to 1,600 sq ft in the standard apartment range, with an average of approximately 750 sq ft. The per-square-foot pricing in Pixel reflects its status as one of the newer and architecturally distinctive developments on Al Reem Island, and places it at a premium relative to older inventory in the Shams sub-community.

By bedroom category: studio apartments start from AED 1,150,000*, with an average asking price of approximately AED 1,300,000* and sizes of 480–620 sq ft (average 520 sq ft). Two-bedroom apartments start from AED 2,500,000*, with an average asking price of approximately AED 2,730,000* and sizes of 1,200–1,900 sq ft (average 1,300 sq ft). Specific asking prices for 1-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom penthouse units are best confirmed through current live listings — contact Address Point Properties for the latest available inventory and pricing.

Units at AED 2,000,000* or above are potentially eligible for the UAE 10-year Golden Visa, subject to standard Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship criteria. This threshold is met by most 2-bedroom and above configurations in the building.

Rental Prices

Pixel has established a strong rental market since delivery, driven by demand from young professionals, creative-sector workers, and families who are drawn to Makers District’s lifestyle proposition — the activated plaza, beach access, co-working amenities, and pet-friendly environment — rather than simply a standard apartment in a conventional tower. A rental range of AED 70,000* to AED 240,000* per year across all unit types, with an average annual rent of approximately AED 138,150*.

By unit type: studios are available from AED 70,000* to AED 86,999* per year. For 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom units, specific current asking rents are best verified through live listings — the building’s relatively recent delivery means the rental market is still establishing consistent price bands across the full product mix. Contact Address Point Properties for current rental availability across all unit types.

Furnished units command a premium over unfurnished equivalents across all categories, particularly for the studio and 1-bedroom segments that attract corporate and short-placement tenants. The co-working spaces within the building’s central plaza also make Pixel an attractive option for remote workers and freelancers who can effectively work and live within the same precinct.

Investment Case

Pixel’s investment case is built on several factors that differentiate it from the older Shams Abu Dhabi inventory. First, it is a recent delivery from a developer — IMKAN Properties — whose broader Abu Dhabi portfolio is associated with quality mixed-use placemaking rather than conventional commodity apartments. Second, the architectural quality and plaza-centred design create a living environment with a distinct identity that is difficult for competing buildings to replicate. Third, the inclusion of studio units — relatively rare in the Shams sub-community — broadens the buyer base and provides an accessible entry price point at AED 1,150,000*. Fourth, the pet-friendly policy and beach access are premium differentiators that consistently attract tenants willing to pay above the sub-community average.

The average annual rent of AED 138,150* against an average asking sale price of AED 2,040,000* implies a gross yield of approximately 6.8%* — strong relative to the Abu Dhabi apartment market average. The newer vintage of the building (2023) means service charge and maintenance records are still maturing, and buyers should obtain the most current service charge schedule before proceeding. As Makers District fills out with additional phases and amenities, Pixel’s position as the first delivered and most central project within the district is likely to benefit from the broader neighbourhood appreciation effect.

For investors comparing options across Al Reem Island, Pixel’s contemporary specification and lifestyle-oriented design position it clearly above older stock such as Oceanscape and Meera Towers on the design and community-environment dimension, while pricing it at a premium that buyers must weigh against the larger unit sizes and more established transaction history of those buildings. For current pricing and investment analysis, contact Address Point Properties.

How Pixel Compares to Nearby Buildings

Pixel is architecturally and conceptually distinct from every other building in Shams Abu Dhabi, which makes direct comparisons difficult. The most relevant comparison points within the sub-district are Mangrove Place, Meera Towers, Reflection Tower, and Leaf Tower. Of these, Meera Towers is the closest in age and target market — both are relatively recent, mid-market developments with strong amenity packages. Meera Towers offers more traditionally sized apartments with eight floor-plan layouts and direct park adjacency; Pixel offers a lifestyle-oriented plaza environment, beach access, studio units, and MVRDV’s distinctive design identity.

Against buildings in other sub-districts of Al Reem Island — such as Horizon Towers in City of Lights, Tala Tower, MAG 5 Residences, or Marina Bay Tower in Marina Square — Pixel stands apart primarily through its mixed-use community format: the combination of residential, co-working, retail, and beach access within a single walkable precinct is not replicated in any of those sub-districts at present. Buyers and tenants who prioritise conventional high-rise living with sea views and a standard tower amenity set may find Marina Heights, Addax Tower, or other City of Lights options more suitable. Those who prioritise community character, design quality, and a pedestrian-oriented lifestyle will find Pixel the most compelling option on the island.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who developed Pixel and who designed it?

Pixel was developed by IMKAN Properties, an Abu Dhabi-based real estate developer whose portfolio focuses on mixed-use, community-centred developments across Abu Dhabi and beyond. IMKAN is perhaps best known in Abu Dhabi for Makers District — the broader precinct that Pixel anchors on Al Reem Island — as well as AlJurf, a coastal development near Ghantoot. The architectural design of Pixel was produced by MVRDV, a Dutch architecture and urbanism practice founded in Rotterdam that is recognised globally for innovative, community-oriented projects. MVRDV’s founding partner Jacob van Rijs was directly involved in Pixel’s concept, describing the brief as a deliberate challenge to the residential typologies that had become the norm in the UAE.

What is Makers District and how does it relate to Pixel?

Makers District is a planned 18-hectare waterfront precinct on the northern edge of Shams Abu Dhabi on Al Reem Island, developed by IMKAN Properties. It is conceived as a creative, mixed-use district combining residential, hospitality, retail, office, and beach facilities within a single pedestrian-oriented neighbourhood. IMKAN has positioned it as a cultural and creative counterpart to Abu Dhabi’s established cultural hub on Saadiyat Island — a neighbourhood for makers, creatives, entrepreneurs, and urban professionals rather than a conventional residential enclave. Pixel was the first completed project within Makers District and functions as its residential and commercial core. Future phases of Makers District are planned to bring additional residential buildings, a boutique hotel, and expanded beach and waterfront facilities alongside Pixel.

What unit types are available in Pixel?

Pixel contains 525 residential units across studios, 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom apartments, plus a smaller number of 4-bedroom penthouses on the uppermost floors of the taller towers. Studios range from approximately 480–620 sq ft. The overall apartment size range is 480–1,600 sq ft for the standard residential product, while the 4-bedroom penthouses extend to approximately 4,359 sq ft. All units include built-in wardrobes, a fitted kitchen with granite countertops, central air conditioning, and access to shared building amenities. Two-bedroom and larger units include a maid’s room. Many units have balconies facing either the central plaza or the waterfront.

Is Pixel pet-friendly?

Yes. Current listing data* for Pixel confirms that the development operates a pet-friendly policy — specifically noted for 2-bedroom units on the platform, and understood to apply across the development. This is a meaningful differentiator in the Abu Dhabi residential market, where many towers prohibit or restrict pets in common areas. The combination of pet-friendly policy with Makers District beach access and the proximity of Reem Central Park — where dogs are permitted in designated areas — makes Pixel particularly practical for pet owners. Prospective tenants with pets should confirm the current building management policy with their broker at the time of enquiry.

What are current sale prices in Pixel?

Apartments in Pixel start from AED 1,200,000* overall. Studios are priced from AED 1,150,000* with an average asking price of approximately AED 1,300,000* (480–620 sqft, average 520 sqft). Two-bedroom apartments start from AED 2,500,000* with an average asking price of approximately AED 2,730,000* (1,200–1,900 sqft, average 1,300 sqft). The overall average asking price across all unit types is approximately AED 2,040,000*. Specific asking prices for 1-bedroom, 3-bedroom, and 4-bedroom penthouse units are best confirmed through current live listings. Contact Address Point Properties for up-to-date inventory and pricing. All figures are indicative.

What are typical rental prices in Pixel?

Rental prices in Pixel range from AED 70,000* to AED 240,000* per year across all unit types. The average annual rent is approximately AED 138,150* per year. Studios are advertised from AED 70,000* to AED 86,999* per year. For current 1-bedroom, 2-bedroom, and 3-bedroom rental pricing, contact Address Point Properties directly, as specific per-category rent bands are still establishing in the active listings pool. Furnished units command a premium over unfurnished across all configurations.

Does Pixel have co-working facilities?

Yes. One of Pixel’s distinguishing features relative to other Al Reem Island residential buildings is its inclusion of dedicated co-working spaces within the central plaza. These facilities are accessible to residents and, in some cases, to Makers District visitors, creating a genuine work-from-precinct option for residents who are remote workers, freelancers, or small business owners. The co-working spaces are complemented by the cafés and casual restaurants in the plaza, which serve as informal work environments throughout the day. The 94 office spaces within the development — separate from the residential units — add a professional working community to the Pixel precinct that most residential-only towers do not have.

What is the design inspiration behind Pixel’s appearance?

The design was produced by MVRDV, a Dutch architecture firm, and draws on Abu Dhabi’s pearl-diving heritage for its visual concept. The development is envisaged as an oyster: the outer concrete facades of the towers are treated with a graphic pattern by artist Nicole Martens, inspired by the textured surface of oyster shells, giving each tower a distinctive rough-concrete exterior as seen from outside Makers District. Inside the development, facing the central courtyard, the towers’ bay windows, staggered balconies, and shading screens are clad in ceramic tiles in 14 different pastel colours — evoking the pearl within the shell. This interior colour palette, which changes with the angle of light and the time of day, gives the central plaza a playful and distinctive visual character. Each of the seven towers has its own internal colour profile, improving wayfinding and giving residents a sense of individual building identity within the larger complex.

How does Pixel compare to Meera Towers in Shams Abu Dhabi?

Both Pixel and Meera Towers are relatively recent residential developments in Shams Abu Dhabi, but they serve different buyer and tenant profiles. Meera Towers (2018) is a conventional twin-tower format by Aldar Properties with eight floor-plan layouts, direct adjacency to Reem Central Park, mid-market pricing, and a strong established transaction history. Pixel (2023) is a seven-tower, MVRDV-designed community development by IMKAN Properties, offering a broader product range (including studios and penthouses), a pedestrianised plaza with retail and co-working, beach access, and a more design-conscious aesthetic. Pixel is priced at a premium to Meera Towers. Buyers who prioritise design identity, lifestyle-oriented community features, beach access, and studio unit options will find Pixel the stronger proposition; buyers who prioritise proven transaction history, park adjacency, and a more conventional apartment format at a lower price point will favour Meera Towers.

Is Pixel freehold and who can buy?

Yes, Pixel is a freehold development in a designated investment zone, which means ownership is available to all nationalities including expatriates and non-residents. Purchasers buying a unit at AED 2,000,000* or above may be eligible for the UAE 10-year Real Estate Golden Visa, subject to standard criteria set by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. This threshold is met by most 2-bedroom and larger units in the building. For buyers below this threshold, standard freehold ownership rights apply. Address Point Properties can advise on current documentation requirements and eligibility criteria.

What public transport options are available near Pixel?

ITC public bus routes serve Al Reem Island, with bus stops accessible within a short drive of Makers District. Taxis and ride-hailing services via Careem and Uber are available across Al Reem Island at most hours. Pixel’s location within Makers District means that the building’s pedestrian plaza, beach, and integrated retail cover the majority of daily needs without requiring a car. For residents who drive, covered basement parking is provided across all seven towers. A bicycle-friendly promenade connects Makers District to the broader Reem Island waterfront, making cycling to Reem Central Park and other destinations a practical option. The nearest major road junctions connect to Al Reem Island’s bridge network to Al Maryah Island and the Abu Dhabi mainland.

Summary

Pixel is the most architecturally distinctive residential development in Shams Abu Dhabi — a seven-tower, MVRDV-designed community by IMKAN Properties that brings together 525 residential units (studios to 4-bedroom penthouses), 94 office spaces, and 24 retail outlets around a pedestrianised central plaza within Makers District on Al Reem Island. It is pet-friendly, has beach access via Cove Beach Abu Dhabi, includes co-working spaces, and was designed from the ground up to create a community environment rather than simply an apartment building.

For buyers and tenants who place a premium on design quality, lifestyle amenities, and community character over unit size alone, Pixel offers a compelling proposition that is difficult to replicate elsewhere on Al Reem Island or the wider Abu Dhabi market. For those also considering The Landmark at the eastern end of the island, or Hydra Avenue in City of Lights, a direct comparison is worth making — each serves a different lifestyle profile at a different price point. For current listings, pricing, and viewing arrangements, contact Address Point Properties.

* Price and yield figures are indicative only, sourced from Bayut and PropertyFinder listings current at the time of writing. Actual transaction prices, rents, and returns may differ. All property decisions should be made with independent legal and financial advice.