Zayed City

Zayed City, Abu Dhabi — Area Guide for Residents and Investors (2026)

Area: Zayed City

Also known as: Khalifa City C — the former name, still used in listings and directions

City: Abu Dhabi City

Emirate: Abu Dhabi

Main community: Bloom Living, by Bloom Holding

Bloom Living size: About 2.2 million square metres

Bloom Living homes: Over 4,500

Home types: Villas, townhouses and apartments

Architecture: Mediterranean-inspired Spanish design

Ownership: Designated an investment zone — buyers of all nationalities can purchase

Named phases: Cordoba, Toledo, Casares, Seville, Olvera

Security: Gated, with a guard house and 24/7 security

Schools: Two international schools within walking distance of most homes

Healthcare: Medical clinic in the Town Center

Nearest airport: Zayed International Airport

Guide updated: October 2026

What is Zayed City?

Zayed City is a residential district on the Abu Dhabi mainland, near Zayed International Airport. It was formerly called Khalifa City C. It is the newest of the three Khalifa City districts, and it is built around one large master-planned community: Bloom Living, developed by Bloom Holding.

That makes Zayed City different from its neighbours. Khalifa City and Mohammed Bin Zayed City grew over decades into large mixed suburbs. Zayed City was planned as a single piece, so the homes are newer, the layout is deliberate, and the amenities were designed in from the start rather than added later.

In short: Zayed City is the newest of the three Khalifa City districts, built around the Bloom Living master community.

Why is Zayed City also called Khalifa City C?

Because that was its original name. The area was developed as the third of three districts named after Khalifa City, and it was later renamed Zayed City. Bloom Holding still lists the location as “Zayed City (Khalifa City C)” on its own website, which tells you how current the old name still is.

The same renaming happened next door. Khalifa City B became Shakhbout City. Khalifa City A kept the name Khalifa City and is now simply called that.

This matters in practice. The old names still appear in property listings, in directions and in conversation, and the three districts are genuinely different places with different prices. If someone gives you an address using the old naming, confirm which district they actually mean before you drive out to view.

In short: Zayed City was Khalifa City C. Khalifa City B became Shakhbout City. Both old names are still in everyday use.

Where is Zayed City?

Zayed City sits on the Abu Dhabi mainland, close to Zayed International Airport. Bloom Holding describes Bloom Living as being near the airport, which puts the terminal within a short drive.

The neighbouring districts are Khalifa City, Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Shakhbout City. Al Matar is the airport district, and Masdar City is the sustainable district nearby. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) runs across the mainland and on towards Dubai, and the Maqta crossings at Al Maqtaa take you onto Abu Dhabi island.

As with every mainland district, the commute onto the island at rush hour is the thing to test before you commit. Drive it at the hour you would really travel.

In short: On the mainland near Zayed International Airport, with Khalifa City, MBZ City and Shakhbout City as neighbours.

What is Bloom Living?

Bloom Living is a gated master-planned community in Zayed City, developed by Bloom Holding. It covers about 2.2 million square metres and will hold over 4,500 homes.

The design theme is Mediterranean-inspired Spanish architecture, and the phases are named after Spanish cities. Homes come as villas, townhouses and apartments, aimed at families of different sizes and generations. The community is gated, with a guard house providing 24-hour security.

Bloom Holding has designated it an investment zone, which means buyers of all nationalities can purchase homes there. That is a meaningful difference from the surrounding mainland suburbs, where buying opportunities are limited and most stock is rented.

In short: A gated Spanish-themed master community of over 4,500 homes across 2.2 million square metres, open to buyers of all nationalities.

What are the phases of Bloom Living?

Bloom Holding has released Bloom Living in named phases, each after a Spanish city. The table below sets out what the developer has announced for each.

Seville is the phase worth noting. Announced in February 2024, it introduced the community’s first seven-bedroom mansions, and every home in it was given premium lakeside views. It is the widest range of home sizes in any single Bloom Living phase.

Olvera followed in April 2024 as the sixth phase. At launch, Bloom Holding stated that all villas and townhouses in the earlier phases had sold out, and offered Olvera with post-handover payment plans.

Both Seville and Olvera were launched with prices starting from AED 1.8 million as at their 2024 announcements. Prices and availability move, so contact Address Point Properties for current figures and for what is available in each phase today.

In short: Five named phases announced so far: Cordoba, Toledo, Casares, Seville and Olvera. The first two sold out.

What amenities does Bloom Living have?

The amenities were planned into the community rather than added afterwards, and most sit within walking distance of the homes.

• Town Center. Restaurants, cafés, retail, a supermarket, a medical clinic and a wellness centre.
• Main Clubhouse. Pools, sports facilities and recreation areas.
• Central lake. A large lake with an island, reached by pedestrian bridges, with walking trails and shaded seating. Walking, running and cycling trails run around it.
• Lagoon pool. A long community lagoon pool.
• Parks. Multiple interconnected parks, plus several children’s play areas.
• Sports. Multi-use sports courts and jogging and cycling trails.
• Plazas. Sunset Plaza and Sunrise Plaza, both overlooking the neighbourhoods and the lake.
• Amphitheatres. Multi-purpose amphitheatres for gatherings and events.
• Schools. Two international schools, within walking distance of most homes.
• Places of worship. Including a mosque.

The two points that matter most for daily family life are the clinic and the schools. A medical clinic in the Town Center and two international schools you can walk to remove two car journeys from most weekdays. That is unusual on the Abu Dhabi mainland.

In short: A Town Center with a clinic and supermarket, a clubhouse, a central lake, parks, and two international schools within walking distance.

Can foreigners buy property in Zayed City?

Yes, in Bloom Living. Bloom Holding states that the community is designated an investment zone, so buyers of all nationalities can purchase homes there.

This is the main reason Zayed City draws buyers rather than only tenants. In the surrounding mainland suburbs, including Khalifa City and Mohammed Bin Zayed City, buying is limited to a small number of designated developments and most homes are rented. Zayed City offers a large, purpose-built community where buying is the normal route.

Ownership rules, designated zones and the property values that qualify for long-term residency are set by federal and emirate authorities. They have changed more than once, so confirm what applies now before committing. Address Point Properties can tell you what is currently available to buy in each phase.

In short: Yes. Bloom Living is a designated investment zone, so buyers of any nationality can purchase there.

How does Zayed City compare to Khalifa City and MBZ City?

Newer homes and easier buying, against fewer amenities outside the community and a shorter track record.

For healthcare, both neighbours are stronger. Mohammed Bin Zayed City holds over a thousand hospital beds across Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and Burjeel Medical City. Khalifa City has NMC Royal Hospital Abu Dhabi with 200 beds. Zayed City has a clinic inside Bloom Living for everyday care, with both of those within a drive. Our Khalifa City vs MBZ City comparison covers those two in full.

In short: Zayed City wins on new homes and on being able to buy. Its neighbours win on hospitals and on established amenities.

Who does Zayed City suit?

• Buyers who want to own rather than rent, since Bloom Living is open to all nationalities
• Families who want a new-build villa or townhouse with a garden
• Households who value walkable schools and a clinic inside the community
• Anyone who wants a gated community with 24-hour security
• Buyers who like a planned layout over a suburb that grew piecemeal
• Investors wanting new freehold stock in a mainland location

Who might prefer somewhere else?

Anyone whose priority is specialist healthcare should look at Mohammed Bin Zayed City. Anyone who wants the widest choice of schools, or the shortest possible airport run, should look at Khalifa City. Those who want quiet and lower rents can look at Shakhbout City, Al Shamkha or Al Falah City.

On a tighter budget, Al Reef and Al Ghadeer sit further out at lower cost. For waterfront or island living, look at Al Raha Beach, Yas Island, Saadiyat Island or Al Reem Island instead. Our guide to the best areas for families in Abu Dhabi compares the options.

In short: If specialist hospitals, the widest school choice or waterfront living come first, look at the neighbouring districts or the islands.

Is Zayed City a good investment?

It is a new-build buy-to-own market rather than a traditional rental play, and that shapes everything about it.

The structural advantage is that you can actually buy here. Most of the Abu Dhabi mainland is a rental market where ownership is limited to a handful of developments. Bloom Living is a designated investment zone with over 4,500 homes, which gives buyers of any nationality real choice in a part of the city where choice is normally scarce.*

Demand has been visible in the sales record. At the launch of Olvera in April 2024, Bloom Holding stated that all villas and townhouses in the earlier phases had sold out. Cordoba and Toledo were described as sold out before that.

The tenant side is supported by the location. Zayed City sits beside the airport and within reach of the mainland employment areas, which matters for anyone planning to let rather than live in the home.* The community amenities — schools, clinic, supermarket, clubhouse — are the kind that keep family tenants in place for several years.*

Address Point Properties can tell you which phases currently have homes available, what they transact at, and what rents and yields are realistically achievable.

In short: A new-build freehold market in a part of Abu Dhabi where buying is normally restricted. The earlier phases sold out.

FAQ — Zayed City

What is Zayed City in Abu Dhabi?

Zayed City is a residential district on the Abu Dhabi mainland, near Zayed International Airport. It was formerly called Khalifa City C, and it is the newest of the three Khalifa City districts. It is built around Bloom Living, a gated master-planned community by Bloom Holding covering about 2.2 million square metres with over 4,500 homes.

This makes Zayed City different from its neighbours. Khalifa City and Mohammed Bin Zayed City grew over decades into large mixed suburbs. Zayed City was planned as a single piece. The homes are newer, the layout is deliberate, and amenities such as the schools, clinic and clubhouse were designed in from the start rather than added later.

Is Zayed City the same as Khalifa City C?

Yes. Khalifa City C was renamed Zayed City, and the old name is still in everyday use. Bloom Holding lists the location as “Zayed City (Khalifa City C)” on its own website, which shows how current the old naming remains. The same renaming happened next door: Khalifa City B became Shakhbout City, while Khalifa City A kept the name and is now simply Khalifa City.

This causes regular confusion, because the three districts are genuinely different places with different prices and different amenities. The old names still appear in property listings and in directions. If someone gives you an address using the old naming, check which district they mean before you drive out to view.

What is Bloom Living?

Bloom Living is a gated master-planned community in Zayed City, developed by Bloom Holding. It covers about 2.2 million square metres and will hold over 4,500 homes, built in Mediterranean-inspired Spanish architecture with phases named after Spanish cities. Homes come as villas, townhouses and apartments. The community is gated with a guard house and 24-hour security.

Amenities include a Town Center with restaurants, cafés, retail, a supermarket, a medical clinic and a wellness centre; a main clubhouse with pools and sports facilities; a large central lake with an island reached by pedestrian bridges; a community lagoon pool; interconnected parks; multi-purpose amphitheatres; Sunset and Sunrise Plazas; places of worship; and two international schools within walking distance of most homes.

What are the phases of Bloom Living?

Bloom Holding has announced five named phases, each after a Spanish city. Cordoba was the first phase and Toledo the second, and both sold out. Casares is the third phase, offering two- and three-bedroom townhouses, with announced completion in Q1 2026. Seville is the fifth phase, announced in February 2024.

It introduced the community’s first seven-bedroom mansions, alongside three- to six-bedroom villas and two- and three-bedroom townhouses. Every home was given premium lakeside views. Announced completion is Q1 2027. Olvera is the sixth phase, announced in April 2024, offering two- and three-bedroom premium townhouses with announced completion in Q3 2027. For what is available in each phase today, contact Address Point Properties.

Can expats buy property in Zayed City?

Yes, in Bloom Living. Bloom Holding states that the community is designated an investment zone, which means buyers of all nationalities can purchase homes there. This is the main reason Zayed City attracts buyers rather than only tenants. Across most of the Abu Dhabi mainland, buying is limited to a small number of designated developments.

That includes Khalifa City and Mohammed Bin Zayed City, where most homes are rented out by individual landlords. Zayed City offers a large purpose-built community where buying is the normal route rather than the exception. Ownership rules, designated zones and the property values that qualify for long-term residency are set by federal and emirate authorities. They have changed more than once, so confirm what applies now before committing.

How much do homes in Bloom Living cost?

Bloom Holding launched both Seville and Olvera with prices starting from AED 1.8 million, as at their announcements in February and April 2024 respectively. Olvera was offered with post-handover payment plans. Those are launch figures from 2024, not current ones. Prices move with each phase and with the market, so treat them as a reference point rather than a quote.

Availability has also shifted: Bloom Holding stated at the Olvera launch that all villas and townhouses in the earlier phases had sold out. For current prices, payment plans and what is genuinely available in each phase, contact Address Point Properties. They can also tell you what homes in the completed phases are reselling for.

Is Zayed City good for families?

It is built for families, and two features stand out. Bloom Living has two international schools within walking distance of most homes, and a medical clinic in the Town Center. Between them those remove two regular car journeys from the week, which is unusual on the Abu Dhabi mainland where almost everything needs a drive.

There is also a supermarket, a clubhouse with pools and sports facilities, interconnected parks, several children’s play areas, multi-use sports courts and a central lake with walking trails. Most of family life sits inside the gates. The community is gated with 24-hour security. Families who need specialist hospital care nearby should note that Mohammed Bin Zayed City holds far greater hospital capacity, a short drive away.

Where exactly is Zayed City?

Zayed City is on the Abu Dhabi mainland, close to Zayed International Airport. Bloom Holding describes Bloom Living as being near the airport. That puts the terminal within a short drive, which suits anyone who flies often or works in aviation. The neighbouring districts are Khalifa City, Mohammed Bin Zayed City and Shakhbout City, with Al Matar as the airport district and Masdar City nearby.

Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311) runs across the mainland and on towards Dubai, and the Maqta crossings at Al Maqtaa take you onto Abu Dhabi island. As with every mainland district, the island commute at rush hour is the thing to test before committing, so drive it at the hour you would really travel.

How does Zayed City compare to Khalifa City?

They suit different buyers. Zayed City has the newer homes, a single planned layout, and Bloom Living’s investment-zone status that lets buyers of any nationality purchase. Khalifa City is the established district with the denser cluster of schools. Those include The International School of Choueifat, GEMS American Academy and Global Indian International School.

It also has Abu Dhabi University and Al Forsan International Sports Resort, and it sits closer to the airport than anywhere else in Abu Dhabi. Khalifa City also has NMC Royal Hospital Abu Dhabi with 200 beds inside the district. In practice: choose Zayed City to buy a new-build home in a planned community, and Khalifa City to rent in an established area with the widest choice of schools nearby.

What is there to do in Zayed City?

Most of it sits inside Bloom Living. The central lake has an island reached by pedestrian bridges, with walking trails and shaded seating, and walking, running and cycling trails run around it. There is a long community lagoon pool, multi-use sports courts, several children’s play areas and multiple interconnected parks. The main clubhouse has pools, sports facilities and recreation areas, and the Town Center has restaurants, cafés and retail alongside the supermarket and clinic. Sunset Plaza and Sunrise Plaza overlook the neighbourhoods and the lake, and there are multi-purpose amphitheatres for gatherings and events. For larger days out, Yas Island and the Abu Dhabi island attractions are a drive away.

Summary

Zayed City is a residential district on the Abu Dhabi mainland near Zayed International Airport, formerly called Khalifa City C. It is the newest of the three Khalifa City districts, alongside Khalifa City and Shakhbout City, the former Khalifa City B.

The district is built around Bloom Living, a gated master community by Bloom Holding covering about 2.2 million square metres with over 4,500 homes in Mediterranean-inspired Spanish architecture. Five phases have been announced: Cordoba, Toledo, Casares, Seville and Olvera. Cordoba and Toledo sold out. Seville introduced the community’s first seven-bedroom mansions with announced completion in Q1 2027, and Olvera followed with announced completion in Q3 2027.

Amenities include a Town Center with a supermarket, a medical clinic and a wellness centre. There is also a main clubhouse, a central lake, interconnected parks, and two international schools within walking distance of most homes. Bloom Living is a designated investment zone, so buyers of all nationalities can purchase. For specialist hospitals, Mohammed Bin Zayed City next door is stronger. For current availability and prices in Zayed City, contact Address Point Properties.

Buy or rent in Zayed City with Address Point Properties

Address Point Properties works across Zayed City and the surrounding mainland districts. Bloom Living sells in phases, and the earlier ones sold out before completion. So what is available at any moment keeps changing. Some of it is new releases from the developer, some of it resale from the completed phases. We can tell you what is genuinely on the market right now in each phase, what it costs, and how it compares with the neighbouring districts.

Message Address Point Properties on WhatsApp  or visit  approperties.ae.

Market observations marked with an asterisk (*) are indicative only, derived from market research, and are subject to change without notice. They do not constitute an offer, a valuation or financial advice. Phase names, home types, community specifications, amenities and completion dates are as announced by Bloom Holding at the time of each release and are subject to change; announced completion dates are not a guarantee of handover. Prices quoted are launch prices as at the 2024 announcements stated and are not current figures.

School and clinic provision, operators and fees are set by those institutions and change; confirm directly. Property ownership rules, designated investment zones and long-term residency thresholds are set by federal and emirate-level authority and are subject to change. This guide reflects conditions as at October 2026. Prospective buyers and tenants should verify all details with Address Point Properties before making any decision. Use of this guide is subject to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.