Masdar City, Abu Dhabi

Masdar City is a planned, low-carbon urban development in Abu Dhabi, master-planned by Foster + Partners and developed by Mubadala. It functions simultaneously as a residential district, a clean-technology hub, and the home of the Masdar Institute (now part of Khalifa University).

Location & connectivity

Masdar City sits adjacent to Abu Dhabi International Airport, roughly 30 km east of Abu Dhabi city centre. It connects to the wider emirate via Sheikh Maktoum Bin Rashid Road and is approximately 10–15 minutes by car from the airport terminals. Dubai is roughly 60–70 minutes by road via Sheikh Zayed Road.

Property mix

Residential supply in Masdar City is currently limited and focused predominantly on apartments, with development phased over the long-term master plan.

• •Apartments: Masdar City residential buildings (phased delivery; specific building names should be verified with the developer Mubadala)
• •Student & staff housing: Khalifa University Masdar Campus accommodation
• •Future phases: mixed-use residential plots planned but not yet fully delivered

Schools

No dedicated K-12 schools are currently located within Masdar City itself. Nearby options include:

• •GEMS American Academy Abu Dhabi — approx. 20-min drive
• •Raha International School — approx. 15-min drive (Al Raha area)
• •Abu Dhabi International School — approx. 20-min drive

[VERIFY: school drive times and availability should be confirmed against current Google Maps distances.]

Healthcare

No hospital is located within Masdar City at present. Nearest facilities:

• •Burjeel Hospital, Al Muntazah — approx. 20-min drive
• •NMC Royal Hospital, Khalifa City — approx. 15-min drive
• •Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi — approx. 25-min drive (Al Maryah Island)

Shopping & dining

Masdar City has a modest retail and F&B offering on its ground-level podium streets, with cafés and casual dining serving the student and worker population. For major retail, Yas Mall is around 15 minutes by car and offers a full hypermarket and dining mix. Khalifa City's strip malls and supermarkets are also within a 10–15 minute drive.

Parks & leisure

Masdar City's pedestrian-only street network and shaded public spaces provide a walkable outdoor environment, though formal parks are limited. Yas Island — with Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and golf courses — is approximately 15 minutes away by car. Abu Dhabi's Corniche and city-centre attractions are around 30 minutes by road.

Nearby areas

• •Khalifa City A
• •Al Raha Beach
• •Yas Island
• •Abu Dhabi International Airport district
• •Mohammed Bin Zayed City

Things to consider

Masdar City suits buyers aligned with sustainability values and proximity to the airport or Khalifa University, but residential options remain limited and the community is still maturing — retail, schools, and entertainment are not yet on the doorstep. Buyers wanting a fully built-out neighbourhood with active street life should factor in the community's ongoing phased development.