New gated communities have become popular among the wealthy expats in Abu Dhabi, because of the excellent facilities that they offer in the form of security, parking, high quality construction and a cosmopolitan population. Expats are willing to pay top dollar for the superior lifestyle that these homes offer.

Many of the communities are self-contained with shops, restaurants, cafes and department stores located within the development, which means that residents do not have to go far for their daily shopping needs. Among the popular communities is Al Raha Gardens from Aldar Properties, which is a development with 1400 units located opposite to Al Raha Beach. Al Zeina, another popular mixed use community from Aldar is popular because it offers private access to the beach. The 1221-unit development is also conveniently located close to Yas Island, Saadiyat Island and Ferrari World.

Al Reef Villa community by Manzil is yet another self-contained development that is preferred by expats as it is close to the Abu Dhabi highway and is located on the road to Shahama City. While, earlier, residents in the community had to drive to get anywhere, recently, bus services to the area have increased, making it more accessible. The community is also close to several malls such as Deerfields Mall, Al Raha Mall and Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, besides being just a half-hour drive away from Saadiyat Island.

Marina Square by Tamouh on Reem Island, which includes a cluster of high rise towers with waterfront view and pedestrian walkways, is also an attractive community. With the increasing popularity of these communities, many expats who had earlier purchased investment properties in these developments are relocating there for the superior lifestyle. In addition, expats who had earlier rented properties in these communities are looking out for properties to buy in these developments because of the promising rents. Rental values in some of the communities have risen by as much as 20 per cent over the last year.

However, despite the increase in demand for properties in gated communities in Abu Dhabi, at present there is a shortage of supply of these high quality residential properties.