Your Ultimate Guide to Moving to Al Reem Island Starts from here
Thinking about moving to Al Reem Island? It’s a popular choice for a reason. With its amazing apartment towers, great views, and everything you need just a short walk away, it’s one of the best places to live in Abu Dhabi.
But moving into a high-rise community has its own set of rules and challenges. This guide is here to help. We’re sharing real, on-the-ground advice from our moving teams who are in these buildings every single day. We’ll cover everything from what life is really like on the island to the specific rules you need to know for moving into the big towers.
Life on Al Reem Island: Everything You Need is Right Here
One of the best things about living on Al Reem is that you rarely have to leave the island for your daily needs. Everything is designed for convenience.
For Your Daily Shopping
You have plenty of great supermarkets to choose from:
Carrefour: You can find Carrefour in several spots, like Al Reem Mall and Paragon Bay Mall. They have a huge selection, including special sections for organic, Filipino, Indian, and Pakistani products.
Waitrose: Located in Shams Boutik Mall, this is a favorite for British expats and anyone looking for fresh produce and international brands.
Al Maya and Zoom: These are perfect for grabbing your daily essentials and are conveniently located right in the residential towers.
Parks, Restaurants, and Things to Do
The island has a great mix of busy city life and relaxing spots. Reem Central Park is the main attraction—a beautiful park with walking paths, playgrounds, and even a canal where you can go kayaking.
For food, you’re spoiled for choice:
Cafe James in Shams Boutik is a popular spot for a casual coffee or brunch.
Marjouha is great for authentic Lebanese street food.
Sushi Library is a go-to for fresh and delicious Japanese food.
You can also find familiar favorites like Nando’s for a quick and easy meal.
What’s the Vibe? Al Reem vs. Other Islands
Each of Abu Dhabi’s main islands has its own feel. Here’s a simple breakdown:
Al Reem Island: Think busy, modern, and convenient. It’s full of young professionals and families who love the high-rise, waterfront lifestyle where you can walk to shops and cafes. Now that it’s part of the ADGM Free Zone, it’s also becoming a major business hub.
Yas Island: This is the entertainment island. It’s all about fun and action, with Ferrari World and the Yas Marina Circuit.
Saadiyat Island: This is the island for luxury, culture, and quiet. With the Louvre Abu Dhabi and beautiful beaches, it’s much more relaxed and exclusive.
A Mover’s Guide: The Rules for Al Reem’s Top Towers
Every building on Al Reem Island is a little different, and each has its own rules for moving in and out. Knowing these details makes a big difference, and since most moves on the island involve apartments, having a team of expert apartment movers who know the ins and outs of these buildings makes it even easier.
| Tower Name | What You Need to Know (Management & Rules) | Getting Access (Loading Bays & Elevators) | Typical Apartments |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gate Towers | The management here is strict. Moves are often only allowed on weekdays, and you’ll need to book the service elevator in advance and pay a security deposit. | The loading bay is well-organized, but you must coordinate with them. Big sofas might need to be taken apart to fit in the corridors and elevators. | Mostly 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, but there are also studios and penthouses. |
| The Bridges | You must get a formal Move-In/Out NOC (permit) 3-5 days before your move. The management is professional and sticks to the rules. | Access is good with special loading bays. Since these are mid-rise towers, it's a bit simpler than the super-tall buildings, but you still must reserve the service elevator. | A mix of studios and 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments. |
| Sun & Sky Towers | As some of the tallest towers, the management is very strict. Moves are often not allowed on weekends or holidays, and a large, refundable deposit for the elevator is required. | There is a separate service entrance and loading dock. The elevators are big, but because the towers are so tall (Sun Tower has 65 floors), you need to book well in advance to avoid delays. | A good mix of 1, 2, and 3-bedroom apartments, plus larger penthouses. |
| Pixel | This is a modern, community-focused building. Management is usually efficient, but the NOC and move-in/out times are strictly enforced to avoid disturbing residents. | Access is great. Parking for moving trucks is generally easier here than in older parts of the island. The service elevators are modern and work well. | Lots of studios and 1-bedroom apartments, which are popular with young professionals. |
Pro Tips for a Smooth High-Rise Move
The #1 Mistake People Make
The biggest mistake is not getting the Move-In/Out Permit (NOC) and booking the service elevator on time. If you show up without the right paperwork, building security will not let your movers in. This can cause your entire move to be canceled, costing you time and money.
Getting Your Move-Out Permit (NOC): A Simple Guide
The NOC is a document from your building management that says you have cleared all your payments and are allowed to move out. For a complete breakdown, you can read our detailed guide on how to get a move-out permit in Abu Dhabi, but here is a simple overview. Start this process 3-4 weeks before your move
Check Your Tenancy Contract: Look for any rules about moving out.
Pay Your Bills: Make sure you have paid all your final rent, service charges, and utility (ADDC) bills.
Apply with Management: Go to your building’s management office and fill out the move-out application.
Schedule an Inspection: The landlord or property manager will need to do a final inspection of your apartment.
You’ll need to provide copies of your final payment receipts and your ADDC clearance certificate. The whole process usually takes 3-5 working days after you’ve submitted everything.
Smart Packing Tips for High-Rise Apartments
The Golden Rule: Use Smaller Boxes. They are much easier to carry through narrow hallways and fit inside service elevators.
Label Everything. Write the room name (“Kitchen,” “Bedroom”) and a note like “Fragile” on every box. This helps the movers place them in the right rooms quickly.
Pack an “Essentials” Box. Keep one box separate with things you’ll need right away: toiletries, phone chargers, medications, a towel, and a change of clothes.
Take Apart Large Furniture. Make sure big items like beds and tables are fully dismantled. It’s surprising how tight some corners can be in high-rise buildings.
A Happy Customer on Reem Island
We can discuss our process all day, but it’s more effective to hear it from a customer. Here’s what a recent client said after we moved their 20-foot container’s worth of belongings in a single day:
“Very efficient and fast-moving service provided by excellent people. I would like to thank you personally, the moving team Abu Bakar, Umair, Nasir, and Rashid, for the flawless and excellent service provided. And thank you to Irfan for the really good pricing… Their price is the best in town. Highly recommended!”
This is the kind of smooth, stress-free experience we aim for with every move.
Ready to Make Your Move to Al Reem?
Moving to Al Reem Island is an exciting new chapter. We hope this guide helps you feel more prepared for the journey. Knowing these details makes a big difference, but having a moving team that already knows the ins and outs of these buildings makes it even easier.
If you’re ready to get started, you can learn more about our specialized movers in Al Reem Island. Our team is happy to provide you with a clear, no-obligation quote and explain why we’re the trusted choice for high-rise moves.