Khalifa City is a residential suburb of the city. It is divided into 3 areas: Khalifa City A, Khalifa City B, and New Khalifa City. Khalifa City A is on the main highway to Dubai, about 30 kilometres from Abu Dhabi, and is close to Abu Dhabi International Airport. Khalifa City B is further inland and is near Bani Yas and Al Shawamikh. The new Khalifa City is planned to be between A and B. All of Khalifa City is currently being developed in what will become the new city center of Abu Dhabi. Khalifa City A, which already has around 600-700 houses, will be adjacent to the prestigious Al Raha Beach project. This project will include residential and commercial units, as well as many international hotels. The project is being built by Aldar properties.

Etihad Airways has its head office in Khalifa City A.

Zayed University – The New ZU AUH Campus is located in Khalifa B in Abu Dhabi.  It is housed on a land area of 77 Hectares with a total built up area of 188,500 SQM.  The built-up area features a segregated campus that can accommodate both males and females during the core hours but in separate  and identical facilities that mirror each other.

The designer of the new AUH Campus was inspired with the dessert and the veil and chose to reflect these two within the design of the campus.  The designer’s vision states:  “The new campus find its emphasis in the distinct marking of the focal point. Formally, the central functions of the University are linked organically – inspired by the flowing forms of the desert and the veil. Functionally, the integrated, shady outdoor spaces activate communication. Emotionally, the academic establishment in the neighborhood of further large buildings devoted to culture and sport, gains an image of its standard that is distinguishable the world over.”

The campus became operational in August 2011 and boasts impressive state-of-the-art facilities, spaces of which include:

•  413 classrooms/quiet study areas/laboratories;
•  25 administrative offices
•  764 faculty & college administration offices;
•  217 meeting & breakout rooms;
•  Varied sizes of auditoriums (convention center auditorium capacity of 1000 persons, library auditoriums capacity of 400 and

  200 persons respectively).

•  Cafeteria that can cater to 2325 persons at any one time
•  31 retail spaces of various types and sizes for different types of retail mixes.
•  Large library with 5 floors – that is functionally designed to be able to do efficient segregation and time-sharing.
•  Fitness facility with spaces designed for multiple sporting activities and an half-sized olympic pool

In addition to the above, the ZU Khalifa City campus is the only one of the 5 ZU campuses that has the following:

•  2 residential blocks – one for males and one for females, each being able to accommodate 67 students
•  Daycare center

The campus capacity is to accommodate a total of 6,000 students, approximately 70% Female and 30% Male.  The campus has been functionally designed to allow easy expansion in the event of growth.

Two parties share in the responsibilities of facilities management of the Khalifa City Campus.  These parties include ZU CPD and JBI/Serco.  Each of the parties having distinct roles and responsibilities that are known to the users of the campus.  

Khalifa City A – Khalifa City A is located on the mainland this large neighborhood is separated from the sea by Al Raha Gardens. The area is relatively quiet and there are no problems with parking. It will take about 40 minutes to reach the city center but the airport is close by, you can also reach Dubai from here in about 50 minutes.

Housing

Mostly detached villas some of which have their own pool, the homes are also on large plots. Being out of the way and not close to the downtown area the property prices here are lower than in other areas of Abu Dhabi. This is a predominantly residential neighborhood not one that stands out as a hub of entertainment venues, it’s more for those seeking the quiet life. There are plans to develop the area even further.

Residents

Popular with those who want a large luxurious property and don’t mind being out of the center of Abu Dhabi, families enjoy the large gardens and pools in the luxurious villas of this neighborhood. The area also has a growing expat community.

Entertainment and Services

There are a few convenience stores, cafes- including a internet cafe, and a supermarket, nearby known as the ‘pink shops’. The Abu Dhabi Golf Club is a short drive and depending what part of the area you live in the Al Raha beach area is easily reached. You could also visit the Raha Shopping Mall 3km away where there is also a cinema. The closest huge mall is the Abu Dhabi Mall 10km away with about 220 outlets, however I used to visit Mazyed Mall quite often for groceries and Applebees!

Education

There is at least one pre-school and high school in proximity to the residential areas. The International School of Choueifat (ISC) opened in 2006 and is part of a major chain of schools. The Raha International School, Al Yasmina School (ages 3-18) and the Canadian International School are all under 3km from Khalifa City A. British International School (BISAD)- where my kids attend is a 10 minute drive. The newly opened Gems World Academy is located in Khalifa A as well. For younger kids there is the Humpty Dumpty Nursery and the Teddy Bear American Nursery.They are many school bus services to Khalifa A. Many schools in the area offers plenty of extracurricular programs which kids from any school can usually join so check around!

Health Care

The closest hospital, Al Mafraq Hospital is 10 km away, the Zayed Military Hospital is 14 km away and the American European Medical Center is 20km away. There is a clinic opposite the pink shops for emergencies but most people tend to go to Al Noor near Carrefour for major problems as it is more international.

Khalifa City B & C – Khalifa B (sometimes called Khalifa City B) is relatively far from the city center (a 30 minute drive). This mainland residential area is only 7km from the airport it is a recent development which keeps growing. On the outskirts of the city you will need to drive to reach any places of business, entertainment or recreation.

Khalifa B is across Old Airport City Road further inland than its neighbor Khalifa City A which has many more amenities and facilities. Other neighboring areas are Al Shawamekh and Mafraq. It is literally on the edge of the desert but big plans are in the works for making this another well serviced district. Between Khalifa A and Khalifa B is an area which is to become Khalifa C, joining the whole Khalifa area and making it a powerful competitor to the crowded Abu Dhabi island center.

Khalifa City is a residential suburb of the city in UAE