Abu Dhabi rent continues to rise across prime waterfront communities, yet many long-term residents still choose lifestyle over cost. In this context, a salon entrepreneur and her family offer insight into how community appeal outweighs increasing rental prices in Al Raha Beach.
UK-born business owner Tara Rose Kidd has lived in Abu Dhabi for 17 years. Moreover, she now rents a three-bedroom apartment in the Al Bandar community, overlooking the water and close to major transport links. She shares the home with her husband, their son, and their Italian greyhound.
The family pays Dh240,000 per year for the apartment. Although the price increased from Dh180,000 when they first moved in, she considers the rise manageable given the property’s location and features.
The apartment sits on the 11th floor and offers a large balcony with broad waterfront views. Additionally, the space provides an outdoor living area used throughout the cooler months, giving the home a relaxed and open feel.
Kidd says the family chose Al Bandar because of the sea-facing views and spacious layouts. Furthermore, the community offers direct access to the water, creating a lifestyle that the family values deeply.
She explains that the building’s design and location give them comfort, convenience, and a strong sense of home. Therefore, they have stayed in the same district for eight years, moving only once within the community.
The location also supports the family’s work commitments. Her salon branches operate across the UAE, and her husband’s car businesses are based in Dubai. Consequently, the proximity to major highways makes commuting easier for both of them.
The community offers multiple amenities including pools, tennis courts, a gym, squash courts, shops, cafés, and restaurants. Moreover, its quiet atmosphere and marina access add to its appeal for families seeking calm surroundings.
Kidd says she would only add more space, perhaps an office or extra bedrooms. However, she stresses that the home continues to meet the family’s needs.
The family still chooses renting instead of buying. They consistently reinvest in their businesses, so locking funds into property has never aligned with their financial strategy.
Although they rent today, they plan to buy eventually. The couple hopes to purchase a villa on Ramhan Island because the project offers space, privacy, and uninterrupted sea views. Additionally, the island aligns with their long-term lifestyle goals.
For now, their priority remains stability, comfort, and waterfront living. As Abu Dhabi rent increases in key communities, families like theirs focus less on cost and more on the experience their home provides.
Looking ahead, Kidd says the dream of purchasing remains strong. Yet she emphasizes that their current home still reflects the life they built in Abu Dhabi, and that emotional connection makes the location difficult to leave.
Through her experience, Abu Dhabi rent trends show that lifestyle-driven decisions continue to shape the choices of long-term residents who prioritize convenience, community, and a strong connection to the waterfront.
