Al Reem Island is Abu Dhabi’s premier mixed-use development — a master-planned island community adjacent to Abu Dhabi city with premium office towers, residential towers, and retail. Here is a guide to doing business on Al Reem Island.
Al Reem Island Overview
Al Reem Island is connected to central Abu Dhabi via two bridges and is home to: premium residential towers (among Abu Dhabi’s most sought-after), commercial office towers (Abu Dhabi’s most modern grade-A office market), retail (Shams Abu Dhabi retail promenade), international schools, and healthcare facilities. Key commercial developments: Sky Tower, Sun Tower, Najmat Abu Dhabi, and the newer Gate Towers development.
Business Setup on Al Reem Island
Companies operating from Al Reem Island: typically hold an Abu Dhabi mainland professional or commercial licence from the Abu Dhabi DED, or an ADGM licence (ADGM is on Al Maryah Island — adjacent to Al Reem Island, directly accessible by bridge). For ADGM-licensed entities: Al Reem Island addresses are commonly used as residential addresses by ADGM company directors (ADGM’s registered address must be on Al Maryah Island, but directors can reside on Al Reem Island). Mainland Abu Dhabi DED licence holders: can operate from commercial office space anywhere in Abu Dhabi, including Al Reem Island towers.
Al Reem Island Office Market
Grade-A office space on Al Reem Island: AED 80–150/sqft/year (2025 rates — significantly higher than some Abu Dhabi office markets but comparable to Dubai’s mid-tier office market). Major tenants: international consultancies, financial services firms, and UAE government-related entities choose Al Reem Island for Abu Dhabi headquarters. Alternative: Abu Dhabi mainland professional licence with a virtual office address is significantly cheaper for companies that do not need physical Al Reem Island office space.