AlJurf or Masdar City?
Side by side on published prices, yields, new developments and drive times.
Illustrative image
Where each one leads
Drawn only from published figures and the developments we list, each with its source.
Lower price per sq ft
AlJurf averages AED 1,583 per sq ft against AED 1,696 in Masdar City, about 7% less (Bayut, from advertised asking prices, October 2026).
Closer to Yas Island
Masdar City is about 18 minutes from Yas Island by car, against about 25 minutes from AlJurf.
Side by side
| Measure | AlJurf | Masdar City |
|---|---|---|
| Emirate | Abu Dhabi | Abu Dhabi |
| Tenure | Freehold | Freehold |
| Asking price per sq ft | AED 1,583Bayut, October 2026 | AED 1,696Bayut, October 2026 |
| Drive to Yas Island | about 25 minutes | about 18 minutes |
| Drive to Zayed International Airport | about 30 minutes | about 10 minutes |
Each figure is shown as its publisher states it, with the period it covers. A row appears only where both areas have a figure. Read 12 November 2026.
New developments in each
AlJurf
We do not list a development in AlJurf yet.
Masdar City
We do not list a development in Masdar City yet.
What each area is like
AlJurf
A 380-hectare coastal community at Ghantoot, roughly halfway between Abu Dhabi and Dubai, developed by IMKAN as a second-home and wellness destination. Remote from both cities by design.
Who it suits
- Second-home buyers who want a quiet coastal setting
- Households with members working in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai
- Buyers interested in wellness-resort living at SHA
- Boat owners attracted by the planned marina and canal
In its favour
- Designated investment zone ('Al Jurf, Ghantoot'): freehold for foreign nationals
- 380-hectare coastal masterplan with a private beach and marina (IMKAN)
- 4.36 km canal adding 8.72 km of waterfront at Naseem AlJurf
Worth weighing
- Distance: listings put Abu Dhabi city centre about 50 minutes away and Dubai about 45 minutes. Plan on driving everywhere
- IMKAN publishes little hard data. Prices, unit counts and handover dates for current phases are mostly not on its website, and its online construction update dates from February 2024
Masdar City
A 6 sq km low-carbon district and free zone next to Zayed International Airport, with mid-rise apartments at some of Abu Dhabi's lowest freehold prices. Suits yield-focused investors and people who work there.
Who it suits
- Investors seeking lower entry prices and tenant demand from the free zone
- People working or studying in Masdar City or at the airport
- First-time buyers priced out of the islands
- Buyers who value energy-efficient buildings
In its favour
- Designated investment zone: foreign nationals can buy
- Free zone with IRENA's headquarters, MBZUAI, Siemens Energy and G42
- About 10 minutes to Zayed International Airport and 18 minutes to Yas Island (Reportage)
Worth weighing
- The original masterplan slipped badly. Completion has been pushed from 2016 to 2030 and beyond, so treat future phases as uncertain
- No beach, marina or major mall. Leisure means a drive to Yas Island
AlJurf or Masdar City: quick answers
Is AlJurf or Masdar City cheaper per square foot?
AlJurf is cheaper on the published figures: AED 1,583 per sq ft against AED 1,696 in Masdar City (Bayut, from advertised asking prices, October 2026). Averages move with the mix of homes sold, so compare like with like before relying on the gap.
Which is closer to Yas Island, AlJurf or Masdar City?
Masdar City, at about 18 minutes by car against about 25 minutes from AlJurf. Drive times are approximate and vary with traffic.
Which is closer to Zayed International Airport, AlJurf or Masdar City?
Masdar City, at about 10 minutes by car against about 30 minutes from AlJurf. Drive times are approximate and vary with traffic.
Can foreigners buy property in AlJurf and Masdar City?
AlJurf is a designated freehold area, open to buyers of any nationality. Masdar City is a designated freehold area, open to buyers of any nationality. Sales in Abu Dhabi are registered with the ADREC.
Not sure which area fits?
Tell us your budget, your timing and whether you will live there or let it, and we will set the two areas against each other for you.
- Current price list and availability, direct from the developer
- No fee to you on off-plan purchases: the developer pays us
- One salaried adviser, not on commission, from first call to handover
