Rabdan Building

Rabdan Building is a contemporary 18-storey freehold residential tower in Motor City, Dubai, developed by Al Fahim Group — one of the UAE's oldest and most established family conglomerates, founded in 1958. Designed by the internationally respected architectural firm Khatib & Alami (ranked Top 10 in the Middle East by ENR 2023) and constructed by CRC Engineering Company, Rabdan Building delivers modern apartment living within one of Dubai's most dynamic automotive-themed communities, masterplanned by Union Properties.

TL;DR: Rabdan Building is an 18-storey freehold residential tower in Motor City by Al Fahim Group (est. 1958), featuring 1 and 2-bedroom apartments with floor-to-ceiling windows, ground-floor retail, a 7.12% rental yield, and prices from AED 890K — positioned within Dubai's automotive-themed Motor City community with direct access to Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai Autodrome, and First Avenue Mall.

Project Overview and Key Statistics

Rabdan Building rises 18 storeys within Motor City, offering a carefully curated selection of 1-bedroom and 2-bedroom freehold apartments complemented by 8 ground-floor retail units. The tower was constructed starting from December 2016 and completed in 2020, with handover extending into early 2021. The building takes its name from the Rabdan district in Abu Dhabi where Al Fahim Group's headquarters is located, reflecting the developer's deep Emirati heritage.

The tower has recorded 808 total transactions according to PropertyFinder market data, demonstrating strong liquidity and sustained market demand. Located off Hessa Street (D61) with coordinates 25.04457°N, 55.228016°E, the building sits approximately 0.5 km from Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), providing exceptional arterial connectivity.

Architectural Design and Construction Quality

Khatib & Alami (K&A), the architectural consultant behind Rabdan Building, is a multidisciplinary engineering firm established in 1964 and recognized among the Middle East's leading architectural practices. The building features a contemporary design language characterized by clean, straightforward edges, expansive glass windows, and quality construction materials throughout.

The exterior facade presents a sleek modern aesthetic with generous glazing that maximizes natural light penetration, while the interior finishes include marble countertops, streamlined cabinetry, quality fixtures, and built-in wardrobes across all unit types. Floor-to-ceiling windows define the living spaces, framing panoramic views of Motor City's landscaped community and the surrounding Dubailand developments. The building incorporates central air conditioning, sustainability-conscious design elements, and high-speed modern elevators.

Location and Strategic Connectivity

Rabdan Building occupies a strategically advantageous position within Motor City, benefiting from direct access to Dubai's primary road network:

Road Connectivity:

• Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311): 0.5 km / 11 minutes
• Hessa Street (D61): Direct access
• Dubai Mall: ~23 minutes by car
• Palm Jumeirah: ~17 minutes by car
• Mall of the Emirates: 10-15 minutes drive

Air Travel:

• Dubai International Airport (DXB): ~28 minutes
• Al Maktoum International Airport: ~32 minutes

Public Transport:

• Mall of the Emirates Metro Station: 15 minutes drive
• Dubai Internet City Metro Station: 14-17 minutes drive
• Motor City Control Tower Bus Stop: 3-minute walk
• Foxhill Bus Stop: 5-minute walk
• Autodrome Stadium Bus Stop: 4-minute drive (Bus F37)
• F29 bus service links to Mall of the Emirates Metro Station

Nearby Communities:

• Dubai Studio City: 2.4 km
• Sports City: 1.4 km
• Victory Heights: 1.9 km
• Arjan: 2.2 km
• Jumeirah Village Circle: 2.5 km

Educational Institutions

Families residing in Rabdan Building benefit from proximity to several highly-rated educational institutions:

| School | Distance | Curriculum | Annual Fee | |--------|----------|-----------|------------| | Renaissance School | 0.4 km | American | AED 45,500 | | Dwight School Dubai | 1.0 km | International Baccalaureate | AED 91,500 | | Victory Heights Primary School | 1.1 km | British | AED 49,000 | | GEMS School of Research | 1.2 km | British | AED 157,500 | | Emirates British Nursery | 5-min drive | Early Years | — |

Healthcare Facilities

Medical services in the vicinity include Nahdi Pharmacy (0.2 km), Coopers Health Clinic (Motor City), Medicentres Motorcity, Medcare Medical Centre, Prime Medical Center, and Emirates Hospital Day Surgery & Medical Center (Uptown Motor City). Complementary wellness services include TCM Acupuncture (0.2 km) and Santhigiri Holistic Health Centre (0.2 km).

Comprehensive Amenities and Lifestyle

Rabdan Building delivers a well-rounded amenities package designed to support modern urban living:

Recreation and Fitness:

• Swimming pool with dedicated kids' splash pool
• Fully equipped gymnasium with TechnoGym equipment
• Indoor games room
• Outdoor BBQ area
• Walking track surrounding the building
• Landscaped park with central green space

Children's Facilities:

• Secured outdoor children's play area
• Dedicated kids' splash pool

Security and Services:

• 24/7 security with CCTV surveillance
• Concierge services
• High-speed modern elevators
• Central air conditioning
• General maintenance services
• Power backup
• 24/7 water supply
• Elegant reception lobby

Parking:

• Covered parking (1 allocated space per apartment)
• Designated visitor parking areas

Ground-Floor Retail: The 8 ground-floor retail units house a variety of convenience-oriented businesses including B2B Supermarket, Sweat & Go gym, Loving Blooms children's nursery, and Mega Sun Lounge tanning salon, ensuring residents have essential services within steps of their front door.

Unit Types, Configurations, and Pricing

Rabdan Building offers two residential configurations, both featuring modern finishes and private balconies:

1-Bedroom Apartments (768 – 778 sq ft)

• Open-plan living and dining area
• Modern kitchen with quality fixtures
• Bedroom with built-in wardrobes
• En-suite bathroom plus guest washroom
• Private balcony with community views
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• Central air conditioning
• 1 allocated covered parking space
• Sale Price: AED 902,230 – AED 958,829
• Annual Rental: AED 69,999 – AED 80,000

2-Bedroom Apartments (1,175 – 1,206 sq ft)

• Spacious living and dining area
• Open kitchen with modern appliances
• 2 bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms
• 3 bathrooms total
• Built-in wardrobes and ample storage
• Private balcony with community views
• Floor-to-ceiling windows
• 1 allocated covered parking space
• Sale Price: AED 1,350,000 – AED 1,438,112
• Annual Rental: AED 100,000 – AED 120,000

The average price per square foot stands at approximately AED 1,213, positioning Rabdan Building competitively within Motor City's maturing residential market.

Motor City Community Profile

Motor City is a master-planned, automotive-themed mixed-use community developed by Union Properties PJSC (established 1987), launched in 2004, and spanning approximately 35.3 million square feet. The community is organized into six distinct sectors: Avenue District, Dubai Autodrome, Union District Mall, OIA Residence, Uptown MotorCity, and Green Community MotorCity.

Dubai Autodrome: The centerpiece of Motor City is the 5.39-kilometer FIA-certified racetrack, recognized as the birthplace of national motorsports in the UAE. The Autodrome hosts regular racing events, driving experiences, and kartinig sessions.

Retail and Dining: First Avenue Mall offers 500,000 square feet of retail space across two storeys, housing 50+ high-street retailers and 15+ food and beverage outlets. Union Coop opened a new Community Residential Mall in March 2023, adding 28 commercial stores covering 24,391 square feet. Along Joud Boulevard West, directly adjacent to Rabdan Building (0.2 km), residents can access Maestro Pizza, Trouvaille, NAY, and Seafood Streetfood. Additional dining options within a short drive include The Lime Tree Cafe & Kitchen, Maraheb, Shokuji Sushi, and Malak Al Tawouk.

Supermarkets: Waitrose (0.3 km), B2B Supermarket (ground floor), Geant, Spinneys, and Lulu Hypermarket serve the community's grocery needs.

Parks and Recreation: Windsor Park and Eastland Park offer family-friendly open green lawns, shaded seating, and walking tracks. Additional green spaces include Studio City Park 4 (1.2 km), Eisbej Park (1.5 km), and extensive cycling and walking pathways throughout the community.

Golf: The Els Golf Club (1.7 km) and Trump International Golf Club (3.3 km) provide world-class golfing within minutes.

Hospitality: Emirates Sports Hotel Apartments (0.7 km), Park Inn by Radisson Dubai Motor City (1.5 km), and Holiday Inn Dubai Village Circle (2.1 km).

Developer Profile: Al Fahim Group

Al Fahim Group stands as one of the UAE's oldest and most respected family-owned conglomerates, founded in 1958 by the late Abdul Jalil Al Fahim. Headquartered in Khor Al Maqta, Rabdan, Abu Dhabi, with a Dubai office on Sheikh Zayed Road, the group operates across four core sectors: Automotive, Real Estate, Energy, and Travel & Tourism.

The group's real estate portfolio encompasses approximately 1,000 units of residential and commercial property across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Sharjah, including shopping malls, world-class hotels, and office towers. Notable developments include The Polo Residence in Meydan City, Dubai — a collection of 29 low-rise buildings with apartments. Al Fahim Group is recognized as one of the UAE's most successful family businesses and a key contributor to Abu Dhabi's Economic Vision 2030.

Investment Potential and Market Analysis

Rabdan Building delivers a verified rental yield of 7.12%, outperforming both Motor City's community average of 5.78% and many comparable developments across Dubai. The building's renewal rate of 79.29% demonstrates strong tenant retention, reflecting satisfaction with the property's quality and community amenities.

Average new rental contracts command AED 66,160 per year, while renewed contracts average AED 57,086 per year. Short-term contracts represent just 5.17% of the rental base, indicating a stable, long-term tenant profile.

Motor City's broader market metrics reinforce the investment thesis: average price per square foot has risen from approximately AED 1,000 in early 2024 to approximately AED 1,750 by Q3 2025, representing substantial capital appreciation. The community average apartment sale price stands at AED 1,309,370 with annual price growth of 7.53%. Average annual apartment rents reach approximately AED 81,000, with rental price per square foot rising from AED 60 to AED 80 (a 30% year-over-year increase). Motor City sales volume exceeded AED 650 million over the trailing 12 months, with over 2,000 rental transactions recorded.

Nearby Attractions and Lifestyle

Beyond the Dubai Autodrome, residents enjoy proximity to Dubai Miracle Garden (2.5 km) — the world's largest natural flower garden — and Global Village (8.4 km), Dubai's premier multicultural festival park. IMG Worlds of Adventure, the world's largest indoor theme park, is accessible within a short drive. The community's central location within Dubailand positions residents to benefit from the ongoing expansion of one of Dubai's fastest-growing districts.