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Housing
Overview
A community built for learning, connection, and convenience
Discover comfortable and accessible accommodation at MBZUAI, where well-serviced residences, modern amenities, and a friendly community ensure a smooth and enjoyable stay for faculty, students, and visiting guests.
Our housing program supports the University’s mission by providing modern, well-managed accommodation that makes living, studying, and working in Abu Dhabi effortless. Residents enjoy a welcoming community, easy access to academic facilities, and a living environment designed to help them thrive.

Student housing
MBZUAI offers fully furnished apartments across campus, with gender-specific floors and blocks. Each apartment includes:
- Bedroom(s), kitchen, bathroom, living/dining area, study space, and balcony
- Furnishings: Bed, wardrobe, desk, dining table, and soft furnishings
- Welcome pack: Bedding, towels, basic kitchenware, and cleaning bins
Room types
Most student apartments are double occupancy, apart from a few disability adapted rooms that can be requested for those with accessibility needs. All room types are assigned based on availability and cannot be chosen in advance.
Services and amenities
There are a number of services and amenities on campus, including:
- Laundry: Free machines in each block (bring your own detergent)
- Catering: Canteen and retail outlets available; tap water is potable
- Cleaning: Students clean their own apartments; paid services are available through Facilities
- Common areas: Majlis lounges, prayer rooms, and recreational spaces
- Parking: Available at North Car Park; long-term parking is prohibited
Eligibility
Benefits of living on campus
Everything you need for a smooth, comfortable MBZUAI experience – right on your doorstep. Enjoy easy access to classrooms, services, and a vibrant academic life.
Fully managed accommodations
Every residence is professionally maintained, with dedicated support teams ensuring your home stays clean, functional, and comfortable all year round.
Safe and accessible environment
Residences are designed with safety in mind, with round-the-clock security, controlled access, and accessibility features to support mobility needs.
Supportive community
Live among colleagues, peers, and friends in a welcoming community that encourages collaboration, wellbeing, and belonging.
Close proximity to academic facilities
Enjoy short walks or quick connections to lecture halls, labs, dining areas, and campus services – saving time and simplifying your routine.
Comfortable living spaces
Rooms and apartments are furnished with everything you need to settle in, study or work comfortably, and relax after a busy day.
Suits your academic schedule
With quiet spaces, reliable Wi-Fi, and dedicated study areas, our housing options support early mornings, late nights, and everything in between.
Faculty housing
Long-term faculty housing
MBZUAI offers comfortable on-campus living at The Link Residences for long-term faculty. Our spacious two- to four-bedroom apartments come unfurnished so you can create a home that suits your personal style and needs. Our long-term faculty housing combines comfort, privacy, and convenience.
Units range in size, from 90m² to 171m². Some include a maid's room, a private terrace, and/or a guest washroom. There are 24 units in total, and leases run for 12 months, with the option to renew.
Eligibility
Full-time new faculty relocating to the UAE with an employment contract longer than one year.
Each apartment includes:


Faculty housing
Short-term faculty housing
MBZUAI offers comfortable and convenient on-campus living at The Link Residences for visiting faculty, collaborators, and short-stay academics. Our fully-furnished apartments offer modern amenities and seamless access to campus facilities, ensuring a productive, hassle-free stay.
There are two types of housing available: 88m² with a 25m² balcony, and 110m²+ with 19m² balcony. A maid’s room is available in the larger units. There are 10 units in total, with leases between one (1) and six (6) months.
Eligibility
New faculty joiners, affiliated, adjunct, and visiting faculty.
Each unit includes:


Visitor housing
Co-lab visitor housing
Our visitor housing is designed with your comfort in mind. Fully furnished and with spacious layouts, each of our seven room types help make settling into Abu Dhabi seamless and stress-free.
Located at Co-Lab at The Link Hub, this housing is tailored to short-term visitors, collaborators, and guests, and their partners. Modern, fully-furnished studio apartments offer essential amenities and easy access to the heart of MBZUAI’s Masdar City campus.
Nightly rates apply. Subject to availability. Group bookings are welcome. Contact living@mbzuai.ac.ae for bookings.
Eligibility
Visiting students, visiting researchers, postdocs, newly relocating staff, and other MBZUAI visitors. Approval must be obtained from the Department Chair and booking requests must include your name, arrival and departure dates, phone number, email, and passport copy.
Students can stay for up to 21 days and should contact our Student Housing team on student.housing@mbzuai.ac.ae for longer visits. Priority will be given to postdocs and researchers relocating to the region. Strictly based on availability.
Room sizes range from 16m² to 43m² and include:


Off-campus living
Off-campus living can be a highly rewarding experience, offering greater independence and flexibility, as well as the chance to explore life in Abu Dhabi beyond the university environment.There are several rental options across Abu Dhabi, including many apartments and villas within and close to MBZUAI’s Masdar City campus.Popular areas include Masdar City itself, as well as Yas Island, Raha Beach, and Khalifa City. Abu Dhabi city center is located 30 minutes away by car.
Rental prices vary greatly from area-to-area. For example, a one-bedroom apartment in Masdar City can range between AED 57,000 and AED 100,000 annually. For the most up-to-date rent prices for all areas in Abu Dhabi, click here.
Leases are usually for 12 months as shorter periods attract higher prices. Depending on the landlord, rent can be negotiated to paid monthly, quarterly, bi-annually, and annually (with the latter used to negotiate lower annual rent). Private rentals are generally subject to a 5% municipality fee and often a 5% agency fee.
To find suitable private rental options, our housing team can recommend reputable real estate agencies or visit local real estate portals such as Property Finder, Bayut, and Dubizzle Abu Dhabi. For short term rental options, Airbnb operates legally in Abu Dhabi, and many hotel chains offer short stay accommodation.

Visual tour
Explore a visual tour of our residences, shared spaces, and surrounding amenities.



Contact us
Whether you’re a new student, visiting faculty member, or short-term visitor, our housing team is here to help you find the right option. Prices will be provided on application.