Abu Dhabi’s skyline has changed enormously over the last twenty years, and few buildings show that change as clearly as the towers on Al Reem Island. Among them, Addax Tower stands out. It is one of the tallest office towers in the capital, a landmark in the City of Lights district, and a building that has been a popular address for companies that want a prestigious, modern, waterfront workplace just a short distance from the central business district.
Many businesses researching the tower run into the same practical questions. Where exactly is it, and how do you get there? Is there a metro? What facilities does the building offer? What kinds of offices are available, and what do they cost? What is the surrounding neighbourhood like for staff and clients? And what are the downsides?
This guide answers those questions in detail. It covers the building’s profile, its location in City of Lights, connectivity by road, bus and taxi, the facilities and parking, office types and pricing, nearby shopping, schools and healthcare, a balanced list of pros and cons, and practical checklists for tenants and buyers. One caution up front: property portals use several different names for this building, so I explain the naming and flag where information is inconsistent.
Addax Tower at a Glance
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Building | Addax Tower (also listed as Addax Office Tower or Addax Port Office Tower) |
| Community | City of Lights, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi |
| Zone | RT3 |
| Use | Grade A commercial offices |
| Height | 282 metres |
| Storeys | 60 |
| Completed | 2014 |
| Design and build | Multiplex |
| Client / developer side | Tamouh Investments |
| Architects | Brewer Smith Brewer Gulf (BSBG) |
| Key features | Column-free floor plates, Arabian Gulf and city views |
Cushman & Wakefield describes Addax Tower as a 60-storey, 282-metre skyscraper exclusively dedicated to office use. Multiplex, which completed the design and construction of the tower in 2014, says it was designed with large column-free floor plates and offers flexible workspaces with sweeping views across the Arabian Gulf and back to Abu Dhabi. The tower has a gross construction area of over 180,000 square metres, making it one of the tallest towers in Abu Dhabi.
A note on the building’s different names
If you search online, you will find the same tower under several names. Most commonly:
- Addax Tower, the simple name used by the contractor and many brokers
- Addax Office Tower, used by some serviced-office and flex-space providers
- Addax Port Office Tower, the label used by one of the largest property portals for listings in this building
One listing describes Addax Office Tower as a prominent Grade-A commercial skyscraper on Al Rayfah Street in the RT3 zone of Al Reem Island. Separately, some commercial listings from one brokerage use the label Addax Park Tower for Al Reem Island offices. I could not confirm whether that name refers to the same building, a related building or a different branding of units, so I have not treated those listings as pricing for Addax Tower. If you are viewing a unit, always confirm the exact building name, address and unit number in writing.
Understanding City of Lights and Al Reem Island
What is Al Reem Island?
Al Reem Island is a large, mixed-use island development close to the heart of Abu Dhabi. It combines residential towers, offices, retail and waterfront promenades, and it has become one of the capital’s most popular districts for professionals and families who want a modern urban setting.
What is City of Lights?
City of Lights is a residential and commercial community covering 140 acres of waterfront, within 1 km of Abu Dhabi’s central business district. Cushman & Wakefield describes it as a mixed-use development designed by Tamouh Investments in collaboration with Al Reem and Sorouh, with a layout that emphasises walkability through pedestrian plazas and waterfront promenades linking the towers.
The idea is a live-work-play district. The area is described as having a visionary live-work-play character, with schools, mosques, parks and supermarkets nearby that benefit office tenants and visiting clients. That mix is part of why Addax Tower appeals to companies: employees can find housing, shops and services within the same island.
Why businesses choose Al Reem Island
- Proximity to the city centre. The island sits close to central Abu Dhabi and is connected by bridges.
- A modern setting. Newer towers, wide streets and waterfront views create a different atmosphere from older business districts.
- Choice of office stock. There is a range of building ages, sizes and price points.
- Lifestyle for staff. Residential towers, malls and leisure options help recruitment and retention.
Location of Addax Tower
The address
Addax Tower is on Al Rayfah Street in the RT3 zone of Al Reem Island, in the City of Lights district, around 300 metres from the coast and connected to central Abu Dhabi by bridges and main highways. That waterfront positioning is a major part of the tower’s identity.
Views
The tower is tall enough to offer exceptional sightlines. One high-floor listing describes floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views of the sea, Al Reem Island and the Abu Dhabi skyline. Views are a key selling point and a major factor in office pricing, so always inspect the specific floor and orientation.
Nearby landmarks
Listings mention Reem Mall, The Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall, Sorbonne University and the Corniche Road as nearby landmarks. Reem Mall is described as Abu Dhabi’s massive retail anchor, with over 400 stores, 85 restaurants and family entertainment attractions including the indoor Snow Abu Dhabi park. That gives staff an easy lunch and shopping option within the island.
Distances to key places
Abu Dhabi is spread out, so travel time matters more than distance. The following are rough guides based on typical conditions and general area knowledge, not the listings:
- Al Maryah Island and ADGM: about 5 to 10 minutes by car
- Central Business District / Corniche: about 10 to 15 minutes by car
- Saadiyat Island: about 15 to 25 minutes by car
- Yas Island: about 25 to 35 minutes by car
- Zayed International Airport: about 30 to 40 minutes by car
- Mussafah: about 20 to 30 minutes by car
Peak-hour traffic on bridges and main roads can extend those times.
Connectivity and Transport
Road access
Road access is the tower’s key transport strength. Listings cite easy access to downtown Abu Dhabi and excellent connectivity to major highways. Another notes excellent connectivity to the city centre, ADGM and major road networks. Bridges link Al Reem Island with the main island, Saadiyat and the mainland routes, so drivers can reach most parts of the capital without much difficulty outside rush hour.
Metro
This is an important point for anyone who relies on public transport. Cushman & Wakefield notes that metro service is not yet present in the district, while the area enjoys strong road access and is well connected to Downtown Abu Dhabi. As far as I know, Abu Dhabi does not currently have an operating metro system at all, so there is no rail option for commuting to the tower. Future rail plans have been discussed over the years, but I found no confirmed plan for a station at City of Lights in the sources reviewed, so treat any future link as unconfirmed.
Buses
Bus services operate on Al Reem Island, linking it with other parts of Abu Dhabi. Routes, numbers and frequencies change, so check the official Abu Dhabi Mobility journey planner for current options. For commuters, buses are a workable choice for some routes, though they will take longer than driving.
Taxis and ride-hailing
Taxis and ride-hailing apps are widely used on the island. For client visits, the tower’s business lobby and covered areas make arrivals straightforward. If you host many visitors, advise them to use ride-hailing apps rather than searching for parking.
Walking and cycling
City of Lights is laid out with an emphasis on walkability, with towers interconnected by pedestrian plazas and waterfront promenades. In cooler months, staff can walk to nearby cafes, shops and parks. In summer, the heat limits walking for much of the day. Cycling is possible on promenades and quieter streets, though it depends on weather and personal comfort.
Parking
Parking is a major consideration for tenants. The tower offers underground parking. One listing highlights an allocated covered parking space and dedicated covered parking. Another lists ample parking facilities. Allocation depends on unit size and lease terms, so confirm how many spaces your lease includes, whether visitor parking is available, and whether extra bays carry a fee.
Facilities and Amenities
Core building features
Across broker and operator descriptions, the following features come up most often:
- 24/7 security and concierge. One listing lists 24/7 security and concierge services. Another mentions 24/7 security and CCTV.
- High-speed elevators. Listings highlight high-speed elevators, which are essential in a 60-storey building.
- Business lobby and reception. A listing mentions a business lobby and reception.
- On-site retail and dining outlets. The same listing mentions on-site retail and dining outlets.
- Floor-to-ceiling windows. Offices are described as having floor-to-ceiling windows and high-speed internet connectivity.
- Central air conditioning. One listing lists central air conditioning among the features.
Shared and business facilities
One operator describes meeting rooms and shared facilities such as cafes and business lounges. Another lists a shared pool and conference room among the amenities. These appear in some listings but not others, and a shared pool is unusual in a pure office tower, so confirm exactly what is available to tenants and whether access is included.
Column-free floors
The tower’s original design emphasised large column-free floor plates. Multiplex says that feature set the precedent for commercial office space in the region. Column-free layouts are valuable for office planning, because they make it easier to design open-plan areas, meeting rooms and private offices without structural obstructions.
Office finish levels
Offices in the tower are offered in different conditions:
- Shell and core, for tenants who want to design their own fit-out. One listing offers a 7,263 sq. ft. shell-and-core office for lease.
- Fitted, with partitions, ceilings and basic finishes in place
- Fitted and furnished, which is ready to move in. One listing describes a fully fitted and furnished office with allocated covered parking.
- Serviced or flexible offices, where you rent a desk or a private office with shared services
Flexible and serviced options
For smaller teams, flexible workspace options exist in the tower. One serviced-office listing shows pricing from AED 2,500 per person per month, which is useful for start-ups and satellite teams. Terms and inclusions differ by operator, so ask what is covered, such as utilities, internet, reception and meeting-room credits.
Licensing options
Some listings highlight business licensing. One describes premium furnished offices that are ADGM licensed, pointing to the tower’s appeal for firms seeking connection to Abu Dhabi Global Market. Licensing rules and eligibility depend on the relevant authority, so confirm directly with the authority and your landlord whether a given unit supports your intended licence.
What to verify on site
Amenity lists on portals are written by brokers. At a viewing, check:
- Lift speed and waiting times at peak hours
- Reception and lobby standards
- Meeting rooms, lounges and any shared facilities
- Parking allocation and visitor parking rules
- Cooling arrangements and any district cooling charges
- Fit-out rules, approvals and timelines
- After-hours access and security procedures
Office Types, Sizes and Pricing
Sizes
Offices in the tower range from small suites to large floor plates. One high-floor office for sale spans 3,669 sq. ft., while a shell-and-core office for lease is 7,263 sq. ft. The column-free floors also allow larger corporate teams to take multiple floors or large sections.
Rental prices
Publicly available figures for Addax Tower itself are limited, and prices change often. I did not find a reliable, current per-square-foot rent for the building that I could verify, so I will not quote one. What I can say is:
- Serviced offices start from around AED 2,500 per person per month in one listing, as noted above.
- Shell-and-core and fitted offices are typically quoted per year, with rates depending on floor, view and finish.
- Some listings in a similarly named product, Addax Park Tower, show shell-and-core pricing around AED 56 per sq. ft. for small units, but because I cannot confirm that this is the same building, treat it only as a loose indication of Al Reem Island pricing, not as a quote for Addax Tower.
For a reliable figure, request written quotes from several brokers and the landlord, and compare them with similar towers on Al Reem Island and in ADGM.
Sale prices
Some units are advertised for sale. One listing describes a fully fitted and renovated office on a high floor with premium finishes and ample parking. Another describes a fully fitted office for sale, with a listing note about being rented until August 2025. Prices vary widely by size, floor and condition, and the sources I reviewed did not give a consistent figure I could confirm. Before considering a purchase, check recent transactions through the relevant land authority and get an independent valuation.
Other costs to budget
- Service charges for common areas and building services
- District cooling or chilled water, if billed separately
- Utilities and internet
- Fit-out costs for shell-and-core units
- Licence and registration fees for your business
- Parking fees, if you need extra bays
- Tenancy registration and agent commission
Dining, Shopping and Services Nearby
Reem Mall and everyday shopping
Reem Mall offers over 400 stores, 85 restaurants and attractions such as Snow Abu Dhabi. That gives staff a huge range of food and shopping choices without leaving the island. For banking, pharmacies and groceries, the mall and surrounding towers have plenty of services.
Other malls
Listings cite The Galleria Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall as nearby landmarks. Both are a short drive away and give you more upscale and varied options for client entertainment and shopping.
Dining
City of Lights and nearby Reem districts have a wide mix of cafes, restaurants and takeaways. The tower itself is described as having on-site retail and dining outlets, which makes quick lunches easy.
Hotels and hospitality
Central Abu Dhabi and nearby Al Maryah Island have many hotels for visiting executives and clients, within a short drive.
Education and talent
Sorbonne University is listed as a nearby landmark. Universities and training institutions in and around Abu Dhabi add to the local talent pool, which helps recruitment for companies in the tower.
Healthcare
Clinics, pharmacies and hospitals are available on Al Reem Island and across central Abu Dhabi within a short drive. If healthcare access is critical for your staff, map the nearest facilities and check their opening hours.
Parks and leisure
The district has parks, mosques and waterfront promenades. After work, staff can exercise, walk and relax by the water, which adds to the quality of life compared with purely commercial districts.
Pros and Cons of Addax Tower
Advantages
- Landmark height and views. At 282 metres and 60 storeys, it offers some of the best panoramic views in Abu Dhabi.
- Grade A specification. Completed in 2014 by Multiplex, with large column-free floor plates and modern building systems.
- Waterfront setting. About 300 metres from the coast, within a walkable, mixed-use district.
- Close to the centre. The island is within roughly 1 km of the central business district according to the contractor, and connected by bridges.
- Nearby retail and dining. Reem Mall’s large selection of stores and restaurants sits close at hand.
- Flexible office options. Shell and core, fitted, furnished and serviced offices are all available.
- Parking. Underground and covered parking are described in listings.
- Business-friendly features. 24/7 security, concierge, high-speed lifts and a business lobby.
- Licensing flexibility. Some listings mention ADGM-licensed office options.
Drawbacks
- No metro. Staff and clients depend on cars, taxis and buses.
- Inconsistent naming and data. Different portals use different names and give different details, so verification is essential.
- Limited public pricing information. Reliable, current rent figures are hard to find without contacting brokers.
- Peak-hour traffic. Bridges and main roads can be congested during rush hours.
- Summer heat. Walking across the district is uncomfortable for much of the year.
- Premium for views and height. High floors and prime views typically cost more.
- Distance from some business hubs. Reaching Yas Island, Mussafah or the airport takes longer.
- Older than the newest towers. Completed in 2014, it is not the newest building on the market, so check condition and technology.
Who Is Addax Tower Best For?
Corporate headquarters and regional offices
Firms that want a prestigious address with large, flexible floor plates will find the tower appealing.
Consultancies and professional services
Consulting, legal, advisory and financial firms benefit from the central location and the view-led image.
Companies linked to ADGM
Businesses that want proximity to Al Maryah Island, or that pursue ADGM licensing where eligible, may find the tower convenient, subject to licensing rules.
Start-ups and small teams in serviced offices
Flexible desks and serviced suites suit smaller teams that want a prime address without a long lease.
Companies with car-based staff
Because the tower relies on road access, it suits businesses whose employees drive or use taxis.
Who should think twice?
Companies that depend on metro commuting, businesses with very tight budgets, or firms that need to be close to Mussafah’s industrial zone or Yas Island may prefer other locations.
Investment Perspective
Demand drivers
Al Reem Island’s commercial stock benefits from the island’s growth, the nearby central business district and the draw of a live-work-play environment. Addax Tower’s height and recognisable profile support its status as a trophy-style building on the island.
What to analyse before buying
- Net yield. Compare rent with service charges, maintenance and vacancy.
- Unit specifics. Floor, view, size, fit-out and parking can change both rent and resale value.
- Tenancy status. An occupied unit with a long lease is different from a vacant one. One listing notes the unit is rented until August 2025, so check whether current tenancy details are still valid.
- Ownership rules. Abu Dhabi’s rules on property ownership, especially for foreign buyers, depend on designated zones and the type of property. Confirm eligibility.
- Comparable transactions. Look at recent sales in the tower and neighbouring buildings.
- Exit liquidity. Commercial units can take longer to sell than residential apartments.
A balanced view
The tower offers prestige and a strong location, but commercial property returns are not guaranteed, and the lack of publicly available pricing data makes careful research essential. Use current data and independent advice rather than relying on marketing claims.
Addax Tower Compared with Alternatives
Versus Al Maryah Island and ADGM towers
Al Maryah Island offers a regulated financial free zone and prestige for financial firms, typically at higher rents. Addax Tower provides a strong address nearby, with more varied tenants and a different view and price profile.
Versus central Abu Dhabi (Corniche and Hamdan Street) towers
These areas offer established business addresses and walkable surroundings, though building quality varies. Addax Tower offers newer specifications and large column-free floors.
Versus other Al Reem Island offices
The island has several commercial buildings. Compare ceiling heights, floor plates, parking ratios, building services and rents. Addax Tower’s selling points are its height, views and flexible floor layouts.
Versus Yas Island or Khalifa City
These areas can offer lower rents and different environments, but they are farther from the centre. Choose them if cost or a specific sector cluster matters more than a central waterfront address.
Sample Daily Scenarios
Scenario 1: The driver from the main island. A manager living on the main island drives across a bridge and reaches the tower in about 10 to 15 minutes outside peak times. Parking is underground, so the walk to the lift is short.
Scenario 2: The client visit. A visiting client arrives by taxi or ride-hailing app and is dropped at the business lobby. The meeting takes place in a high-floor conference room, followed by lunch at a restaurant in the tower or at Reem Mall.
Scenario 3: The lunchtime break. In winter, a team walks across the pedestrian plazas to Reem Mall for lunch. In summer, they use covered routes or order in, since outdoor walking is uncomfortable.
Scenario 4: The bus commuter. An employee without a car takes a bus from another district, which takes longer than driving but costs less. They need to check routes and timings in advance.
Scenario 5: The ADGM meeting. A consultant leaves the office for a meeting at Al Maryah Island, around 5 to 10 minutes away by car in normal conditions.
Practical Checklist for Tenants
- Visit at peak hours to test lift waiting times, parking access and traffic.
- Confirm the exact building name, address and unit number in writing, given the naming confusion.
- Inspect the specific floor and view, including any future obstruction from nearby towers.
- Check the unit’s condition, including AC, lighting, ceilings and flooring.
- Clarify parking allocation, visitor access and any extra charges.
- Request the current service charge and ask what it includes.
- Ask about district cooling or utility billing.
- Review fit-out rules if leasing shell and core, including approvals and timelines.
- Confirm licensing eligibility with your relevant authority, including ADGM if applicable.
- Negotiate payment terms, including cheques, deposit and rent-free fit-out periods.
- Ensure the lease is registered through the official Abu Dhabi system.
- Verify the broker’s credentials and the listing’s permit number.
Practical Checklist for Buyers
- Obtain the title deed and confirm unit size, floor and ownership.
- Check ownership eligibility for your nationality and the zone.
- Request service charge statements and look for arrears.
- Review the current tenancy and rent level, if the unit is leased.
- Confirm parking spaces are included and registered.
- Inspect the unit and building systems.
- Compare recent transactions in the tower and nearby buildings.
- Check for mortgages or liens.
- Calculate net yield, not just gross rent.
- Plan your exit strategy and holding period.
- Use a licensed broker and consider independent legal advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Addax Tower?
A 60-storey, 282-metre Grade A office skyscraper in City of Lights, Al Reem Island, Abu Dhabi, completed in 2014.
Is Addax Tower residential or commercial?
Commercial. Cushman & Wakefield describes it as exclusively dedicated to office use.
Who built Addax Tower?
Multiplex completed the design and construction in 2014 for Tamouh Investments, with architecture by Brewer Smith Brewer Gulf.
Where is Addax Tower located?
On Al Rayfah Street in the RT3 zone of Al Reem Island, around 300 metres from the coast, according to one listing.
What is the difference between Addax Tower, Addax Office Tower and Addax Port Office Tower?
They appear to be different names for the same building on various portals. A separate label, Addax Park Tower, appears in some listings, and I could not confirm whether it refers to the same building, so verify before relying on it.
Is there a metro near Addax Tower?
No. Metro service is not present in the district, and as far as I know Abu Dhabi has no operating metro system. Access is by road, bus and taxi.
How far is it from Abu Dhabi’s central business district?
The contractor says City of Lights is within 1 km of the central business district. Driving times of 10 to 15 minutes are typical in normal traffic.
What facilities does the tower offer?
Listings mention 24/7 security and concierge, high-speed elevators, a business lobby and reception, underground and covered parking, on-site retail and dining, and central air conditioning. Some mention shared facilities such as meeting rooms, lounges, a conference room and a shared pool. Confirm these on site.
What size are the offices?
They range from small suites to large floor plates. Examples include a 3,669 sq. ft. high-floor unit and a 7,263 sq. ft. shell-and-core unit.
How much does it cost to rent an office?
Prices vary by size, floor and finish, and I could not verify a reliable current rate for the building. One serviced-office listing starts at AED 2,500 per person per month. Request written quotes from brokers.
Are serviced offices available?
Yes, according to at least one listing.
Is Addax Tower ADGM-licensed?
Some listings advertise ADGM-licensed furnished offices. Licensing depends on the authority’s rules, so confirm directly.
What is nearby?
Reem Mall, The Galleria Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall, Sorbonne University and the Corniche Road are listed as nearby landmarks.
What is the main drawback?
The lack of a metro and the dependence on road transport, along with limited public pricing information and inconsistent naming online.
Final Verdict
Addax Tower offers a rare combination in Abu Dhabi: a landmark Grade A office tower with large column-free floors, sweeping Gulf and skyline views, a waterfront setting in a walkable district, and an address within easy reach of the central business district and Al Maryah Island. With a 2014 completion by Multiplex and a range of fit-out options from shell and core to serviced offices, it suits everything from regional headquarters to small teams.
The trade-offs are practical. There is no metro, so staff and clients rely on roads, buses and taxis. Information online is inconsistent, with several names for the same building, and reliable current rent figures take effort to find. Summer heat limits walking, and a premium applies to the best views.
For companies that value prestige, flexibility and a central waterfront location, and that can manage with road-based transport, Addax Tower deserves a close look. Visit the building, inspect several floors, compare it with other Al Reem Island and ADGM options, get written quotes and verify every key detail before you sign.
Disclaimer: This article draws on contractor information, property-portal listings, broker materials and general area knowledge. Building names, amenities, rents, prices, service charges, licensing eligibility and transport plans can change or differ between sources. Please verify everything with the landlord, building management, a licensed broker, the relevant Abu Dhabi authorities and the official transport operator before making any leasing, purchase or business decision. This is general information, not legal, financial or investment advice.