Hamdan Street

A 4 km stretch in the heart of the capital city, Hamdan Street is one of the oldest areas in Abu Dhabi, known for its retail hubs, commercial buildings and gleaming apartment complexes. A consistent favourite with Abu Dhabi renters, Hamdan Street is popular for offering affordable apartment rentals according to the 2020 Market Report by Bayut.

• Stretches from Al Hosn to Al Zahiyah, parallel to Abu Dhabi Corniche
• Home to “Abu Dhabi’s oldest mall” Hamdan Centre
• Known for apartment complexes, no villas in the area
• Close to Marina Mall, World Trade Centre Mall, Qasr al-Hosn
• Home to some of the oldest gold stores in Abu Dhabi
• Located in the heart of the capital city

Hamdan Street, or Sheikh Hamdan bin Mohammed Street as it is called, is one of the oldest neighbourhoods. Famed for its affordable shopping outlets, a series of hotels, towering buildings and budget-friendly accommodation, the street is one of the top areas to rent 2-bed flats in Abu Dhabi under AED 75k. There are several high-rise residential blocks featuring dedicated parking spaces and communal facilities. With no villas or independent units as of now, you can call it a vertical community of the capital emirate. Also, it is one of the main roads connecting the city, close to the Corniche and Madinat Zayed.

Hamdan Street Abu Dhabi is also quite popular among tourists in the country, thanks to the many hotels that line its stretch. This hasn’t taken away from the appeal for the renters in the emirate, as evidenced by the popularity of the area. More importantly, it’s been home to many expatriate families from around the world. Hamdan Street is one of the ideal spots for Indian expats in Abu Dhabi.

The properties on Hamdan Street include high-rise apartment buildings along with some of the oldest commercial buildings in the capital. There are predictably no villas on Hamdan Street, but the apartments are certainly spacious enough to accommodate singletons to families. Those on a budget searching for affordable 1 BHK apartment rentals in Abu Dhabi can find considerable options on Hamdan Street in under AED 60k. Take a look at the rental trends to make an informed decision.

One of the major points of interest for this area is the availability of a range of hotels and serviced apartments. Some top-favourite hotels include:

• Novel Hotel City Center
• Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana
• Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi

Novel Hotel is closer to the Corniche waterfront. It is one of the most affordable hotels in Abu Dhabi. Besides the basic amenities including swimming pools, fitness club, social lounge and dedicated guest parking, the hotel features a choice of 4 fine-dining restaurants and 3 bars. The next favourite on the list is Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana located in the main business district. One of the best hotel apartments in Abu Dhabi, it offers a range of serviced units ideal for individuals and families alike. One can also plan their stay at Crowne Plaza Abu Dhabi, a popular 5-star hotel in the vicinity. The plaza is a 12-minute short walk away from the Corniche and features an 18-metre rooftop pool.

Finding parking spaces in one of the busiest areas of the capital city can often be a challenge for frequent commuters. The Mawaqif Underground Parking has provided a sustainable paid parking management solution in the area by introducing premium and normal parking zones to cater to visitors and those residing in the area.

Public transportation on Hamdan Street Abu Dhabi does not pose to be a challenge for visitors and residents. Taxis are available throughout the day and several bus services, including X89, X62, 33, E100 and 54 connect the street to other popular areas. There are several access points to Hamdan Street, considering its central location in Abu Dhabi. Liwa Street connects the area to the World Trade Centre Mall and Al Muroor Street and Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed street connect it to the Corniche.

Being so centrally located, the area features all the amenities as expected from any community in Abu Dhabi.

In terms of groceries and other shopping requirements, the most popular supermarket in Hamdan Street is Lulu Hypermarket. Incidentally, this is also one of the oldest Lulu stores in the capital, which underwent a complete revamp a few years back. Most residential buildings also have local groceries and small marts that quickly home deliver urgent necessities.

There are several mosques on Hamdan Street, including the Ali Bin Murshid Mosque, Darwish Mosque, Omeir Bin Yousuf Mosque and Qasr al-Hosn Mosque, all of which are under 10-minutes from the mix-purpose street. There are a few of the most-visited Abu Dhabi churches in proximity to Hamdan Street. Church of Great Saint Anthony, St Joseph’s Church and St Andrew’s Church are all a short drive away. Currently, there are no Hindu temples, but plans for the first landmark temple in Abu Dhabi have been announced expected to be completed soon.

When it comes to schooling options, one can find reputable nurseries and high schools close by. The nearest schools include GEMS Winchester School which offers the UK curriculum from Foundation Stage to Year 9. There is also the International Jubilee Private School which follows the American syllabus until Year 9 as well.

For younger children, the Al Muna Academy is one of the well-known elementary schools close to Hamdan Street. It provides schooling from Foundation Stage 1 (FS1) up to Grade 6 and acts as a feeder school to Al Bateen Academy, Al Mamoura Academy and Al Yasmina Academy sister schools.

As for those looking for options for higher education, there is Emirates College of Technology right opposite Hamdan Centre. The institute is one of the top universities in Abu Dhabi offering various diplomas and associate professional degrees.

In terms of medical amenities, residents of Hamdan Street can rely on several hospitals and clinics located around the area. Ahalia Hospital and Mediclinic are some of the larger hospitals nearby, whereas the Aster Clinic on the street is available for any immediate emergencies.

The area is centrally located and quite well connected to popular areas in Abu Dhabi, including the Corniche, Marina Mall, Al Khalidiyah and Madinat Zayed. The bus station to Dubai is less than 15-minutes away and the ever popular Yas Island is a 30-minute drive away.

One of the benefits for residents of Hamdan Street is the vibrant, colourful lifestyle it offers. Boasting a selection of hotels, including the international favourite Crowne Plaza, and featuring several stores and boutiques, there’s never a dull moment on this Street.

Hamdan Street is known for being home to one of the oldest shopping destinations in Abu Dhabi.

Hamdan Shopping Centre

Here, Hamdan Centre is a veritable treasure trove of obscure finds that you won’t come across in any malls in the city. It’s a great place to buy leather goods, knick-knacks and touristy souvenirs, shoes and sports equipment. Hamdan Centre isn’t the only shopping destination, the street is also well-known for the slew of gold shops which have been a hallmark of the area for several decades.

If you fancy the familiar environment of a mall, the World Trade Centre Mall is close by, stocking a huge selection of international brands. There are also standalone stores on Hamdan Street, like Marks and Spencer, Brands for Less and Homecentre if you are looking for something more specific. The parallel roads feature several Asian stores selling yards of gorgeous fabric and Arabic stores with a selection of Abayas and scarves.

Shopping is easily one of the UAE’s favourite activities, but eating-out comes in at a very close second. There is an eclectic mix of restaurants on Hamdan Street Abu Dhabi from local cafeterias, chic cafes and to luxury fine dining establishments. The Pizza Hut close to Hamdan Centre is rumoured to be the oldest in the emirate and is still popular amongst the city’s residents. Other popular restaurants in Hamdan Street include Le Beaujolais in the Mercure Abu Dhabi, Spaccanapoli in Crowne Plaza, Ortego’s Deli and Ruchi Restaurant. The dining outlets in the World Trade Centre Mall are also not far away to add a little more variety.

In terms of licensed options, the hotels in Hamdan Street Abu Dhabi have a few options. The Up and Below at the Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center Abu Dhabi and Heroes Pub in Crowne Plaza are great places to let your hair down in the city.

When you live in the UAE, a beach is always near! For beaches in Hamdan Street, residents can pop down to the iconic Corniche beach for some sun, sand and sea. The beach, which has separate sections for singles, families and the general public, has been awarded coveted Blue Flag status – an international standard that guarantees clean and safe bathing water.

Hamdan Street is fringed on one end by the Qasr al-Hosn, the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi. The iconic monument, which is also known as the White Fort, was the former seat of royalty in Abu Dhabi and is one of the oldest forts in the country. The building is now the subject of extensive archaeological research and houses a range of weapons and artefacts used during its prime. It is certainly one of the must-visit attractions near Hamdan Street.

Abu Dhabi Public Parks offer the residents a quiet place to get fit, take the family out for a picnic or simply relax away from the bustle of the city. Family Park close to the Corniche, The Capital Garden near Crowne Plaza and Lake Park near the beachfront are some of the popular parks for those residing in the area, complete with running tracks, barbecue pits and shaded walkways.

The jogging tracks along the corniche are also great outdoor options to get some exercise for residents. If you prefer to get fit indoors, there are several gyms along Hamdan Street, including Lifetime Fitness. Super Las Vegas Gym, and Ruby Fitness in World Trade Centre Mall. The hotels on the street like Crowne Plaza, Al Maha Arjaan by Rotana and Mercure also offer gym and swimming memberships for residents who are looking for an all-around fitness centre.

Beauty salons and spas are also staples of the hotels on Hamdan Street. Notable standalone salons popular with the residents include the Glam House Beauty Salon and Magic Princess Ladies Salon.

The highlights in the social calendar for Hamdan Street residents are the monthly movie screenings hosted by Alliance Francaise in the Mercure hotel and the 11-day yearly Qasr al-Hosn festival. Once every month, Alliance Francaise screens notable subtitled French movies at the Mercure Pool Terrace. The outdoor setting of the cinema and the efficient hospitality of the Mercure group makes it one of the things to do in Hamdan Street.

Qasr al-Hosn festival is a cultural festival staged at the fort, featuring live music, dance performances and a series of other activities projecting the culture of the UAE. During this festival, the fort is open to the public for viewings and performances.

Another benefit of living in Hamdan Street is the proximity to the Abu Dhabi Corniche, which is a popular location for several high-profile events in the capital.

Hamdan Street has always been a popular destination to live in Abu Dhabi, but there are a few things to consider if you are planning on moving to Hamdan Street. Being in the heart of the city, Hamdan Street is one of the busier areas in the capital, and you might find the noise and traffic a little distracting. There are also no villas in the area if you are looking for a little more space.

Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street is in the heart of the capital city of Abu Dhabi running parallel to the Corniche Road.

Novel Hotel City Centre is the most popular hotel on Hamdan Street. Other options within the vicinity include Crowne Plaza. These are a few of the best hotels in Abu Dhabi.

Bus 10, 40, 44, 52, 54, 56 and A1 have transit routes near Hamdan Street. You can take a bus from several stations like Abu Dhabi Men’s College, Rihan Heights, Abu Dhabi Country Club, Park Rotana and Khalifa University to reach Hamdan Street. Travel time may vary based on your location and traffic on roads.

• A pivotal connecting point in the emirate
• The biggest attractions include Hamdan Centre, Qasr al-Hosn and Abu Dhabi Corniche
• 35-minutes from the Abu Dhabi International Airport
• 25-minutes from the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
• 30-minutes from famed lifestyle destination Yas Island