All about Hamdan Centre Abu Dhabi
Hamdan Centre (also known as Hamdan Shopping Centre), the oldest mall in Abu Dhabi, is an iconic chapter in the capital city’s evolution. In the last four decades, the retail landscape has changed drastically in the UAE, and this change has permeated Abu Dhabi too. Today, there are many glamorous malls in Abu Dhabi to cater to the retail needs of the community, but Hamdan Centre remains a popular haunt, especially with old residents of the capital. While it may not be as fancy as other malls in the UAE capital, those looking for something unique will fall in love with this place.
There is something nostalgic about this place, especially for those who have visited it over the years. Built in the 1980s, it provided a vision to the magnificent future of the UAE. It was a buzzing place, visited by locals and tourists in large numbers.
It is a great place to shop for leather goods, shoes, sports equipment and a variety of touristy gifts. Often you will find unique items here, which are not present in most shopping centres in the emirate. Moreover, there are many gold shops. Initially, Hamdan Centre’s claim to fame was the presence of these jewellery shops.
All about Hamdan Centre, Abu Dhabi
What is Hamdan centre located?
It is located on 5th Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi
How to get to there?
Depending on the area you are travelling from, you can take Bus 54, 56, 5 or 10 to reach Hamdan Centre, Abu Dhabi.
What time can I visit?
Timings: 09:00 am to 11:00 pm
* It closes from 01:30 pm to 04:00 pm for lunch break.
What can I buy from Hamdan Shopping Centre?
Hamdan Shopping Centre may not be the first location which comes to mind when you think of shopping in Abu Dhabi. However, for locals, it is one of the best places to do some reasonable shopping. It is a kind of forgotten gem where you can find quality products at a decent price.
There are plenty of jewellery shops in Hamdan Centre which have been mainstays for many decades and the craftsmen are highly skilled. Therefore, people from across the UAE come to Hamdan Centre to either buy readymade accessories or exchange their old gold jewellery. It is also common that Pakistani and Indians expats get jewellery designed at Hamdan Centre to take back to their home country for weddings.
Small souvenir gifts can also be bought here at a reasonable rate. Often when you are travelling, you want to take back something for your friends and family members. It is about the gesture more than the value of the item. Hence, before returning home, you can visit the Hamdan Centre to buy lots of gifts without breaking the bank. You can find things that represent UAE’s culture as well such as miniature camel figurines, oud, dates and more.
You can also find a lot of leather made items such as handbags, wallets, shoes, sandals, boots, etc. These may not be branded but their finishing is just as good. You can also buy non-leather chic totes, clutches and handbags. Many perfume shops offer discounted prices. Similarly, sports equipment is available for cheap rates as well.
Things you are unlikely to find elsewhere are the colourful ‘ghutras’ or ‘keffiyahs’. Hair extensions can also be bought from Hamdan Centre shops, especially during wedding season.
A 30-year-old music store sells cassettes and tapes. So, if you are looking for some vintage tapes, Hamdan Centre is the perfect place to indulge in some musical nostalgia in Abu Dhabi.
However, please keep in mind that you may have to haggle a little over pricing. Often you can get a good deal if you persist. If your friends or family members stay in a rental apartment on Hamdan Street or live nearby, take them along. They would know when to bargain and when to make that pretending-to-walk-away-walk.
Are there any restaurants nearby?
There are plenty of restaurants nearby, you can visit after shopping in Hamdan Centre. Here is a list you can select from.
- Jazz@PizzaExpress | Cuisine: Pizza
- Ritaj Restaurant | Cuisine: Indian
- Royal Rajasthan Restaurant & café | Cuisine: Indian
- Caravan Restaurant | Cuisine: Fast food
- Asian Inasal Restaurant | Cuisine: Filipino
Even if you don’t have to buy anything in particular, you could go to Hamdan Centre to remember what your childhood in Abu Dhabi was like. If you lived in this city for long enough, you’d know how the mall was an integral part of the capital, one which old timers still think of as one of the best places to shop in Abu Dhabi.
Those of you who are visiting the place soon, don’t forget to check out the best family attractions in Abu Dhabi. For updates on the most exciting entertainment and shopping destinations in the capital city, stay tuned to MyBayut.
