Mina Zayed: How this neighbourhood is uniting

old and new Abu Dhabi

One of Abu Dhabi’s most historic quarters, Mina Zayed has long been the city’s trading hub, a place where produce, treasures and ideas are exchanged. And now, it’s building on this legacy to become a lively creative hub filled with independent businesses and fresh concepts – whether galleries, studios, artisan cafés or family-run restaurants. It’s a seamless blend of old and new, perfectly encapsulating the UAE’s respect for the past and ambition for the future. Here’s what to see, eat, shop and do at Mina Zayed.

The old…

1

Shop for gold, carpets, plants and more at traditional souks

Mina Zayed’s souk heritage is thriving. In the traditional way, the area is divided into several sections packed with tiny shops and stalls – all with their own speciality, whether carpets, fruit, plants or sweets. It’s also a street photographers’ dream, with traders from all over the region proffering everything from colourful Indian tapestries to giant plumes of sweet-scented hibiscus. The light is perfect at sunset, and the banter among the locals is great fun – just remember to ask permission before snapping.

2

Feast at the fish market

Whether jumbo prawns sizzling on hot coals, giant loops of crisp calamari or spice-lavished fillets of hammour, snapper and bream, a seafood supper at Mina Zayed is always a treat. All around the outside of the fish market, you’ll find small family-run restaurants serving the day’s catch – and they’re tremendous value.

3

Find more tasty traditional treats

Delve a little further into Mina Zayed’s souks. At the Abu Dhabi Dates Market you’ll find mini emporiums overflowing with nuts, spices and every type of date grown in the UAE – and there’s plenty of opportunity to taste as you browse. Meanwhile, the Fruit and Vegetable Souk is piled high with produce from all over the world, whether juicy Japanese strawberries, sweet Pakistani mangos or wheelbarrows full of Iranian herbs. A colourful spot for an evening’s stroll.

… and the new

1

Art gallery 421

Immerse yourself in Abu Dhabi’s grassroots creative scene at 421. Featuring galleries, studios and a café, it’s a haven for the city’s up-and-coming talents – and an inspiring place to see works by tomorrow’s art stars. As well as exhibitions, look out for workshops teaching everything from painting and poetry to tatreez embroidery.

2

Souq Al Mina

A souq reimagined for modern times, this new retail area sits on Mina Zayed’s waterfront, its palm-shaded boulevards lined with independent shops. They’re fabulously eclectic: fancy chocolatiers and artisan coffee roasters rub shoulders with flower stalls, ice cream parlours and Middle Eastern craft shops. Ideal for snapping up unique souvenirs.

3

The Miza Project

The new face of Mina Zayed, Miza is transforming the neighbourhood’s old warehouses into art galleries, boutiques, teahouses and more. Head to The Alley for pop-up markets, supper clubs and live music, then delve into the food options: from chai gelato at The Creamery to hot focaccia and peach soda at Marmellata.

4

M_39

Need to catch up on work while you’re away, or want to embrace the digital nomad life? Check out M_39’s co-working space, which offers hot desks with free wi-fi and refreshments, and a lively vibe of fellow creatives. A trendy, light-flooded space that’ll help you torpedo your to-do list.

5

MAKE Abu Dhabi

This busy creative space is where ideas come to life. From 3D printers to sewing machines, screenprinting and woodworking tools, it’s packed with state-of-the-art equipment. Its expert-led masterclasses include leather-working, jewellery-making, ceramics, marquetry and more; there are options for all abilities and ages, so check what’s on during your trip.