Living Historical Evidence of Hamdan Centre Abu Dhabi Shopping Experience

Walking along the 5th Hamdan Street any time you want, you will definitely feel that thing that can never be seen in luxurious shopping malls of Abu Dhabi – the history that you can touch and shop in. Even though Hamdan Center is neither the largest nor the most fashionable shopping center of the city, it definitely is the most precious building of Abu Dhabi in terms of the shopping experience it provides and history it has. It is certainly one of those places in Abu Dhabi you should visit if you want to explore Abu Dhabi beyond the skyline of the city.

What is Hamdan Center? A Short Description

To start with, you should understand what building we are talking about. In brief, Hamdan Center is the mixed-use and shopping complex which includes retail units, office and apartments. In general, this building may be considered as the first shopping mall that was built in Abu Dhabi. Usually, locals refer to it as Hamdan Shopping Center or Hamdan Mall. The peculiarity of this shopping center lies in the fact that this building has much more history to share.

History of Hamdan Center: Built in 1980s

Undoubtedly, the history of this building goes back to 1980s when Abu Dhabi was in the development period. Before the construction of Hamdan Center, almost all shopping activities took place in the open-air souks where merchants sold their goods in the heat and dust. With the appearance of Hamdan Center, Abu Dhabi had the air-conditioned and covered souk, where people could comfortably shop.

Architectural Peculiarities and Urban Significance

After your visit to this shopping center, you will learn about one of the first mixed-use projects in Abu Dhabi. Generally speaking, this project includes ground floor retail units, office units on upper floors, apartments and parking area that makes this building rather unique in terms of its construction era. As far as the architecture is concerned, it is considered to be rather outdated because of its rather traditional architecture compared to modern buildings in Gulf with their curved facades. That is why, this building is so interesting for historians.

Location and Accessibility of Hamdan Centre Abu Dhabi

This shopping center is located at 5th Hamdan Street in central Abu Dhabi and can be reached by walking from government departments, residential areas and busy streets of Abu Dhabi. Due to its central location, it is rather easy to visit other landmarks of Abu Dhabi from this place.

How to Get There: Different Ways of Transportation

It is quite easy to reach this shopping center using the local public transport which offers several bus routes (54, 56, 5 and 10) with bus stops nearby. Drivers can park their cars in the dedicated parking garage of this building, although parking spaces are fully booked during the peak shopping periods. In addition, you can use taxi or ride-hailing services.

Working Hours and the Best Time to Visit

Generally speaking, this shopping center is working from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm, but you have to keep in mind about the mid-day closure which lasts from 1:30 pm to 4:00 pm. In general, the best time to visit this shopping center will be in the morning, right after the opening time, and evenings are overcrowded with people.

Jewellery Shops: the Soul of Hamdan Centre Abu Dhabi

Ask any long-term resident of Abu Dhabi what is special about this shopping center and he will tell you about its fame as the best gold shopping destination of Abu Dhabi. Indeed, jewellery shops have always been the hallmark of this shopping center since its foundation and have remained popular till today. The majority of them are the independent gold and jewellery shops run by families which sell jewellery at affordable prices and provide personal approach to customers that is impossible to find in other shops. Expatriates from South Asia come to these shops to buy or exchange their gold or buy jewellery for wedding, for instance.

Leather Goods and Accessories

Besides gold and jewellery, this shopping center has several leather goods and accessories shops where you can buy wallets, bags, belts and other travel accessories that are sold at prices significantly lower compared to branded retail shops in other Abu Dhabi malls. You can spend some time negotiating your favourite product.

Shoes and Footwear Shops

Speaking about shoes, this is one of those places in Abu Dhabi where you can find a wide variety of shoes, starting from casual sandals to formal shoes. And the range of prices at this shopping center is rather low compared to other retail shops of Abu Dhabi.

Sports Equipment and Gear

In case you plan to buy some sports equipment and gears, Hamdan Center can provide you with basic fitness equipment, football gear, rackets and clothes for sport activities at prices lower than those of branded retail shops in Abu Dhabi.

Souvenirs and Tourist Gifts

Besides gold and other goods, you may also buy some souvenirs and gifts that will make good presents to your friends and relatives. Generally speaking, you may find some handcrafted goods as well as regional textiles and gift goods.

Everyday Retail and Services

Besides buying gold and other goods, there are also tailoring shops, repair shops, mobile phones accessories shops and other convenience stores. This kind of business gives practical value to Hamdan Center, making this building an integral part of the life of people who live nearby.

Who Visits Hamdan Centre Abu Dhabi? About the Clientele

Among the visitors of this shopping center, one may notice mostly the long-term residents of Abu Dhabi, both Emiratis and expatriates who have been living in this city for a long time. One will hardly see many tourists among them. Probably, the clients come here due to their old habits and nostalgia to the place that has become an integral part of their life.

Hamdan Centre Abu Dhabi vs Other Abu Dhabi Malls

Once you visit Hamdan Center, you will be able to distinguish it easily from other shopping destinations of Abu Dhabi, such as Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall and Al Wahda Mall. Unlike these malls, Hamdan Center is focused on the practical approach rather than luxury and entertainment. Designer stores are not here, but there are lower prices and more chances to negotiate them. To choose the right place to visit, you have to take into account your shopping goals.

Prices of Vendors and Shopping Tips for a Good Deal

As far as the prices of vendors of this shopping center are concerned, they are significantly lower compared to the prices of other retail shops in Abu Dhabi. Negotiations are expected here, especially when you buy something not too expensive, so you should not hesitate to bargain the price, especially when you buy several goods in one shop. Comparison of prices in two or three shops before your purchase will help you to save some money.

Nearby Attractions and Combination of Your Visit to Hamdan Center with Them

Due to its central location, it is rather easy to combine your visit to this shopping center with other nearby attractions, for example, government departments and banks. Besides, there are lots of casual cafes located near this shopping center and in the surrounding area of Abu Dhabi’s downtown.

Facilities and Accessibility

The main facility of this shopping center is a parking garage in the building. It is very convenient during the peak shopping periods when you cannot find a place to park your car anywhere in the busy downtown of Abu Dhabi. Besides, there are several wheelchair-accessible entrances in this shopping center. Although the building is considered to be rather old-fashioned, it is accessible for people with limited mobility.

Cultural and Nostalgic Value for Long-Term Residents

For the long-term residents of Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Centre Abu Dhabi has much more value than just shopping center. These people remember the memories associated with their childhood visits to the shopping center, first job and other events of their life. It means that the building has the cultural and nostalgic value for people who have been living in Abu Dhabi for years.

The Future of Hamdan Centre Abu Dhabi: Redevelopment or Preservation?

Today, Abu Dhabi develops rather quickly, and in the future, the debate about the future of this building will start. On one hand, there are the heritage groups arguing about the preservation of this building as the good example of the early mixed-use buildings of Abu Dhabi, on the other hand, there are the urban planners discussing the commercial viability of the building and its redevelopment. In general, at the moment Hamdan Center keeps operating as usual, but its future is unknown.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

VisitHamdan Centre Abu Dhabi Dhabiin the morning or evening when it is less crowded;
Have cash with you as the smaller vendors accept only cash payment, although the majority of shops now accepts credit cards;
Negotiate the prices of the goods, especially jewellery, leather goods and souvenirs;
Wear comfortable shoes as you have to climb a lot of stairs inside the building;
Find a parking garage when it is less crowded.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, Hamdan Centre Abu Dhabi is certainly not the place for luxury, but this is the place where one may visit for the authentic shopping experience, value and history of the retail of the emirate. Being the oldest shopping destination in Abu Dhabi, Hamdan Center continues serving its loyal clients who appreciate the practical approach.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Where isHamdan Centre Abu Dhabi located?

Hamdan Center is located at 5th Hamdan Street in central Abu Dhabi.

What are the opening hours of Hamdan Centre Abu Dhabi?

Hamdan Center is open from 9:00 am to 11:00 pm daily.

What bus routes lead to Hamdan Centre Abu Dhabi?

Hamdan Center is easily accessible via bus routes 54, 56, 5 or 10.

What can be bought atHamdan Centre Abu Dhabi?

One may buy jewellery, leather goods, shoes, sports equipment, souvenirs and various retail goods.

Is Hamdan Center suitable for jewellery shopping?

Certainly, jewellery, especially gold, is the hallmark of Hamdan Center since its foundation.

Is there parking at Hamdan Centre Abu Dhabi?

Certainly, there is a dedicated parking garage of the building.

Is Hamdan Center worth visiting?

Definitely yes. This is still a good place for value shopping and experience that you cannot find in other malls of Abu Dhabi.

How does Hamdan Center differ from other Abu Dhabi Malls?

Hamdan Center is focused on affordability, negotiable prices and practical approach, while other malls offer luxurious atmosphere and entertainment.

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