With plenty of fancy villas lining the area’s streets, Al Bateen is one of Abu Dhabi’s key neighbourhoods, though it’s not the villas that many expats live in. For those that do, it offers homes with lots of space and beautiful gardens and is close to some of the capital’s most pretty attractions (Emirates Palace, Qasr Al Watan and The Founder’s Memorial to name a few). The newer development at Al Marasy is where modern apartments are available. There are also residences at the swish Abu Dhabi EDITION hotel.
It’s very close to the water, with Marsa Al Bateen and the veteran InterContinental Abu Dhabi being home to marinas. There’s a big fishing port here, too, not to mention Al Bateen Palace, one of the ruler of Abu Dhabi’s residences, visible from the Al Bateen Beach.
The beach is one of the most popular public stretches of sand in the capital and though it doesn’t have too many amenities, it’s one of the most calming spots in the city.
There’s culture available at Etihad Modern Art Gallery and the Zayed Heritage Center, which is a world away from the glitzy likes of Louvre Abu Dhabi and tells the story of the late Sheikh Zayed through artefacts and stories from his life.
When it comes to food, this area is one of the most trendy in the city. While most of the eateries are unlicensed, the likes of Tashas, No. FiftySeven Boutique Café and Joud Café regularly have waiting lists due to their popularity. Coffee lovers are in for a treat at those venues, as well as % Arabica, Robusta Coffee and more.
Outside of the InterContinental there are bars at the EDITION, with the three-storey ANNEX providing entertainment (when open, it’s still closed at the time of writing) and Library Bar offering a more sedate experience. Food at the hotel comes from acclaimed British chef Tom Aikens, with steakhouse The OAK Room winning a Time Out award in 2019.
Shopping with a backstory
It may be small but Al Bateen Mall has plenty going for it. Its striking, almost Brutalist winged design being one thing. The former bus station opened in 1986 to cope with the capital’s increasing population. By the mid 1990s it was converted into the shopping centre it is today.
Al Bateen Mall, Al Mataf Street (02 666 1222).
Arty eats
A casual venue with upcycled furniture, unique art on the walls and a sustainable ethos, Art House Café is one of the most downright loveable places in the capital. The food is decent, too, and we reckon anyone who crosses its door in search of a bit of peace and quiet will fall head over heels for the quicky spot.
Art House Café, Al Huwelat Street (02 666 0175).
Historic hotel
Opened by the UAE’s founding father, the late Sheikh Zayed himself, the InterContinental Abu Dhabi was host to the first Gulf Cooperation Council Conference and has now been in operation for decades. It is still going strong with some great restaurants and bars, and a popular beach club and its own marina.
InterContinental Abu Dhabi, King Abdullah Bin Abdul Aziz Street (02 666 6888).
Meaty marvel
The OAK Room at is the current holder of the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Award for Best Steakhouse. It has an incredible selection of meat served in a stylish dining room with rock and roll imagery and music playing. It’s very cool and the weekend brunch is worth checking out, too.
The OAK Room, The Abu Dhabi EDITION (02 208 0000).
