What’s the area like?
Al Markaziyah is best divided into two areas: the north, between Corniche Rd East and Sheikh Zayed 2nd; and the south, between Sheikh Zayed 2nd and Al Falah Street. If Abu Dhabi has a beating heart, this is it. Essentially ‘downtown’, it’s a high-rise city, with 17-storey apartment blocks rising above shops and stores without a care for vertigo-sufferers or those wanting to see the sky. Around these buildings snake umpteen miscellaneous streets packed with local flavour, and shopkeepers selling everything from holy water to carpets.
Amenities
Centrally located, whatever’s in the city is within easy reach, meaning there’s the usual array of electrical and knick-knack shops, general stores and plenty of restaurants to discover. There is also a Spinneys and a Lulu supermarket within easy walking distance and schools dominate the south side, with five in close proximity.
Best for…
Running errands on foot (a surprising joy), and inner city types who want to be close to the city swell.
Pros
Everything you want is within walking distance: cheap restaurants, a movie theatre, shopping, clubs… It’s central, easy to get delivery, and it’s packed with landmarks, so taxi drivers know the locations well – always an advantage.
Cons
Like anywhere in the city, taxis are a nightmare to procure, so prepare to jostle for a cab space like a needy Ben Hur. It’s often very noisy, parking can be non-existent, and traffic is chaotic – even crossing the street can be an ordeal. There’s not much in the way of places for kids to play either, unless you head to Capital Garden.
Rent
Nothing to be had for less than Dhs230,000 for a two-bed.
