Formerly known as the Tourist Club Area, Al Zahiya is one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest neighbourhoods.
Home to numerous restaurants, shops and bars, there are plenty of gems to be found at Al Zahiya, which translates as “colourful and bright”.
Plus, it’s a fantastic place to rediscover oldie-but-goodie bars and under-the-radar restaurants that you’d be unwise to overlook.
In 2019, a major Dhs258 million infrastructure project involving new roads and bridges was completed at Al Zahiya, spanning basically the whole area around Beach Rotana Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Mall and between the bridges over to Al Maryah Island.
This cosmopolitan district is also a hugely popular residential zone for many expats, too, and the area is mostly comprised of high-rise buildings. With a prime location in the heart of the capital, it’s time to take a trip to Al Zahiya, as it’s a top area to explore and feel like a total newbie in the city.
Abu Dhabi Mall
This sprawling retail complex first swung open its doors back in 2001 – and it is easy to see why it has stood the test of time. Nestled in the heart of Al Zahiyah, it’s home to more than 200 major shops, great entertainment for the kiddies and a massive cinema.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-11pm. Al Zahiyah (02 645 4858).
Bonna Annee
African cuisine isn’t that easy to find in the city, so this is a top little spot to try something different. This Ethiopian joint isn’t glamorous but as soon as you tear off a strip of the freshly made injera bread and dunk it into your stew or curry you’ll be wondering why such fine fare isn’t more commonplace here.
Open daily 10am-11.30pm. Al Zahiyah (02 491 2128).
Captain’s Arms
Offering the closest thing to a traditional pub garden in Abu Dhabi, this wood-panelled, barrel-dotted venue is quaint and cheerful. It’s cosy inside, and outdoors the palm-trees-meet-Mock-Tudor space is the ideal place in which to laze away sunny afternoons with the gang.
Open daily noon-2.30am. The Village, Le Méridien Abu Dhabi (02 644 6666).
MYNT
Mild or spicy, rich or light, Indian cuisine has a dish to appeal to everyone. And nowhere is this truer than at low-key MYNT. And with a menu full of flavour-packed dishes (the curries are cracking) coming in at pocket-friendly prices, this cool spot is a must-try.
Open daily noon-midnight. Al Zahiyah (02 666 6400).
Zahrat Lebnan
You’ll be totally charmed by this no-frills, authentic Lebanese restaurant before you’ve even touched the fattoush. Zahrat Lebnan (which translates as ‘Lebanese Flower’) is usually packed to the rafters so if you do manage to find a spare seat, you’ll be in for a real treat.
Open daily 8am-2am. Al Zahiyah (02 644 0269).
