Al Markaziya

About the Area

Al Markaziya is an ideal place both for business professionals and families with children wishing to experience a lifestyle in the center of the Emirati capital. Al Markaziya is surrounded by areas such as Union Square, Madinat Zayed, Corniche and the Tourist Club Area.

From Al Markaziya, residents can easily get to any corner of Abu Dhabi within a reasonable amount of time using public transport. For instance, the travel time to Al Reem Island will take about 40 minutes’ if using bus route 67, which departs from Zayed The First St / Al Hisn St, and is within 10 minutes’ from the area. Among the other closest bus stops located within the same distance are Hamdan St / Al Hisn St and Corniche St / Landmark Tower.

Those who prefer to drive a car will be glad to know that several allocated parking spaces can be found on the territory of Al Markaziya. Dedicated paid parking lots are offered to guests and visitors of the area but drivers should keep in mind that it may be challenging to find a parking space on weekends because of the popularity of the area. It takes about 20 minutes’ to get from Al Markaziya to Al Reem Island, while Yas Island and Abu Dhabi International Airport can be reached in less than 35 minutes.

Low and high-rise buildings can be found in Al Markaziya that are popular among both locals and foreigners. Among the most well-known residential buildings in the area are those by Al Ain Holding, the diversified investment company that is headquartered in Abu Dhabi and covers sectors including real estate, hospitality and education projects since 1996.

Economic Attractiveness

Abu Dhabi attracts foreigners due to its job opportunities, safe and secure environment, warm climate, easy connection to other countries and many other reasons. The emirate is still developing and more and more people are thinking about moving here to experience a more comfortable lifestyle.

The close proximity to the main sights of Abu Dhabi, including entertainment amenities, parks and social infrastructure developments, makes Al Markaziya attractive among those searching for a residential or commercial unit to rent. However, freehold property isn’t available in this area which means that only Emiratis and GCC nationals have the right to obtain units here. As for now, there are no apartments to obtain in the area because of its popularity.

A 1-bedroom apartment in Al Markaziya with an area of 1,020 sq.ft can be rented out from AED 75,000 (USD 20,400) per year, while a 2-bedroom unit with an area of 1,440 sq.ft will cost from AED 110,000 (USD 30,000) per year. Commercial units with an area of 2,690 sq.ft will cost from AED 160,000 (USD 43,600) per year.

Main Attractions

Al Markaziya is a quiet family-friendly area and offers a wide range of entertainment amenities, shopping centers, cafes and restaurants. Among the main places of interest in the area are:

World Trade Centre Mall has a number of international brands including H&M, Gant, Pierre Cardin, Sacoor Brothers and many local boutiques and is in the center of the area. The Mall also offers over 30 cafes and restaurants. The Souk houses Arabian perfumes, jewellery, spices, henna and traditional clothing and can also be found at the World Trade Center Abu Dhabi.

The Lake Park and Formal Park are also located on the territory of Al Markaziya. Here residents and visitors of the area can relax in the BBQ areas or practise sports in the outdoor gym or run along the jogging track. Parents will also appreciate the presence of a children’s playground located in the park.

The 8km long Corniche Beach is one of the most popular beaches in Abu Dhabi and can be reached in several minutes on foot. Here visitors can not only swim and sunbathe, but they can also play volleyball and football or ride a bike on the cycle track, as well as enjoy time with their close ones in nearby cafes and restaurants. A children’s playground is also located here.

Qasr Al Hosn, the oldest standing structure in the emirate that has served as the seat of the government, is reachable from any corner of Al Markaziya. The structure consists of two buildings named the Inner Fort that was built at the end of the 18th century, and the Outer Palace that goes back to the 1950’s. Qasr Al Hosn was transformed into a museum in 2018 where visitors can find various artifacts going back to 6000 BC.