One of the city’s oldest malls is Hamdan Shopping Center. It was built in the early 1980s and remains the market center of its time. Science new, glitzy, and shiny malls, Hamdan Centre is the storekeeper of one very big market.
A lot of the best bargains in the city are to be found at Hamdan, whether it is in the large shop of Jamil the customer or Saeed the customer who is perhaps the most exclusive and royal as far as quality is concerned.
Perhaps, you have come across the Hamdan Centre with its small shops that have genuine copies of electronic goods, antiques, perfumes, sports, clothes, and jewelry that are sold at prices so considerably low you would have thought it is a second-hand store.
History
Hamdan Centre, also known as Hamdan Center, opened in the 1980s. Abu Dhabi’s very first modern shopping mall was it. The Hamdan Centre, in the wake of Abu Dhabi’s rapid growth, became a very popular destination in the community. Even now, this mall stands out because of the excellent trading atmosphere and high-quality products of high quality. It is not just another mall in the city, it is unique.
Once you go in, it’s like time’s traveling. It is as if you are stepping back into Old Dubai, the whole place being busy everywhere, the bright shop lights of a busy shopping center making flashes in the air, and the spices of various kinds filling the atmosphere.
Hamdan Shopping Center Timings
- Hours: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Daily)
Hamdan Shopping Center location and Access
The store is in the Hamdan Center on Hamdan Street. Since the city center is close to this spot the shopping center has two other sister stores close by — Al Hisn and Al Khalidiyah. In-shoe was established in HK and consists in Hong Kong as well though.
By Car:
Go on Hamdan Street. The basement of the Mall is one level below and the other levels are on the streets nearby. To determine whether you’ll have to pay a parking fee, keep in mind that it’s free on Sundays and Holidays.
By Taxi/Rideshare:
Hail a taxi or get a ride from an online rideshare application for instance. Tell to the driver “Hamdan Centre”. The Novel Hotel close to the mall can be a useful reference point.
By Bus:
The buses 5, 10, 54, and 56 stop near to “Hamdan St / Liwa Center.” You can get a jump card for the bus rides.
Hamdan Shopping Center is great for people who live in the city. There are also other places to go which are Corniche Beach, Heritage Park, and Abu Dhabi Mall – all of which are quite near.
Shopping and Directory at Hamdan Centre
Here are some things to buy and examples:
- Gold and Jewelry: Cycy Jewelry and Eva Homemade Jewellery are two famous jewelry shops. They provide good quality gold and custom jewelry with low prices. Several stores such as Reem Jewellery and Al Badia Jewellery are also present in this center.
- Leather Goods and Apparel: You can buy high-class leather shoes, handbags, belts, and coats in the mall. Incidentally, Milano Shoes has a somewhat worn appearance, but otherwise in perfect condition. There are a few shops selling traditional wear.
- Electronics and Gadgets: On the other side, some companies like Total Care Mobiles and Red Rose Electronics have their workshops to service and fix up the handhelds. There are also a variety of chargers and other small electronics around.
- Hamdan Center perfume shop and Oils: Perfumes like these that are flavored like attar and oud are preferred in the Arabian countries. King Perfumes and Watches are among those that are quite old in this industry. Variances may reflect the sellers’ trading experience and aroma brands.
- Souvenirs and Gifts: The stalls provide UAE memorabilia, consisting of lovely posed camel models, well-fashioned on a mirror, traditional carpets, along with ghutras and keffiyehs (traditional headgears), and lastly, classic cassette tapes.
- Aromatics and Perfumes: Many stores have incense burners and perfume bottles, which enlighten the mall with a convicting smell.
Frequently the best deals can be gotten in small stalls. If you need a specific thing, you can use the map or gently ask the salespersons. Don’t forget, most of the time, you can get a little discount.
Dining and Amenities
Hamdan Centre is a place where the options for eating are easy:
- Fast Food and Cafes: Burger King which is open 24/7 is perfect for when time is running out. Baskin-Robbins is also present for ice cream.
- Local Cafes: The Cafeteria is a café where you can be sure that the same thing as it is since you usually get snacks and tea here.
- Nearby Restaurants: Walk outside the mall and you’ll get to see Jazz@PizzaExpress, Royal Rajasthan, and Asian Inasal. They offer pizza, Indian food, and Filipino grills, respectively.
Nearby Accommodation:
Novel Hotel City Center is just a few minutes away from the Hamdan Center shopping outlet. It consists of a rooftop pool and is also adjacent to the shopping area.
Other Services
The mall boasts several ATMs (Dubai Islamic Bank and RAK Bank) for withdrawal, a barber shop (Merci Gents Salon), a spa, and the mall is also near a small medical clinic.
Hamdan Centre mall is so much more than just a mall; it is like a mini city where you can find almost everything that you would in a big city.
Parking and Shopping Tips
The process of Parking your vehicle at the Hamdan Shopping Center is quite easy. There is a garage that is located underground for cars. If this is not available, look for the parking lots named MAWAQiF at the adjacent streets.
Normally, the parking prices are AED 2–3 per hour in blue/white zones, however, usually, you don’t have to pay at most places since it is even cost-free on some days, like Sundays and holidays.
Always take a look at the signs or use the local parking app in order to avoid receiving a fine for parking wherever it is not allowed. And now some advice for the people who are looking for shopping tips:
Haggle Nicely
Mostly, the prices are not fixed, from which you can understand that you can lower the price. For instance, when it comes to purses and leather jackets, you can press the vendors for lower prices. Nevertheless, do not tend to be very mean and always try to keep the smile on your face.
Compare First
Some of the things are only offered in a single store, while others are found in different shops. Never forget to check all the stores to get the lowest price.
Check Quality
Let your eyes move over it very well before you decide to pay it. Look for detailed information and certificates of quality issued by officials when it comes to items of gold or leather, that you plan to pay for.
Carry Cash
Mostly, big stores are accepting cards, but smaller shops usually prefer having cash. This way, cash makes it easier to buy things fast.
Best Times to Visit
During the night and the time it gets colder, the shopping mall is by far the busiest. In the mornings, there are fewer people, if that is what you are looking for. There are short breaks (usually from around 1:30–4:00 PM) in some stores.
Go with a Friend
This happens to be a crowded area, and sometimes it’s fun to have your shopping buddy with you. It also offers an extra layer of safety, i.e., in case you are the type of person that finds a lot of joy in bargaining.
Nearby Attractions and Itinerary
Hamdan Centre is right in the middle of the city, so it’s easy to go to other places out there. Here are some of the many attractions that are just a quick drive away in the city:
- Corniche Beach: About 8 minutes
- Heritage Park: About 7 minutes
- Abu Dhabi Mall: About 11 minutes
- Khalidiya Park: About 10 minutes
Conclusion
Hamdan Centre is a reminder of the Abu Dhabi shopping history and a loved part of it. Even though modern malls are flooding the area, it is still a favorite spot for those who want different and discounted offers. Visitors and locals are equal in their fondness and amusement over its distinctive identity and lively environment. In the midst of haggling, colors and fond memories, there is no other place than Hamdan Centre that could give you the same Abu Dhabi experience
