Hamdan Shopping Center is a popular mall in the heart of Abu Dhabi and is situated on Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, Al Danah area. It is renowned for its gold jewellery stores, perfumery, leather goods, footwear, sporting goods, and traditional souvenirs. It is very different from large modern malls, which have a more traditional shopping experience with a range of independent shops.
Visitors can go through different shops and get generic, everyday items and gifts in one place and compare prices. You can find gold jewellery, shave the perfumes in Arabic style, or browse the shops in central Abu Dhabi at Hamdan Shopping Centre.
Hamdan Shopping Center: Quick Facts
| Information | Details |
| Name | Hamdan Centre |
| Common name | Hamdan Shopping Center |
| Location | Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, Al Danah, Abu Dhabi |
| Emirate | Abu Dhabi, UAE |
| Shopping type | Traditional shopping centre |
| Established | 1980s |
| Famous for | Jewellery, leather goods, shoes and souvenirs |
| General listed timings | 8:00 AM–11:00 PM |
| Contact number | +971 2 632 8555 |
| Entry fee | No general admission ticket |
| Nearby area | Hamdan Street and central Abu Dhabi |
Opening hours are general listings and can vary from store to store. Confirm before visiting.
Where Is Hamdan Shopping Center Located?
Hamdan Shopping Center is located at Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street (Hamdan Street) in Al Danah area, Abu Dhabi. The centre is located in the centre of the commercial area, which is surrounded by residential buildings, offices, hotels, restaurants, and smaller retail establishments.
Its address is:
Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, Al Danah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.
The shopping centre is readily discernible as it is located in one of the capital’s older commercial districts. As Abu Dhabi has developed and grown, new residential communities have been built, while major retail developments have opened on Hamdan Street, maintaining the importance of the street for shopping and business.
It is especially convenient for those who stay in the center of Abu Dhabi. There are also plenty of shops, restaurants, and attractions within easy reach of visitors without going outside the city.
History and Shopping Character of Hamdan Centre
Hamdan Centre has been in existence since the 1980s and has long been a part of the retail scene in Abu Dhabi. It is acknowledged as one of the city’s earliest shopping centres and as an early example of a mixed-use commercial development.
The structure is a reflection of an earlier phase in the development of Abu Dhabi city where traditional markets and individual small businesses were significant in people’s daily lives. Hamdan Centre was not like the large shopping complexes found today; it combined a variety of businesses in a comparatively small place.
In February 2020, Khaleej Times published a report about the establishment of the centre as one of the oldest malls in Abu Dhabi. It pointed to its jewellery stores, traditional perfume sellers, clothing shops, and mobile phone companies.
Its enduring presence underscores the significance of existing commercial areas in the capital. Hamdan Centre has a more traditional shopping environment, as newer malls cater to international brands and amenities such as entertainment and huge dining spaces.
Shops and Products at Hamdan Shopping Center
Hamdan Shopping Center is an ideal place for consumers who seek special shops, traditional products, and daily shopping. Its leather goods, footwear, sports, jewellery, and souvenirs are emphasised by the official Abu Dhabi tourist site.
It is famous for the following shopping areas.
Gold and Jewellery Shops
One of the most easily identified attributes of Hamdan Centre is jewellery. The centre is well established in the gold retail trade and has independent jewellers.
They can visit and have a look at different styles such as gold necklaces, gold bracelets, gold rings, and other gold designs using precious metal. There are also some crafty artisans who provide bespoke jewellery services, where the customer can discuss with them about some customised designs.
The centre’s jewellery shops are a special feature of the city, as is the fact that they can produce bespoke jewellery using gold and other precious metals.
When deciding to buy gold, make sure to research the following information:
- Gold purity, such as 18K, 21K, 22K or 24K.
- Rate of gold today, per gram.
- Making charges and any other fees.
- Total purchase price and final item weight.
- An invoice and relevant product documentation.
There are various jewellers from whom you can obtain quotations, but you should look at how much the gold is worth compared to the charges for craftsmanship.
Perfume, Oud and Traditional Fragrances
Hamdan Street is also home to some of the traditional retail outlets that sell perfumes. You can find Arabic perfumes, oud fragrances, concentrated perfume oils and attars.
These products are favoured among those who enjoy traditional fragrance styles from the Middle East. The usual elements of Arabic perfumery are oud, musk, amber, and floral notes.
When selecting the perfume, inquire about the concentration, ingredients, and duration of the perfume. You shouldn’t only judge a perfume by the bottle or the first sniff; you should test it on your skin to determine what you are buying.
Leather Goods and Bags
Hamdan Centre is also a popular place for leather goods, which are another item shoppers purchase regularly. Leather products are one of the centre’s key retail products, according to Abu Dhabi’s tourism authority.
Depending on the availability of shops, visitors can check for bags, wallets, belts, and other accessories. These products can be used for daily use and as gifts.
When buying an item that is described as leather, inspect the material description, finishing, stitching, and product quality. Not all leather goods sold in leather goods shops are necessarily leather.
Shoes and Footwear
The footwear is also a recognized aspect of the centre’s retail business. People can check out various types of shoes and choose the appropriate ones for casual occasions, working in an office, and everyday life activities.
The shopping experience is more on the individual retailing side than on the giant international footwear companies. This allows customers to create some comparisons and ask the shop man about the various sizes and materials and design that is available.
For shoes that you’ll be wearing often, look for shoes with a comfortable fit, solid stitching, and a quality sole, not just how they look.
Sports Equipment
Hamdan Centre also partners with sports equipment retailers. This usually comes in handy for those who want to purchase sports gear or accessories.
Sports equipment is listed by the official tour guide as one of the shopping specialties of the centre. Sports equipment is one of the centre’s shopping specialties listed on the official tour guide. It’s not a real store directory, though, and doesn’t verify the availability of specific brands and products.
Individual customers are advised to check with a specific retailer before visiting if they are wishing to purchase a specific cricket bat, football, or fitness accessory, etc.
Souvenirs and Gift Items
Visitors will also be able to shop for little bits of souvenirs and tradition. One of the centre’s draws is the availability of goods for tourists, according to the tourism authority in Abu Dhabi.
Minor items being sold are decorations, mini camels, UAE-inspired gifts, and more. The choice of products is up to the individual retailer.
If you need to buy something for yourself without visiting a big shopping center, these shops can be beneficial.
Hamdan Shopping Center Timings
Hamdan Shopping Center is open every day from 8:00 AM to 11:00 PM.
Visitors should note that the building opening times are subject to the normal working hours of individual businesses, however. Independent shops might open at different times, especially during the middle of the day, Ramadan, and public holidays.
| Day | General listed opening hours |
| Monday | 8:00 AM–11:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:00 AM–11:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:00 AM–11:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:00 AM–11:00 PM |
| Friday | 8:00 AM–11:00 PM |
| Saturday | 8:00 AM–11:00 PM |
| Sunday | 8:00 AM–11:00 PM |
Best Time to Visit
Shoppers can visit the jewellery and retail shops late in the day, in the heady hours of late afternoon and evening. The commercial area around it is also buzzing with activity when people are done with their work.
Those who prefer quieter surroundings might prefer to visit during the morning. If you are shopping for a specific product or store, check the hours of operation in advance, however.
Entry Fee and Shopping Expenses
There is no general admission ticket advertised for entering Hamdan Shopping Center. It is not a ticketed tourist spot; it’s a shopping place.
Shopping areas are open for visitors to view products they would not buy. Costs will vary depending upon the items they select and the retail store and services used.
When buying jewellery, one needs to be extra careful about the final price, as the final price is influenced by the value of gold, workmanship, and any other applicable charges.
For other products, check and compare prices before making the payment. Even if two retail outlets sell the same sorts of goods, the prices may be different.
Parking Facilities at Hamdan Shopping Center
The issue of parking should be taken into account when visiting Hamdan Street, as part of the heart of the city’s commercial district, Abu Dhabi.
People driving can park legally in public areas in the vicinity of the shopping centre. Spaces will be available depending upon the time of day and the surrounding street activity.
Abu Dhabi Mobility’s MAWAQiF oversees public parking throughout the emirate.
The following public parking rates have been published:
| Parking category | Fee | Maximum parking duration |
| Standard parking | AED 2 per hour or AED 15 per day | 24 hours |
| Premium parking | AED 3 per hour | 4 hours |
In line with the published schedule, MAWAQiF provides paid public parking from 8:00 AM to midnight (including Sundays and public holidays), subject to the applicable regulations and exceptions.
How to Pay for Public Parking
There are multiple payment options for regulated parking spaces available through MAWAQiF, such as:
- The Darb mobile app.
- MAWAQiF payment machines.
- Payments via SMS to mobile devices.
- Rechargeable parking cards.
- Accept cash or other accepted payment options at specific machines.
Please read the parking sign and payment rules before you leave your car. The parking rates and maximum time in parking differ between premium and standard parking.
Multi-Storey Parking Nearby
Abu Dhabi Mobility provides access to public multi-storey car parks in Abu Dhabi City, such as the car park on Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street behind Liwa Centre, and the car park behind Bahrain Bank.
If street parking is scarce, these may be alternatives to consider. But being close does not mean you will find a space available during your visit.
The tariff for parking in the parking area for multi levels is published AED 2 per hour and AED 15 per day.
How to Reach Hamdan Shopping Center
The centre is located in the middle of the shopping centre, accessible by private car, taxi and public transport.
By Car
If you are travelling from elsewhere in Abu Dhabi, then consider Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street as the primary destination. In your navigation app, put in the name of the shopping centre and the directions will be towards Al Danah.
Take extra time when the shopping season is busy, as traffic and parking may impact your travel time.
By Taxi
Taxis are always an easy choice for people who don’t wish to drive or look for parking. You can enter Hamdan Shopping Center, Abu Dhabi as your destination when booking a taxi.
The driver can stop at a convenient drop-off location, instead of blocking traffic on Hamdan Street.
By Public Bus
To cater for various parts of the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi, there is a public bus system that runs throughout the city. Transportation is available in the form of buses that stop along Hamdan Street so that you can get to the city’s commercial area.
Your starting point will determine the route. Please refer to the most up-to-date route information and travel times on the Abu Dhabi Mobility app before travelling, as routes and times may change.
It’s also important to verify the closest available stop and the distance one has to walk from the stop to the shopping centre.
Restaurants and Cafes Near Hamdan Shopping Center
Hamdan Street is surrounded by restaurants, cafeterias, and smaller food businesses. This provides consumers with a few choices to take a break during their shopping trip, or even to have a meal.
There are various types of restaurants and eateries in the surrounding commercial area, and they range from casual lunch spots like cafeterias to South Asian, Arabic, and international cuisine restaurants.
Visitors should not make the assumption that the centre has a large dedicated food court; rather, they should enquire with the individual business operating within the centre.
If you’re looking for more restaurants, head to other streets around Hamdan Centre. Opening times and menus of restaurants are subject to change; please check individual restaurants before making a specific dining plan.
Facilities and Shopping Convenience
Unlike big modern shopping malls, Hamdan Centre has its own structure and shopping experience. It is most attractive because of specialist shops, independent retailers, and its presence in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
The facilities and convenience at a visit are:
Multiple Retail Categories
The centre has attracted various kinds of retailers into a single, organised shopping place, offering shoppers jewellery, footwear, leather goods, sports products and gifts.
Central Commercial Location
Its proximity to Al Danah means it’s easily accessible for residents, workers and visitors of central Abu Dhabi. Offices, hotels and other businesses are situated throughout the surrounding district.
Nearby Public Transport
There are bus stops and taxi services in the Hamdan Street area. This can decrease the necessity of private cars to travel, especially if they are staying close to the area.
Accessibility Information
Third-party business listings include information on wheelchair accessible parking and entrances and toilets. Please note that those with any specific access needs should check availability of access to the centre before arrival.
Contact Information
The general enquiry line for Hamdan Centre is provided for any inquiries.
| Contact detail | Information |
| Centre name | Hamdan Centre |
| Telephone | +971 2 632 8555 |
| Address | Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, Al Danah, Abu Dhabi |
The centre’s contact number may not be able to give you data on the individual retailers’ stock, so if you require information about a specific product, contact the relevant shop instead.
Places to Visit Near Hamdan Shopping Center
One good thing about visiting Hamdan Centre is its location in the middle of Abu Dhabi. The surrounding commercial area has several shopping and sightseeing facilities.
Liwa Centre
Another shopping hub on Hamdan Street is Liwa Centre. It offers retail outlets and amenities nearby, and guests can enjoy time in the center of Abu Dhabi.
World Trade Center Abu Dhabi
World Trade Center Abu Dhabi provides a more modern shopping environment, comprising retail outlets, restaurants, and the old-fashioned Souk Central.
It is a good way to compare the Hamdan Centre with a modern retail development, for those who have an interest.
Abu Dhabi Corniche
Abu Dhabi Corniche is a prime waterfront area that has a promenade, public area, and a view of the city’s skyline.
Depending on the time they have, visitors can go on a shopping spree or spend time along the waterfront.
Shopping Tips for First-Time Visitors
Shopping at Hamdan Centre is a bit easier if you want to buy jewellery or traditional items, as a little preparation will make it easier.
- Take multiple quotes: When you’re looking for jewellery, perfumes, or accessories, shop around.
- Inspect product quality: Inspect materials, stitching, finishing, and product specifications.
- Consider asking to include the workmanship charge in the jewellery price: Gold has a value, but it also includes a charge for the workmanship.
- Confirm shop timings: Individual retailers may not follow the general centre schedule.
- Keep your receipt: For higher value purchases, ask for an itemised invoice.
- Look for parking signs: Comply with MAWAQiF rules and confirm which parking tariff to apply.
The centre is ideal for those who like to window-shop at independent shops instead of a large department store.
Conclusion
Hamdan Shopping Center is a tourist favourite shopping centre in Abu Dhabi for buying jewellery, perfumes, leather goods, traditional souvenirs, footwear, etc. It is located in the heart of Hamdan Street, and can be easily accessed by motor vehicles, taxis or public transport. There are also a variety of independent shops, which allow visitors to compare products and prices before they purchase.
Before visiting, find out opening times and parking space availability of individual stores. Hamdan Shopping Center is a shopping experience that is unlike any found in Abu Dhabi’s large modern malls, whether you’re buying gold, finding the right gift, or simply window shopping.
Read Also: Safari Hypermarket Sharjah
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Hamdan Shopping Center located?
It is situated on Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street in the Al Danah area of Abu Dhabi, UAE.
What are the opening hours?
General listed timings: 8 AM to 11 PM every day. Individual shops may have different operating hours.
What can I buy at Hamdan Centre?
Gold Jewelry, perfumes, leather items, shoes, sports, and traditional souvenirs.
Is Hamdan Centre the same as Hamdan Shopping Center?
Yes, and both of them are the name of the same popular shopping area located at Hamdan Street in Abu Dhabi.
Is there an entry fee?
No, admission is not required to enter and shop in the area.
Are gold shops available at Hamdan Shopping Center?
Yes, there are jewellery retailers, and customers can see the designs of gold and ask about custom-made jewellery in the centre.
Is parking available near the centre?
Yes, there is public MAWAQiF parking around. During busy hours, however, there may be a limited number of spaces.
How can I reach the shopping centre by bus?
Public buses can be used to travel from Hamdan Street to Abu Dhabi. Know ahead of time the latest routes through Abu Dhabi Mobility.
Are there restaurants near Hamdan Centre?
Yes, there are a number of restaurants and cafeterias along Hamdan Street, serving Arabic, Asian and other types of cuisine.
Is Hamdan Shopping Center worth visiting for tourists?
Yes, it’s worth visiting if you’re keen to explore traditional shops, make a jewellery purchase, shop for Arabic perfumes, or local souvenirs.
