Established in the early 1970s, Mina Zayed is an important part of Abu Dhabi’s history and heritage. Once the Emirate’s main port as well as a major trade hub in the region, its beloved fish, plant, and carpet markets
have been serving the city’s residents for the past five decades.
However, in recent years, the area has been transforming. As a result, many of its original souks, markets and warehouses have been carefully renovated in a way that maintains the port’s cultural importance.
Mina Zayed is now home to an ever-increasing number of independent art galleries, co-working spaces, and homegrown dining concepts. Now thoroughly regenerated, it represents the ultimate meeting place for free spirits and creatives.
Below is a quick guide to its two key areas…
Along with providing a range of spaces – from micro units to full-sized warehouses – for entrepreneurs and businesses of every sort, the MiZa neighbourhood also offers residency programmes, community events (February’s Prada pop-up was one of the most famous), and even its own radio station. Hipster-chic loft apartments will eventually be available to rent here, too.
This is a great area for foodies and art lovers, and below are some of its key places to know.
Previously known as Warehouse 421, this funky gallery is dedicated to supporting the region’s emerging artists.
Exhibitions here are always interesting and engaging, the gorgeous retail space is filled with locally made jewellery, ceramics, and homeware, and its creative workshops cover all kinds of crafts and practices for adults and kids.
The space’s art soirées are a highlight of the yearly calendar, while community festivals come packed with live performances, vintage market malls, food trucks, free art classes, and more.
Visit 421.online
The funky younger brother of iconic pizzeria Marmellata, Barbassi specialises in high-quality, no-frills, generously sized stuffed focaccia sandwiches. Crafted from freshly made, lighter-than-air bread and offering a huge choice of incredible fillings, they’re a must-try – and the funky fizzy cold coffee is delightfully refreshing, too.
Follow @barbassiboom
One that should be on the radar of every entrepreneur, freelancer and remote worker, this vibrant co-working space offers hot desks, podcast studios, furnished and unfurnished offices, meeting rooms, and much more. Free workshops and networking events are among the many membership perks.
Follow @m39.ae
Offering regionally inspired flavours like olive oil with za’atar and halwa salted saffron, Mina Creamery is possibly the most unique and inspiring homegrown ice cream brand Abu Dhabi has ever seen.
Follow @minacreamery
A beautiful concept space designed to encourage collaborations and connections in addition to empowering creativity, Region offers everything from immersive coffee tasting experiences to brand launches, retail pop-ups, open-mic nights, and more.
Follow @region.ae
Located at the furthest end of Mina Zayed, Souq Al Mina offers just as many interesting brands and concepts as the growing MiZa community…
With branches situated at both Souq Al Mina and inside the 421 Arts Campus, Auro. serves the best coffee in the port. Specialising in Ethiopian coffee, the beans are hand-picked and roasted in-house, and visitors will find that the cool photography exhibitions are well worth checking out, too.
Follow @aurocoffee
Offering an ever-changing line-up of incredible homemade flavours, this cosy ice-creamery is one place that you can’t visit Mina Zayed without stopping by. Try a scoop of the pistachio or peanut butter and you’ll soon see what we mean.
Follow @jlato.ae
With not a single freezer on-site, you can rest assured that the authentic Balkan cuisine at Kuzina 22 is always fresh and delicious. Featuring a range of classic dishes made from scratch with endless love, the juicy kebabs on homemade Balkan flatbread and the mammoth bowls of fragrant goulash are definitely not to be missed. And do try to save some room for a sweet cherry bourek (traditional flaky pastry) for dessert as well.
Follow @kuzina22restaurant
The worthy recipient of a Michelin Bib Gourmand award, this Emirati seafood restaurant is one of Abu Dhabi’s most precious hidden gems. Helmed by chef-owner Faisal Mohamed Alharmoodi, its grilled fish with local spices is incredible in its simplicity, while the theatrical lobster biryani is a masterclass in taste and presentation.
Follow @ryba.ae
Known for its striking, hand-painted mural, this small and cosy yoga studio provides every attendee with plenty of one-on-one attention. Offering an eclectic array of yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes taught by highly qualified and well-regarded coaches, sessions are held outdoors by the port’s blue waters during the cooler months.
Follow @sacralgrounds
