Hamdan Centre

Photograph by Lara Swimmer

Hamdan Centre, c. 1982

Hamdan Centre is one of Abu Dhabi’s iconic landmarks. Built in the 1980s, this shopping center is one of the oldest in Abu Dhabi and among the city’s first mixed-use developments. Featuring shops, offices, apartments, and a parking garage, Hamdan Centre ushered in a new phase of development in the UAE’s capital. At just 30 years old, the building—envisioned as a modern alternative to the city’s old souk, or outdoor market—is now considered architecturally dated and stands as a testament to Abu Dhabi’s remarkable growth. Though it is often overlooked by tourists who flock to the UAE’s mega malls, Hamdan Centre boasts a loyal following of locals who frequent its shops in one of Abu Dhabi’s busiest central neighborhoods.