HIGHLIGHTS
ABOUT AL MINA
Home to the Zayed Port, Al Mina is just east of Al Danah and Zahiyah (previously known as Tourist Club Area). Part of Al Mina is connected to the main island of Abu Dhabi, while a large chunk of it extends outwards, giving the impression that it is an island. However, nearly 90 percent of its outer borders are surrounded by the ocean, so it is nothing short of an island community. This is a well-developed community which has apartments, villas and offices for rent.
IN A NUTSHELL
- Offers a wide selection of apartments, villas and offices for rent
- Home to Zayed Port, Dhow Harbour and New Mina Port
- A hub for maritime and commercial activities
- Close to Lulu Island, Saadiyat Island and Al Zahiyah
NEIGHBOURHOOD
COMMUNITY OVERVIEW
Al Mina has is a mixed-use area that offers many residential and commercial properties. This makes it an ideal place to live in, especially if you work in one of the ports in Al Mina.
Al Mina is mostly known for its commercial maritime activities that include cargo shipping, general and bulk cargo handling, bunkering, maintenance and other marina services. Since there are several ports in this community, you are likely to see a concentration of maritime activities. Abu Dhabi Ports also has their corporate head office situated in Al Mina.
PROPERTIES IN AL MINA
When it comes to properties in Al Mina, residents can mainly rent apartments in the area as villas are mostly bought and rarely up for rent.
You will find apartments that come with 2, 3 or 4 bedrooms. These apartments are semi-furnished units and offer several amenities like sea views from balconies, fitted kitchens, parking spaces and maid’s rooms. The surface range of the apartments in Al Mina range between 680 sq. ft. to 3,000 sq. ft.
Rental Trends in Al Mina
Apartment Type | Average Rental Price in AED |
|---|---|
Apartment Type 3-Bed | Average Rental Price in AED 85,000 |
Apartment Type 4-Bed | Average Rental Price in AED 126,000 |
1-bedroom apartments in the villa are available in AED 45k, whereas, for a 2-bed flat in Al Mina, one can expect to pay rents between AED 55k to AED 85k, per annum. As for the 3-bed apartments in Al Mina, you will find that rental prices range from AED 115k to AED 135k.
The 4-bed units are comparatively larger and deluxe apartments that are priced on average at AED 150k, annually. There are also a few villas in Al Mina but these are hard to come across, however, whenever they are listed, you will find the prices to range between AED 160k to AED 280k.
In regards to offices, the smallest office available in Al Mina will come with 2,367 sq. ft. of working space and can be rented for an annual price of AED 154k. For those interested in the largest office in the area, they will find that it comes with 7,319 sq. ft. of floor space which can be rented for AED 816k per annum.
Most Popular Buildings in Al Mina, Abu Dhabi
The most popular building in Al Mina Abu Dhabi to rent apartments is Silver Wave Tower, while the second choice for residents is Meena Plaza.
TRANSPORTATION AND PARKING SPACES IN AL MINA
For residents, parking in Al Mina isn’t an issue. There are plenty of free spaces near and around the residential and commercial areas. Those residing in the apartment buildings are offered at least one parking space. Villas have private covered parking spaces for a minimum of two cars.
For those concerned about finding public transportation in Al Mina can use any of the three bus stops in the area. There are public bus stops near Al Mina Souq, Mina Center and the fish market.
AMENITIES, SCHOOLS AND HEALTHCARE
SUPERMARKETS IN AL MINA
One of the main supermarkets in Al Mina is the Abu Dhabi Coop hypermarket in Mina Center. Rich & Fresh Supermarket, Bulk Wholesale and Hypermarket UAE are other options in Al Mina.
Near the Al Zahiyah (Tourist Club Area) entrance to Al Mina you will find Voll Supermarket, Majestic Supermarket, Lifco Supermarket and Smart Mart.
Al Mina residents have the added advantage of buying the freshest ingredients at economical prices at the local fruit and vegetable market, fish market or the dates market.
CHURCHES, TEMPLES AND MOSQUES IN AL MINA
There are many churches just 18 minutes away in the community of Al Mushrif. For the Christian communities, there is St. George Orthodox Cathedral Church, St. Therese Church, St Andrew’s Church and more.
As for the temples, there is one for the Sikh community, named New Gurudwara Abu Dhabi in Mussafah, approximately a half-hour drive. There is a Hindu temple planned for the city of Abu Dhabi, which will be located in Al Rahba around 40 minutes of drive away from Al Mina. Hindu residents will have to travel to the emirate of Dubai to visit the Shiva and Krishna temples.
There are several mosques in Al Mina – around six to be exact. Thus, regardless of where residents are living in Al Mina, they will find a mosque not too far away from their homes. A few popular mosques in Al Mina include Souq Al Anshetah Masjid, Saeed Bin Zaraarah Ansari Mosque and Zubair bin Awam Mosque.
SCHOOLS NEAR AL MINA
There are few nurseries near Al Mina, they are located in the Al Zahiyah district. You will find Oryx British Nursery and Giggles English Nursery located here.
Most schools are quite a distance away from the area and commute times can range from 12 to 30 minutes depending on which school your child attends. For instance, the closest school to Al Mina is the Abu Dhabi Grammar School (Canada) which is just 12 minutes away. This school follows the Nova Scotian curriculum from Nova Scotia in coordination with the UAE Ministry of Education.
Another great school near Al Mina is the International Community School, 15 minutes away in Al Mushrif. This school follows the American curriculum from Kindergarten to Grade 12.
A few other options in the same vicinity include Polaris Private Academy, GEMS World Academy, Abu Dhabi and GEMS Winchester School Abu Dhabi.
University options nearby include Emirates Diplomatic Academy in downtown Abu Dhabi, which is only 12 minutes away. There is also the well-known Sorbonne University Abu Dhabi on Al Reem Island, reachable in 15 minutes from Al Mina.
CLINICS AND HOSPITALS NEAR AL MINA
One will find several clinics near Al Mina. Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi has a large clinic 12 minutes away on Al Maryah Island. Noble Medical Center, Homoeopathic Medical Specialized Clinic, Aster Clinic and Extra Care Medical Centre are all located in downtown Abu Dhabi. There are many veterinarian clinics, dental offices and general practice clinics near Al Mina.
Canadian Veterinary Clinic is located at the entrance of Al Mina, it is a reputed option for your pets.
You will find Al Salama Hospital and Corniche Hospital to be 10 minutes away from Al Mina. Al Raha Hospital, National Hospital, Mediclinic Al Noor Hospital and NMC Specialty Hospital can also be reached in a little over 10 minutes.
NEARBY AREAS
Mina Link road is what connects Al Mina with the main Abu Dhabi city. To the immediate west of Al Mina is Al Lulu Island and to its east is Saadiyat Island. Towards the south side, you will find Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island.
LIFESTYLE
SHOPPING, DINING AND NIGHTLIFE
Although the community of Al Mina doesn’t have a very dynamic lifestyle, one can always drive to downtown Abu Dhabi to enjoy the nightlife.
MALLS IN AL MINA
There is one major mall in Al Mina known as Mina Centre. It has anchor stores such as the Abu Dhabi Coop hypermarket, Homes r Us and Babyshop. There are also other retail stores and a few restaurants. You can fill up your medical rescription at Al Manara Pharmacy and visit the ATMs and exchange centres for all financial-related tasks.
For a more dynamic shopping, dining and entertainment experience, you can take an 11-minute drive to the Abu Dhabi Mall which is just 11 minutes southwest of Al Mina. This mall is one of the top 10 malls in Abu Dhabi and has over 200 stores, multiple banking facilities, 43 dining outlets, a VOX Cinemas and a Fun City arcade.
A few other malls near Al Mina include The Galleria mall at Al Maryah Island, 10 minutes away and Shams Boutik on Al Reem Island,15 minutes away.
RESTAURANTS IN AL MINA
There are many restaurants in Al Mina, many of them feature seafood dishes as their speciality. You have Flavors Grill, Castello Restaurant & Cafe, Sea House, Al Supreme Fish Grilling Restaurant and Bait Albhar. You can find various types of grilled fish, shrimp and other seafood items served in a casual environment at any of these restaurants. Whether it is crab or tiger shrimps, these restaurants will have it.
For the traditional mandi dish, you can visit Al Badia Kitchen or for modern Arabic cuisine, there is Philadelphia. Restaurants serving Indian or Pakistani dishes include Opal Restaurant, City Gate Restaurant and Al Muna Restaurant.
BEACHES NEAR AL MINA
Although the community is surrounded by the ocean, there aren’t any designated beaches in the area that could offer beachside activities. The closest beach is Corniche Beach, 8 minutes away. Besides chilling on the sand soaking sun, one can enjoy many other activities to do at Corniche Beach. Another one is Al Sahil Beach is dedicated to singletons, Gate 2 and 3 are for families only.
LEISURE ACTIVITIES AND NOTABLE LANDMARKS
A notable landmark located in Al Mina is Zayed Port. The port opened in 1972 and was named after the late founding father of the UAE, High Highness Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan. Zayed Port has been the main port for the emirate of Abu Dhabi for the last 40 years, out of many other ports in Abu Dhabi. It is spread over 5.3 million sq. ft. and is one of the biggest commercial ports in the city. Zayed Port has 21 berths that can handle 10 oceangoing vessels at any time.
Zayed Port also welcomes three cruise liners at one time, it has turned Abu Dhabi into a leading cruise destination and it is a unique way for tourists to experience the capital.
OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES, FITNESS AND BEAUTY
For outdoor recreational activities, the best place to visit is the neighbourhood park. For that, you will have to visit Heritage Park which is 8 minutes away. It is a public park with recreations of historical buildings and a view of Abu Dhabi’s skyline. This is a great community park for picnicking or barbecuing on a mild winter day.
For those who need to stay fit, the closest gym is 10 minutes away, called Top Gym. This gym has all the equipment needed for CrossFit, strength and cardio training. Other options include Las Vegas Gym, Fitness Time Gym & Health Club and Fat To Fit Fitness Centre.
Salons and spas in the area include Allure Beauty Centre & Spa, ST Beauty and Greenland Spa.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Al Mina is mainly known for its commercial maritime activities which may not make it the most prime residential location. This may not be an appealing factor, especially if they prefer to walk to the grocery store or need to grab a bite to eat and don’t own a car. Thus, before moving here, consider the secluded environment in this community and the lack of venues that can be reached on foot.
LOCATION
- Home to an important landmark known as Zayed Port
- The Galleria Mall on Al Maryah Island is 8 minutes away
- 10 minutes away from Louvre Abu Dhabi
- Downtown Abu Dhabi lies 10 minutes away
- 34 minutes away from Abu Dhabi International Airport