Everything you need know about living on Defence Road in Abu Dhabi

Living Defence Road Abu Dhabi, officially called Hazza Bin Zayed The First Street, is one of the busiest streets in the city center. The street is lined with mid-rise and high-rise apartment buildings, and the ground floors are filled with shops, cafés, and clinics.

The street is known as Abu Dhabi’s main spot for mobile phones, laptops, and device repairs. With Al Wahda Mall, the Central Bus Station, and many schools and hospitals close by, it is a popular area for professionals and small families. Here is what you need to know about living on Defence Road in Abu Dhabi.

• Lifestyle on Defence Road
• Pros of living on Defence Road Abu Dhabi
• Cons of living on Defence Road Abu Dhabi
• Summing up
• FAQs

Lifestyle on Defence Road Abu Dhabi

Defence Road stays busy from morning until late at night. With supermarkets, bakeries, pharmacies, and casual restaurants at street level, you can easily run most daily errands on foot. The street is in the center of downtown Abu Dhabi and connects to Al Reem Island, with neighborhoods like Al Zaab, Al Manhal, Al Bateen, and Al Wahda nearby.

This area is great for professionals who want a short commute, small families who need nearby schools and clinics, and anyone looking for a flat with flexible monthly rent. If you enjoy being where things are happening, Defence Road Abu Dhabi is a practical place to live.

Pros of living on Defence Road Abu Dhabi

Let’s explore the benefits of living on Defence Road:

1. Affordable apartments

Defence Road is mainly made up of apartments, from studios to 3-bedroom units. Studios are usually around 550 sq. ft., 1-bedroom flats can be over 1,000 sq. ft., and 2-bedroom units are around 1,200 sq. ft. with two bathrooms. Many buildings have gyms, pools and covered parking, and the Asma Majid Al Futtaim Building is one of the best-known residential towers.

The following are typical rents on the street:

Many furnished flats include water and electricity in the rent, which saves tenants from paying a full year upfront with post-dated cheques.

2. Abu Dhabi’s mobile phone and electronics hub

Defence Road is well known in Abu Dhabi for its wide range of mobile phones, laptops, tablets, and accessories. Many people also visit this area for quick repairs, such as screen or battery replacements. Here are five of the best mobile shops on Defence Road in Abu Dhabi:

3. Nearby communities

Defence Road is centrally located in Abu Dhabi and is surrounded by established residential neighborhoods. People living here have easy access to nearby communities, shops, and daily conveniences. Some of the closest areas are:

• Al Zaab and Al Manhal: to the west
• Al Wahda and Al Bateen: to the south
• Al Reem Island: at the end of the street

4. Nearby attractions

Residents of Defence Road have easy access to several parks, green spaces, and beaches in Abu Dhabi. These spots are ideal for relaxing, walking, or spending time outdoors with family and friends. Popular options include:

• Delma Park: the closest park, with a play area and shaded gazebos
• Abu Dhabi Beach: 12 minutes drive away
• Corniche Beach: 14 minutes drive away

5. Transportation

Defence Road connects the city centre with Al Reem Island and its main roads. Zayed International Airport is about a 40-minute drive away, depending on traffic.

Buses

There is no metro in Abu Dhabi, but buses 11 and 44 pass close to the street, with stops near Al Wahda. Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station is also nearby, with routes across the island, the suburbs and other emirates.

6. Healthcare options

Defence Road is close to several well-established hospitals and specialist clinics in Abu Dhabi, offering residents convenient access to healthcare services. Some of the top options nearby include:

• Burjeel Hospital: on Al Najdah Street, a short drive away
• Dar Al Shifaa Hospital
• Oasis Medical Centre

7. Educational facilities

Families near Defence Road can choose from many schools in Abu Dhabi, each with its own curriculum and educational approach. Here are some of the top schools on or close to this street:

• Emirates National School
• GEMS World Academy
• The Pearl Academy

8. Shopping malls

Defence Road is close to several of Abu Dhabi’s most popular shopping malls. These malls offer a range of shops, restaurants, and entertainment. Some of the top malls nearby are:

• Al Wahda Mall: shops, a cinema, restaurants and Lulu Hypermarket
• Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre: fashion, a gold souq and hypermarket shopping
• Mushrif Mall: shops, a hypermarket and family entertainment

9. Restaurants

Defence Road has many casual dining spots, and there are several popular restaurants nearby that serve a range of cuisines. Here are some of the best places to eat:

• Maroosh Restaurant: Lebanese food on Hazza Bin Zayed Street
• Peppermill: fine-dining Indian
• Off the Hook: seafood

10. Hotels

Defence Road is near several hotels in Abu Dhabi, making it easy for family and friends to find a place to stay. Here are some of the best options nearby:

• Villaggio Hotel and Resort: 127 rooms, about 5 minutes away
• Grand Millennium Al Wahda
• Abu Dhabi Marriott Downtown

11. Sports and fitness

Staying active is easy around Defence Road. The top options are:

• Gold’s Gym at Al Wahda Mall: 8 minutes drive away
• Abu Dhabi Equestrian Club: 13 minutes drive away
• Abu Dhabi City Golf Club: 15 minutes drive away

Cons of living on Defence Road Abu Dhabi

The cons of living on Defence Road are:

1. Heavy traffic

Defence Road is one of the busiest streets downtown, so traffic builds up at peak hours, especially near the main junctions.

2. Limited parking for additional cars

Many residential buildings offer parking for tenants, but if your household has more than one car, you might need to find extra parking, which can mean added expenses.

Summing up

FAQs

Defence Road in Abu Dhabi is a great place to live if you want a central location, flexible monthly rents, and plenty of mobile and electronics shops. Before you decide to move, take some time to consider both the advantages and disadvantages of living here.

For more pros and cons of living in Abu Dhabi’s diverse communities, check out the Property Finder blog.

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