Al Manhal Abu Dhabi is a well-known residential area in the heart of Abu Dhabi Island. It’s near Al Wahda Mall, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, and the Corniche. This location is great for families and professionals who want everything they need nearby.
Al Manhal Palace, once home to the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, is in this neighbourhood. The area has tree-lined streets, mid-rise apartments, and traditional family villas. Homes here are usually bigger and more affordable than the newer high-rise towers on the islands.
Where is Al Manhal Abu Dhabi?
Al Manhal is located in central Abu Dhabi. It’s bordered by Mohamed Bin Khalifa Street, Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street, and Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street. These main roads make it easy for residents to reach other parts of the island and the mainland.
| Destination | Approximate drive time |
| Abu Dhabi Corniche | Under 10 minutes |
| Central business and government districts | A few minutes |
| Zayed International Airport | About 30 minutes |
The area is popular with families and people looking for a stable community. The neighbourhood scores 80% for families and 64% for retirees.
Al Manhal Palace Abu Dhabi: History and Heritage
Al Manhal Palace Abu Dhabi was built from 1966 to 1968, led by the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding father. It was the first modern presidential palace and played a big role in the country’s early history.
The palace grounds cover about 143 acres of green space in the center of the district. Al Manhal Palace is still the area’s most famous landmark and shapes its character. The gardens help give the nearby streets a calm, leafy atmosphere.
Getting around Al Manhal
Public transport
Bus routes 23, 24, 41, 42, and 45 go through Al Manhal Abu Dhabi, with stops on Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street, Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, and Al Falah Street. Many buildings are just a short walk from a bus stop. Abu Dhabi’s main bus terminal is across from Al Wahda Mall, making it simple to get to other parts of the city. Taxis are also available at any time.
Parking
Most apartment buildings have dedicated parking for residents. Street parking is available in marked paid zones, but it gets busy at peak hours, especially near the mall and the hospitals. Public car parks near the main commercial and medical areas help visitors.
Property types in Al Manhal Abu Dhabi
Apartments
Mid-rise apartment buildings make up most of the housing here. Units range from studios and one-bedroom flats to two- and three-bedroom family homes, with some larger four-bedroom apartments close to 3,000 sq ft. Expect built-in wardrobes, en-suite master bedrooms, balconies and, in bigger units, maid’s rooms. Many buildings have a shared pool, gym and covered parking.
Popular spots for apartments include Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street and the streets around Al Wahda Mall.
Villas and townhouses
Villas in Al Manhal sit on generous plots and range from four bedrooms to large homes with seven or more. Many come with private pools, gardens and parking for several cars. Some are leased as offices, company headquarters, or embassy premises.
Townhouses are less common, but you’ll find a few, including corner units on Sheikha Fatima Bint Mubarak Street. They come with open kitchens and private outdoor space.
Renting and buying in Al Manhal
Renting in Al Manhal, Abu Dhabi
Al Manhal is a good choice for people who want to live in the centre of the city without paying the higher prices of the newer island towers. Apartments here often give you more space for your money, and larger families can pick from many villas. You can look at homes for rent in Al Manhal to see what’s available now. The median sale price in Al Manhal is around AED 8 million. Prices range from about AED 4.5 million to AED 11.5 million. Homes for sale are mostly large villas, villa compounds, and whole residential buildings, many on corner plots. Investors often look at these for rental income or redevelopment.
Buying in Al Manhal, Abu Dhabi
The median sale price in Al Manhal is around AED 8 million. Prices range from about AED 4.5 million to AED 11.5 million. Homes for sale are mostly large villas, villa compounds, and whole residential buildings, many on corner plots. Investors often look at these for rental income or redevelopment.
Amenities in Al Manhal Abu Dhabi
Shopping
- Al Wahda Mall: Many residents can walk to Al Wahda Mall, which has over 350 brands, a LuLu hypermarket, Star Cinemas, and indoor play areas for kids.
- Neighbourhood stores: Groceries, bakeries, and pharmacies line the inner streets for quick daily errands.
Schools
- Abu Dhabi International School: American and British curricula
- German International School Abu Dhabi: German curriculum
- Bateen World Academy: British and IB curricula
- Al Karamah School: British curriculum
- Sunrise International School: Indian curriculum.
Hospitals
- Sheikh Khalifa Medical City (SKMC): Abu Dhabi’s largest public hospital, on Al Karamah Street. It offers 71 specialities and is a leading centre for paediatric surgery, cardiac care and organ transplants.
- Clinics and pharmacies: There are polyclinics, dental centers, and 24-hour pharmacies throughout the area.
Fitness
- Building facilities: Many apartment buildings offer a shared gym and swimming pool.
- Umm Al Emarat Park: Just a short drive away in Al Mushrif, this park has open lawns and paths that are popular with runners.
- Abu Dhabi Corniche: Less than 10 minutes away, the Corniche has a long seafront promenade for walking, running, and cycling.
- Local parks: Shaded walkways and small neighbourhood parks are handy for evening walks.
Best Restaurants in Al Manhal
It’s easy to find a restaurant in Al Manhal. The inner streets have plenty of cafés and casual places to eat, and Al Wahda Mall offers more than 50 food and drink options.
If you want a sit-down meal, c.taste at Centro Al Manhal by Rotana is a popular choice. It serves international dishes, with buffets for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, plus an à la carte menu. The restaurant is on the hotel’s first floor on Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street.
Where is Al Manhal Al Fidhi Restaurant?
Even though it’s called Al Manhal Al Fidhi Restaurant, it isn’t in Al Manhal Abu Dhabi. It’s actually in Al Nud, Sharjah, at Al Marsa Building on Al Tufail Bin Al Hareth Street. The menu includes Chinese and Indian dishes.
Things to do near Al Manhal
- Qasr Al Hosn: The oldest stone building in the city of Abu Dhabi, now a museum showcasing the city’s history and heritage.
- Umm Al Emarat Park: Located in Al Mushrif, this park has a garden with over 200 plant species. There is also a three-story shade house, an animal barn, and an outdoor amphitheatre.
- Abu Dhabi Corniche: Public beaches and a seaside promenade, less than 10 minutes by car.
Areas near Al Manhal
If you are looking at other neighborhoods, Al Mushrif is right next door and has larger villa compounds in a quiet, suburban area. Al Khalidiya is closer to the coast, and Al Bateen is known for its waterfront living, and renters often compare Al Manhal with Hamdan Street, City Downtown, Al Danah, and Al Tibbiya. Compared to newer high-rise areas like Al Maryah Island and Masdar City, Al Manhal gives you more space for your money. money.
Key Takeaway:
- Al Manhal Abu Dhabi is a central and well-established neighbourhood that is popular with families and retirees.
- Al Manhal Palace Abu Dhabi, built by Sheikh Zayed in the late 1960s, is the district’s main landmark.
- Most homes are mid-rise apartments, with large villas and a few townhouses also available.
- Al Wahda Mall, Sheikh Khalifa Medical City, and several international schools are all nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions
Mostly mid-rise apartments, from studios to three bedrooms, plus large villas, a few townhouses and whole residential buildings.
Yes. Al Manhal has quiet streets, schools and parks nearby, and quick access to Sheikh Khalifa Medical City.
Bus routes 23, 24, 41, 42, and 45 serve the area, and taxis are available at any time. Taxis are available. Al Manhal Palace was once the home of the late Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan.
Qasr Al Hosn, Umm Al Emarat Park, the Corniche, and Al Wahda Mall are all nearby.
No, Al Manhal Al Fidhi Restaurant is located in Al Nud, Sharjah, not Al Manhal, Abu Dhabi. For dining in Al Manhal, you can try Taste at Centro Al Manhal by Rotana or explore the restaurants and cafés at nearby Al Wahda Mall.
