Al Meena
Al Meena Location and Connectivity
Al Meena, Abu Dhabi — Area Guide for Renters (2026)
Area: Al Meena, the port district
City: Abu Dhabi City
Also written: Al Mina. The port itself is Zayed Port, and the district is widely called Mina Zayed
Port: Zayed Port, operated by AD Ports Group
Cruise terminal: Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal — 7,800 sqm, a 5,000-capacity passenger hall, three mega vessels at once
Markets: The Mina Zayed Fish Market, reopened July 2022 with 104 fresh fish stalls
Culture: Warehouse421 — two converted warehouses, open since November 2015
Waterfront leisure: Marsa Mina — an open-air quayside destination built from recycled shipping containers
Typical stock: Apartment rentals
Guide updated: November 2026
What is Al Meena?
Al Meena is the port district of Abu Dhabi City, on the north-eastern side of the island. It is the working waterfront: the city’s port, its markets and its cruise terminal are all here.
It is also the part of Abu Dhabi where the old city is most visible. The markets have been trading for decades, and the Department of Municipalities and Transport describes the fish market as carrying a history of more than forty years.
What makes it interesting now is the overlay. Warehouses have become an arts campus, a quayside has become a leisure destination, and the markets have been rebuilt. The district works as somewhere to live, but its real character is as somewhere the rest of the city comes to.
In short: Abu Dhabi’s port district: the working waterfront, the historic markets, and an arts and leisure quarter layered on top.
Is Al Meena the same as Mina Zayed and Zayed Port?
Broadly yes, but the names are used for slightly different things and it helps to keep them straight.
| Name | What it refers to |
|---|---|
| Al Meena | The district. Also written Al Mina |
| Mina Zayed | The same district in everyday use, and the name used for its markets and for Warehouse421’s location |
| Zayed Port | The port itself, operated by AD Ports Group |
| Al Mina Street | The road through the district; AD Ports Group gives its own headquarters address on it |
In practice, a listing for an apartment in Mina Zayed and a listing in Al Meena are describing the same area. If you are searching, use both.
One further name to separate. Al Danah in central Abu Dhabi is also known as Madinat Zayed, which sounds similar to Mina Zayed but is a different district several streets inland.
In short: Al Meena and Mina Zayed are the same district. Zayed Port is the port inside it.
What are the Mina Zayed markets?
The district’s best-known feature, and the reason most Abu Dhabi residents come here. The Fish Market reopened in July 2022 after a rebuild by Modon Properties in collaboration with the Department of Municipalities and Transport.
| What the rebuilt Fish Market holds | Number |
|---|---|
| Fresh fish stalls | 104 |
| Dry fish stalls | 8 |
| Fruit and vegetable stalls | 4 |
| Commercial kiosks | 3 |
| Restaurants | 8 |
| Fish cleaning stations | 44 |
There is also a supermarket on site. DMT states the market follows international standards for community markets while drawing its design from Abu Dhabi’s fishing heritage. It describes the result as a distinct destination among the city’s historic landmarks.
The fish market is one part of a wider programme. DMT and Modon describe the redevelopment as also covering the fishers’ port and the renovation of the fruit and vegetable, meat, carpet, dates and wholesale markets.
In short: A rebuilt Fish Market with 104 fresh fish stalls and 44 cleaning stations, inside a wider market renovation programme.
What is Zayed Port and the cruise terminal?
Zayed Port is the city’s port, operated by AD Ports Group, and it holds the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in its central area.
| Detail | What AD Ports Group states |
|---|---|
| Terminal area | 7,800 square metres |
| Passenger hall capacity | 5,000 |
| Berths | Three mega vessels at once |
| Airline check-in counters | 15 |
| Facilities | Restaurants, souvenir and retail shops, currency exchange, airline city check-in and a heliport |
| Expansion | Cruise Terminal 2 opened in Q4 2022 |
AD Ports Group states that the World Cruise Awards named the terminal the World’s Best Cruise Terminal and the Middle East’s Best Cruise Terminal in 2023. The same awards named Abu Dhabi the World’s Best Cruise Destination in 2024 and 2025.
The airline city check-in is the detail worth noticing. It means cruise passengers can check in for a flight at the port rather than at the airport, which tells you how the terminal is positioned.
In short: A 7,800 sqm cruise terminal taking three mega vessels at once, with its own heliport and airline check-in.
What is Marsa Mina?
An open-air quayside leisure destination at Zayed Port, inaugurated by Abu Dhabi Ports in February 2020 in collaboration with Danas Business Consultancy.
It is built from recycled shipping containers repurposed as retail and dining outlets, which suits the setting. Abu Dhabi Ports describes pop-up retail concepts, casual dining, entertainment and recreational facilities, open spaces and a children’s play area, all on a maritime heritage theme.
Two details stand out. A mural of 1,163 metres by national and international artists runs around the perimeter of Zayed Port’s walls. And the development includes a dedicated retail space for People of Determination, run with their care centres to showcase their arts and crafts.
Abu Dhabi Ports positions it as a platform for small and medium-sized local businesses under the Abu Dhabi Economic Vision 2030. It sits opposite the cruise terminal, as the first landmark arriving passengers see.
In short: A quayside destination built from shipping containers, with a 1,163-metre mural around the port walls.
What is Warehouse421?
Warehouse421 is a cultural venue in two former industrial warehouses, open since November 2015. The Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation oversaw its design and construction and continues to support its programming, marketing and operations.
The foundation describes a year-round schedule of exhibitions and events across visual arts, design, performance and music, featuring local, regional and international creators and showing how their work is made. Its purpose is given as a cultural hub meeting demand for community spaces where people gather, work together and attend social and cultural events.
The Department of Culture and Tourism lists it as a primary exhibition venue in Abu Dhabi, and refers to it as both Warehouse421 and 421 Arts Campus. DCT gives opening hours of Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 20:00. Both names are in current use, so search for either.
For a resident, this is the district’s cultural anchor. It is the reason Al Meena draws people who have no business at the port or the markets.
In short: A cultural venue in two converted warehouses, open since 2015, also known as 421 Arts Campus.
Where is Al Meena and what is nearby?
On the north-eastern side of Abu Dhabi island, which puts it close to the city centre and to the business islands.
- Al Zahiyah — the Tourist Club Area, immediately inland
- Al Maryah Island — the financial district, with The Galleria
- Al Reem Island — the residential island across the channel
- Al Danah and Al Markaziyah — the central districts
- Al Hosn — home to Qasr Al Hosn, the city’s oldest building
For roads, Al Salam Street and Hamdan Street are the main connections inland, with the Eastern Ring Road running along this side of the island. Corniche Hospital is the nearest major hospital, in Al Markaziyah.
The Corniche runs along the opposite shore of the island, with Lulu Island offshore from it.
In short: North-eastern Abu Dhabi island, next to Al Zahiyah, with Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands close by.
Who does Al Meena suit?
- Renters who want to be central without paying island-district rents*
- People who work at the port, the markets or in the surrounding commercial area
- Anyone who values being near Warehouse421 and the arts scene
- Cooks and food enthusiasts, given the fish market on the doorstep
- Commuters to Al Maryah Island or Al Reem Island, which are both close
Who might prefer somewhere else?
Anyone who wants a quiet residential street. This is a working port district with markets, freight and a cruise terminal, so it is busy and it is not primarily residential. Al Khalidiyah and Al Nahyan are calmer central options.
Anyone who wants a beach on their doorstep. Corniche Beach is on the other side of the island, and Al Bateen and Saadiyat Island are where the beach districts are.
And anyone who wants new, high-specification apartment stock should look at Al Reem Island or Al Maryah Island instead, both of which are a short distance away.
In short: Not for anyone wanting a quiet street, a beach on the doorstep, or new high-specification stock.
What property is available in Al Meena?
Mostly apartment rentals. This is an established, mixed-use part of the island rather than a developer-led community, so stock turns over listing by listing.
The district’s appeal to a renter is position and price rather than specification.* You are close to the centre, to the business islands and to the markets. The district is also being actively invested in by the municipality and by AD Ports Group.
Three questions are worth putting to us. What do apartments here rent for against Al Zahiyah and Al Danah next door? Which buildings are worth your shortlist? And how does the rent compare with the island districts across the water?
Address Point Properties can answer all three with current numbers.
In short: Apartment rentals in an established mixed-use district. Contact Address Point Properties for current rents.
FAQ — Al Meena
What is Al Meena in Abu Dhabi?
Al Meena is the port district of Abu Dhabi City, on the north-eastern side of the island. It is the city’s working waterfront, holding Zayed Port, the historic Mina Zayed markets and the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal. It is also where the old city is most visible.
The markets have traded for decades, and the Department of Municipalities and Transport describes the fish market as carrying a history of more than forty years. What makes the district interesting now is the overlay on top of that. Warehouses have become an arts campus, a quayside has become a leisure destination at Marsa Mina, and the markets have been rebuilt. The residential stock here is mostly apartments.
Is Al Meena the same as Mina Zayed?
Yes, in everyday use. Al Meena, also written Al Mina, is the district name, and Mina Zayed is what most people call the same area. Zayed Port is the port itself, operated by AD Ports Group. Al Mina Street is the road through the district, and AD Ports Group gives its own headquarters address on it.
A listing for an apartment in Mina Zayed and one in Al Meena are describing the same place, so search both terms. One name to keep separate is Al Danah in central Abu Dhabi, which is also known as Madinat Zayed. It sounds similar to Mina Zayed but is a different district several streets inland.
What is the Mina Zayed fish market?
It is the district’s best-known feature and the reason most Abu Dhabi residents come here. The market reopened in July 2022 after a rebuild by Modon Properties in collaboration with the Department of Municipalities and Transport. DMT states it holds 104 fresh fish stalls, 8 dry fish stalls, 4 fruit and vegetable stalls, 3 commercial kiosks, 8 restaurants, 44 fish cleaning stations and a supermarket.
DMT says the market follows international standards for community markets while drawing its design from Abu Dhabi’s fishing heritage, and keeps a history of more than forty years. It forms part of a wider programme that also covers the fishers’ port and the fruit and vegetable, meat, carpet, dates and wholesale markets.
What is the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal?
It is the cruise terminal in the central area of Zayed Port, operated by AD Ports Group. AD Ports states a terminal area of 7,800 square metres with a passenger hall capacity of 5,000, berthing for three mega vessels at once, and 15 airline check-in counters.
Facilities include restaurants, souvenir and retail shops, foreign currency exchange, airline city check-in and a heliport, and Cruise Terminal 2 opened in Q4 2022 to add capacity. AD Ports states that the World Cruise Awards named it the World’s Best Cruise Terminal and the Middle East’s Best Cruise Terminal in 2023. The same awards named Abu Dhabi the World’s Best Cruise Destination in 2024 and 2025.
What is Marsa Mina?
Marsa Mina is an open-air quayside leisure destination at Zayed Port, inaugurated by Abu Dhabi Ports in February 2020 in collaboration with Danas Business Consultancy. It is built from recycled shipping containers repurposed as retail and dining outlets. It holds pop-up retail concepts, casual dining, entertainment and recreational facilities, open spaces and a children’s play area, all on a maritime heritage theme. A mural of 1,163 metres by national and international artists runs around the perimeter of Zayed Port’s walls. The development also includes a dedicated retail space for People of Determination, run with their care centres. It sits opposite the cruise terminal, as the first landmark arriving passengers see.
What is Warehouse421?
Warehouse421 is a cultural venue in two former industrial warehouses in Mina Zayed, open since November 2015. The Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation oversaw its design and construction and continues to support its programming, marketing and operations. The foundation describes a year-round schedule of exhibitions and events across visual arts, design, performance and music, featuring local, regional and international creators and showing how their work is made.
The Department of Culture and Tourism lists it as a primary exhibition venue in Abu Dhabi and refers to it as both Warehouse421 and 421 Arts Campus. DCT gives opening hours of Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 20:00. Both names are in current use.
Where exactly is Al Meena?
On the north-eastern side of Abu Dhabi island, which puts it close to both the city centre and the business islands. Al Zahiyah, the Tourist Club Area, sits immediately inland. Al Maryah Island, the financial district with The Galleria, and Al Reem Island, the residential island, are both close across the water. Al Danah and Al Markaziyah are the central districts, and Al Hosn, home to Qasr Al Hosn, is nearby. Al Salam Street and Hamdan Street are the main connections inland, with the Eastern Ring Road running along this side of the island. The Corniche runs along the opposite shore.
Is Al Meena a good place to live?
It suits renters who want to be central without paying island-district rents.* It also suits people who work at the port, the markets or in the surrounding commercial area. Being near Warehouse421 matters to some, and the fish market on the doorstep matters to others. Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island are both short journeys, which makes it workable for commuters to either. What it is not is a quiet residential street. This is a working port district with markets, freight and a cruise terminal, so it is busy and not primarily residential. Anyone wanting calm should look at Al Khalidiyah or Al Nahyan instead.
What property is available in Al Meena?
Mostly apartment rentals. This is an established, mixed-use part of the island rather than a developer-led community, so stock turns over listing by listing rather than arriving in phases. The district’s appeal to a renter is position and price rather than specification.* You are close to the centre, to the business islands and to the markets, in a district being actively invested in by the municipality and by AD Ports Group. Three questions are worth asking us. What do apartments here rent for against Al Zahiyah and Al Danah next door? Which buildings belong on your shortlist? And how does the rent compare with the island districts across the water?
Can you visit the port and the markets?
The markets and the leisure areas are public. The Fish Market is a working community market with 104 fresh fish stalls, restaurants and 44 cleaning stations. The wider renovation programme covers the fruit and vegetable, meat, carpet, dates and wholesale markets. Marsa Mina is an open-air quayside destination with retail, dining and a children’s play area. Warehouse421 opens Tuesday to Sunday, 10:00 to 20:00 according to the Department of Culture and Tourism. The cruise terminal is a working passenger facility rather than a public attraction. Operating hours and access can change, so check before travelling, particularly for the markets, which keep early hours.
Summary
Al Meena, also written Al Mina and widely called Mina Zayed, is the port district of Abu Dhabi City on the north-eastern side of the island. Zayed Port sits here, operated by AD Ports Group, with the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal in its central area. AD Ports gives it as 7,800 square metres, with a 5,000-capacity passenger hall, berthing for three mega vessels at once and 15 airline check-in counters.
The Fish Market reopened in July 2022 after a rebuild by Modon Properties with the Department of Municipalities and Transport. It holds 104 fresh fish stalls, 8 restaurants and 44 cleaning stations, within a wider renovation of the district’s markets. Marsa Mina, opened in February 2020, is an open-air quayside destination built from recycled shipping containers, with a 1,163-metre mural around the port walls.
Warehouse421, also known as 421 Arts Campus, has occupied two converted warehouses here since November 2015. The residential stock is mostly apartment rentals in an established mixed-use district, close to Al Maryah Island and Al Reem Island. For current rents and availability, contact Address Point Properties.
Rent in Al Meena with Address Point Properties
Address Point Properties works across central Abu Dhabi. Al Meena is a position-and-price district rather than a specification one, which makes three questions worth settling. What do apartments here rent for against Al Zahiyah and Al Danah next door? Which buildings belong on your shortlist? And how does the rent compare with the island districts across the water? We can answer all three with current numbers.
Message Address Point Properties on WhatsApp or visit approperties.ae.
Market observations marked with an asterisk (*) are indicative only, derived from market research, and are subject to change without notice. They do not constitute an offer, a valuation or financial advice. Fish market stall counts, facilities, opening date, design standards and the wider market renovation programme are as published by the Department of Municipalities and Transport and Modon Properties, and reflect the July 2022 announcement.
Cruise terminal area, passenger hall capacity, berthing, check-in counters, facilities, expansion and awards are as published by AD Ports Group and are subject to change. Marsa Mina contents, construction, mural length, inauguration date and partners are as published by Abu Dhabi Ports; the group’s own pages give both a 2019 development date and a February 2020 inauguration, so treat the timing as approximate.
Warehouse421 opening date, building history and programming are as published by the Salama bint Hamdan Al Nahyan Foundation, and its opening hours and alternative name are as published by the Department of Culture and Tourism; the venue is referred to as both Warehouse421 and 421 Arts Campus. Market, venue and terminal hours and access arrangements change; confirm before travelling. Hospital services are set by those providers and change; confirm directly.
Property ownership rules, designated investment zones and long-term residency thresholds are set by federal and emirate-level authority and are subject to change; nothing here is legal advice. This guide reflects conditions as at November 2026. Prospective tenants and buyers should verify all details with Address Point Properties before making any decision. Use of this guide is subject to our Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.