Zayed the First Street Abu Dhabi — Electra Street Road & Living Guide

Formal name: Zayed the First Street

Also known as: Electra Street, Hazza Bin Zayed the First Street (central section)

Named after: Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan (“Zayed the Great”), ruler of Abu Dhabi 1855–1909

Why “Electra Street”: A historical nickname from the street’s concentration of electronics shops and the famed Hamed Centre — not related to electricity. Renamed officially as part of Abu Dhabi’s 2013 Onwani address standardisation project.

Length: Approximately 9 kilometres

Route: Al Zahiyah (east / Tourist Club Area end) → Al Danah → Al Hosn → Al Khalidiyah → InterContinental Abu Dhabi / Al Bateen (west end)

Orientation: Runs east-west across the northern section of Abu Dhabi island, parallel to and between the Corniche and Hamdan Street

Ownership: Leasehold only — not a freehold zone; non-nationals may rent but not purchase

City / Emirate: Abu Dhabi City, Abu Dhabi Emirate

Zayed the First Street — Overview

Zayed the First Street — known for decades to Abu Dhabi residents simply as Electra Street — is one of the city’s principal east-west arterials, running approximately 9 kilometres from Al Zahiyah (the former Tourist Club Area) in the east to the InterContinental Abu Dhabi and the Al Bateen waterfront in the west. It passes through Al Danah, Al Hosn, and Al Khalidiyah along the way, threading through the island’s northern residential and commercial belt between the Corniche Road waterfront to the north and Hamdan Street to the south.

The Electra Street nickname has a specific, documented origin: the street was historically lined with small electronics shops and centred on the famed Hamed Centre — a destination for everything from televisions and computers to batteries and adapters. Residents across Abu Dhabi travelled to the street specifically for electronics purchases. That commercial identity has evolved over the decades, but the nickname has persisted. The 2013 Onwani project, which systematically renamed Abu Dhabi’s major streets in honour of Emirati historical figures, gave the street its formal name: Zayed the First Street, in honour of Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan — “Zayed the Great” — who ruled Abu Dhabi from 1855 to 1909 and was the grandfather of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding president.

For property seekers, Zayed the First Street is one of the most practically connected addresses in central Abu Dhabi. It is bordered on all sides by the city’s key destinations: Abu Dhabi Mall at the eastern end, Qasr Al Hosn and the World Trade Centre Mall in the central section, Khalidiyah Mall and the Corniche in the west, and Etihad Towers and Marina Mall just beyond the western terminus. The entire street is walkable or a very short drive from the Corniche, and its position between the island’s two most important north-south arteries — Airport Road and Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street — gives it exceptional cross-city connectivity.

The Route — Al Zahiyah to Al Bateen

Eastern End — Al Zahiyah and Abu Dhabi Mall

Zayed the First Street begins its eastern end in Al Zahiyah — the district formerly known as the Tourist Club Area and still referred to as TCA by many residents. This section of the street is immediately adjacent to Abu Dhabi Mall — one of Abu Dhabi’s most established large-format malls, with VOX Cinemas, over 150 stores, and extensive dining. The Corniche beach and the Al Reem Island bridge approach are both minutes from this end. The Al Zahiyah section is characterised by hotel apartments, mid-rise residential buildings, and the high density of commercial activity that has defined the Tourist Club Area since its development in the 1970s and 1980s.

Central Eastern Section — Al Danah and the Electronics Strip

Moving west into Al Danah, the road enters what was historically the heart of “Electra Street” — the electronics market zone centred on Hamed Centre, where small-format shops selling electronics, mobile accessories, and IT equipment are still concentrated. This section is also home to LLH Hospital (directly on the street), the Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre approach, and the Family Park entrance — one of Abu Dhabi’s most comprehensively equipped public parks. The street crosses the Airport Road junction in this zone — the most important intersection along its length, connecting it to the north-south island spine.

Central Section — Al Hosn and Qasr Al Hosn

Continuing west, Zayed the First Street passes through the Al Hosn district — the historic heart of Abu Dhabi. Qasr Al Hosn — the 18th-century fort that served as the seat of the ruling family and is now a museum open to the public — sits at this section of the street. The Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, which hosts art exhibitions, cultural programmes, and community events, is also directly on or adjacent to the road here. This section carries significant historical weight — it is the part of the city where pre-oil Abu Dhabi was concentrated, and the low-rise fabric of Al Hosn still provides a visual contrast to the high-rises further east and west.

Western Section — Al Khalidiyah

The western half of Zayed the First Street runs through Al Khalidiyah — one of Abu Dhabi’s most established and densely populated residential communities, immediately south of the Corniche. Khalidiyah Mall — with approximately 120 retail outlets of local and international brands, dining, and recreational facilities — serves this section. The Corniche is literally a few hundred metres away at the road’s northern proximity here, making this section one of the closest-to-beach residential addresses on the island at mid-range price points. The street runs parallel to and between Corniche Road to the north and Hamdan Street to the south throughout this section.

Western End — Al Bateen and InterContinental

Zayed the First Street terminates at its western end at the InterContinental Abu Dhabi hotel in Al Bateen — Abu Dhabi’s most prestigious villa district, facing the waterfront. The InterContinental sits at the junction of the street’s western terminus and Al Bateen’s marina area. Etihad Towers, Nation Galleria, the Observation Deck at 300, and Marina Mall on the Abu Dhabi Breakwater are all accessible within a very short drive from this western end, placing residents at some of the city’s most significant hospitality, retail, and cultural anchors.

Property Market — Zayed the First Street

The residential stock on Zayed the First Street is entirely apartments — there are no villas on the street itself. The buildings range from older mid-rise towers with large floor areas, predominantly in the Al Hosn and Al Danah sections, to more recently constructed high-rise towers with modern amenity packages in the Al Khalidiyah section. The street is leasehold only: non-UAE and non-GCC nationals may rent but cannot purchase on this corridor.

Apartments for Rent

Overall range (Zayed First Street / Al Khalidiyah section): From approximately AED 68,000 per year; averaging approximately AED 124,000 per year*

3-bedroom apartments: Average approximately AED 86,000 per year*

Al Khalidiyah district context: Properties across Al Khalidiyah range from AED 30,000–500,000 per year with an overall district average of approximately AED 127,057 per year; the premium end reflects Corniche-facing and larger villa configurations*

Al Zahiyah (eastern end) context: Average approximately AED 207,826 per year across all property types — significantly influenced by the hotel apartment and serviced apartment stock in the TCA, which skews the district average upward*

Apartment sizes on the Zayed First Street corridor typically range from 800 sq ft for a studio or compact 1BR to over 2,000 sq ft for a 3BR, with the typical size for the Al Khalidiyah section around 2,200 sq ft. Most buildings include covered parking, central air conditioning, building security, and balconies; newer towers add gyms, pools, and concierge services. Al Khalidiyah recorded 18.3% rental growth in 1-bedroom apartments in 2024, reflecting consistent and rising demand on this corridor. For current availability, contact Address Point Properties.*

Key Landmarks on Zayed the First Street

Qasr Al Hosn — Abu Dhabi’s Oldest Building

Qasr Al Hosn — the 18th-century fort and the oldest stone building in Abu Dhabi — sits directly accessible from the Al Hosn section of Zayed the First Street. Once the seat of the ruling Al Nahyan family for over 200 years, it is now a museum and cultural centre hosting the annual Qasr Al Hosn Festival. Its position adjacent to the road means residents of the central and western sections of the street have one of Abu Dhabi’s most historically significant sites within walking distance or a one-minute drive.

Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation

The Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation — one of the city’s leading cultural institutions hosting exhibitions, performances, theatre, arts workshops, and community programmes — sits adjacent to Zayed the First Street near the Al Hosn section. It contributes to the cultural density of this part of the road and provides residents in the corridor with regular access to the arts, which is an unusual amenity for a residential address in central Abu Dhabi.

Abu Dhabi Mall

Abu Dhabi Mall anchors the eastern end of Zayed the First Street in the Al Zahiyah district. It is one of Abu Dhabi’s most established large-format malls, housing VOX Cinemas, over 150 brand stores, a diverse restaurant and café level, and Fun City entertainment. Its immediate adjacency to the street’s eastern terminus gives residents of the central and eastern sections direct access without requiring cross-city travel.

Khalidiyah Mall

Khalidiyah Mall serves the western Al Khalidiyah section of the street. With approximately 120 outlets of local and international retail brands alongside dining and leisure facilities, it is the primary shopping destination for the densely populated residential area immediately around it. Its distinctive Islamic architectural exterior makes it one of the more visually recognisable malls in the city.

Etihad Towers and the Corniche Waterfront

While technically just beyond the western terminus of Zayed the First Street at the InterContinental, Etihad Towers — the five-tower complex on the West Corniche with Observation Deck at 300, residential apartments, the Conrad Hotel, and retail — is within a two-minute drive from the road’s western end. The Corniche Road itself is similarly close along the full western section of the street, placing residents in the Al Khalidiyah half of the road within easy walking or cycling distance of Abu Dhabi’s 8-kilometre beachfront promenade.

Family Park

Family Park — one of Abu Dhabi’s most feature-rich public parks, with a water park, BMX track, skate park, basketball court, amphitheatre, animal farm, lighthouse, and children’s playgrounds — is accessible from the central Zayed the First Street section near Al Danah. It is one of the few parks in central Abu Dhabi with this breadth of family facilities, and its accessibility from the street makes it a significant lifestyle asset for families in the eastern and central sections.

Healthcare on Zayed the First Street

LLH Hospital — a full-service hospital — is located directly on Zayed the First Street in the Al Danah section and is one of the road’s most directly accessible healthcare facilities. NMC Speciality Hospital is near the Sama Tower in Al Danah. Sheikh Khalifa Medical City — one of the UAE’s foremost government hospitals, operated by Abu Dhabi Health Services (SEHA), with departments covering cardiology, dermatology, paediatrics, dentistry, and more — is a short drive into the adjacent Al Manhal district. The cluster of clinics, specialist centres, and pharmacies distributed across Al Hosn and Al Khalidiyah ensures comprehensive primary care is available from any point on the road.

Schools Near Zayed the First Street

The American Community School of Abu Dhabi (ACS) — offering the American and IB curricula from Kindergarten to Grade 12 and one of the most prominent international schools in the emirate — is approximately 10 minutes from the Al Khalidiyah section of the road. GEMS Winchester School, following the UK curriculum, is in the Al Danah area directly adjacent to the street. Future Leaders International Private School and the International Jubilee School (American curriculum) are also within the road’s catchment. Nurseries including Noah’s Ark (British EYFS curriculum) operate in the Al Danah zone.

Getting Around from Zayed the First Street

By Bus

Multiple bus routes serve Zayed the First Street. Confirmed routes include buses 7, 21, 22, and 34, with buses 5, 8, 32, 44, 54, and X62 serving stops at junctions close to the road. Bus stops confirmed on the route include the Zayed 1st Street/Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street stop (at the Airport Road junction) and the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation stop. Buses on the road connect to the Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station on Airport Road a short distance away, which provides access to the full city and inter-emirate network. Taxis and ride-hailing services are continuously available given the street’s commercial density.

By Car

Zayed the First Street’s east-west orientation makes it one of the fastest cross-island routes. Its intersection with Airport Road is the critical node that connects the road to the north-south island spine — from that junction, every community on Abu Dhabi island is reachable in minutes. Al Khaleej Al Arabi Street runs parallel to the west and is accessible via multiple cross-streets. Hamdan Street runs parallel to the south and serves as the immediate alternative for east-west travel. The Sheikh Zayed Bridge mainland crossing is approximately 10–15 minutes from the road’s western section; Sheikh Khalifa Bridge toward Saadiyat and Yas Island is approximately 15–20 minutes from the eastern end. Parking within the Al Khalidiyah and Al Hosn sections is available in residential building basements and in public Mawaqif-managed paid spaces.

Investment Case — Zayed the First Street

Zayed the First Street sits at the intersection of Abu Dhabi’s two most durable rental demand drivers: central location and established community infrastructure. The Al Khalidiyah section in particular has demonstrated consistent rental demand growth — the district recorded 18.3% appreciation in 1-bedroom apartment rents in 2024, one of the highest single-year growth rates in the capital’s affordable-to-mid-tier apartment segment. Al Khalidiyah continued to feature as one of the top three searched areas for mid-tier apartment rentals in H1 2025.

The leasehold-only status of the corridor is both a constraint and a market dynamic. Because non-nationals cannot purchase here, ownership is concentrated among Emirati and long-established investors, which historically creates more stable tenancy and lower turnover than freehold communities where investor speculation is more prevalent. Buildings along the road typically maintain high occupancy given their proximity to the Corniche, the city’s government district, and the business centre — the primary employer cluster for the professional tenants who dominate this corridor.

For investors who can purchase in this zone (UAE and GCC nationals), the combination of central location, strong rental demand trajectory, limited new supply (the corridor is fully built out with no significant development land), and proximity to the Corniche waterfront creates a stable long-term yield profile. Gross rental yields in the Al Khalidiyah district have historically run in the 5–6% range, competitive with many other central Abu Dhabi submarkets.

The Al Zahiyah eastern end presents a different investment profile: dominated by hotel apartments and serviced residences, it is a higher-yield, higher-volatility segment driven by short-term and corporate rental demand. The average rental across all Al Zahiyah property types is significantly elevated, driven by the premium pricing of the hotel apartment stock. For buy-to-let investors in the eastern section, the market is more actively managed and less comparable to the stable long-term residential tenancy of the western Al Khalidiyah sections.*

Zayed the First Street — How It Compares

Zayed the First Street vs Hamdan Street

Hamdan Street runs parallel to Zayed the First Street approximately 500–800 metres to the south. Hamdan Street is more purely commercial — a narrow urban street lined with small businesses, clinics, hotels, and retail, with fewer dedicated residential towers. Zayed the First Street’s Al Khalidiyah section is decidedly more residential and broader in character, with proximity to the Corniche that Hamdan Street lacks. For apartment living with beach access and a more neighbourhood feel, Zayed the First Street has the advantage; for pure commercial connectivity and central grid access, Hamdan Street is equally convenient and typically slightly cheaper per square foot.

Zayed the First Street vs Corniche Road

The Corniche Road itself carries premium waterfront pricing — Corniche-facing towers command significantly higher rents than any section of Zayed the First Street. The gap is most pronounced in the Al Khalidiyah section: residents of Zayed the First Street can reach the same Corniche beach in a 5–10 minute walk, paying materially less in rent. The practical trade-off is views — Corniche apartments offer sea views; Zayed the First Street apartments generally offer city or community views. For residents who prioritise proximity over views, Zayed the First Street represents one of the best value positions in the city.

Zayed the First Street vs Al Reem Island

Al Reem Island is a freehold investment zone — open to non-national buyers and renters alike — with newer, high-rise buildings and waterfront positions. Zayed the First Street is leasehold, older in building stock in many sections, and offers urban character rather than master-planned community amenities. Al Reem Island commands higher rents in its premium towers and is preferred by tenants seeking modern amenity packages and investment zone flexibility. Zayed the First Street appeals to tenants who prioritise walkability, urban access to the old city, and the character of established Abu Dhabi neighbourhoods over new-build amenity packages.

What are the best buildings on Zayed the First Street?

Notable residential buildings on the Zayed the First Street corridor include Amwaj Tower, The Crystal Tower, Khalidiyah Twin Towers, Al Sawari Tower, Crescent Towers, Bel Ghailam Tower, Cornich Al Khalidiyah, CI Tower, and Ganadah Tower in the Al Khalidiyah section. In the Al Zahiyah eastern section, the stock is dominated by hotel apartments and serviced residence buildings including several four-star and five-star branded properties. Building quality, amenity levels, and views vary considerably — from older 1980s towers with large floor areas at lower rents to more recently developed buildings with gym, pool, and concierge at premium prices. Contact Address Point Properties for a current comparison of available units across buildings.

Is Zayed the First Street walkable?

Yes — Zayed the First Street is one of the more walkable urban streets in Abu Dhabi. The Al Khalidiyah section in particular benefits from pavement infrastructure, shade trees, and the concentration of retail, dining, and amenity along its length. The Corniche beach is 5–10 minutes on foot from the western section. Qasr Al Hosn, the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, and Khalidiyah Mall are all walkable destinations within the corridor. The Al Zahiyah eastern end is similarly walkable, with Abu Dhabi Mall and the Tourist Club Area promenade within easy reach. Abu Dhabi’s climate — extremely hot from May to September — limits outdoor walking in summer months, but from October through April the street is highly pleasant for pedestrian activity.

What is the Onwani project that renamed Electra Street?

The Onwani project was an Abu Dhabi Municipality initiative launched in 2013 to standardise and formalise the capital’s address system. The word “Onwani” means “my address” in Arabic. The project assigned formal names, building numbers, and structured addresses to an estimated 200,000 locations across Abu Dhabi. As part of the project, 14 major roads were renamed to honour Emirati historical figures or reflect geographic significance. “Electra Street” became Zayed the First Street, honouring Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan. Other roads renamed in the same project included Al Salam Street (renamed Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street), Al Najda Street (renamed Fatima Bint Mubarak Street), and Muroor Road (renamed Sultan Bin Zayed the First Street). Despite the official renaming, many long-term Abu Dhabi residents continue to use the old street names in everyday navigation.

Frequently Asked Questions — Zayed the First Street

What is Zayed the First Street and why is it called Electra Street?

Zayed the First Street is a ~9-kilometre east-west road running through the northern belt of Abu Dhabi island from Al Zahiyah in the east to the InterContinental Abu Dhabi and Al Bateen in the west. It was named “Electra Street” by Abu Dhabi residents for a simple practical reason: the road was historically home to a concentration of small electronics shops and the well-known Hamed Centre, where people from across the city came to buy everything from televisions to batteries. The name had nothing to do with electricity as a concept — it was purely commercial geography. The street was officially renamed Zayed the First Street as part of Abu Dhabi’s 2013 Onwani address project, honouring Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan — “Zayed the Great” — who ruled Abu Dhabi from 1855 to 1909. He was the grandfather of Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the UAE’s founding president, after whom Al Salam Street (Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Street) is named — a different road entirely.

What communities does Zayed the First Street pass through?

From east to west: Al Zahiyah (Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi Mall end); Al Danah (the historical electronics strip, Madinat Zayed, LLH Hospital, Family Park); Al Hosn (Qasr Al Hosn fort, Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, historically the city’s urban core); Al Khalidiyah (the road’s most densely populated residential section, Khalidiyah Mall, near Corniche); and Al Bateen at the western end (InterContinental Abu Dhabi, near Etihad Towers and Marina Mall). To the south of the road throughout its central length, Al Manhal and Al Markaziyah add government offices and commercial buildings.

What are apartment rental prices on Zayed the First Street?

Rental data for the Zayed First Street corridor within Al Khalidiyah shows annual rents starting from approximately AED 68,000, with an average around AED 124,000 per year. Three-bedroom apartments on this section average approximately AED 86,000 per year. The broader Al Khalidiyah district averages approximately AED 127,057 per year across all residential property types, with the range spanning AED 30,000 to AED 500,000 (the upper end reflecting Corniche-facing premium units). At the eastern end in Al Zahiyah, the district average is significantly higher at around AED 207,826 per year, largely driven by the hotel apartment and serviced apartment premium in the Tourist Club Area. All figures are indicative and subject to market conditions. Contact Address Point Properties for current listings and accurate pricing.*

Is Zayed the First Street freehold?

No — Zayed the First Street is not a freehold zone. Non-UAE and non-GCC nationals can rent on long-term leases but cannot purchase property on this corridor. The Al Khalidiyah and Al Zahiyah districts served by the road are both leasehold-only areas. For non-national buyers looking to purchase property in central Abu Dhabi, the designated investment zones in areas such as Al Reem Island offer freehold ownership open to all nationalities. Contact Address Point Properties for current guidance.

How far is Zayed the First Street from the Corniche?

The western section of Zayed the First Street — through Al Khalidiyah — runs parallel to Corniche Road with only one or two residential blocks separating the two. From the Al Khalidiyah section of the street, the Corniche Beach promenade is typically 5–10 minutes on foot. By car, it is one to two minutes. The eastern section of the road (Al Zahiyah) also has close Corniche access, with the beach approximately 4 kilometres from the Abu Dhabi Mall end. The proximity of the street’s western half to the Corniche is one of its defining lifestyle advantages — residents access Abu Dhabi’s 8-kilometre beachfront, cycling tracks, and waterfront parks at a rent level well below that of the Corniche towers directly.

What is Hazza Bin Zayed the First Street?

“Hazza Bin Zayed the First Street” refers to the central section of Zayed the First Street — specifically the stretch from the Al Falah Street intersection to the Al Nasr intersection. It is a section name used for part of the overall Zayed the First Street / Electra Street corridor, not a separate road. The name honours Sheikh Hazza bin Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, a son of Zayed the Great. For navigation and property purposes, the area is part of the same continuous east-west corridor, passing through Al Danah and the historic downtown zone.

Summary

Zayed the First Street — Electra Street, the city’s beloved electronics hub turned formal honorary road — runs 9 kilometres east-west across the northern section of Abu Dhabi island, from Abu Dhabi Mall and Al Zahiyah in the east to the InterContinental Abu Dhabi and Al Bateen waterfront in the west. Named for Sheikh Zayed bin Khalifa Al Nahyan, ruler of Abu Dhabi 1855–1909, it passes through Al Danah, Al Hosn with Qasr Al Hosn, and Al Khalidiyah along the way — connecting Khalidiyah Mall, LLH Hospital, the Abu Dhabi Cultural Foundation, Family Park, and putting the Corniche within walking distance from its western sections. Leasehold only. Apartments only on the road itself. Rents from AED 68,000 per year on the Al Khalidiyah section to significantly higher at the premium Al Zahiyah eastern end.

For current listings on Zayed the First Street and the communities it serves, contact Address Point Properties.

Prices marked with an asterisk (*) are indicative only, based on market research, and subject to change. Zayed the First Street is a leasehold-only corridor — non-UAE/GCC nationals may rent but not purchase. Address Point Properties makes no warranty as to the accuracy or currency of any information on this page.