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Walk the streets of the old world at Abu Dhabi's Madinat Zayed

Abu Dhabi - It is chaotic and eclectic. But Madinat Zayed is full of life with a unique familiarity.

In the last decade, there is not much of Abu Dhabi that has been left untouched by modernity and avant-gardism as the Capital galloped into the world map as a sought-after tourist destination.
Posh and plush residential islands have popped up all around the city. Glitzy glass towers have newly adorned the skyline. But there is one place that has jealously guarded all of its old-world charm: Welcome to Madinat Zayed.
The place makes no pretentions. It is chaotic and eclectic. And that is the enduring beauty of Madinat Zayed. Sandwiched between Electra Street and Al Falah Street, its streets are lined with time-worn shops, and their tattered paints, dull curtains and creaky doors are all but rich with colours and a myriad of stories.
Its tailors, vegetable and fruit vendors, Afghan roti (bread) makers, butchers and garment sellers - look like characters who have walked out of the canvas of an unfinished street art.
"This is a happy place. There is a unique familiarity that everyone extends to everyone. We are not here just to do business. Our life revolves around this place and its people. That is why you and I equally feel at home here," said Mohammad Al Khan, a Pakistani butcher who has lived in the area for more than 25 years.
The focal point of life in Madinat Zayed is in and around the Madinat Shopping and Gold Centre. A bargain hunter's paradise, the sprawling shopping mall at the heart of the district is filled with shops selling affordable garments, incense, perfume, watches, leather items and accessories, among other things. At the Gold Centre - a favourite haunt of tourists - everything that glitters is indeed gold, diamond or silver.
A Chinese tourist said she was spell-bound to see so much of gold and diamonds under one roof. "I wanted to buy a ring for my mother. But I am overwhelmed seeing such huge gold necklaces and bracelets. I don't know how to choose a small ring from this dazzling collection."
Faizal, a salesman at a garment shop, said they understand that most people come to the centre for the experience. "So, we have to understand that psychology. We are unlike the big shopping malls filled with designerwear. But we do have shops that sell garments with Swarovski crystals sewn into them, which are 10 times more expensive than any designer brand," said Faizal, who hailed from India.
For long-time residents of Madinat Zayed, the mélange of sights and the mumbo jumbo of sounds of the place are addictive.
"I have lived here since 2006. And I cannot imagine living elsewhere because of the unique character of this place. There is congestion. There is noise. But there is life when you step out of your apartment," said a Lebanese expat Hassan Ahmed.
And in the chaos and rigmarole, Madinat Zayed still cherishes its Arabian hospitality, offering something for everyone.
Must know
1-Not your usual street art
The streets of Madinat Zayed are lined with time-worn shops. Their tattered paints, dull curtains and creaky doors are all but rich with colours and a myriad of stories. Their tailors, vegetable and fruit vendors, Afghan roti (bread) makers, butchers and garment sellers look like characters who have walked out of the canvas of an unfinished street art.
2-Tourists' favourite haunt
The Madinat Zayed Gold Centre is the only gold hub in the Capital, hence tourists visiting Abu Dhabi make it a point to include this in their itinerary. Over 70 shops offer both traditional and contemporary jewellery pieces, adorned with some of the world's finest gold, diamonds and pearls.
3-Unique shopping experience
A bargain hunter's paradise, the sprawling shopping mall at the heart of the district is filled with outlets selling affordable garments, incense, perfume, watches, leather items and accessories, among other things. It's not a place for designerwear - but one would be surprised to find here garments beaded with Swarovski crystals that are 10 times the price of designer clothing.
anjana@khaleejtimes.com