Al Danah retains charm of the old
Situated between Hamdan Street and Zayed the First Street (also commonly known as Electra Street) in the capital, the area offers its own sense of nostalgia |
he city of Abu Dhabi has undergone massive changes over the decades, but some areas in the capital still offer nostalgia, with their distinctive streets, small buildings, and shops and restaurants.
One such area is Al Danah, situated between Hamdan Street and Zayed the First Street (also commonly known as Electra Street), where El Dorado Cinema — one of the first cinemas in the capital — is located.
But that is not the neighbourhood’s only charm: it has largely remained true to its roots.
Bakil Hameed from India, who has worked as a baker in the area for 36 years, encapsulated the historical feel of the neighbourhood.
“I’m proud to say that I have been working at the bakery for 36 years. When I first came to this area, there were none of the big buildings you see now along the main road. It was mainly small villas at the centre of the area which were also later taken down,” he said.
“After that, the small buildings started being constructed and these buildings are still here - for the last 30 years, so this area, at least at the centre, is largely the same like it was before.”
Stay the same
Hameed said he was is extremely fond of old-style Abu Dhabi. “There have been a lot of changes in Abu Dhabi, but personally, I like the old style and feel of the area, and I certainly hope it stays the same.”
Hameed said his fondness for the old charm is probably due to him getting older.
“I don’t like to see changes, [and] I have been here for so long and have gotten so used to it which is why I want things to remain the same.
“Most of my customers now are new [too], a lot of the old ones are mostly gone, but I still enjoy my job. I have been a baker here since I was a young man and I want to continue doing that,” Hameed said.
Shareef Chirakkal, also from India, has his own long history with the neighbourhood. He now helps with the running of several family businesses in the area.
“I have been living here for 21 years so I am very fond of this place. I love it, it’s home for me,” he said.
“Seeing all the changes that have taken place in Abu Dhabi, it definitely feels nostalgic when I walk along these streets.
“You find many traditional small Indian and Pakistani shops here which you might not find elsewhere in the city and that’s also what I think makes it special.
“There is a long history to this area with buildings going several decades back,” Chirakkal added.
He said that while he realises the need for major cities to undergo changes, he also believes that it is important to preserve their heritage. “I think for all big cities around the world, it is always important to have history, to have traditional places and areas people can go to that are still as they were before, lending the city its character and identity.”
Makhala Mallesh, from India, has been living in the area for 27 years, and has worked as a construction labourer to help build El Dorado Cinema.
‘Better old than new’
“This place is unique, because you will still find the old small buildings and shops that have been here for so long,” he said.
“I still shop in the small shops here, and I also come here to eat lunch or dinner in the small restaurants. But that’s my preference — I like the old more than the new, even though I admire the progress of the city.
“Abu Dhabi is a great city and the fact that you find the great blend of the old and the new is what makes it fantastic,” he added.