Mussafah Mini Guide
Where is Mussafah?
Mussafah is an emerging town on the outskirts of
Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. It is hugely industrial with many new roads, malls and accommodations being built. The Sanaiya district is the more industrial side and Shabiya the residential area. It also has a port, where fishing boats jostle with container ships – more industry has been created by the Mussafah Channel which is 52km long.
How Would I get There?
The only way to reach Mussafah is by taxi or hire car. There is no public transportation in the area. It takes 30 minutes to get into Abu Dhabi city by car and 15 minutes to
Abu Dhabi International Airport. Keep up to date with all the latest car rental and travel
news relevant to the UAE before you travel.
What Can I see There?
Lots of sand! If you visit Mussafah, you would probably be there on business.
So, What can I do?
Visit the malls – it’s the only thing to do! If you go to Al Raha Mall, you can browse the shops, take in a film at the cinema and people watch in the coffee shop. Mazyad Mall at Mohammed Bin Zayed City was one of the first malls in Mussafah and has a Lulu Supermarket for everything you could need. There is also a food court with a wide range of outlets including Subway and Applebees. Dalma Mall is a new mall in Mussafah with more than 480 shops and is being considered a ‘leisure destination’ for the locals in the area.
Where Would I Stay?
L’Arabia Hotel Apartments are in the centre of Mussafah in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, there you can stay in a studio or suite apartment. The hotel also has a concierge service and a business centre. You can dine at the Al Khaima Restaurant or for a quick snack, head for the food court at the adjacent Mazyad Mall. For somewhere a little special, go to the Al Raha Beach Hotel, a beautiful 5 star resort with 110 rooms and beach villas. It has an infinity pool and a private beach for you to enjoy or relax in the spa. It is well known locally for its night club Enigma, if you want to party the night away or just enjoy a meal at one of its beachside restaurants. Also adjacent is the Al Raha Mall.
What if I get Bored?
Go into Abu Dhabi city – you can visit Sheikh Zayed Mosque or look for bargains at the Gold Zouq at Madinet Zayed. Visit the Heritage Village to understand the city’s history or get away from it all by taking a trip to Lulu Island. If you have time its worth going to
Dubai for the day and exploring – it is 90 minutes away by car.
Mussafah is a rapidly expanding industrial satellite of Abu Dhabi and you are most likely to be visiting Mussafah on business. Proud of the success of its engineering and steel production, Mussafah is also expanding its already busy port to cope with the increased demand.
If staying there, you’d be advised to take advantage of Mussafah car hire to enable you to reach its more tourist friendly parent, Abu Dhabi, where huge shopping malls and exquisite restaurants abound. The best that Mussafah can offer is the older part of its port where fishermen vie daily with huge container ships.