Abu Dhabi Neighbourhood Officially Named One of the World’s Coolest

The annual Time Out Global survey placed MiZa at number 36, making it the only GCC district to break into the list. Editors and writers from across the network highlighted it for its culture, nightlife, street life and that unmistakable energy that makes a neighbourhood feel alive.

Once a gritty industrial zone, Mina Zayed has transformed into a creative hub where old warehouses have turned into art spaces, foodie destinations and cafés. Anchored by the 421 Arts Campus and The Alley, MiZa has become a gathering point for artists, entrepreneurs and locals looking for something different after hours. Recent arrivals like Barbassi – from the team behind Marmellata and Mina Creamery – have only added to its growing culinary appeal.

There’s still a rawness that recalls its industrial past, but that edge is part of the draw. With new apartments planned, the neighbourhood is set to grow even busier, cementing its reputation as Abu Dhabi’s most dynamic new address.

Globally, MiZa sits alongside San Francisco’s Glen Park and Buenos Aires’ Villa Devoto in the ranking, while Tokyo’s Jimbōchō claimed the top spot thanks to its famed bookshops and cultural scene. For Abu Dhabi, the recognition underscores MiZa’s rise as one of the most exciting places to be right now.