Tenants at Abu Dhabi's famous centre for second-hand goods say high rents forcing them away
Al Yousuf Centre may seem like just another building in central Abu Dhabi . But behind its gleaming gold doors, it hosts a trove of the capital's best bargains on pre-owned goods. For years, the centre was the go-to place for students and thrifters, and it was particularly popular with the Filipino community. But in the past couple of years, rising rents have forced many businesses to relocate or…
Al Yousuf Centre, once a hub for second-hand goods in Abu Dhabi, now faces a decline in business due to soaring rents and a dwindling supply of clothing. Filipino tenants, who previously thronged the center, say that the building's once bustling streets are now littered with vacant stores and fewer shoppers. Multiple rent increases over the past few years have left many businesses unable to afford the steep rental costs, causing them to relocate or shut down.
The war in Iran has further exacerbated the situation, limiting the flow of new clothing supplies as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed. Despite a temporary rent freeze announced by Abu Dhabi authorities, the situation remains dire for the center's tenants, who are struggling to keep their shops open amidst the mounting financial pressures.
The Al Yousuf Centre remains a symbol of the city's vibrant cultural fabric, not just as a shopping destination, but also as a community gathering place for Filipinos. However, with the ongoing challenges, the center's future remains uncertain.
Written by urgent.news from The National UAE's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — it may contain errors, so check the original before relying on it.
