Abu Dhabi, the capital of UAE, is known across the globe for its lively ethos and vibrant city culture. The horizon of this city is marked by numerous spectacular man-made structures, while the desert and the beach offer a plethora of experiential opportunities for locals and tourists.
It is an industrial hub, with the city limits bearing testimony to the rich heritage of the past. Considered a peaceful sanctuary by the day, it metamorphosizes into a cosmopolitan global city by the evening. The 700-km shoreline ensures enough doses of vitamin D for beach and water enthusiasts.
Your trip to this beautiful city is never complete without stopping by the awesome malls here. Irrespective of whether you are a shopaholic or a once-in-a-while shopper, the high-street brands, designer outlets, and boutique shops at these malls are surely going to charm their way into your heart.
Also, the fact that the daytime temperatures could be oppressively high in the Emirates, especially during summer; these air-conditioned places offer much-needed respite from the heat. There are manifold eating joints, restaurants, and cafes where you can catch up with a friend comfortably.
Another interesting feature of the Abu Dhabi shopping arcades is that they are pretty fancily designed and constructed, helping soothe the senses. With the feel-good factor infused, these are the top ten malls in the city.
Abu Dhabi Mall
This is one of the most popular and prominent malls in the city. Right in the centre of Abu Dhabi is this shopping haven with an oceanfront promenade. It houses about 200+ retail stores where you can shop for almost all kinds of products and services.
The arcade is connected to the Beach Rotana Hotel, that’s directly on the beach. The interiors represent a blend of modern and Arabic-style architecture. It is an amazing venue where you get to shop, dine, and even be entertained. Highly recommended for families with kids, elderly parents, etc.
Besides the retail outlets, at the Abu Dhabi Mall, you also have separate areas of kid’s playing zones, supermarkets, restaurants, and a cineplex. On special occasions, festivals, and weekends, there are events held inside the premises that keep visitors entertained.
Timing: Saturday to Wednesday, the place opens at 10:00 hours and closes at 22:00 hours. Thursday to Friday, it opens from 10:00 hours to 23:00 hours. F&B outlets are open on all days from 10:00 hours to 00:00 hours.
Location: Al Zahiyah, Abu Dhabi
Marina Mall
Spread across an area of about 1,22,000 sq. meters, the Marina Mall is one of the oldest ones in Abu Dhabi. It has been operational since 2001. In 2007, Forbes Magazine described it as one of the best shopping arcades in the city.
The retail landscape in the premises consists of high-street fashion, F&B, entertainment, and leisure brands. There’s a departmental store by Carrefour. The entire zone is spread out into four levels. Additionally, there’s a multiplex, a bowling alley, and a 100-meter observatory.
A key feature of the arcade is the internal steam fountain or the musical fountain, which has an intricate handcrafted work of glass mosaic art. The work has been rendered by MEC Artworks.
Timing: 09:00 hours to 22:30 hours every day.
Location: Al Kasir, Abu Dhabi
Al Wahda Mall
This is an iconic landmark in the city and is considered to be one of the best shopping and gastronomical destinations in the region. Opened to the public in 2007, it attracts about 20 million visitors each year. The total area of the shopping district is about 3.3 million sq. feet. There are over 350 brands housed within the complex.
Some of the retail brands present here are SMYK, Max, Mamas & Papas, Orange Wheels, IKEA City store, Gold’s Gym, H&M, Splash, Mango, Starbucks, Pull & Bear, Gap, Gant, Victoria’s Secret, and more. There’s Al Wahda Cinemas too with 15 screens. There’s a balanced mix of fashion and jewelry brands with electronics, 50 F&B outlets, entertainment, beauty & wellness, and a separate kids’ section.
The mall can accommodate about 4,000 cars in its parking lot simultaneously. Between 2010 and 2013, this complex was awarded the “Best Shopping Mall in Abu Dhabi” Award.
Timing: 10:00 hours to 00:00 hours each day.
Location: Al Asalah St – Zone 1E19 – Zone 1 – Abu Dhabi
Khalidiyah Mall
Located in Al Khalidiyah, this complex is home to about 120+ retail outlets and home to 130+ brands. Run by the Lulu Group International, the popular Lulu Hypermarket is also housed inside. The total area of the complex is about 800,000 sq. feet.
Launched in 2007, the entire place covers about three floors and has a parking capacity for about 2,500 cars at the same time. Besides the Lulu Hypermarket, there’s a cinema hall and a full-fledged food court indoors. There are fashion brands, electronics, furnishings, cosmetics, restaurants serving international cuisine, and lots more.
You cannot stop admiring the architectural beauty of the place as it has been done up in traditional Islamic architecture. On various occasions, there are different events organized by the management to engage visitors.
Timing: Food Courts are open from 10:00 hours to 23:00 hours from Monday to Thursday and till 01:00 hours on Saturday and Sunday. Shops are open from 10:00 hours to 22:00 hours from Monday to Thursday and till 23:00 hours on Saturday and Sunday.
Location: Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi
Yas Mall
The second-largest shopping extravaganza in the UAE is the Yas Mall. It is also Abu Dhabi’s biggest one covering an area of about 2.5 million sq. feet. The three-level shopping arcade has a cineplex operated by VOX Cinemas featuring 20 screens, high-street fashion outlets, international retailers, eateries and restaurants, and more.
It is about 15 minutes from the International Airport and has a parking capacity of almost 10,000 cars at one go. The entire place is lit up beautifully in the evening, giving the appearance of a light-drenched complex.
If kids are accompanying you, you can drop them off at KidZania on the ground floor. This is a mini-city covering an area of 55,000 sq. feet, replicating a real city, filled end-to-end with entertaining activities for kids. Kids aged 4 to 16 can find role-playing opportunities that help them develop real-life skills. KidZania is known to combine learning with fun-filled playful activities to make learning fun for children. It has been awarded for its innovative edutainment concept.
The Yas Mall has about 370 stores and 60 eateries, including indoors and outdoors. Besides, KidZania, there’s Fun Works, a family entertainment zone. Visitors can also proceed directly to the globe’s very-first Ferrari-themed Park, the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, from here. The Warner Bros. World is also close-by.
Besides, the place is home to Tryano, the store by Apple in Abu Dhabi, operated by the Chalhoub Group.
Timing: 10:00 hours to 00:00 hours every day.
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
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Dalma Mall
Just opposite Mohammed Bin Zayed City, on the Abu Dhabi–Tarif–Al Ain Highway, the Dalma Mall is home to 450 stores. It opened its doors in 2010 and features as a part of the larger developmental plan for Abu Dhabi. Spread over an area of about 250,000 sq. meters, it has stores like Marks & Spencer, H&M, Jarir Bookstore, Fitness First, Carrefour, Home Centre, Matalan, Max Fashion, etc.
Besides retail and food, the complex has some interesting entertainment zones like the Fun City, Cine Royal, and Adventure HQ that features various sporting, outdoor adventure, and lifestyle pursuits like diving, camping, cycling, etc.
The place is quite close to the International Airport.
Timing: 10:00 hours till 00:00 hours
Location: Al Wazn St – Abu Dhabi Industrial City – ICAD I – Abu Dhabi
The Galleria
Very centrally located, The Galleria houses more than 400 stores, of which about 300 are from the most popular international brands of the world. There are 100 F&B outlets. And there are a few entertainment zones earmarked for adults and kids. This place is all about fun.
The complex opened its doors in 2013 and is marketed as a high-end luxury destination for shoppers. Many high-street brands like LV, Chanel, Gucci, Dior, Coya and Zuma, Cartier, La Petite Maison, and more have their premier outlets here. The other retail brands that are present here are Zara, H&M, Decathlon, Debenhams, The Cheesecake Factory, Paul Café, and more.
There’s also a 21-screen VOX Cinema for movies and entertainment. There is also Xtreme Zone and parks for adventure enthusiasts.
Timing: 10:00 hours to 00:00 hours.
Location: Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
Al Raha Mall
In the city center, the Al Raha Mall is one of the posh addresses for shoppers looking to buy jewelry, fashion, electronics, etc. The place also has numerous fine dining outlets, cineplexes, salons, and supermarkets. There are more than 150 brands in-house and 65+ retail shops.
The Tasheel and Tasleem offices that take care of government duties are also present in the complex. Car rental kiosks are a common sight on the ground floor. Kaya Skin Clinic is also present for those who wish to pamper themselves effortlessly.
It is one of the oldest shopping arcades in the city. Some of the brands in-house are Brands4u, Yateem Optician, Al Daffah, Adidas, Damas, Etisalat office, Dubai Library Distributors, Lulu Xpress, Money Exchanges, and more.
Timing: 10:00 hours to 23:00 hours.
Location: Al Raha district, Abu Dhabi
Mushrif Mall
It is a new shopping complex located on the cross-section between Al Dafra and Rashid bin Saeed Streets. Owned by the Lulu Group International, the complex covers about 180,000 sq. meters.
There are over 240 retailers in the mall complex. The entire place was constructed at the cost of 1.2 billion. There’s a supermarket inside, which is the best place to buy fresh produce, including meat, fish, vegetables, and fruits. Additionally, there are modern cafes, entertainment zones, specialty stores, restaurants, and more. The Lulu Hypermarket is also housed inside the arcade.
Some of the brands present in the complex include Matalan, Daiso, Charles & Keith, Monsoon, Clarks, Max Fashions, Splash Fashion, R&B, Alesayi Fashion, Aldo Accessories, Damas Jewellery, Bath & Body Works, etc.
Timing: Monday to Thursday, the place is open from 10:00 hours to 23:00 hours. During weekends, the timing is between 10:00 hours till 01:00 hours.
Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St – Zone 1 – Abu Dhabi
Bawabat Al Sharq Mall
Owned by the Baniyas investment and development project, the mall houses multiple global brands. A few of these were introduced to the Emirate city when the complex opened.
Made and designed the traditional way, the complex covers an area of about 62,265 sq. meters and has two floors. There are about 270 stores, and many more are soon to open. The Mafraq Hotel is close by for guests to book their stays.
The doors of the shopping arcade were opened in 2011. Some of the brands housed on the premise are Novo Cinemas, H&M, Carrefour, Homes r Us, CenterPoint, and more. It is a perfect spot for families with food courts, cafes, and restaurants.
Timing: 10:00 hours till 00:00 hours.
Location: Bawabat Al Sharq St – Bani Yas – Baniyas East – Abu Dhabi
Conclusion
These are some of the most popular shopping zones in this Emirate City. As a tourist, expat, or local resident, the malls offer some of the best ways for people to unwind and catch up with families and friends.
FAQs
What is the biggest mall in Abu Dhabi?
Yas Mall is the biggest shopping arcade in Abu Dhabi.
What is the most popular mall in Abu Dhabi?
All the shopping complexes are almost equally popular amongst the locals and tourists here.
What is the first mall in Abu Dhabi?
Marina Mall was the first one in Abu Dhabi that opened its gate to the public in 2001.
What are the best shopping malls in Abu Dhabi?
Some of the must-visit places to shop to your heart’s content are the Abu Dhabi Mall, Yas, Marina, Dalmal, The Galleria, Al Rahal, Mushrif, Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, Khalidiyah Mall, and the Al Wahda Mall.
What are some of the famous local markets in Abu Dhabi?
The local markets here are the Dates Market, Al Ain Souk, Gold Souk, Souk Al Zafarana, Souk Al Qaws, Souk Al Bawadi, Central Market, Farmers’ Market, and the Carpet Souk.
What to buy in Abu Dhabi?
When in this city, you must shop for dates from the local shopping market, precious jewelry, traditional garments, souvenirs, carpets, exotic fruits, Persian rugs, and more.