Abu Dhabi FAQs | Shopping

Shopping in Abu Dhabi

Shopping is something of a national pastime in Abu Dhabi, perhaps because it’s so diverse – everything from ultra-modern malls with the latest brands, to small, souk-like outlets where you can buy traditional perfumes, handicrafts, spices and carpets. Prices are often excellent in comparison to those abroad, especially for carpets, textiles and gold. If you are good at bargaining, you can get even better deals. Shops open at around 10am - 10pm or later on weekends. Although most malls work straight through, some independent shops close for an extended lunch break, usually from 1pm - 4pm.

CLOTHES SHOPPING
Shopping in Abu Dhabi can be serious business when you are looking for good bargains and with intense competition and insignificant import duties, you will find some of the lowest prices in the world here.

A few years back, expats would have to go to Dubai to buy many items; now all the major stores are here; Marina Mall and AD Mall are the two main malls in Abu Dhabi.

There are several small malls that offer a variety of shopping and all are worth exploring at some stage whist you are here in Abu Dhabi. You never know what fabulous bargain you will find. Some of the smaller Malls have a variety of shops you would not expect to find in the larger Malls, and many of them have designer shops tucked away that only the most experienced shoppers know about. The Al Muhairy Centre on Zayed 1st St. has a good selection of designer shops from Turkey and Italy, plus a Hugo Boss for the boys. Marks & Spencer can be found in the M&S building in the centre of the city close to the Culture Foundation. There is a Monsoon here and several good shoe shops. For good handbags and cheap T-shirts check out the Hamdan Centre. There are several good sport shops here too. The UK department store, BHS, has a branch on Hamdan St.

There is no need to bring large quantities of clothing to the UAE. Despite being a country were a large proportion of the ladies are covered from head to foot in black clothing the styles and fashions available are parallel to any large city in the world. You will be surprised at how skimpy clothes can be. Generally, clothing is good value here with many designer outfits being less expensive with shoes and handbags being great buys.

For men’s clothing the selection has improved over the last few years. With the general part of the male population wearing dish-dash (a sort of cool looking kaftan made from white cotton) it was no surprise for many years that men’s clothing was difficult to buy. That has definitely changed since the advent of the large Malls.

The two most modern and well-known shopping Malls are Abu Dhabi Mall and Marina Mall located at either side of the top of the island.
 

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SHOPPING MALLS
With their imaginative designs and wide range of outlets, shopping malls are perennially popular. The bigger malls buzz with activity as people meet, eat, pose and parade. During festive occasions such as Eid or Ramadan, malls are venues for special events such as dance or cultural shows, often featuring international acts. They also hold numerous raffles, often with huge prizes such as luxury cars or cash.

Marina Mall
This is situated on the Abu Dhabi Breakwater and is surrounded by the azure water of the Arabian Gulf. It is a lovely location for the entire family to visit and enjoy with some of the best views of the city. There are many shops to choose from with jewellery, clothes, household items, and cosmetics (Areej and Paris Gallery). Many familiar names - Mothercare, Top Shop, Monsoon, Oasis, Next, Warehouse, Early Learning Centre, Zara, Hush Puppies, Clarks, Woolworths, and for the boys, Plug Ins, Radio Shack and Jumbo Electronics. Sun & Sand and Studio R are good sports shop! IKEA can be found here and also the large supermarket Carrefour. There is also a very good multiplex cinema, eating hall and entertainment for young children.

If you can’t find the perfect outfit you dreamed of in any of the shops, there are plenty of fabulous fabric shops selling lovely silks, linens and cottons. The best tend to be located in the Indian Souk behind M&S. Tailors can still be found tucked away in the back streets of Abu Dhabi and they will create your perfect outfit in a matter of days for a very competitive price. Website: www.marinamall.ae

Abu Dhabi Mall
With over 200 shops, restaurants on every floor, a children’s play area and a Cineplex, this is more than just a shopping destination. Look out for big-name outlets like Paris Gallery (perfumes, cosmetics, sunglasses, handbags and jewellery), Jashanmal, Grand Stores and Salam Stores (all department stores).

Directions: Near Rotana Beach Hotel & Towers
Tel: +971-2-6454858
Fax: +971-2-6454668
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.abudhabi-mall.com

Al Raha Mall
Al Raha has a mixture of entertainment, leisure and shopping. Two cinemas show the latest movies and a number of cafés, restaurants and a food court offer a choice of dining. There is also a kids’ entertainment area.

Directions: Abu Dhabi-Dubai Highway, near Al Raha Beach Hotel
Tel: +971-2-5562229
Fax: +971-2-5561786
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.al-rahamall.com

Al Wahda Mall
This mall has an inviting, spacious sun roofed design and a myriad of side passages to satisfy curious shoppers. It has a wide range of stores as well as a large supermarket and plenty of dining choices.

Directions: Shk Hazza Bin Zayed Street, near Taxi Stand
Tel: +971-2-4437000
Fax: +971-2-4437171
Website: www.alwahda-mall.com

Fotouh Al Khair Centre
Several of the world’s favourite brands are jammed into this spacious mall – Marks & Spencer, Adams, Monsoon, Nine West, and more. Also worth visiting is Falcon Gallery – great for household decorations, candles, flower arranging materials and fancy goods.

Directions: Marks and Spencer building, behind old Etisalat Building, Airport road
Tel: +971-2-6393084
Fax: +971-2-6818830
Website: www.fotouhalkhair.com

Khalidiyah Mall
This mall on Al Nahyan Street features distinctive Islamic architecture and over 160 shops. Highlights include UK department stores Debenhams and BHS, its many cafés and restaurants, and a large food court. There is also an amusement centre with arcade games, a brand new dedicated 3D cinema and a bowling alley.

Directions: Khalidiyah St, near Sheraton, next to Paris Gallery
Tel: +971-2-6354400
Fax: +971-2-6354499
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.khalidiyahmall.com

Marina Mall
Located on the Breakwater, this mall features a 100 metre high viewing platform, an ice rink, a bowling alley, a Cineplex, musical fountains and hundreds of big-name brands and stores. A true Abu Dhabi landmark, Marina Mall’s many restaurants and coffee shops make it possible to spend a full day here. Watch out for the huge annual sale period from mid-January to the end of February.

Directions: Breakwater, near Emirates Palace
Tel: +971-2-6812310
Fax: +971-2-6818668
E-mail: [email protected]

Mushrif Mall
The expansive, three-level complex - offers a spectrum of subtle, clean, and eco-friendly features to cater to all levels of clients, including locals and expatriates The Mall has more than 200 outlets, and an array of entertainment venues, it sports the biggest food court in the middle east. With ample car parking that can accommodate more than 2500 vehicles The mall has an excellent range of shops, and fine restaurants and eateries

Directions: Airport Road, and 29th Street (between 2 and 4 on 29th)
Tel: 02 6904422
Email: [email protected]
www.mushrifmall.com

Dalma Mall - Mussafah
A modern and easily accessible mall with 15 entrances and all the usual stores you'd expect to find in a high end mall plus there's a 14-Screen Cinemas, Game Zone, Food Court, Restaurants & Café too.

Directions: Located in the heart of Mussafah, Dalma Mall is 10 minutes away from Al Maqtaa Bridge and prominently on the main Abu Dhabi - Tarif Al Ain Highway facing Mohamad Bin Zayed City.
Phone: +971-2-550-9555
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.dalmamall.ae

Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society Complex
This older shopping centre still buzzes, especially during weekends and evenings. Its main draws are now Splash (trendy, inexpensive fashion), Shoe Mart (huge range of shoes), Lifestyle (funky gifts and much more) and The Baby Shop. Other smaller shops include computer suppliers and ladies’ fashion outlets.

Tel: +971 2 644 0808
Website: www.adcoops.com

Hamdan Centre
Something of an institution on Abu Dhabi’s shopping scene, this vibrant centre in the heart of the city is a good place to buy, leather goods, shoes, sports equipment and touristy knick-knacks, all at bargaining prices. It also has a pharmacy.

Directions: Hamdan St, near Novotel Abu Dhabi Centre Hotel
Tel: +971-2-6328555
Fax: +971-2-6349994

Khalifa Centre
This ethnic mall is teeming with craft and souvenir shops, as well as shops selling Iranian carpets – a great place for souvenirs.

Tel: +971 2 667 9900
Email: [email protected]

Liwa Centre
This is where to head on Sheikh Hamdan Street for designer jewellery, clothes, makeup, perfume, bookshop and more – be sure to visit the vibrant food court on the second level or relax in the coffee shop, which is open until midnight.

Tel: +971 2 632 0344

Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre & Gold Centre
Shopaholics will love this mall – it has over 400 shops selling just about everything and some traditional souk traders have moved here. The Madinat Zayed Gold Centre, next to the main mall, sells the finest gold, diamond and pearl jewellery.

Directions: Muroor Rd, near Main Post Office
Tel: +971-2-6333311
Fax: +971-2-6332888
E-mail: [email protected]
 

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LIST OF OTHER MALLS IN ABU DHABI AND AL AIN

ABU DHABI

Al Falah Plaza
Directions: Al Falah St, near Habib Bank
Tel: +971-2-6425800
Fax: +971-2-6425252
Al Muhairy Centre
Directions: Near Etisalat, Opposite Cultural Foundation Center, Khalidiya
Tel: +971-2-6322228
Fax: +971-2-6334493
E-mail: [email protected]
Website : www.almuhairycentre.com

Dana Plaza
Directions: Zayed the First St, Khalidiya
Tel: +971-2-6651333
Fax: +971-2-6654945

Hamed Centre
Directions: Zayed the Second St, near East Rd
Tel: +971-2-6675550
Fax: +971-2-6655592

Lulu Centre
Directions: Near Sheraton Hotel, besides Citibank and Noor Islamic Bank.
Tel: +971-2-6771616
Fax: +971-2-6780708

Rotana Mall
Directions: Al Khaleej Al Arabi St (30th St) and Zayed the First St (7th St), near Khalidiya Garden
Tel: +971-2-6814433

AL AIN

Al Ain Mall
Directions: Kuwaitat
Tel: +971-3-7660333
Fax: +971-3-7663444
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: www.alainmall.net

Al Ain City Centre
Directions: Saruj, near Hilton Al Ain Hotel
Tel: +971-3-7688777
Fax: +971-3-7688772

Al Jimi Mall
Directions: Al Jimi, in front of Immigration Building
Tel: +971-3-7638883
Fax: +971-3-7634747
E-Mail: [email protected]

Al Bawadi Mall
Directions: Mezyad, Al Ain
Tel: +971-3-7840000
Fax:+971-3-7824446
Website : www.bawadimall.com

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