20.08.2026
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What is it about? Shopping centres in Abu Dhabi are known for their luxurious atmosphere, a wide range of shopping options, unique offers and impeccable service. They feature shops of all leading global brands, including luxury brands. You can also have a great time with your whole family — there are cafés, cinemas and even amusement parks on the premises.
What to consider? In addition to clothing and jewellery, people buy sweets, coffee, electronics, carpets and incense in Abu Dhabi. Outside shopping centres, you can and even should bargain, which will make shopping not only interesting but also beneficial.
Abu Dhabi is not only luxurious beaches with impeccable cleanliness, a wide selection of hotels and numerous entertainments, but also a real paradise for shopping lovers. Sales in the Emirates start as early as January, but even when there are none, tourists can purchase any goods there at attractive prices.
Here are reasons why Abu Dhabi is a paradise for shopaholics:
Abu Dhabi has not become the object of our attention in terms of shopping by accident: you can find souvenirs for any taste and budget there, from handicrafts of local craftsmen to goods of luxury brands, whilst the prices are quite affordable.
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Don't be shy to bargain! Here’s a tip for you: both at markets and in modern shops, ask for the “best price” (the only exception is shops of international chains). Here is a list of the most interesting goods:
Abu Dhabi attracts with its gastronomic souvenirs: Lebanese sweets, Iranian caviar, and chocolate based on camel milk. Dates can be called a real symbol of the emirate — they make juices, jams, confitures, as well as balsamic vinegar from them. Dates in chocolate, decorated with almonds and orange zest, are especially delicious.
Once, incense was so valuable that it was equated to gold, and it was cherished no less than modern gadgets and cars. In Abu Dhabi, be sure to purchase a wooden chest with a burner containing dried frankincense tree resin. Particularly noteworthy are incense from agarwood, which has a deep, rich aroma.
The ancient art of weaving is personified by the word “sugha”, which translates from Arabic as “gift to the traveller”. Original bracelets, tablecloths, pillows, as well as beach bags made of palm leaves can be found in the Sugha shop at the Central Market of Abu Dhabi.
Shopping without buying traditional souvenirs in Abu Dhabi can be considered incomplete. Popular mementos include khanjars (double-sided daggers), ancient wooden doors, coffee sets, prayer beads, accessories for falconry and canes used in Arab dances.
Abu Dhabi is not deprived of the attention of muses! The city has many art galleries where you can purchase works of art.
Here's a small guide: Folklore Gallery features ceramic products and paintings, Hemisphere Design offers works by local artists, One Gallery specialises in photographs, Barakat — in antiques, and in Ghaf and Salwa Zeidan you can find works by both local and foreign artists, including beginners.
Shopping centres in the UAE offer a variety of cosmetics and perfumes, including novelties. Of particular note is Arabic oil-based perfumery (without alcohol), which is distinguished by high durability and original aromas with spicy and tart notes.
One of the most famous brands is Amouage. Additionally, in every city, there are perfume shops where you can create a unique fragrance to your taste.
People also go to Abu Dhabi to purchase appliances and electronics, as this is a zone with very attractive prices — approximately 30–40% lower than European ones. The latest gadgets appear there almost immediately after the official release. Illegal goods are also found, but this mainly concerns the export method — for example, original phones may be reflashed on the spot.
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Carpets are art! A Russian house without a carpet seems empty. Magnificent carpets are brought to Abu Dhabi from Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iran, China, Turkey and Central Asian countries. The largest selection of these textile products can be found at the market at the end of Mina Road, but a real paradise for carpet connoisseurs is the Al Meena Souk market.
When choosing a carpet, several important aspects should be considered. First: the more knots per square centimetre, the higher the quality and cost of the product. Second: Iranian carpets are traditionally considered the best compared to Turkish and Kashmiri ones. Third: handmade work, although it may look less neat, is valued significantly higher than factory production.
Gold jewellery in Abu Dhabi is presented in an incredibly wide range — from classic European ornaments to complex and original jewellery in the Arab style. You can even purchase gold bars! The most popular fineness standards are 750, 875, 916 and 999.
The city features both products of famous global brands and works of local manufacturers. One of the largest centres of gold trade is Madinat Zayed, where many jewellery shops are located, including the largest in the Persian Gulf region.
Well, have we managed to convince you? Let's go shopping in Abu Dhabi!
The capital is in no way inferior to Dubai in terms of the number of shopping and entertainment centres. You can find both products of budget brands and goods of well-known premium brands in Abu Dhabi.
However, shopping is not the only reason to visit these complexes. Entertainment areas located in shopping centres offer leisure for people of any age, so you can go there with the whole family. It's better to choose weekdays for visiting, when there are fewer people. All complexes have pharmacies, currency exchange points, communication salons, ateliers and banks.
Location: Abu Dhabi, next to the Beach Rotana hotel.
This is one of the largest shopping centres in the city, receiving up to 40 thousand people daily. The main flow of visitors occurs in the evening hours, so it's more convenient for tourists to come during the day, when it's hot outside and cool and less crowded inside.
The mall houses more than 200 shops with a wide range of goods. You can purchase almost anything there, but don't expect low prices, as the majority of products are made by famous global brands. You can also find locally produced goods such as perfumes, clothing and spices. For many tourists, this place resembles a museum.
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In addition to shops, the centre has various entertainment options, such as a multi-hall cinema, bowling, and a huge play area for children. Numerous restaurants offering dishes for any taste also operate there. To fully explore the shopping centre, at least four hours are needed. Abu Dhabi Mall is open daily from morning until late evening.
Location: Abu Dhabi, along the breakwater on Corniche road.
This is one of the most visited places in the city, where you can spend time with family.
The centre has more than 400 shops designed for both mass and premium buyers.
You can find a Mercedes-Benz car dealership, the first in the region official store of the Manchester United football club, many cafés and restaurants, a bowling club, and Bounce trampoline park with 40-metre slides and an 18-metre high free fall attraction. There's also a VOX cinema with 9 halls, an indoor skating rink and impressive musical fountains.
Location: Yas Island.
Area: over 200 thousand square metres, with 10,000 parking spaces.
What you can find there: more than 370 shops representing leading global and Arab brands, including the only Apple store in Abu Dhabi. Among others — Tryano boutique, offering a wide range of shoes, bags and children's clothing, as well as Zara, Nike and Adidas shops. There are also 60 restaurants and cafés, a 20-screen VOX Cinemas and a Fun Works family entertainment centre.
Features: the mall has direct access to the Ferrari World Abu Dhabi theme park, and in the evenings you can enjoy fountain shows.
Location: Al Wahda Mall, E19, Abu Dhabi
Al Wahda Mall shopping centre in Abu Dhabi is very popular among locals and tourists. It began its operation in 2007 and belongs to the Al Wahda sports club. A special feature of the building is its design — a roof that allows daylight through.
There you can find elite boutiques of such famous brands as Armani, Gap, Banana Republic and others. In addition, there are shops with goods at more democratic prices. Of particular interest is the Lulu hypermarket, occupying an impressive 18 thousand square metres.
Location: Khalidiyah Mall, W9, Abu Dhabi
Khalidiyah Mall has a convenient location, almost in the centre of the city, in close proximity to Corniche Beach. Its architecture reflects the eastern style, which creates a special atmosphere.
Inside the shopping centre, you can find more than 160 shops. Two British department stores offer a wide range of goods. It's easy to find restaurants, cafés and eateries where you can pleasantly relax over a cup of coffee or a full meal.
For entertainment, a modern 3D cinema, bowling and arcade machines are present. In the game centre, exciting arcade adventures are available, which are sure to evoke unforgettable emotions.
Location: The Galleria Mall, MI10, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi
The Galleria Mall in Abu Dhabi houses shops offering designer items from the latest collections. Boutiques in this shopping centre are oriented towards wealthy clients and are distinguished by a high level of prices.
You can find magnificent men's and women's clothing, leather goods, gift sets, cosmetics and home decor items. The mall regularly organises promotions and exhibitions, and hosts holidays and festivals.
Location: Al Raha Mall, Al Rameila, Al Raha, Abu Dhabi
This shopping centre occupies an area of over 30 thousand square metres and is located outside the city centre. It houses more than 100 shops, including modern clothing and jewellery shops; in the electronics departments, you can find products from famous global brands.
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Location: Mushrif Mall, E32, Abu Dhabi
Mushrif Mall is definitely one of the leading shopping centres of Abu Dhabi. This three-storey building houses an excellent indoor food market. In total, there are more than 200 shops where you can find souvenirs, clothing, footwear, electronics, household appliances, furniture and many other goods — all in one place.
Location: Dalma Mall, ICAD-I, Musaffah, Abu Dhabi
In Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi, you can find goods at affordable prices. A wide range of fashionable clothing, footwear and accessories is presented there. The shopping centre houses such shops as Carrefour, Marks & Spencer, Jarir bookstore and others. The complex is located near Abu Dhabi International Airport, and you can reach it by bus from terminal No. 1.
Location: Madinat Zayed Shopping Center, Al Danah, Abu Dhabi
Shops in Madinat Zayed Shopping Center in Abu Dhabi offer customers fashionable clothing, perfumes, electronics and various household goods. There are also many jewellery shops and boutiques of national clothing there. The shopping centre has a huge selection of children's goods and souvenirs.
The shopping centre is built in the traditional Arab style. It's easy to reach it from any point in the capital. It operates every day until late evening.
In Abu Dhabi, most shops are open daily from 9:00/10:00 AM to 9:00/10:00 PM. Some of them take a lunch break from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM, however, in tourist areas, supermarkets and shops generally operate without breaks.
On Fridays, retail outlets open only after noon and usually close late — at 10:00 PM/12:00 AM. You can also find 24-hour supermarkets.
In spring, Abu Dhabi hosts the Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival, which lasts for a whole month from the end of March to the end of April. Discounts are provided not only by shops but also by hotels, restaurants and tour companies.
Shopping centres in Abu Dhabi offer a wide range of goods from famous global brands of clothing and footwear. It's best to purchase branded clothing in large shopping centres or specialised shops located in shopping quarters.
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Additionally, it's worth paying attention to the following aspects:
Winter (from November to March) is the optimal period for visiting Abu Dhabi, as comfortable weather is observed during this time.
Yas Mall is the largest shopping and entertainment centre in Abu Dhabi and one of the most extensive in the United Arab Emirates.
Malls in Abu Dhabi are not just shops, but real entertainment centres where you can spend the whole day, providing yourself with bright impressions from shopping. You can find everything you want there, from elite brands to unique souvenirs.
Article header image source: prostooleh / magnific.com
