29.08.2025
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What is it about? A mall in Abu Dhabi, as in other cities, is a large shopping centre that unites dozens and hundreds of boutiques, entertainment venues and business attractions under one roof. The capital of the UAE can boast at least a dozen shopping centres for every taste and budget.
What to consider? The largest mall in Abu Dhabi is Yas Mall. Its size is impressive: the area is more than 235,000 square metres, and it has 10,000 parking spaces. However, Abu Dhabi Mall is considered the main shopping centre of the city.
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a union of seven equal and fully independent states. Each emirate has its own capital, government and laws.
Within the UAE, movement between emirates is free, allowing travellers to easily move from one state to another, sometimes without realising it.
Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, was initially the temporary capital of the union and became permanent in 1996. This ancient city has a rich history, dating back to its foundation in 1760, when it consisted of a fort and surrounding dwellings.
Archaeological findings indicate human settlement in this area as far back as the 3rd century BC. It is believed that Abu Dhabi began as a settlement of fishermen and hunters.
The name “Abu Dhabi” has roots in the region's history, related to the discovery of a freshwater source on the island thanks to the tracks of a graceful animal — a gazelle. This episode became the basis for the city's name, symbolising its wealth and natural resources. In 1793, the settlement became the residence of sheikhs.
Until the mid-20th century, the main source of income for local residents was pearl diving and fishing.
In Abu Dhabi's shopping centres, you might be pleasantly surprised by the prices, but it's important to know several rules:
In Abu Dhabi, bargaining is not limited to bazaars — it is also common in shops, especially in large shopping centres, where it takes a specific form. When choosing goods, buyers often ask sellers about possible discounts and receive answers like "only for you..." Making a purchase without bargaining might offend the seller, as it is considered normal practice.
Bargaining is not customary in grocery supermarkets, however food prices are often lower than in markets. A wide selection and the ability to buy goods at reduced prices right before their expiry date make supermarkets popular among shoppers.
All shopping centres in Abu Dhabi are equipped with air conditioners, creating a comfortable atmosphere during hot weather. After shopping, you may stay in the centre, visit a café, a massage or a spa salon, and send children to the playground, turning a trip to the shopping centre into a useful and pleasant pastime.
Abu Dhabi Mall is one of the largest shopping centres in Abu Dhabi, is located on the four lower floors of a huge building, which also includes the Rotana hotel complex and is located near the coast.
The construction of the complex was initiated by Sheikh Suroor Bin Mohammed Al Nahyan, who supported the project from start to completion. Abu Dhabi Mall was opened in 2001.
The architectural design of the complex combines elements of techno and classical styles. The buildings are made of metal, concrete and glass, with sharp angles and strict lines, giving them a modern appearance. The facades of the complex are clad with dark mirror panels, adding to the building’s elegance and modernity.
Visitors note the simplicity and logical layout of Abu Dhabi Mall, despite its enormous size (over 220,000 square metres). It is easy to navigate and quickly find the necessary shops and facilities.
Abu Dhabi Mall provides a wide range of services on different floors:
On the first floor there are:
On the remaining three floors there are:
Abu Dhabi Mall provides visitors with everything necessary for shopping, rest and entertainment, ensuring comfort and variety in one place.
Abu Dhabi Mall offers a wide assortment of goods from cosmetics and clothing to furniture and household appliances. Prices here vary depending on the brand: the more famous the brand, the higher the price, however you can also find quality items at affordable prices.
It's very advantageous to make purchases during sale periods, especially in winter. The biggest discounts (up to 75%) are on fur coats, household and electronic equipment from lesser-known companies, as well as previous season's clothing.
Sales in Abu Dhabi Mall are not conducted simultaneously in all shops: some begin promotions immediately after December 20th for a week or two, others offer promotions 2–3 times for 3–5 days. Sales are also possible at other times of the year, but not as regular. Individual boutiques may conduct sales on certain product groups or brands at their discretion.
Among tourists, the following categories of goods are especially popular in Abu Dhabi Mall:
These goods attract tourists due to their quality, variety of choice and availability in the shopping centre.
If you are planning a shopping trip to Abu Dhabi Mall, it is important to prepare a list of the necessary purchases and walk through the shops with purpose, choosing the best options in terms of price. By the second or third day, you may begin bargaining, especially if the item you want to buy can be purchased at a lower price in another shop.
Keep in mind that even a whole day may not be enough to familiarise yourself with all the offers of the shopping centre, so advance planning will help you avoid unnecessary spending.
Abu Dhabi Mall is equipped with powerful air conditioning systems that ensure coolness even during the hottest period. This makes shopping comfortable, especially when it is scorching outside. Most visitors prefer to come closer to the evening, when the shopping centre is less crowded, which allows them to stroll freely through the halls without the hustle.
The shops operate according to Abu Dhabi’s standard schedule: from 10 AM to 10 PM, with the possibility of closing an hour later on public holidays. The restaurants in the mall are open until midnight, offering visitors a wide selection of culinary delights.
Up to 40,000 people visit Abu Dhabi Mall daily, which highlights its popularity among both residents and tourists.
You can reach the shopping complex by car, taxi or bus. Public transport is well organised, with stops equipped with air conditioning, making the wait for the bus comfortable even in the heat.
Yas Mall is one of the most famous shopping centres in Abu Dhabi, particularly popular among travellers. Located on Yas Island in the capital's suburbs, Yas Mall is renowned for its spaciousness and beauty.
This shopping centre has impressive dimensions, second only to Dubai Mall, the largest in the world, and is among the most popular shopping centres in the Emirates.
Yas Mall is not just a wide selection of shops in Abu Dhabi, but a unique entertainment experience. It is adjacent to Ferrari World theme park, the world's largest park dedicated to Ferrari cars. This makes Yas Mall not just a shopping destination, but an ideal place for the whole family, allowing you to combine shopping with entertainment throughout the day.
There's also a beautiful promenade nearby, adding a unique atmosphere to this place.
Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi represents not just a shopping centre, but a true attraction for travellers. It is known for its variety of cafés and shops of famous global brands, the availability of a hypermarket, a currency exchange, and a wide selection of goods: from quality children's clothing to accessories, bags and high-quality cosmetics.
Yas Mall frequently hosts various events, such as shows for Christmas, New Year and other holidays, sometimes featuring famous artists.
The shopping centre attracts tourists both with its assortment and its welcoming atmosphere: many shops offer pleasant gifts, cafés offer free drinks and dishes to sample, and the air is filled with the aromas of exquisite Arabian perfumes, creating a unique mood. Although prices may be above average, frequent discounts and special offers make shopping here very attractive.
In the Carrefour hypermarket, located on the first floor of Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi, you can find quality cosmetics, a wide selection of products, including goods from Russia, and household items at affordable prices. On the same floor, there's a shop with ice cream and cotton candy, as well as a pharmacy for visitors' convenience.
Tourists often note that the main advantages of Yas Mall are its calm and cosy atmosphere, and a smaller number of visitors compared to Dubai Mall, which creates special comfort.
The shopping centre has many shops where you can find every necessity or something unique to your taste. Cafés offer various delicious dishes, perfect for relaxation, lunch, or just coffee.
Next to the mall, there are musical fountains creating a pleasant atmosphere. They beautifully decorate the surroundings, although they are much more modest than those in Dubai. On the open terrace near the fountains, there are also café tables where you can relax and enjoy the view.
Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi is very popular among tourists. This shopping centre stands out for its beauty and cosy atmosphere, making it an attractive place to visit.
Marina Mall is neither too big nor too small. It's an ideal space for shopping, where it's convenient to move around and impossible to get lost, as often happens in large shopping complexes.
Here there are many shops where you can enjoy shopping for various goods. After shopping, tourists can relax and rest in one of the wonderful cafés that are also present in Marina Mall. The atmosphere in the shopping centre is pleasant, and visitors feel very comfortable and don't get tired from walking around the shops.
Although Marina Mall has entertainment facilities, tourists mainly come here for shopping, enjoying the calm environment and the conveniences that this shopping centre offers.
In the evening, Marina Mall turns on the beautiful building illumination that reflects in the canal, creating a romantic atmosphere and lifting visitors' spirits. On the first floor of the shopping centre, there is a huge supermarket where you can buy everything necessary: groceries, local delicacies, culinary masterpieces, household goods and essential everyday items.
Marina Mall offers many brand boutiques, as well as regular shops with clothing and accessories at various prices. For children, there is an excellent selection of toys, including those that are hard to find in other countries, for example, in Russia. The shopping centre also has a well-equipped children's playground where children can play and have fun.
Marina Mall attracts tourists with its beautiful architecture, shopping conveniences and pleasant ambiance, making the shopping centre a popular place to visit in Abu Dhabi.
Khalidiyah Mall is a large shopping centre located on Khalidiya Island in Abu Dhabi. The mall's interior is designed in Arabian style, which gives it special character and uniqueness. It features many shops with branded goods, making it an attractive place for shopping.
Here you can also enjoy diverse international cuisine in restaurants, after which you can visit a modern cinema or spend time in the bowling club. For children, there is entertainment at Sparkys, where they can enjoy attractions and educational games.
Khalidiyah Mall is a popular destination for both leisure and shopping among tourists and local residents of Abu Dhabi.
The Galleria Mall in Abu Dhabi attracts art lovers and creative personalities. On its first floor, there is a unique art gallery featuring works by various artists and photographers.
The centre has many spaces for art, including areas for workshops, meetings and cultural events for artists. Regular exhibitions of photographs, paintings and sculptures are held here, creating a special atmosphere of creativity and inspiration.
The Galleria Mall in Abu Dhabi offers a variety of boutiques selling clothes, shoes, cosmetics, household appliances and electronics. The centre houses the 2XL Furniture & Home Décor studio, specialising in luxury home furnishings.
Beauty salons are also available here, where you can undergo cosmetic procedures and receive a stylist’s consultation to create a new image. Fine dining restaurants, such as 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant, offer tasting menus and a bottle of sparkling wine for a pleasant end to the day.
The Galleria shopping centre in Abu Dhabi is not only a place for premium shopping but also an ideal space for relaxation and self-care, where everyone can enjoy their time beneficially for both soul and body.
Al Wahda Mall is a beautiful shopping complex in Abu Dhabi, featuring all the major brands. It is renowned for its diverse range of stores, including top-tier cafes and restaurants catering to different budgets. The mall also boasts numerous cosy coffee shops offering delicious coffee and traditional dishes, as well as a large food court for a variety of quick bites.
Al Wahda Mall is conveniently located in the city centre, easily accessible by taxi or public transport. A bus station and a bus stop are situated nearby, making it a convenient destination for visitors.
On the ground floor of the mall, you’ll find the LuLu hypermarket, offering a wide range of groceries, tableware, toys, linens, watches, souvenirs, and other household items. Additionally, shoppers can purchase home appliances, chandeliers, stationery, and cleaning supplies.
From the outside, Al Wahda Mall may appear small, but once inside, its size and extensive shopping opportunities are truly impressive. However, some tourists note the challenges in navigating the mall due to its multiple exits and varied lifts, which give it a maze-like quality.
World Trade Center Mall captures attention with its pleasant design, blending natural wood elements and traditional Arabic style to create a cosy atmosphere. The mall features numerous shops that exude luxury and comfort.
The complex also includes an authentic market just across the street, where visitors can find various souvenirs, spices, Arabic perfumes, henna, jewellery, and clothing. The market is divided into modern shops and a traditional bazaar, where bargaining is actively encouraged. The vendors are known for their friendliness and sociability.
Additionally, the complex houses a supermarket with a wide assortment of products, making the World Trade Center Mall a convenient place not only for shopping but also for enjoying leisure time.
Al Raha Mall is a compact and cosy shopping centre in Abu Dhabi, especially popular among guests of nearby hotels. It attracts visitors with its welcoming atmosphere and a variety of amenities.
Al Raha Mall offers numerous entertainment options for children, a cinema, a hair salon, beauty salons, a supermarket, and excellent cafés and restaurants. Here, you can find everything you need, from clothing and toys to groceries, and enjoy a pleasant time on the premises.
Al Raha Mall is part of the rich diversity of Abu Dhabi, providing tourists with the opportunity to shop and relax comfortably in a cosy setting.
Abu Dhabi is renowned not only for its stunning beaches, diverse hotels, and an abundance of entertainment options but also as an ideal destination for shopaholics. Sales in the UAE begin as early as January, and tourists can enjoy great deals on all kinds of products throughout the year.
