The big 6 shopping malls in Abu Dhabi are amongst the most spectacular and largest in the world. They are themselves some of the best attractions in Abu Dhabi. There are a further 5 in the suburbs that are definitely worth a visit.
The malls have so much to do and see, they are perfect places for families who need respite from the heat and just want to have fun for a few hours. They are mainly within the city, but some are on the islands. Here’s a complete guide to the 6 best ones to visit in the Abu Dhabi central area (including my favorites), including how to get there, a summary table, the best 5 shopping malls to visit in the Abu Dhabi suburbs, as well as all the answers to the most frequently asked questions about shopping in Abu Dhabi.
1. The Marina Mall
Year Opened: 2001.
📍 Marina Mall Ring Road, Marina Village, Breakwater, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
🚗 How to Get There: If driving from Abu Dhabi city center, take the Corniche Road westbound, passing the Emirates Palace on your right, then turn right onto 18th Street.
🚌 How to Get There by Public Transport: bus services 7, 8, 9, 32, 34, and 63 all have stops nearby.
The Marina Mall was one of the first malls built in Abu Dhabi. It has an architecturally impressive revolving tower and a 100-meter-high viewing platform providing fantastic views of the city and Arabian Gulf.
I think this must be the only mall in the world with an Observatory, so if you’re an astronomy enthusiast, it’s another reason to make this impressive Mall your first choice among the many shopping malls of Abu Dhabi.
⚓ Anchor Stores: Carrefour hypermarket and Centrepoint.
🛍️ Brands you can find here: Big names like Zara, Hugo Boss, Chanel, Gucci, Adidas, Gap, Pull & Bear, and Nike are all present.
2. Yas Mall
Year Opened: 2014.
📍 Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
🚗 How to Get There by Driving: It’s just a short drive from the city center via the E12 (Sheikh Khalifa Bin Zayed Highway).
🚌 How to Get There by Public Transport: Take the 102 Bus Route to Yas Island via the Abu Dhabi Bus Station next to Al Wahda Mall. There are also regular shuttles from major hotels and form Abu Dhabi International Airport.
There’s a lot to like about this Abu Dhabi shopping mall which is one of the largest in the country with a total retail floor area of 235,000 square meters.
Yas Mall is connected to Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld, making it a destination for adrenaline junkies and everyone with kids! The mall’s entertainment areas include a 20-screen VOX cinema, and a Fun Works entertainment zone for kids.
The mall’s design is one of naturally-lit atrium space and gardens. It was designed to be an eco-friendly mall with water and electricity-saving measures integrated into its design.
⚓ Anchor Stores: Tryano, Debenhams, and Virgin Megastore.
🛍️ Brands you can find here: There are currently more than 400 international brands including H&M, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Hollister, American Eagle, and the Apple store.
3. Al Wahda Mall
Year Opened: 2007.
📍 Hazza Bin Zayed The First St, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
🚗 How to Get There by Driving: It’s a straightforward drive via the E22.
🚌 How to Get There by Public Transportation: Many public buses, including numbers 11, 32, and 34, stop outside the mall.
Al Wahda Mall is named after the nearby Al Wahda football club is known for its diverse selection of everyday fashion outlets and for its large array of dining options.
Its distinctive architecture stands out, with a modern design featuring wide, open spaces. It is connected to a high-rise residential complex.
Like all the major Abu Dhabi Malls, inside you’ll find a multiplex cinema, a play zone, and a large gaming area called Wanasa Land.
⚓ Anchor Store: Lulu Hypermarket.
🛍️ Brands you can find here: Popular brands such as Gap, Springfield, Sun & Sand Sports, Bath & Body Works, Clarks, and Aldo.
4. Galleria Al Maryah Island
Year Opened: 2013.
📍 107 Hamouda Bin Ali Al Dhaheri Street, Al Maryah Island.
🚗 How to Get There by Driving: It’s a short drive across Al Maryah Island Bridge from the city center.
🚌 How to Get There by Public Transportation: For public transportation, bus lines 8, 10, and 11 services Al Maryah Island. The nearest bus stop is opposite the northwest entrance to the mall.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island is built on a man-made island of the same name. It extends over 3.1 million square feet and underwent a major expansion in 2019 that almost doubled its size.
This extremely popular luxurious mall has a waterfront promenade and an elegant, modern design with large, open spaces. It’s known for its high-end labels and upmarket dining options, and it’s amazing kids entertainment options.
There’s a 21-screen VOX cinema (IMAX) complex, an Xtreme Zone family entertainment center, and “Caboodle” which offers creative play for children as well as themed events throughout the year.
The Mall also has the region’s first National Geographic Ultimate Explorer experience, a play-based family attraction as well as the first Zero Latency virtual reality experience; the emirate’s largest theatre (an IMAX) a flagship Xtreme Zone family entertainment centre, a Sky Park and a Sports Park.
⚓ Anchor Stores: Harvey Nichols and Debenhams.
🛍️ Brands you can find here: High-end labels like Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, and Cartier, and high-street brands like Books Kinokuniya, Abercrombie & Fitch, American Rag Cie, Kendall + Kylie, and Zara.
5. Khalidiyah Mall
Year Opened: 2007.
📍 Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
🚗 How to Get There by Driving: Easily accessible via 26th Street or 15th Street from the city center.
🚌 How to Get There by Public Transportation: 10, 32, 40, and 8 bus routes serve Al Khalidiyah.
The standout feature of the Khalidiyah Mall is its exterior design, which is reminiscent of a wave, making it instantly recognizable. Inside it’s all vaulted ceilings and light-filled spaces.
The mall has a multiplex cinema, kids play zone called “Magic Island,” and regular live events. There are all several cultural sites, including the Cultural Foundation.
⚓ Anchor Store: Lulu Hypermarket.
🛍️ Brands you can find here: You’ll find brands like Damas Jewellery, Steve Madden, Max Fashion, Charles & Keith, Giordano, and Skechers.
6. The Abu Dhabi Mall
Year Opened: 2001.
📍 10th St, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
🚗 How to Get There by Driving: Via Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (also known as Salam Street).
🚌 How to Get There by Public Transportation: Many bus lines pass nearby, including the 5, 7, 8, 9, 32, 34, and 63.
There are many newer malls in Abu Dhabi but the Abu Dhabi Mall continues to see 40,000 shoppers a day to its more than 200 international and regional brand-name stores, and it remains a mainstay of local shoppers.
In part, this is because of its location in the heart of the city, right next to the Beach Rotana hotel. Its prominent waterfront location offers beautiful views of the sea and is part of the lifestyle that the locals love.
For entertainment, there’s a multi-screen Cine Royal Cinema and a children’s entertainment area. The mall also regularly hosts events, performances, and exhibitions.
⚓ Anchor Stores: Paris Gallery, Grand Stores, Home Centre, and Carrefour.
🛍️ Brands you can find here: Zara, Mango, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Marks & Spencer, and Sephora.
Summary Table of the Top 6 Shopping Malls in Abu Dhabi
| Name of Abu Dhabi Mall | Anchor Stores | Major Brands | Entertainment | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marina Mall | Carrefour, Centrepoint | Zara, Hugo Boss, Chanel, Gucci, Adidas, Gap, Pull & Bear, Nike | VOX Cinemas, Bowling Alley, Marina Mall Ice Rink | Breakwater, Near Emirates Palace Hotel, Abu Dhabi |
| Yas Mall | Geant Hypermarket, Debenhams | H&M, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Hollister, American Eagle, Apple Store | VOX Cinemas, Fun Works, Direct Access to Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld | Yas Island, Abu Dhabi |
| Al Wahda Mall | Lulu Hypermarket, Homes r Us | Gap, Springfield, Sun & Sand Sports, Bath & Body Works, Clarks, Aldo | Multiplex Cinema, Kids Play Zone, Wanasa Land | Hazza Bin Zayed Street, Al Wahdah, Abu Dhabi |
| Galleria Al Maryah Island | Waitrose, Debenhams | Prada, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Cartier, Zara | 21-screen VOX Cinema, Caboodle | Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi |
| Khalidiyah Mall | Lulu Hypermarket, Brands for Less | Damas Jewellery, Steve Madden, Max Fashion, Charles & Keith, Giordano, Skechers | Multiplex Cinema, Magic Island | Al Khalidiya, Abu Dhabi |
| The Abu Dhabi Mall | Paris Gallery, Grand Stores, Home Centre, Carrefour | Zara, Mango, H&M, Victoria’s Secret, Marks & Spencer, Sephora | Multi-screen Cine Royal Cinema, Children’s Entertainment Area, Regular Events & Performances | 10th St, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates |
Best Abu Dhabi Shopping Malls in the Suburbs
These next 5 malls serve the populations of the “New Downtown” and expanding suburbs of Abu Dhabi. This means they are new and have an expansive list of brands as well as popular anchor stores to keep their suburban catchment areas happy to stay local.
If you’re staying out of the city center, you may find one of the 5 malls simple to get to for a few hours of shopping or entertainment.
7. Dalma Mall
Year Opened: 2010.
📍 ICAD City 1, Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
🚗 How to Get There Driving: Dalma Mall is located off the E30 Highway.
🚌 How to Get There by Public Transportation: Bus routes that stop near Dalma Mall include 101, 102, and 210.
Known as one of the largest shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, its massive size sets it apart from other Abu Dhabi shopping centers. It’s probably why despite its distance from the city center, the mall has become a popular shopping and leisure destination.
It was named after Dalma Island which is near Abu Dhabi is has a modern floor plan with wide corridors and high ceilings. The mall houses a 14-screen CineRoyal Cinema, a Fun City entertainment center, and a large food court.
⚓ Anchor Stores: Carrefour and Home Center.
🛍️ Brands you can find here: There are over 450 stores here including Zara, Tommy Hilfiger, Sephora, H&M, and Hollister. There are also local brands you may not be used to finding elsewhere.
8. Al Raha Mall
Year Opened: 2006.
📍 Channel Street, Near Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
🚗 How to Get There by Driving: The mall is easily accessible from both the E10 and E11 highways.
🚌 How to Get There by Public Transportation: Take the 218 bus route or walk from the Yas Waterworld station.
The mall is part of the larger Al Raha Gardens residential area and was one of the first malls built in the new city of Al Raha Beach. I like that traditional Arabian elements have been incorporated into an otherwise modern design of this Abu Dhabi Mall.
Al Raha doesn’t have as many entertainment features as some of the other shopping malls across the city, but it does have a multiplex cinema, a kids’ play area, and a bowling alley
⚓ Anchor Stores: Lulu Express and Grand Stores Digital.
🛍️Brands you can find here: A mix of regional and international brands like Splash, Sun & Sand Sports, and Nine West, Mothercare, Lifestyle, and The Body Shop.
9. Al Jimi Mall
Year Opened: 2002 (with a major expansion in 2018).
📍Hamdan Bin Mohammed St, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
🚗 How to Get There by Driving: Located in Al Ain, it’s accessible via the E22 highway.
🚌 How to Get There by Public Transportation: Al Ain city buses serve the mall, take the 380 or 390.
Al Jimi Mall is a popular destination in the Al Jimi district of Al Ain Garden City and the Mall is centered around a large open-air atrium. It calls itself an Open-Air retail center.
There’s a multiplex VOX cinema, a kids’ play area, several dining options, and regular events and activities going on.
My favorite aspect of the Al Jimi Mall is its weekly produce market.
⚓ Anchor Stores: Carrefour and Centre Point Department store
🛍️ Brands you can find here: You’ll find brands like Centrepoint, Bath & Body Works, Sharaf DG, Nine West, and New Look.
10. Deerfields Mall
Year Opened: 2014.
📍 Abu Dhabi – Al Shahama Rd – Al Bahyah, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
🚗 How to Get There by Driving: Located off the E30 highway.
🚌 How to Get There by Public Transportation: Public transport services the Al Bahyah area, you’ll need to take the 420 from Al Reef or the 101 from the city.
This is a family-friendly community mall that services the surrounding Deerfields residential area.
As well as the obligatory cinema and family entertainment center with games and rides, the best part of this mall are its large open spaces and the outdoor events area for concerts and performances.
⚓ Anchor Stores: Carrefour and Daiso.
🛍️ Brands you can find here: Deerfields brand stores include New Yorker, H&M, Mothercare, Daiso, Adidas, and Nike.
11. Mayzad Mall
Year Opened: 2009.
📍 Mussafah, Abu Dhabi, UAE.
🚗 How to Get There by Driving: It’s easily accessible from the E30 highway.
🚌 How to Get There by Public Transportation: Many bus routes pass the Mall: 101, 103, 104, 110, 111, 115, 120, 130
This is the first shopping mall in the Mussafah area which is slowly becoming gentrified from its initial function as an industrial zone. It’s patronized by people working in the area and the newer residential area.
The mall houses a cinema, a children’s play area, and a food court.
⚓ Anchor Stores: Lulu Hypermarket and Lulu Department Store
🛍️ Brands you can find here: Pierre Cardin, The Body Shop, Skechers, Max, and Aldo.
Summary Table of the Top 5 Suburban Abu Dhai Shopping Malls
| Abu Dhabi Mall | Anchor Stores | Major Brands | Entertainment Options | Location |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dalma Mall | Carrefour, Centrepoint | Zara, Tommy Hilfiger, Sephora, H&M, Hollister | 14-screen CineRoyal Cinema, Fun City | Mohammed Bin Zayed City, Abu Dhabi |
| Al Raha Mall | Lulu Hypermarket, Grand Stores | Splash, Sun & Sand Sports, Nine West, Mothercare, Lifestyle, The Body Shop | Multiplex Cinema, Kids Play Area, Bowling Alley | Al Raha Beach, Abu Dhabi |
| Al Jimi Mall | Carrefour, Centrepoint | Centrepoint, Bath & Body Works, Sharaf DG, Nine West, New Look | Multiplex Cinema, Kids Play Area | Al Ain, Abu Dhabi |
| Deerfields Mall | Carrefour, Homes r Us | New Yorker, H&M, Mothercare, Daiso, Adidas, Nike | Multiplex Cinema, Family Entertainment Center, Outdoor Events Area | Al Bahia, Abu Dhabi |
| Mazyad Mall | Lulu Hypermarket, Centrepoint | Pierre Cardin, The Body Shop, Skechers, Max, Aldo | Cinema, Children’s Play Area | Mussafah, Abu Dhabi |
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the biggest malls in Abu Dhabi?
The largest malls in Abu Dhabi include Yas Mall, which is the biggest, offering a vast selection of international brands and entertainment options. Other enormous malls include Dalma Mall, one of the largest in terms of retail space, and Marina Mall, a landmark shopping destination.
Which is the best mall in Abu Dhabi?
This depends on whether you’re looking for a luxury high-end shopping experience, a major fashion outlet destination, or a whole-day experience. The best high-end shopping mall is Galleria Al Maryah Island. However, Yas Mall has an extensive array of retail offerings, dining options, and better entertainment facilities. Its location on Yas Island and direct connection to Ferrari World and Yas Waterworld add to its appeal.
Which is the second biggest mall in Abu Dhabi?
Dalma Mall is considered the second-largest mall in Abu Dhabi. Located in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, it covers an area of approximately 255,000 square meters and features over 450 retail outlets.
What is the most posh area in Abu Dhabi?
Al Maryah Island is one of the most upscale areas in Abu Dhabi. It’s home to luxurious residences, high-end shopping destinations like the Galleria Mall, premium dining outlets, and the city’s international financial center. The Corniche area is an equally affluent part of the city with its well-maintained waterfront, high-end hotels, and upscale apartments, and is close to the central business district.
Can I wear shorts in malls in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, you can wear shorts in malls in Abu Dhabi, but they should be of a respectful length. It’s crucial to remember that the UAE is a Muslim country, so modesty in attire is generally expected, especially in public places like malls.
Is shopping in Abu Dhabi cheaper than Dubai?
While both Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer similar retail prices for like items due to the UAE’s unified VAT. Prices vary depending on specific stores or promotions. In general, the wider range of shopping options and annual shopping festivals in Dubai gives more opportunities for discounts.
Is Abu Dhabi Airport good for shopping?
Abu Dhabi International Airport has a Duty-Free area spanning over 3,000 square meters, operated by Abu Dhabi Duty-Free (ADDF), and is particularly good for luxury brand shopping and for products common in the UAE. There are over 100 international retail and designer brands offering products ranging from jewelry, watches, fashion, beauty, and fragrances, to liquor, tobacco, confectionery, and travel essentials. Brands include Swarovski, Hugo Boss, Michael Kors, and Emporio Armani. There’s also a traditional Emirati products section and a large InMotion electronics store stocking major brands.
Keep Planning Your Trip to the United Arab Emirates
🧳Abu Dhabi vs Dubai: Costs, Highlights, Differences
🧳2-day Dubai itinerary: how to fit it all in!
🧳15 Best Places to Visit in Ras al Khaimah
