MALLS
Abu Dhabi Mall
More than 200 shops, including Zara and H&M, plus a VOX cinema and both a Fun City and Xtreme Zone to keep the kids happy.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-11pm. 10th Street, Al Zahiyah (02 645 4858).
Al Ain Mall
A huge space housing 350 shops (Apple, DKNY, Lacoste etc.) and 60 restaurants and cafés, a bowling alley, ice rink and children’s activities.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. Othman Bin Affan Street, Kuwaitat Area, Al Ain (03 766 0333).
Al Foah Mall
A slew of homegrown brands and a Matalan help this Al Ain shopping centre stand out. There’s also a selection of food outlets, a cinema, bowling alley and amusement arcade.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-11pm. Dubai-Al Ain Road, Al Ain (03 704 1010).
Al Jimi Mall
Recently expanded, this former meat and veg market is now home to the likes of Carrefour, Centrepoint, Home Centre and Fun City, plus a
VOX cinema.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-11pm. Hamdan Bin Mohammad Street, Al Jimi, Al Ain (03 762 3859).
Al Raha Mall
A beachside mall with an array of fashion and lifestyle outlets, a food court, multiscreen cinema and amusement arcade.
Open Sat-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri 2pm-11pm. Channel Street, Al Raha (02 556 2229).
Al Wahda Mall
World-renowned brands including Gap, Mango and American Eagle are joined by 50 food outlets, a cinema and kids’ play zones.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-11pm. Mantab Street, Al Wahda (02 443 7000).
Bawabat Al Sharq Mall
Nike, MAC, H&M, L’Occitane and Mango head the star names here, while there are plenty of refreshment options and a Novo Cinemas multiplex.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-midnight. Off 6th Street, Baniyas City (02 503 1400).
Bawadi Mall
Al Ain’s largest shopping centre with more than 400 stores from across the globe, plus an ice rink, eight-screen cinema and bowling alley.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-11pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Meyzad Road, Al Ain (03 784 0000).
Dalma Mall
This huge space contains more than 450 retail outlets along with a Carrefour, 14-screen multiplex, a wide array of food choices and an Adventure HQ.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Al Wazn Street, Musaffah (800 325 626 255).
Deerfields Mall
Hundreds of stores combine with a huge Carrefour, the 14-screen Cine Royal and plenty of kids’ entertainment for a super shopping experience.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Al Rubban Street, Al Bahia (02 501 0826).
Hili Mall
This three-storey centre holds more than 120 retailers, is conveniently located for most Al Ain residents, has some popular restaurants and a kids’ zone.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-11pm. Al Hili, Al Ain (03 762 0207).
Khalidiyah Mall
One of many Lulu malls in the capital, this one features 160 shops (including a Debenhams and BHS), a 3-D cinema, bowling alley and
large food court.
Open daily 9am-11pm. 26th Street, Al Khalidiyah (02 635 4000).
Marina Mall
A circus tent-inspired venue with more than 400 shops including high-end brands, good dining options, a cinema and a Bounce trampoline park.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Al Marsa Street, Al Kasir (800 6623).
Mazyad Mall
Mohamed Bin Zayed City’s first mall has a light and airy feel to it, with some top stores such as Adidas, a Lulu hypermarket and a decent variety of food.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-11pm. 28th Street, Mohamed Bin Zayed City (02 553 2200).
Mushrif Mall
Boasting the Middle East’s largest food court and the biggest indoor fresh produce market in the capital, Mushrif Mall has a lot more to offer than just some retail therapy.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-11pm. Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street, Al Mushrif (02 690 4444).
Nation Galleria
This boutique-style mall is one of the most upmarket in the capital, reflecting the affluence and elegance of the area. The food and the views are pretty stunning, too.
Open daily 8am-midnight. Nation Towers, Corniche Road (02 333 8288).
The Galleria Al Maryah Island
You’ll find some of the city’s finest restaurants (Coya, La Petite Maison et al) here alongside luxury brands, a huge new extension, a large cinema and even a rooftop ‘urban park’.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Hamouda Bin Ali Al Dhaheri Street, Al Maryah Island (02 493 7400).
The Mall at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi
Featuring plenty of on-trend fashion retailers, a strong selection of restaurants (Tamba and Back Yard Bistro are great), a stae-of-the-art cinema
and kids’ activities.
Open Sun-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Sat 10am-11pm. World Trade Center Abu Dhabi, Zayed the First Street (02 508 2400).
Yas Mall
Yas Island’s very own shopping destination boasts some of the coolest fashion brands, including Desigual and Scotch & Soda, a vast range of restaurants, a VOX cinema and plenty for kids to do.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Al Maha Street, Yas Island (800 927 6255).
SOUKS
Al Ain Souk
If you love a bit of bartering, head over to the Central Souk in Al Ain and savour the sights and sounds of this authentic market that has changed little over the years.
Opening times vary. Off Zayed Bin Sultan Street, Al Ain.
Al Mina Fruit & Vegetable Souk
For fresh produce at bargain prices try the Al Mina Souk. It might not be as popular as it was in days gone by but is still worth the effort, especially for the dates.
Open daily 8am-2am. Al Fakhr Street, Al Mina (no number).
Carpet Souk
A dazzling array of ornate floor coverings await here, and you can also find sellers who’ll hand craft majlis-style cushions that’ll be a talking point of any living room.
Open daily 9am-11pm. Mina Road, near the port area (052 950 0911).
Fish Souk
Over the road from the Carpet Souk, this place is where you can grab a cheap fish supper that’s fresh off the boat. Don’t be afraid to haggle.
Open daily 7am-10pm. Al Masadir Street, Al Mina (02 670 3888).
Souk Al Bawadi & Souk Al Qaws
Annexed to Al Ain’s vast Bawadi Mall, the former has 50 stalls selling traditional items and souvenirs while the latter is home to banks and travel agents. The architecture is delightful.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-11pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Meyzad Road, Al Ain (03 784 0000).
Souq Al Qattara
Revived several years ago this seasonal souk dates back half a century. Expect traditional handicrafts, evening folklore shows and plenty
of dates and coffee.
Open October to May: Thu-Sat 8am-1pm, 4pm-10pm. Al Qattara, Al Ain (03 761 8080).
Souk Al Zafarana
The new home of Al Ain’s Old Souk, it’s abundant with traditional garments, incense, spices, henna, oud and dallah (Arabian coffee pots).
The aromas here are just part of the allure.
Open daily 10am-1pm, 8pm-midnight. Al Jimi, Al Ain (03 762 1868).
