Since 2014, Abu Dhabi’s much-loved The Galleria Al Maryah Island has pulled out all the stops for Chinese New Year, making it the place to celebrate the annual festival in the capital.
From cultural activities to family-friendly entertainment, promotions and more, there’s something for all ages and nationalities and it’s a great chance for the Abu Dhabi community to come together and celebrate the beginning of the Year of the Ox.
This year, guests can receive a Chinese New Year gift with a personalised touch when shopping at The Galleria, enjoy select offers from the traditional Tree of Fortune, discover a retailer promotions and their Chinese Zodiac at the stands throughout the destination, and enjoy plenty of top, authentic Chinese and Asian food offerings.
Located in The Galleria’s Luxury Collection, the Insta-worthy Tree of Fortune will bear lucky red envelopes – a traditional Chinese practice of wishing good fortune.
The experience will be contactless and guests can get involved by scanning the QR code with their phone. They’ll then receive a digital scratch card that will reveal one of several exciting offers that can be redeemed immediately.
For every Dhs500 spent in the mall, shoppers will be rewarded with an authentic Chinese ceramic bowl and chopsticks set. Adding traditional decorative flair, a personalisation element can be added to the exquisite set on the spot by a Chinese calligraphy artist.
To redeem this special Chinese New Year gift, just make sure to have your receipts validated at the Chinese-themed stand in Central Kitchens on level three and it’s all yours.
If you’ve ever wanted to learn more about your Chinese zodiac sign, head to one of the twelve dedicated stands dotted around the mall. Whether you’re an ox, rabbit or dragon, you can discover your zodiac animal, personality traits, attributes and fortunes. You can also scan the QR code on the stand to discover dedicated Chinese New Year offers from select stores.
Hungry? Make a beeline to one of The Galleria Al Maryah Island’s many Chinese and Asian restaurants.
There are options to suit all budgets. Our top fine-dining picks for the occasion include Dai Pai Dong on the waterfront promenade, as well as Japanese restaurants Zuma which has been crowned as Abu Dhabi’s best restaurant on multiple occasions at the Time Out Abu Dhabi Restaurant Awards, and 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant for an exquisite Asian dining experience.
For a casual bite with friends and family, P. F. Chang’s, Urban Wok, Royal Orchid, Sushi Art and Spheerz in Central Kitchens will ensure a delicious Asian-inspired feast everyone will love.
It’s time to celebrate the Year of the Ox.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. The Galleria Al Maryah Island, www.thegalleria.ae (02 493 7400).
