Super-cool vintage stores in Abu Dhabi

In Abu Dhabi, secondhand shopping is not a pastime, it’s a sport. Abu Dhabi residents love to dig through a discount basket or bargain for that perfect antique trinket. Give us a karak and a twenty-dirham note and we’ll come back with some unbelievable finds.

But where to start?

When it comes to thrifting, the secret lies in the city’s hidden gems. You have to hit the streets downtown and have a wander to make your best discoveries.

Whether you’re looking for a bangin’ thrifted outfit or hoping to discover an antique piece of furniture, we’ve got you covered.

Without further ado, here are all the unbelievably cool vintage stores in Abu Dhabi you should explore.

Looking for antiques?

Red Sea Antiques

This antique shop in Madinat Zayed sells everything from fridge magnets to gold camel statues. It’s the kind of place where you find yourself lingering, attempting to take in all the different objects and colours. Do you really need that ornately painted jewelry box or the vintage clock? Duh. They’re both coming home.

Looking for more fun things to do at Madinat Zayed? Look no further than this list.
Ground floor extension at Madinat Zayed (02 491 0020).

Heritage Touch

Heritage Touch has several branches across Abu Dhabi, but we’d recommend visiting the one in Mina Zayed (Zayed Port) for a classic Abu Dhabi afternoon. The store sells vintage furniture, reproductions and handicrafts for all your furnishing needs. It’s a little more high-end than some of the other places on this list, perfect for finding a statement piece.

Since you’re already at the mina, why not shop around? There’s a gorgeous flower market nearby where you can bargain for new plant babies, and the whole area is peppered with tea shops peddling snacks.
Zayed Port (04 341 2080).

Proper, hardcore thrifting

Al Yousef Centre

This three-storey thrifting complex on Hamdan Street is full of stores bursting with cool finds. Downstairs is deceptively quiet, but when you reach the second floor you’ll find a series of thrift shops bursting with colour and upbeat music. This lively environment is the perfect place to find a thrifted jean jacket, vintage blazer or scarf. The choice is massive, so prep ahead and clear some space in the wardrobe.

After you shop, you should grab a bite to eat (you earned it). Here’s our list of the best places to eat on Hamdan.
Al Yousef Centre (050 857 2988).

Hamdan Street’s “ready made” shops

If you’re walking or driving down Hamdan Street, you might not realise just how many thrift stores you’re passing, hidden amongst the tea shops, baqalas, typing and tailoring shops. The key is to look for the words “ready made” in the shop name. That’s a good sign that the shop sells vintage and secondhand items. For example, Jamal Kamal Ready Made Garments on Hamdan Street has been around for decades. Happy shopping.
Al Markaziyah, Hamdan Street.

For online shoppers

AE Vintage

Sometimes you want to shop vintage… without leaving your house. AE Vintage allows you to do just that, with new arrivals every day to look through. Delivery is free in the UAE with purchases over Dhs70.
aevintage.com

Fashion Rerun

Fashion Rerun offers gently used secondhand clothing that ships to Abu Dhabi. Search through hundreds of items online without the hassle of being out in person.
www.fashionrerun.com

Not only is vintage shopping good for your wallet, it’s good for the environment, too, what’s not to love? Ready… set… shop.