Located a mere 30 minutes away from Downtown Abu Dhabi www.timeoutabudhabi.com/area-guides/downtown-abu-dhabi, Mussafah is a destination you’ll visit a few times during your time in the capital – most likely if you’ve got car troubles or need a service. But there’s more to the industrial area than just garages and factories.
It’s as far removed from the glittering skyscrapers of our nation’s capital as you can get, but this busy area is home to a massive residential community, businesses, schools and nurseries, one of Abu Dhabi’s biggest and most popular malls, modern gyms, some great eateries and even stuff for culture www.timeoutabudhabi.com/culture fanatics.
We round up why there’s more to Mussafah than just car repair shops.
Dalma Mall
Dalma Mall is one of Abu Dhabi’s most popular malls and has a huge range of shops, a cinema, entertainment zones and restaurants. This retail haven – which houses plenty of global high street shops as Forever 21, H&M and Next – also boasts an Adventure HQ and massive Carrefour.
Open Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu-Fri 10am-midnight. Al Wazn St www.dalmamall.ae.
Cine Royal
Love watching a movie? Showing the latest film releases from Hollywood, Bollywood and the Middle East, this branch of Cine Royal consists of 14 screens including six for 3D viewings and two with hi-tech sound and luxury seating. Pass the popcorn and the ice blast, please.
Timings vary. Dalma Mall (02 550 2525).
La Brioche
Offering a taste of France, La Brioche has been open for business in the UAE for more than 35 years. A French coffee shop that’s ideal for pastries, coffees, teas, sandwiches and, as the name suggests, brioche. It also opens early so is a good one if you’re after breakfast. A great way to start the day.
Open daily 8am-midnight. Dalma Mall (02 552 5486).
Mazyad Mall Library
Bookworms, this is for you. Opened in 2012, this petite library in Mazyad Mall may offer an unconventional library experience, but what it does have is more than 30,000 books to choose from, including 2,000 title for kids.
Open Sun-Thu 8am-8pm, Sat 4pm-8pm. Mohammed bin Zayed City, Mazyad Mall (02 657 6009).
Sangeetha Vegetarian Restaurant
Technically in Mohammed Bin Zayed City, but easy enough to find from Mussafah, this veg-friendly Indian restaurant always gets it right – and it delivers, too. Think large dosas (try the onion variety) and thalis, but don’t miss out on the mixed veg chilli fry.
Open Sat-Thu 7am-3.30pm; 5pm-11pm, Fri 7am-noon; 1pm-3.30pm, 5pm-11.30pm. (02 553 3444).
