It’s a little unfair that Abu Dhabi doesn't get as much shopping hype as Dubai.
Well, I’m saying this because once you actually spend a day or two hunting down some malls in this majestic city, it completely wins you over.
Therefore, I have listed down this guide that covers the 20 best malls in Abu Dhabi.
Let's explore what's inside these mesmerising malls, what makes each one worth visiting, and why this serene capital city quietly punches way above when it comes to shopping.
Top Malls in Abu Dhabi
Most people have a general perception that this city is all about government offices and revolves around money, while the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque is the only place to explore.
However, the shopping experience is genuinely world-class and superb. So, let’s get into the list quickly.
Abu Dhabi Mall
Right in the heart of the city is the kind of place that residents rely on week after week.
This mall hosts more or less 200 stores, covering a huge area for local as well as international brands.
The brand mix is quite solid here; it includes Zara, Calvin Klein, DKNY, Tommy Hilfiger, Bath & Body Works, and Kate Spade.
Even the everyday favourites are all here. What makes it extra fun for groups is Prison Island, one of the city's most talked-about, an indoor, unique, thrilling adventure.
Moreover, the Vox Cinema and Xtreme Zone keep the kids and teens very happy while adults shop in peace.
- Al Maiyani St, Al Zahiyah, E16 01, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon-Thu, Sun) | 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Fri-Sat).
Yas Mall
This is the mall most people talk about when they want a proper "big day out."
It's massive, it's lively, and the location alone makes it special right next to Ferrari World, Warner Bros. World, and Yas Waterworld.
The brand variety is impressive across fashion, footwear, electronics, home, and dining, and the dining choices are endless.
Adventure HQ is a all time huge favourite here for outdoor gear lovers.
Adding to it, this is one of the entertainment options for families that make this mall one of the most genuinely enjoyable malls in Abu Dhabi.
- Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Mon-Thu, Sun) | 10:00 AM – 2:00 AM (Fri-Sat).
The Galleria Al Maryah Island
For any fashionista who enjoys shopping in luxury boutiques against the backdrop of water, The Galleria is the place to be.
This unique space hosts multiple names like Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Dior, Hermès, and others, which are not mere mentions but rather well-established within the mall.
The mall has over 400 stores and caters to everyone’s taste, from designer boutiques to more affordable fashion brands like Zara Home.
The overall design and structure of the mall have an elegant yet comfortable appeal to them, and the culinary aspect is exceptional with some of the most outstanding restaurants.
- Location: 107 Hamouda Bin Ali Al Dhaheri St, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon-Thu, Sun) | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Fri-Sat).
Marina Mall
The Marina Mall is located directly on the Corniche Road, and this alone adds to its uniqueness.
With five levels of shopping offering the best brands in the city, a nine-cinema complex, a bowling center, and Bounce, a huge trampoline playground, this is the perfect family entertainment venue, all under one roof.
The fact that there is a showroom for Mercedes-Benz at the mall is distinctly Abu Dhabi in character.
The open environment, tall ceilings, and distant view of the ocean make up for a more relaxed and fun shopping experience.
- Exact Location: Marina Mall, Ring Road, Al Kasir, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon-Thu, Sun) | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Fri-Sat).
Dalma Mall
Dalma Mall is a large mall in Abu Dhabi, and it deserves this title.
With hundreds of retail stores ranging from Carrefour to Apple and Jarir Bookstore to fashion outlets, perfume stores, electronic goods, jewelry, furniture, and so many other things, you can have the ultimate shopping adventure in one stop.
With a 19-screen cinema, it holds the record for having the largest Cineplex in the UAE capital.
Families are simply crazy about this place, as there are excellent fun activities for kids, and the food court has plenty of variety so that every visit is different from the last.
- Location: Al Wazn St, Abu Dhabi Industrial City, ICAD I, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon-Thu, Sun) | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Fri-Sat).
Al Wahda Mall
Al Wahda Mall is a great gem. It is in the heart of the city and easily accessible.
With its addition of more area, the mall offers more choices when it comes to retail outlets, from fashion stores, electronic shops, jewelry boutiques, and furniture stores.
Famous Dave's BBQ and Samurai Japanese make the food offerings unique and distinct in this place.
If you are into fitness, there is the Gold's Gym inside the mall, while if you need a cup of coffee, there is the Starbucks.
- Location: 1 Hazza Bin Zayed The First St, Al Nahyan, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Mon-Thu, Sun) | 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Fri-Sat).
Mushrif Mall
In some ways, the Mushrif Mall stands out, which is precisely why it is unique.
In addition to the trendy shopping center. It has over 200 shops, and there is also an old market within the premises, where people can go to buy fresh things.
The combination of these two contrasting features gives Mushrif its distinctive character.
Those who would like to enjoy a slightly more down-to-earth environment may consider a visit to this place as its a worthwhile.
- Location: Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed St, Hadbat Al Za'faranah, E32, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Mon-Thu) | 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Fri-Sun).
Deerfields Mall
Out on the edges of the city, Deerfields Mall has a quieter, more relaxed vibe compared to the big central malls.
It's not massive, but it serves its community really well. It offers you a calm, comfortable shopping experience with a decent selection of shops, restaurants, and entertainment.
If the city-centre malls feel a bit upscale for a casual outing with friends, Deerfields is the best alternative for a low-key but pleasant afternoon.
- Location: 99 Al Rubban St, Al Bahyah, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon-Thu) | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Fri-Sun).
Reem Mall
This mall is a newer addition to malls in Abu Dhabi. A $1.2 billion development cost, and it covers nearly 2.8 million square feet and hosts around 400 brands, both local and international.
Alongside, there are over 85 food and beverage outlets. The showstopper inside is Snow Abu Dhabi, a snow park that's genuinely one of the most thrilling experiences in the city.
- Location: Al Reem Island, Najmat Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon-Thu, Sun) | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Fri-Sat).
Bawabat Al Sharq Mall
Fun zones such as Trampoline Land, Crazy Car indoor racing, Wanasa Land (games for all ages), and Jumpers, a massive bouncy castle and other games experience make families and kids naturally attracted towards it.
The thrill and enjoyment levels here are genuinely high for younger visitors. It serves the eastern communities of Abu Dhabi really well.
- Location: Bawabat Al Sharq St, Bani Yas, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon-Thu, Sun) | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Fri-Sat).
Khalidiyah Mall
Khalidiyah Mall, with a unique exterior that looks like a traditional souk from the outside, which gives it an interesting character in the upscale district.
It's fully modern inside with a good mix of popular brands like Bath & Body Works, Reebok, Sun & Sand Sports, and Early Learning Centre.
This mall offers the best ambience and a comfortable shopping destination.
- Location: Mubarak Bin Mohammed St, Al Khalidiyah, W9, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM (Mon-Thu, Sun) | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Fri-Sat).
Lulu Mall Abu Dhabi
This is one of those places where function and good browsing coincide.
The popular Lulu Hypermarket does a splendid job of handling the basic things that you would want to buy, like groceries, electronics, clothes, home appliances, and the food department keeps your family happy and satisfied.
This is one of those malls that works well for you since it offers you everything that you need, right away!
- Location: Hamdan Bin Mohammed St, Al Danah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Daily.
Forsan Central Mall
The Forsan Central Mall has its own character. From the outside, its design is taken from a bamboo forest.
Its facade has green and brown that distinguish it from other structures. There are green areas inside and natural lighting from skylights, making it feel peaceful inside.
In this mall, you can find a Lulu Hypermarket, clothing stores such as Adidas, Splash, and Nayomi, jewelry stores, an area for a nine-screen theatre, and a center for family recreation.
- Location: 4 Al Qeethari St, Khalifa City, Sector 33, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Daily.
World Trade Center Mall
This mall carries some interesting history, as it was initially constructed as an area where business and trading took place.
The architectural style has remained unchanged, and now it functions as a combination of a shopping mall, souk, office spaces, and some residential areas.
The souk area is perfect for getting Arabic perfumes, local souvenirs, and other such products.
Yes, this is one of the rare malls in Abu Dhabi that is different from regular malls.
- Location: Khalifa Bin Zayed The First St, Al Danah, E2, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon-Thu, Sun) | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Fri-Sat).
Al Raha Mall
It's an ideal destination for those exploring the Al Rahah section of the city.
It boasts over 100 stores ranging from fashion boutiques to jewellery and clothes outlets, entertainment centres, cafes, and even a supermarket.
Due to its location by the beach, it has become a popular place for tourists to make quick changes or grab fav coffee.
- Location: Channel Street, Dubai Highway, Al Rahah, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM Daily.
Al Seef Village Mall
There is something very nice about the community atmosphere at Al Seef Village Mall.
It is an open-air street at the back of the mall, with cafes, art galleries and areas where you can sit and relax and observe others.
This is a small shopping mall with limited stores such as Carrefour Market, Joud Café, Tim Hortons, Starbucks, McDonald’s, Salon, Geekay, Flower Shop, and Royal Biryani Restaurant.
They also have a Fitness First Gym and a children’s play area.
- Location: Unnamed Road, Al Muntazah, E48, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM Daily.
Bawadi Mall
Bawadi Mall serves as one of the most prominent venues in the vicinity.
It has a wide range of shops with a decent Carrefour supermarket, a variety of food courts, restaurants such as KFC, and cafes.
As such, it meets all of the consumer needs of the surrounding community.
- Location: Meyzad Road, Wadi Al Ain 1, Abu Dhabi (Region).
- Timings: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM (Mon-Thu, Sun) | 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Fri-Sat).
Nation Towers Mall
Nation Towers Mall is a small but upscale shopping center located in central Abu Dhabi.
It is located in the famous Nation Towers building complex, two high-rise buildings which form an identifiable part of the city’s skyline.
It features a choice of retail shops, places to dine, and facilities. It is good for tourists who wish to shop near their hotel.
- Location: 1st St, Al Bateen, W44, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM Daily.
Mazyad Mall
The Mazyad Mall claims to be the first mall in Mohammed Bin Zayed City. It is an excellent choice as far as infrastructure and amenities are concerned.
The mall has the presence of Lulu Hypermarket, a food court, cafes, McDonald’s, Baskin-Robbins and a lot of natural light due to its open floor plan.
The general opinion of people about this place is that it is very well planned and organized.
- Location: 28th Street, Musaffah, Z9 01, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM (Mon-Thu) | 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Fri-Sun).
Boutik Mall
The alternative called Shams Boutik is a much smaller and community-based mall that punches well above its class regarding ambience.
It houses cult British grocery store Waitrose, a store for artistic supplies, Nando's, Smoking Doll (an upscale Asian cuisine), and a few other common favorites.
- Location: The Arc Tower, Al Reem Island, Shams Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi.
- Timings: 8:00 AM – 11:00 PM Daily.
Tips for Visiting Shopping Malls in Abu Dhabi
Now here are some tips to remember before you leave:
The timing is key! Before visiting, check the mall timings, as this might save you time!
Remember about the application! Find the website or download the application of the mall in order to be aware of what shops to visit, what is offered at sales, and what special actions are going to take place there. It may be helpful for you!
Pay attention to the way you dress up because Abu Dhabi is more conservative than Dubai.
Also, look for the special discounts during the Shopping Season in Abu Dhabi.
Abu Dhabi Mall Timings
General timings across most malls in Abu Dhabi follow this pattern, though always worth confirming individually:
|
Mall |
Weekdays |
Weekends (Thu–Sat) |
|
Abu Dhabi Mall |
10am – 10pm |
10am – 11pm |
|
Yas Mall |
10am – 10pm |
10am – midnight |
|
The Galleria |
10am – 10pm |
10am – midnight |
|
Marina Mall |
10am – 10pm |
10am – midnight |
|
Al Wahda Mall |
10am – midnight |
10am – 1am |
|
Dalma Mall |
10am – 10pm |
10am – midnight |
|
Bawabat Al Sharq |
10am – 10pm |
10am – midnight |
|
Forsan Central Mall |
8am – 1am |
8am – 1am |
|
Boutik Mall |
8am – 11pm |
8am – 11pm |
Timings can vary during Ramadan and public holidays.
Conclusion
The malls of Abu Dhabi are truly some of the most underappreciated aspects of the Emirate.
Therefore, this guide will help you get the idea of where you just head. Thus, you should definitely read this before your next visit to the city.
