Traditional and cosmopolitan, Abu Dhabi's many shopping venues and locales reflect the emirate's nature. Shopping is an expedition, where visitors may find a gem of an antique carpet at one of the emirate’s traditional markets or pick up the latest season’s designer fashions in one of many ultra-modern shopping malls and boutiques. Abu Dhabi is home to many of the world’s top prestigious brand names, as well as a central market place for local and regional artisans producing high quality arts and craft.
Marina Mall
Marina Mall is Abu Dhabi’s premium shopping and entertainment landmark. Marina Mall has been designed, constructed and managed up to the highest international standards. Located on the Breakwater and surrounded by the azure sparkling beauty of the Arabian Gulf, it is the perfect location for the entire family to visit and enjoy. Marina Mall is also located in a reclaimed land area that is becoming a hub for luxury retail projects aiming to make it the number One (1) tourist destination in the capital.
As one of the largest retail shopping destinations in the capital, Marina Mall is the ideal short vacation for visitors and shopping alike - whether it be luxury shopping, unbeatable entertainment or leisure activities, Marina Mall offers everything for everyone.
With a total of 395 retail outlets offering visitors a vibrant mix of luxury shopping ranging from jewellery, watches, designer clothing, electronic goods and children's wear to sports goods, perfumes, cosmetics, shoes and household goods. Marina Mall is home to an impressive list of the most renowned international brands and fashion outlets.
Aside luxury shopping, visitors have the chance to indulge in some of the most tantalizing culinary options at the Mall's numerous restaurants, cafes and Food Court.
Since its opening in 2001, Marina Mall has factually grown over three phases specifically and strategically built to attract different types of shoppers and are generally referred to as the anchor phase, the premium phase and the landmark phase.
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Abu Dhabi Mall
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Shopping Malls
There are over 18 shopping malls and centres in the capital and three in Al Ain. Two of Abu Dhabi's biggest shopping malls are Marina Mall and Abu Dhabi Mall. The former, located on the Abu Dhabi Corniche Breakwater near Emirates Palace, is home to over 160 stores, including IKEA, Woolworths, Zara, Versace, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Channel, Gucci and Yves Saint Laurent, as well as the major hypermarket, Carrefour and a nine screen cinema. A wide variety of restaurants and fast food outlets cater to every taste, and visitors can enjoy a coffee break at any one of the mall’s numerous coffee shops.
The Abu Dhabi Mall, located near the Beach Rotana Hotel and Towers, has over 220 stores, including Bang & Olufsen, Betty Barclay, Esprit, Kenneth Cole, Massimo Dutti, Tommy Hilfiger, Virgin Megastore and the Body Shop. The mall also features over 40 food outlets, a six screen cinema and the Abu Dhabi Co-op hypermarket. The mall’s Dune City Entertainment Centre and Bowling City are a welcome break for young shoppers and their parents.
Other shopping venues in Abu Dhabi include Fotouh al Khair Mall, Hamdan Centre, Lamcy Plaza, City Centre, Liwa Centre, She Zone, Rotana Mall and the Madinat Zayed Shopping and Gold Centre,
Alkhalidiyah Mall, Alwihda Mall.
Al Ain also boasts several shopping venues, most notably Al Ain Mall. In addition to a number of brand name stores and 25 food outlets, Al Ain Mall prides itself on its highly popular ice skating rink for children and adults, as well as a bowling alley and a four screen cinema – the Grand Cineplex Al Ain. Other leading shopping venues in Al Ain include Al Jimi Mall and Al Ain City Centre.
LULU HYPERMARKETS - AL AIN
Tel : 03 7118688
Fax : 03 7640666
Most shopping malls in Abu Dhabi open from 10:00 am to 10:00 pm, Saturday through Wednesday, and from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm on Thursdays. On Fridays, shopping venues open later in the day, usually from 2:00 pm until 10:00 or 11:00 pm. Food outlets usually stay open until 1:00 am. Standalone shops usually close two hours for lunch, from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm, and stay open in the evening until 9:00 or 10:00 pm.
Traditional Souks
Souk is the Arabic word for market and Abu Dhabi has several. Traditionally, souks in Abu Dhabi were a maze of shaded alleyways. Today they are more a collection of small shops, but they still have the same relaxed feel as their predecessors. It is here that you will find arts and handicrafts, spices, antiques, oriental carpets and so much more. The Iranian Souk is one of the most authentic souks in Abu Dhabi and well worth a visit, as is the Al Ain Souk, which has retained a charming if somewhat ramshackle appeal. Al Meena Souk is a must for visitors looking for carpets.