Malls in Abu Dhabi aren’t just for spending sprees. They’re great places for everything from meeting friends, enjoying long lunches and watching movies to entertaining the kids at play centres – not to mention that they serve as air-conditioned havens for everyone during the hot summer months.
There are sprawling, ultra-modern complexes with top-tier stores in the UAE capital, as well as more local, down-to-earth shopping experiences. And while Abu Dhabi’s malls are less glitzy and have more affordable shops than Dubai’s, there are still plenty of luxury designer outlets to be found.
These are some of Abu Dhabi’s top malls.
1. Yas Mall
Spanning 2.5 million square feet, Yas Mall is the largest in Abu Dhabi and one of the best all-round shopping experiences in the city. The mall houses more than 370 shops including Zara, Adidas, Apple and luxury department store Tryano, plus a VOX cinema and a sprawling food court. There are also several upscale dining options, such as Al Fanar, which is one of the few restaurants in the capital that serves authentic Emirati cuisine.
The mall is great for families, and younger kids especially will love the interactive KidZania centre that has a large branch here. Located on Yas Island, it’s also easy to combine a Yas Mall visit with an excursion to Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, or Warner Bros. World, which you can access using a free shuttle bus that runs directly from the mall to the theme parks.
2. The Galleria
Cartier, Chanel, Hermès, Dior…oh my. It’s like a who’s who of luxury fashion in The Galleria, one of Abu Dhabi’s most high-end malls. Located on Al Maryah Island, The Galleria’s sleek marble design and waterside views give it an elegant and upmarket atmosphere. This is a great place for splurging in designer boutiques, and there’s a wide choice of lifestyle, fine jewellery, homewares and sports stores too.
The selection of restaurants are another reason why The Galleria has become something of a destination mall, as trendy eateries such as Flamingo Room, Zuma, Coya and LPM Restaurant & Bar all have branches here, offering the perfect spots to refuel after hours of retail therapy. There’s also a luxury cinema, plenty of kid-friendly entertainment (including a Lego-themed play area), and regular art and culture pop-ups.
3. Abu Dhabi Mall
Connected to the Beach Rotana Hotel and conveniently located in the heart of the city, Abu Dhabi Mall has been a long-standing favourite for both residents and tourists. With over 200 shops, it’s home to international brands like Sephora, H&M, and Mango, alongside electronics stores, bookshops and perfume boutiques. The food court includes fast food and local chains, but there are also casual sit-down options like PF Chang’s and Paul Café. It’s not as glamorous as newer developments but it is central and reliable, with an easy layout that makes it a great stop for everyday shopping or a break from sightseeing.
4. Marina Mall
Marina Mall’s pretty location on the Corniche breakwater means it’s surrounded by sea, and the short drive there from downtown gives dazzling views out over the sparkling water. The shopping is relaxed and mid-range, with everyday fashion brands, electronics, homewares and a huge Carrefour hypermarket. It’s also an opportunity to browse local and regional stores that visitors may be less familiar with.
Marina Mall restaurants are equally low-key – expect to find familiar chains here including McDonald’s, Vapiano, Fuddruckers and Five Guys. There are several kids play areas, a trampoline park and padel courts. If time allows, there are several beautiful waterfront restaurants just outside the mall, serving juices, coffee and Arabic food – try Mirage Marine Café for great Lebanese cuisine.
5. Al Wahda Mall
A local institution, Al Wahda Mall is always buzzing. Located downtown near the bus station, it's packed with more than 350 stores and is popular with locals shopping for mid-range fashion and everyday essentials. You’ll find global brands here, including an IKEA, along with plenty of Arabic fashion and abaya stores. Al Wahda Mall restaurants are very family-friendly – think Al Baik, Nando’s and TGI Fridays. There are also plenty of kids entertainment options, including Korean selfie and karaoke booths, a Wanasa Land play centre and a branch of Star Cinemas. It’s definitely not one of Abu Dhabi’s flashiest malls, but it’s convenient for anyone staying near the city centre.
6. Reem Mall
Reem Mall, one of Abu Dhabi’s newest retail destinations, is home to Snow Abu Dhabi, an enormous indoor snow park with snowy slides, zorbing hills and toboggan runs, and a cool place for having fun and beating the heat during the hottest summer months. This, and the large Eataly branch packed with Italian delicacies, are two of Reem Mall’s biggest draws, but the mall has plenty more to offer.
Spacious and well laid out, there are hundreds of high street fashion, books, toys, sports and homewares stores here and a few top-tier designer names in the mix. Dining-wise there are several popular regional cafés for those craving Lebanese, Turkish or Asian cuisines, plus plenty of sweet treats and ice cream parlours. Vox Cinemas have screens here and there are lots of indoor play areas to keep smaller kids occupied. Al Reem Island, where Reem Mall is based, is a largely residential area, meaning the mall is busiest at weekends.
7. The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri
For a completely different kind of shopping experience, try The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri. This is a low-rise, canal-side shopping experience next to the Shangri-La Hotel, loosely styled after a traditional Arabian marketplace, but with modern twists. Small boutique shops, perfumeries, and local arts and crafts stores are all set within a serene and atmospheric space. Visitors can ride abras (water taxis) along the man-made canal (these go to and from the nearby hotels), browse handmade goods, or grab a coffee or lunch on the terraces of one of the peaceful, waterside cafés.
