Abu Dhabi's shopping scene presents a huge variety of choice, there is a diverse collection of familiar modern stores and unique authentic souvenir shops. Even for those who love a good bargain the traditional souks scattered around the city can propose some great deals. The city is perfect for shopaholics with most of the shopping malls open till late. Furthermore, a lot of the shopping centres are enormous and offer lots of entertainment and leisure facilities, making shopping in Abu Dhabi an exceptional experience.

Abu Dhabi Mall:

The Abu Dhabi Mall opened in 2001 and it is the largest and most exciting shopping mall in Abu Dhabi. It is located in the Tourist Club Area, adjacent to the Beach Rotana Hotel. Spread over the 200,000 sq meters area, it houses 220 shops selling some of the best international brands and 40 international food outlets and restaurants, and an extensive food court. It features shops of make-up and perfume, music, soft furnishings, household furniture, electrical goods, gifts, pharmacies, confectionary, dates, sportswear, stationary, children’s, women’s and men’s fashion stores. Equipped with two action-packed kid's entertainment centres, there is also a Cineplex to entertain the whole family, as well as plenty of restaurants to choose from.

Abu Dhabi Duty Free complex:

This is one of the most beautifully designed and developed duty free shopping areas, which covers an area of 5000 sq. meters. There are various shops with international brands, as well as stores for chocolates, food, liquor, cigars, watches, gold jewellery, gift items, medicines, books, toys, music and leather goods. There is also the chance to enjoy food and beverages at several restaurants and cafe’s situated around

Address: Abu Dhabi International Airport, Abu Dhabi.

Al Ain Mall:

The Al Ain Mall is the perfect place not only for shopping but also to spend quality time with family and friends. It opened in 2001 and has become popular for its wide range of shops, restaurants, cafes and entertainment facilities. Spread over an area of 108, 000 sq. meters, it has three levels designed for retail, dining and entertainment outlets. This shopping mall consists of 12 bowling lanes, four cinemas, a kids play room, a spacious food court and an ice rink on the ground floor.

Al Wahda Mall:

Al Wahda Mall is located in the centre of downtown. This modern, l.5 million square feet shopping mall has maintained its own standards with high-end stores and an extensive food court. There is a large grocery and dry goods store in the basement named as LuLu Hypermart. Parking can hold nearly 2000 cars.

Address: Sheik Hazza Bin Zayed Street

Madinat Zayed Shopping & Gold Centre:

Considered to be one of the biggest malls of Abu Dhabi, The Madinat Zayed Shopping & Gold Centre is located in the heart of the city and covers 600,000 square foot of shopping area. This air-conditioned mall has major international and local outlets. It is famous for having some of the largest jewellery shops in the UAE offering some of the best gold, pearl and diamond accessories. The mall also houses a big entertainment complex with a babysitting section and an arcades area.

Marina Mall:

A four-storied building located in the Breakwater area next to the Corniche Hotel, Marina Mall is all about offering the greatest shopping experience. The mall houses around 300 stores, including four supermarkets and two hypermarkets that offer everything that a buyer can wish for. Additionally, it is the home of the only IKEA store in Abu Dhabi. This beautifully designed mall has a musical fountain with wonderful interior decor. Enjoy all types of flavours at the food court and even get active at the ski slope or ice rink.

Other shopping centres based in Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society Complex

This shopping centre located in Sheik Zayed Street, is known for having a huge shoe collection, funky gifts and inexpensive distinctive clothes outlets.

Al Jimi Mall Al Ain

This shopping centre, located in Al Ain, is not as big as the Al Ain Mall but still offers an extensive range of retail and food outlets, including the French hypermarket Carrefour.

Foutouh Al Khair Centre

This shopping centre, located close by the Etisalat Building, is home to a wide variety of world known brands such as Monsoon and Marks & Spencer.

Hamdan Centre

This shopping centre located in the heart of the city, offers a large selection of goods ranging from clothing to sports equipment.

Khalifa Centre

This shopping centre located opposite Abu Dhabi mall, is a good place for souvenirs as well as shops selling Persian rugs.

Liwa Centre

This shopping centre located on Hamdan Street, offers great prices for jewellery, clothes and makeup, and is ideal if you want to avoid big crowds that the huge malls usually attract.

Lulu Centre

This shopping centre on Al Salam Street, offers a random selection of accessories with good bargains to be gained.

MultiBrand

This shopping centre, located on Sheik Hamdan Street, offers many familiar British brands such as Next, Oasis and Mothercare.

Rotana Mall

This small shopping centre, located near the Corniche, offers a selection of souvenirs such as Arabic Pottery, handicrafts and other unique pieces.

Fascinating items can be found at Abu Dhabi's Souks:

Al Ain Souk

This market located in Zayed Bin Sultan Street, is known as the Central Souk and is a great place to take in a traditional market atmosphere.

Al Ain Camel Market

This market located near the town centre, is a place you can experience some local trading and buy some interesting souvenirs.

Al Zaaafaranah Souk

This large market located in Al Ain, consists of over 200 shops including fruit and vegetable stores, textiles, perfumes, a popular seafood restaurant and a play area.

Carpet Souk

This market located on Al Meena Road, offers some great bargains on Arabic carpets and cushions, and is also known as the Afghan Souk.

Mwaifa Souk – Al Ain

This market located on Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayed Street, is one of the modern type souks and offers a variety of different outlets scattered along a large strip.