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Shopping is something of a national pastime in Abu Dhabi, perhaps because it’s so diverse – everything from ultra-modern malls with the latest brands, to small, souk-like outlets where you can buy traditional perfumes, handicrafts, spices and carpets. You can spend thousands of dollars on a bejewelled designer watch, or pick up a basic timepiece in a supermarket. You can splash out on an haute-couture designer outfit or buy fabric and have a local tailor make up your very own creation for a bargain price. You can buy a treasured Arabian antique, or a technology-busting super-modern home entertainment system. Prices are often excellent in comparison to those abroad, especially for carpets, textiles and gold. If you are a good bargainer, you can get even better deals. Shops open at around 10am - 10pm or later on weekends. Although most malls work straight through, some independent shops close for an extended lunch break, usually from 1pm - 4pm. Hours usually change during Ramadan and Eid, with many shops closing for the afternoon and reopening from 7pm until midnight or later.
Carpets
Buying a carpet can be a fascinating experience – most carpets found in Abu Dhabi originate from Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Turkey, China and Central Asia, and come in an exquisite array of designs and colours. To ensure you are buying the genuine article at a good price, it is advisable to learn a bit about carpets before making your final decision. Visit a number of shops to get a feel for price, quality and traditional designs. As a very rough guide, the higher the number of knots per square inch, the higher the price and the better the quality. Silk is more expensive than wool, and rugs from Iran are generally more valuable than the equivalent from Turkey or Kashmir. Check also whether the carpet was made by machine or hand; hand-made carpets are never quite perfect and the pile is uneven, yet they are more valuable than their machine-made counterparts. Carpet salesmen will happily offer plenty of advice and can usually be trusted; just don’t feel pressured into buying simply because he has unrolled over 30 carpets for you. Most importantly, don’t forget to bargain – it’s all part of the game and is expected. A good starting point is the Carpet Souk at the port end of Mina Road. Mina Souk is similarly well stocked. Most malls also have well-stocked carpet shops.
Gold jewellery is in abundant supply, whatever your taste. Gold is priced according to the international daily gold rate, and is available in 18, 21, 22 or 24 carats. Shopping for gold is a fascinating activity, due to the wide range of styles available, from clean and classic western designs to opulent, ornate Arabian wedding jewellery. You can also buy gold ingots in varying sizes, either for investment or to have moulded into your own design. In addition to the weight price, a small charge is added for craftsmanship, which varies according to the intricacy of design. The Gold Souk on 4th Street in Madinat Zayed has many jewellers, including some of the Gulf’s largest. Apart from the souk, you’ll also find some big-name jewellers in the shopping malls, such as Cartier, Chopard and Tiffany & Co. Regional jewellers to look out for include Damas, Pure Gold and Rivoli.
Souvenirs
Historically, Abu Dhabi’s desert culture resulted in possessions that had to be practical and transportable. Genuine traditional items, such as wooden chests, can be very expensive and increasingly difficult to find, although ‘antique’ copies are widely available. Traditional wooden doors are also popular, and can be hung as works of art or transformed into furniture, usually as tables with glass tops. Many outlets that sell these large items can arrange shipping back to your home country. Other items with a local theme include the Arabian coffee pot and cups (a symbol of local hospitality), prayer beads in a multitude of colours, and woodcarvings in the form of dhows, falconry equipment and canes (traditionally used in Emirati dancing exhibitions). Ancient-looking rifles, muzzle loading guns and the functional yet decorative ‘khanjar’ (a short, curved dagger in an elaborately wrought sheath) are also popular buys. If you intend to purchase these, check first with your airline on procedures for transporting them. Traditional wedding jewellery made of heavy silver or later on gold and crafted into necklaces, bracelets, earrings and rings are coveted forms of historic art, and make beautiful displays when mounted into glass box frames. Once valued more highly than gold, the dried resin from the frankincense tree of southern Oman has been traded for centuries, and nowadays is often sold with a small wooden chest and charcoal burner as incense kits. Ghitra headscarves, the distinctive white garment worn traditionally as headdresses by men in the Middle East, have become a popular fashion accessory worldwide. You will find a huge range of ghitra in Abu Dhabi’s souks and malls – aside from the standard white, they come in a multitude of different colours and patterns such as chequered red and white, worn in the cooler months.
Made In UAE
Made in UAE was founded in 2007 in Abu Dhabi by the Emirati artist Azza Al Qubaisi, and is the first local 100% non-profit project to develop and promote UAE handicrafts and artworks. It is also home to a cultural exchange program by showcasing handicrafts from different parts of the world.
Discover beautiful creations of local artists and talents beside a wide collection of UAE traditional and silver souvenirs.
Souvenirs You Can Eat
Edible souvenirs include delicious Lebanese sweets (most often made from pastry, honey, ground nuts and dates). Iranian caviar is widely available and good value for money, as it is sold without import duty or any added tax. Chocolate made from camels’ milk is a luxurious treat with a smooth texture and a unique flavour that comes from blending camel milk with vanilla, honey and cocoa beans. It is sold in bars, pralines and as camel-shaped figurines, and is available from many souvenir shops, as well as supermarkets such as Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society, Lulu and Emirates General Market. Perhaps the most classic edible souvenir is dates – this distinctive fruit holds an important place in Arabian heritage as a vital source of nutrition. Today, dates are available in many modern varieties, with each having its own distinct colour and flavour. They are even available dipped in chocolate or stuffed with almonds or candied orange peel. Bateel, the renowned dates delicatessen, has an amazing selection of luxury dates and date produce – sparkling date juice, date jams and preserves and even balsamic vinegar from dates!
Yas Perfumes
Made from the resin of the agarwood tree, oud was historically a valuable commodity and today is still a sought-after luxury item. Various types of oud have different aromas, but all have a strong, deep scent when burned. You can purchase oud as blocks or chips, along with a special burner. Oud oil, however is the result of a complex extraction process, and is popular with Emiratis who use it as a distinctive, long-lasting perfume.
Yas Perfumes, an Emarati company, specialises in oud, oud oils and dukhoons, all of which are traditional regional scents used as perfume and incense, with a selection of French blended perfumes as well. Once you have selected="true"="true"="true"="true"="true"="true"="true" a fragrance, browse through the incredible selection of ornate perfume bottles to store it in. There are numerous branches of Yas Perfumes in Abu Dhabi and Al Ain, including Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall, Emirates Palace and another in Al Ain Mall.
yasperfumes.com
ARJMST
A private atelier, founded in 2004 in Abu Dhabi, showcases the work of the first Emirati designer Azza Al Qubaisi. Her work combines the beauty of nature, deep-rooted tradition and the awareness of present and future issues in her fabulous collections and sculptures. She also draws attention to many subjects, from the history of pearl diving (represented in Angle… Tears collection), to present environmental issues represented in Sustainability collection. Skillful combinations of diamond, gold, silver and other materials give each piece of art its identity and character.
Find both exclusive one-off pieces and affordable souvenirs to remember your Abu Dhabi visit.
The date palm has been a symbol of life and hospitality in the region for centuries, and Bateel Dates has long been one of the most respected names in the date trade. Bateel sells every kind of date imaginable, in every form – from the hard, unripened balah date to the soft, fully ripe tamr. Bateel outlets are like luxurious delicatessens: not only can you buy a wide range of dates, but they also sell some fascinating date products such as juice, Turkish delight, cakes, balsamic vinegar and syrup, all of which make excellent souvenirs. Find branches of Bateel in the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Khalidiyah Mall and Abu Dhabi
Shopping Malls
Spacious, modern and air conditioned, Abu Dhabi’s malls are a welcome escape from the summer heat and a world of choice when it comes to shopping. In Abu Dhabi, malls are a place to catch up with friends or for a family outing – and the fun can go on until late at night. With their imaginative designs and wide range of outlets, shopping malls are perennially popular. The bigger malls buzz with activity as people meet, eat, pose and parade. During festive occasions such as Eid or Ramadan, malls are venues for special events such as dance or cultural [NU3] shows, often featuring international acts. They also hold numerous raffles, often with huge prizes such as luxury cars or cash.
With over 200 shops and upwards of 25,000 visitors a day, restaurants on every floor, a children’s play area and a Cineplex, this is more than just a shopping destination. Look out for big-name outlets like Paris Gallery (perfumes, cosmetics, sunglasses, handbags and jewellery), Jashanmal, Grand Stores and Salam Stores (all department stores).
+971 2 645 4858, abudhabi-mall.com
Al Raha houses a mixture of entertainment, leisure and shopping (including fashion). Two cinemas show the latest movies and a number of cafés, restaurants and a food court offer a choice of dining. There is also a kids’ entertainment area.
+971 2 556 2229, al-rahamall.com
Al Wahda Mall
This mall has an inviting, spacious sun roofed design and a myriad of side passages to satisfy curious shoppers. It has a wide range of stores, large and small, local and international, as well as a large supermarket and plenty of dining choices.
Dalma Mall
Dalma Mall is moments away from Maqta Bridge and Abu Dhabi International Airport. This mall is a good shopping and entertainment destination, with stores offering the latest fashion brands and entertainment facilities for all ages.
Fotouh Al Khair Centre
Several of the world’s favourite brands are jammed into this spacious mall – Marks & Spencer, Adams, Monsoon, Nine West, and more. Also worth visiting is Falcon Gallery – great for household decorations, candles, flower arranging materials and fancy goods.
+971 2 681 1130, fotouhkc@eim.ae
Khalidiyah Mall
This mall on Al Nahyan Street features distinctive Islamic architecture and over 160 shops. Highlights include UK department stores Debenhams and BHS, its many cafés and restaurants, and a large food court. There is also an amusement centre with arcade games, a brand new dedicated 3D cinema and a bowling alley.
+971 2 635 4000, khalidiyahmall.com
Marina Mall
Located on the Breakwater, this mall features a 100 metre high viewing platform, an ice rink, a bowling alley, a Cineplex, musical fountains and hundreds of big name brands and stores. A true Abu Dhabi landmark, Marina Mall's many restaurants and coffee shops make it possible to spend a full day here. Watch out for the huge annual sale period from mid-January to the end of February.
A new addition to the mall is CityStore which is the region’s first stand-alone store of an English Premium League team. The Manchester City FC store features a full range of Club merchandise, including a shirt printing service to create personalized items.
MARKETS/SOUKS
Traditional markets have evolved into bustling tourist attractions selling a fascinating collection of goods. Souk is Arabic for ‘marketplace.’ Historically, dhows from the Far East and India would offload their cargo and the goods would be haggled over in the nearby souks. Over the years the goods on sale have diversified dramatically – today alongside the spices, silks and perfumes you’ll find electronic goods, souvenirs, clothing and household items. Abu Dhabi’s souks are worth a visit for their bustling atmosphere, eclectic variety of goods, and to observe the traditional way of doing business.
Al Mina Fruit & Vegetable Souk
Across the road from the Fish Souk, this fruit and vegetable market is bursting with colour as each seller arranges his produce outside the shops. The choice is amazing, and you can buy by the kilo or the box. Even if you are not buying, this area provides excellent photo opportunities.
Carpet Souk
Yemeni mattresses and machine made carpets dominate this souk, but bargains can be found if you know what you are looking for. Some of the sellers will make up Arabic majlis style cushions for a very reasonable price. You'll find it on Mina Road, near the main port area.
Every morning, fishermen load their catch on to the quayside and prepare for a day of haggling – it is a fascinating insight into the way traditional business is done. The fish souk is in Mina Zayed Free Port.
The Souk at Central Market
When fully opened, The Souk at Central Market will offer more than 250 shops. Opened recently as a soft opening, this traditional Arabian souk is a must visit destination for residents and tourists with the emphasis on displaying and selling traditional and regional products ranging from jewellery, carpets, antiques to traditional tailoring, fashion and diverse restaurants.
The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri
This contemporary adaptation of a typical Arabian souk is home to local and international retail brands, coffee shops and a diverse range of restaurants. Abras (water taxis) take you around the souk via meandering manmade canals, and the stunning waterside complex offers alfresco dining in beautiful architectural surroundings.
Centres & bargaining outlets
Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society Complex
This older shopping centre still buzzes, especially during weekends and evenings. Its main draws are now Splash (trendy, inexpensive fashion), Shoe Mart (huge range of shoes), Lifestyle (funky gifts and much more) and The Baby Shop. Other smaller shops include computer suppliers and ladies’ fashion outlets.
Hamdan Centre
Something of an institution on Abu Dhabi’s shopping scene, this vibrant centre in the heart of the city is a good place to buy, leather goods, shoes, sports equipment and touristy knick-knacks, all at bargaining prices. It also has a pharmacy.
+971 2 632 8555
Khalifa Centre
This ethnic mall is teeming with craft and souvenir shops, as well as shops selling Iranian carpets – a great place for souvenirs.
Liwa Centre
This is where to head on Sheikh Hamdan Street for designer jewellery, clothes, makeup, perfume, bookshop and more – be sure to visit the vibrant food court on the second level or relax in the coffee shop, which is open until midnight.
+971 2 632 0344
Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre & Gold Centre
This down-town centre has over 400 stores including a big textile market, a substantial market specialising in UAE traditional dress and an accessories and cosmetic market. It is home to Abu Dhabi’s gold souk with 85 stores selling a range of traditional and modern jewellery.
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