Joanna James
No nation probably has shopping malls that are as enchanting and massive as the ones in the Emirates, and the capital city of Abu Dhabi is definitely home to some or perhaps many of the best in the country. Featuring numerous spaces for dining, entertainment, and lounging, malls in Abu Dhabi aren't only meant for shopping.
The shimmering, gigantic shopping mall sitting in Central Abu Dhabi, the Abu Dhabi Mall is one of the most visited malls in the city. Boasting over 200 high-end stores such as Paris Gallery, Carolina Herrera, Pandora, Zara, and H&M, there's no premium fashion label or designer boutique you cannot find here. The mall also features a food court with an assortment of restaurants and cafes, an entertaining children's play area, and an incredible cinema. Aside from the multitude of stores, dining options, and entertainment and recreational facilities, the Abu Dhabi Mall is also known for its waterfront shopping experience.
Lying on the man-made Yas Island—the ultimate leisure and recreational spot in the city, Yas Mall is Abu Dhabi's largest and the UAE's second-largest shopping mall. Spanning over a whopping 2.5 million square feet, this three-level mall houses over 370 stores, 60 dining spaces, a family entertainment zone, a 20-screen movie theatre, and a 10,000-slot parking lot. Yas Mall is popular among local residents and tourists alike, thanks to the popularity of Yas Island and the mall's close proximity to the world-famous Ferrari World.
Unlike most other shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, what makes Mushrif Mall enter Abu Dhabi's A-list of malls isn't its stores but its sweeping food court. Aside from its three floors of stores, Mushriff Mall is also home to the largest food court in the Middle East, which features a wide array of international and local restaurants and cafes. The close proximity to several 5-star hotels in Abu Dhabi, including the likes of Anantara Eastern Mangroves Abu Dhabi Hotel, makes shopping at this expansive mall much easier for tourists.
Extending over a staggering 1.3 million square feet, Marina Mall features numerous entertainment and recreational spaces to indulge in aside from shopping at its 400+ retail outlets. The highlight of the mall is its 30-story observation tower which offers breathtaking views of the city, and the revolving restaurant at the top of the tower. To let off some steam, the mall houses a range of amusement facilities such as a trampoline, slacklines, zip line, and an 18-meter free-fall.
The Arabic-style glass building set on the glamorous Al Maryah Island, The Galleria is one of the most luxurious shopping malls in Abu Dhabi. From high-end flagship stores to fine dining restaurants, this is the place to be if you are after extravagant luxury.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
