Erin Hunter
Revered as a globally recognized retail hub Abu Dhabi is a shopaholic's dream come true. Littered with luxurious malls and department stores here is a countdown of the city's top pick shopping centres.
Conveniently located close to the Al Wahda Sports and Cultural Club down Airport Road the sprawling Al Wahda Mall is one of the most impressive mallscapes in all of Abu Dhabi. Home to more than 200 stores the venue's total retail space measures in at nearly 150,000 square meters. Highlights at the plush luxury brands hub include Calvin Klein, Pepe Jeans, M&Co and Dorothy Perkins flagship stores while a Virgin Megastore, Bath & Body Works store and a Pottery Barn Kids are also part of the landscape. Attracting more than 25,000 visitors on weekdays and over 40,000 on weekends this mega mall is also home to a large Cineplex, fitness hub and well-known restaurants.
Spread out across 4 floors the Abu Dhabi Mall is located in a tourist hotspot in Abu Dhabi. Housing more than 200 shops within its plush interiors the venue is home to its own Paris Gallery, Cellucom, Grand Stores and PAN Emirates furniture outlet. A Virgin Megastore is also found within the premises which was dubbed the largest mall in Abu Dhabi since 2006. Forty restaurants and eateries are also part of the complex which is home to its very own Starbucks coffee lounge.
Occupying an area of 350,000 square feet this mega department store on the Dubai-Abu Dhabi highway is home to more than 100 retail outlets as well as a large family entertainment and amusement hub.
Affectionately dubbed BAS Mall the total retail space of this larger than life shopping complex is a whopping 148,000 square meters. Home to 339 stores the venue also includes a Carrefour supermarket and a state-of-the-art Cineplex. The 4500m2 Souk Al Megnas is also part of this complex and offers traditional clothing, perfumes and other souvenirs and handicrafts in a conventional Middle Eastern souk setting.
Conveniently located in the city centre the Hamdan Centre offers shopaholics a wide range of luxury goods from the fashion capitals of the world. With premier clothing boutiques and sportswear and gear producers occupying its confines this all-encompassing shopping complex is the pride and joy of Al Markaziyah's retail landscape. Visitors based in a centrally located hotel in Abu Dhabi such as the Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara will have easy access to the locale.
Tipped to a one-stop hub for designer wear and accessories the Liwa Centre is another popular mall occupying the Al Markaziyah area. Renowned perfume brands and clothing chains are found here along with famed beauty and healthcare brands from around the world. The venue's spacious food court which occupies the second floor is also littered with fine coffee shops and some of the city's favourite restaurants.
Having opened its doors to the public in 2001 the Marine Mall in Abu Dhabi is a mega retail complex spread out across nearly 115,000 square meters. Containing more than 340 flagship stores within its luxurious confines the venue is also home to the Marina Mall Tower which is home to the Tiara Restaurant, located on its topmost floor.
