Travelers from all over the world are making their way to Abu Dhabi to browse the boutiques and engage in some top-notch shopping. The capital city of the UAE is home to opulent malls, quaint boutiques, and vibrant markets that sell everything from adorable holiday key chains to priceless Persian rugs.
Here is our guide to the best places to buy in Abu Dhabi, the crown jewel of the Middle East, from big shopping malls to charming local markets. If you want to visit Abu Dhabi for great shopping, contact one of the best tour and travel agencies in Dubai, UAE. This company is highly recommended for people looking for their Abu Dhabi city tour needs and the best shopping destinations.
The 10 best shopping destinations in Abu Dhabi
1. Abu Dhabi Mall is the best shopping center
The Abu Dhabi Mall redefines what it means to be an international shopping destination with its more than 200 stores, theatres, and attractions. It was started in 2001 and features eateries, high-end shops, and luxury boutiques. It offers a broad variety of regional delicacies, such as fragrances, nuts, and Arabic sweets. Visit the Bateel Dates store for a delightful range of exquisite chocolates, mouthwatering dates, and excellent pastries for a great way to satisfy your sweet tooth.
Location: Al Zahiyah – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
2. Yas Marina Mall offers the best high-end shopping experience
The Yas Marina Mall in Abu Dhabi, located along the breakwater on Corniche Road in one of the most attractive areas of the city, houses more than 400 international fashion, leisure, and entertainment businesses. The venue is a gorgeous building with a lot of entertainment, including a mid-sized ice rink, a bowling alley, a multiplex movie theatre, roller coaster rides, and melodic fountains. Enjoy the wonderful views of the sea and the surrounding city from one of the many chic restaurants in this area.
Location: Yas Marina Mall, Breakwater, Abu Dhabi
3. The Avenue at Etihad has the best boutique shopping
Avenue at Etihad is the best destination if you’re a shopper looking for all the major fashion labels, along with smaller, high-end boutiques. You can find exclusive, opulent products here, along with individualized service and custom clothing. The Avenue at Etihad Towers, a world-class, mixed-use development with two floors and 13,814 square metres of space, brings the newest fashion trends to both men and women, but with occasionally startlingly high price tags.
Location: Etihad Towers, Corniche Road West, Abu Dhabi.
4. Paris Avenue is the best for international trends
If you want to keep up with European style while you are in the Middle East, go to Paris Avenue. This shopping district is teeming with foreign designers, many of whom are fresh fashion grads hoping to make it big in the Middle Eastern market. Since there aren’t many well-known brands present, finding deals is considerably simpler because the hottest trends and fashions are available at prices that are very reasonable. The majority of the pieces are handmade, and each is one-of-a-kind.
Location: Paris Avenue, Zayed the First Street, Near Al Khaalidiyah
5. The most impressive feature: The Galleria
One of Abu Dhabi’s most attractive new skyscrapers, The Galleria, has a gorgeous glass-covered curved roof and is packed with only the most upscale and fashionable luxury brands. The Galleria is bustling with activity day and night as customers browse the large assortment of clothing, jewellery, and watches for sale. Every imaginable cuisine is served at these restaurants to a hungry clientele, and year-round festivities keep shoppers amused on every shopping excursion.
Location: The Galleria, Al Maryah Island, Abu Dhabi, UAE
6. Best Souk: Central Market in the Souk
Souk Central Market, a lively retail district with attractive antiques, perfumes, and adorable handicrafts, was constructed in the same location as Abu Dhabi’s original souk, a typical Arabic open-air market. Stained glass windows, wood lattice furnishings, and the indoor setting, while still evoking an authentic atmosphere, are clearly visible among the tapestries and the haggling. The best manicures and pedicures in town are provided at Princess Nails.
Location: Central Market, Abu Dhabi
7. The Carpet Souk is ideal for carpets
There is no better assortment of remarkable, colourful, and patterned carpets in the Middle East than what can be found in the Carpet Souk of Abu Dhabi. The carpet centre contains approximately 4,000 rugs distributed across three floors, the most sought-after being the hand-loomed kilims, or tribal rugs, whether one is looking for classic tapestries, distinctive motifs, or vibrant inventions. You may find a thorough buyers’ guide on choosing a carpet on their website, which is located here.
Location: Carpet Centre, Al Khaleej al Arabi Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE
8. The Madinat Zayed Gold Center is the best for gold
Precious stones, pearls, and gold are frequently sold in the United Arab Emirates’ famed gold shops, which serve as symbols of the grandeur and wealth of this Middle Eastern metropolis. The only location of its kind in the area, Madinat Zayed Gold Center, is a humming hub of all things gold in Abu Dhabi.
It has more than 70 jewellery boutiques offering classic and modern gold, diamond, and pearl jewellery from all over the world. It is advised to examine the price of gold online before you buy if you intend to buy rather than merely browse.
Location: Madinat Zayed Gold Centre, 4th Street, Abu Dhabi, UAE
9. The Iranian Souk is the best for home goods
The Iranian Souk of Abu Dhabi is located directly on the gorgeous edge of the harbor and caters to enthusiastic buyers looking for home furnishings such as cushions, earthenware, and imported Iranian bed coverings. Customers can find handcrafted wicker ware, traditional copper coffee pots, finely woven tapestries, and typical Middle Eastern delicacies at its many kiosks. Going early is recommended because the crowds may become very overwhelming by midday. Also, remember to barter for your deals or you could end up paying too much.
Location: Iranian Souq, Al Mina, Abu Dhabi, UAE
10. The Women’s Handicraft Center has the best crafts
The Women’s Handicraft Center is working to change the perception that the Emirates aren’t exactly known for their environmentally friendly shopping. The ancient crafts of the area are all on display at this government-run centre, including weaving, spinning, embroidery, basketry, and traditional silver-thread needlework. Buyers are sure to find amazing homemade presents and souvenirs here, authentic and historic products that can’t be purchased anywhere else, but you’ll need to ask permission before taking photos.
Location: Handi-Craft Centre, 24th Street, Al Karamah, Abu Dhabi, UAE
