Shopping · Abu Dhabi · United Arab Emirates
Shopping in Abu Dhabi
Shopping streets, markets and souvenirs worth the suitcase space.
Updated By the AMZBooking editorial team
Photo: Slywire, CC BY-SA 4.0
Quick answer
Shopping in Abu Dhabi revolves around large air-conditioned malls, from the luxury Galleria to family-friendly Yas Mall, with traditional souqs and port markets for dates, spices and crafts. Best souvenirs: Dates, Oud and bakhoor and Arabic coffee pot.
Key facts
- Shopping areas
- 5
- Markets
- 3
- Top souvenir
- Dates
Where to shop
Yas Mall
The city's largest mall, next to Ferrari World, with international chains, a cinema and family entertainment.
The Galleria Al Maryah Island
Luxury and designer brands with waterfront terrace restaurants.
Marina Mall
A mid-range mall on the Breakwater with views back towards the Corniche.
Souk Qaryat Al Beri
A canal-side souq-style mall at Khor Al Maqta with small shops and restaurants facing the Grand Mosque.
World Trade Center Souk
A modern take on a souq, designed by Foster + Partners, on the site of the old central market downtown.
Markets
Mina Zayed fish market
The city's working fish market, with cleaning and cooking counters nearby.
Mina Zayed dates and fruit stalls
Many varieties of dates sold loose or boxed, alongside fruit, vegetables and plants.
Heritage Village souq
Small stalls selling handicrafts, spices and traditional items on the Breakwater.
What to buy
Dates
Premium dates, plain or stuffed with almonds or covered in chocolate, are sold in gift boxes in malls and markets.
Oud and bakhoor
Fragrant agarwood oil and incense chips, burned in homes across the Gulf, sold in perfumeries in every mall.
Arabic coffee pot
A decorative dallah, the long-spouted coffee pot that is a symbol of Emirati hospitality.
Al Sadu weaving
Bedouin-style woven textiles in red, black and white geometric patterns, found at the House of Artisans and craft shops.
Camel-milk chocolate
Chocolate made with camel milk, sold in gift boxes at the airport and in supermarkets.
Attar perfume oils
Concentrated, alcohol-free perfume oils blended to order in traditional perfume shops.
Streets and markets worth a wander
Market · Al Mina
Mina Zayed fish and dates markets
Around the old port at Mina Zayed, the fish market sells the morning's hammour, kingfish and prawns, and counters nearby will clean your purchase and fry or grill it for a small fee.
- Time needed
- 1–1.5 hours
- Cost
- Free
- Food
- Shopping
- Off the beaten path
- Free
Food and drink to take home
Edible souvenirs travel best when they are dry or sealed: consider Luqaimat, Arabic coffee and dates and Karak chai. Emirati cafés, heritage festivals, iftar buffets and food stalls at events. Check your home country's rules on bringing food and drink back.
Shopping by neighbourhood
| Area | Price level | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Ras Al Akhdar and the Breakwater | $$$$ | Palace hotels and landmark towers at the western tip of the island |
| Saadiyat Island | $$$$ | Museum district and a long natural beach about 15 minutes north-east of downtown |
| Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands | $$$$ | Glass towers, The Galleria mall and waterfront promenades beside downtown |
| Al Zahiyah | $$ | Older downtown blocks, Abu Dhabi Mall and inexpensive restaurants on the north-east shore |
Paying and bargaining
Prices are in AED. Many bills include a service charge. Where it isn't, about 10% for good restaurant service is appreciated, and rounding up taxi fares or giving a few dirhams to hotel porters is common.
- Shops in the UAE's tourist VAT refund scheme can issue tax-free forms; ask at the till and validate them at the airport before departure.
When to shop
Shops and markets are quietest in June; the busiest months are December.
- January: Al Dhafra Festival — camel contests and heritage events in the western region (usually December–January)
- February: Abu Dhabi Festival — classical music and arts season (usually February–March)
- March: Abu Dhabi Festival continues (usually into March)
- March: Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wathba (usually runs through the winter into March)
- November: Abu Dhabi Art — gallery fair at Manarat Al Saadiyat (usually November)
- December: Sheikh Zayed Festival at Al Wathba — heritage, food and fireworks (usually from November through the winter)
Staying near the shops
$$$$ · Best for luxury, shopping and food lovers
Al Maryah and Al Reem Islands
Glass towers, The Galleria mall and waterfront promenades beside downtown
Questions travellers ask
+What should I buy in Abu Dhabi?
Dates, Oud and bakhoor, Arabic coffee pot and Al Sadu weaving.
+Where is the best shopping in Abu Dhabi?
Yas Mall: The city's largest mall, next to Ferrari World, with international chains, a cinema and family entertainment.
+What are the best markets in Abu Dhabi?
Mina Zayed fish market, Mina Zayed dates and fruit stalls and Heritage Village souq.