Exploring the hustle and bustle of markets with a variety of sights, aromas and sounds is a great way to experience the rich and traditional Emirati culture. When the concern is shopping from your favourite brands, exploring fresh produce and getting the best bargains, Abu Dhabi has several market options.
In this guide, you can explore a list of the top 10 best markets in Abu Dhabi and learn what they offer, timings and contact details.
Abu Dhabi’s Best Markets
Abu Dhabi is notorious for its thriving markets, welcoming atmosphere and helpful vendors. You can explore the different options from unique handicrafts to the freshest produce, Abu Dhabi’s markets are like no other.
Here’s a detailed list of the best markets in Abu Dhabi and their details.
1. Gold Souk
The Gold Souk in Abu Dhabi is the perfect spot for gold jewellery enthusiasts. It allows customers to explore the razzle-dazzle of gold adornments. A variety of merchants sell luxurious gold jewellery in Arabic and Western styles.
- Location: Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, 438 Muroor Road, Al Danah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Contact Information: +971 2 633 3311 (Madinat Zayed Number)
- Timings:
- 09:00 am to 10:00 pm (Saturday – Thursday)
- 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Friday)
- Top Brands
- Joyalukkas Jewellery
- Damas Jewellery
- Malabar Gold and Diamonds
- Jewellery Palace
2. Khalidiya Mall
Located in the heart of Abu Dhabi, Khalidiya Mall is a go-to spot for shopping and dining. Blending middle eastern architecture with modern elements to it, it offers a range of stores, a vast product variety and some great dining options.
Visitors can enjoy having a bite from the casual eateries or experience fine dining – there is something for all. For families, there are entertainment options, such as bowling and cinema.
- Location: Mubarak bin Mohammed Street, W9, Al Khalidiyah, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Contact Information: +971 2 635 4000
- Timings:
- 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Friday – Saturday)
- 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (Sunday – Thursday)
- Top Restuarants: II Forno, La Brioche, Forest Cafe and Restaurant, The Pizza Company, Krispy Kreme, Bonjour Bonsoir Cafe and Gazebo Restaurant
- Services: Medical laboratory, spa, LuLu hypermarkets, pharmacy, food courts, retail stores, entertainment facilities, cafes, banks, ATMs and beauty salon
- Top Brands
- Samsung
- Giordano
- Timberland
- Claire’s
- Pierre Cardin
- Toys and More
- Brands for Less
3. Carpet Souk
Want to find the best carpets to adorn your floors? Carpet Souk houses more than 100 shops, offering a range of luxurious and budget-friendly carpets that exude years of perfect craftsmanship done by the best carpet artisans. Everything from Persian rugs, handwoven carpets, woolen carpets to Afghan carpets can be found here.
Other handicrafts like embroidered pillows, mattresses, fabrics and pillow covers can also be found.
- Location: 437 Al Meena Street, Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi
- Contact Information: +971 55 558 9699
- Timings: 09:00 am to 11:00 pm (Daily)
- Top Carpet Options
- Persian rugs
- Handwoven carpets
- Afghan carpets
- Wool rugs
4. Mina Market
A charming little open-air market, Mina Dates Market has endless options for dates. Local and international, both the varieties can be bought, serving as a delectable treat for tourists and locals alike. The market is known for its friendly staff and budget-friendly options. Not only this, it also represents Abu Dhabi’s rich date cultivation.
It is also very famous for it’s vast selection of fish and fresh produce. With a carpet souk located nearby, it becomes the perfect destination as a farmer’s market.
- Location: Zayed Port, nearby Mina Market,
- Contact Information: +971 55 508 8214
- Timings: 07:00 am to 12:00 pm (Daily)
- Available Date Types
- Khalas
- Medjool
- Ajwa
- Barhi
- Lulu
- Sukkari
- Sagai
- Khidri
- Anbara
- Fard
- Mabroom
5. World Trade Centre
The World Trade Centre is a massive contemporary shopping centre with high-end restaurants and dining spaces. Bask in the glorious architectural masterpiece while enjoying a relaxing atmosphere with loved ones.
- Location: Khalifa bin Zayed The 1st Street, World Trade Centre
- Contact Information: +971 2 508 2400
- Timings:
- 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sundays – Thursdays)
- 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Fridays – Saturdays)
- Top Restaurants: Bagel Factory, Caribou Coffee, Cinnabon, Costa, The Irish Vickers, KFC, Mcdonald’s, Nando’s, Olives & Salt, Papa Murphy’s Pizza and Popeyes
- Top Brands
- Al Siraj Jewellery
- Aldo
- Arabash
- Athlete’s CO
- Bath & Body Works
- BBZ
- Brands for Less
- La Senza
- Landmark
- Magrudy’s
- Mumuso
- Pandora
- Pierre Balmain
6. Etihad Towers
A marvel of five towers, the Etihad Towers blends sophistication with luxurious shopping and perfectly reflects Abu Dhabi’s lifestyle. Shop from a range of designer stores and munch on delectable food options.
- Location: King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud Street, opposite the Emirates Palace Hotel, Al Bateen, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Contact Information: +971 2 811 5666 (Restaurant Inquiry)
- Timings: 24/7
- Top Restaurants for Fine Dine: La Beirut, Tori No Su and VaKaVa
- Top Brands
- Stefano Ricci
- Tom Ford
- Versace
- Hermes
- Cartier
- Bulgari
- Manolo Blahnik
7. Khalifa City Market
Providing a comfortable atmosphere away from the city centre, the Khalifa City Market offers an organised layout in a bustling environment for the customers to shop comfortably.
Several restaurants are open 24/7, catering to food lovers. Once you are done with shopping, you can head to the nearby food street. An array of cafes, salons, and supermarkets are scattered throughout Khalifa City Market to meet all your needs.
- Location: Theyab Bin Eissa Street, Khalifa City, Sector 32, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Timings: 07:30 am to 12:00 am
- Nearby Restaurants:
- The Cone Zone Restaurant: 3-minute walk away
- Burger King Khalifa City: 5-minute walk away
- Karam al-Sham Restaurant: 4-minute drive away
- Texas Chicken: 3-minute drive away
- Jabal al Noor Restaurant: 2-minute drive away
8. Dirham Plaza
The Dirham Plaza is a paradise for fashion enthusiasts, boasting many stores to shop at. It is widely known for its budget-friendly clothing, kid’s toys and book prices. Customers can bargain for lower prices to strike a desired deal.
- Location: Hamdan Bin Mohammed Street, Al Danah, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Timings: 09:00 am to 11:30 pm
- Contact Information: +971 55 943 7705
- Nearby Restaurants:
- Cettinadu Multi Cuisine Restaurant: 4-minute drive away
- San Thai Diner Restaurant: 3-minute drive away
- Paris Kitchen Restaurant: 4-minute drive away
- Kahani Restaurant: 1-minute drive away
- Seven Hotpot Restaurant: 9-minute drive away
FAQs
Shopping for gold can get quite confusing, this is where the Gold Souk at Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre comes in. The vendors have necklaces, rings and bracelets, ranging from 22 to 24 karats. Customers can bargain for a more budget-friendly final price at the market.
Abu Dhabi’s market prices range from moderately priced to highly luxurious stores based on customer preferences. The prices are categorised as follows:
– Gold Souks: Pricey
– Spice Markets: Budget-friendly
– Textile Market: Pocket-friendly for simpler items, expensive for handmade carpets
– Date Markets: All price-points
– Fresh Produce: Moderately priced
Abu Dhabi is home to popular luxury brands that capture its high-end lifestyle flawlessly. Some popular options include:
– Louis Vuitton
– Fendi
– Tom Ford
– Givenchy
– Off-White
– Balenciaga
– Prada
– Gucci
Abu Dhabi markets have everything ranging from fresh produce to modest and fashionable clothing – you just name it. Knowing the timings and contact details of these markets can help you plan your next shopping spree.
Keep reading Property Finder blogs to learn more about Abu Dhabi’s markets!
