Oldest malls in Abu Dhabi

• Hamdan Centre
• Fotouh Al Khair Mall
• Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
• Al Raha Mall
• Al Wahda Mall
• Abu Dhabi Mall
• Madinat Zayed Shopping and Gold Centre
• Khalidiyah-Mall

The UAE is the ultimate destination for shopaholics, with larger than life malls in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai. However, in this post, MyBayut will highlight some of the oldest malls in Abu Dhabi which started off the rich retail portfolio of the city.

These shopping centres are considered as the hidden gems among the colossal shopping destinations across the capital.

LIST OF THE OLDEST MALLS IN ABU DHABI

Malls in Abu Dhabi have been transformed into community centres where families come together to shop, eat and enjoy. Let’s find out about the oldest malls in Abu Dhabi and know more about how it all started.

Hamdan Centre

There are several malls in Abu Dhabi but, Hamdan Centre or popularly known as Hamdan Shopping Centre has its own nostalgic charm and appeal. Constructed in the 1980s, Hamdan Centre is the oldest mall in Abu Dhabi.

Over the years the number of visitors to the mall might have dwindled but it’s still one of the most popular malls for leather goods, shoes, sports goods jewellery and other souvenirs. Hamdan Centre is particularly well known for its jewellery stores. Expats from India and Pakistan in Abu Dhabi frequent the mall to purchase or exchange gold jewellery.

• Location: 5th Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi
• Opening hours: 09:00 am – 11:00 pm
• Contact: +971-2-632-8555

Fotouh Al Khair Mall

Fotouh Al Khair Mall has been catering to the shopping needs of people for over 2 decades. Established in 1999, the Fotouh Al Khair Mall was fondly known as the “Marks & Spencer Mall”. The mall was popular all around the city, thanks to the adjoining glass towers, considered a major landmark back in the day.

The Fotouh Al Khair Mall is home to several high-end stores such as Aldo, Dune London, Al Khaleeji perfumes, Marks & Spencer, Nine West and The Body Shop.

• Location: Airport Road, Downtown Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
• Opening hours: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm
• Contact: +971-2-622-2241

Marina Mall

Marina Mall is one of the oldest malls in Abu Dhabi. Since its inauguration in 2001, the mall has become an iconic shopping destination. Marina Mall is located on the breakwater connecting Al Marsa Street via the Corniche Road. Tenants residing in the apartments in Corniche Area can reach the mall within 15 minutes.

You can indulge in several interesting activities at Marina Mall Abu Dhabi besides shopping. Apart from having over 400 retail outlets, there are restaurants, speciality shops, hypermarkets and banks. Visitors can watch a movie at the 9-screen VOX Cinema, counted among the best cinemas in Abu Dhabi. Some other entertaining activities at the mall include visiting the Magic Planet, Emirates Bowling Village and Bounce Abu Dhabi.

• Location: Al Thamar Street, Abu Dhabi
• Opening hours: Wednesday to Saturday 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Thursday and Friday 10:00 am – 12:00 midnight
• Contact: +971-800-6623

Al Raha Mall

Al Raha Mall was inaugurated in 2007, making it one of the oldest malls in Abu Dhabi. The mall is located slightly away from the city. Despite the distance, this is a popular mall in Abu Dhabi for shopping and entertainment.

Spread over an area of 35,000 square metres, the mall has over 100 retail outlets, restaurants, cafés, Lulu Express hypermarket and Al Raha Cinema. Some of the most popular stores at the mall are Zari Zardozi, Adidas, Orlando Sport, Nike and Damas.

• Location: Al Raha Shopping Mall 4048, Channel Street, Abu Dhabi – Dubai Highway Road, Abu Dhabi.
• Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday 02:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Contact: +971-2-556-2229

Al Wahda Mall

Al Wahda Mall is one of the old malls in Abu Dhabi that once used to be the go-to shopping spot in the capital city. Owned by Lulu Group, Al Wahda Mall has several high-street fashion stores such as Mango, Pull&Bear, H&M and Gap to name a few.

Similarly, there are several cafés and restaurants at Al Wahda Mall including Jollibee, Ming’s Chamber, Olive Garden, Galito’s, Famous Dave’s, Red Lobster, Costa Coffee, Starbucks, Chatime, Tim Hortons and La Brioche.

• Location: Al Wahda Mall, Al Mantab Street, Abu Dhabi
• Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Thursday to Saturday 10:00 am – 12:00 midnight
• Contact: +971-2-443-7000

Abu Dhabi Mall

Located in the Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi Mall is amongst the oldest malls in Abu Dhabi. A waterfront shopping destination in the capital, Abu Dhabi Mall has a lot to offer. From local brands to international retail outlets the mall has something to suit all tastes and styles.

The Abu Dhabi Mall has over 200 outlets, several cafés and restaurants. After shopping, you can watch the latest flicks at VOX Cinemas located on Level 3 or enjoy a fun day with kids at Fun City Abu Dhabi Mall.

Xtreme Zone is another entertaining spot for families in Abu Dhabi Mall with different rides for kids of all ages. The Abu Dhabi Mall is conveniently located for those living in rental apartments on Zayed the First Street.

• Location: Zayed the First Street, Abu Dhabi
• Opening hours: Saturday to Wednesday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Thursday and Friday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
• Contact: +971-2-645-4858

Madinat Zayed Shopping and Gold Centre

Madinat Zayed Shopping and Gold Centre is another popular mall on our list of the oldest malls in Abu Dhabi. The mall offers a wide array of outlets for retail therapy.

Shop until you drop at over 400 shops of the renowned international brands at Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre. Besides these, the mall is home to over 80 gold stores selling all sorts of gold jewellery and other precious stones.

• Location: Sultan Bin Zayed the First St, Abu Dhabi
• Opening hours: Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 am – 11:00 pm | Friday 02:00 pm – 11:00 pm
• Contact: +971-2-633-3311

Khalidiyah Mall

Located at the prestigious Al Khalidiyah district, Khalidiyah Mall is counted amongst the most iconic historical malls in Abu Dhabi. There are over 120 retail stores featuring more than 130 international and local brands including Matalan, Sun & Sand Sports, Giordano, The Body Shop, Brands for Less, F&F and more. The building design inspired by traditional Islamic Architecture is a striking feature of the mall.  

Tenants living in the luxury Khalidiyah Village villas can conveniently visit the mall for grocery, as the mall houses the famous Lulu Hypermarket. The mall also has a wide selection of cafes and restaurants, offering a delightful break from all your shopping and entertainment activities. You can also catch a movie at the Khalidiyah Mall cinema after your shopping spree.

• Location: Khalidiyah, Mubarak Bin Mohammed Street, Abu Dhabi
• Opening hours: Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 am – 10:00 pm | Thursday to Saturday 10:00 am – 11:00 pm
• Contact: +971-2-635-4000

That’s all for MyBayut’s roundup of the oldest malls in Abu Dhabi. These malls have not lost their charm and appeal in all these years. Locals and tourists visit these shopping spots frequently for souvenirs, electronics, apparel, gold and much more.

For more shopping options in the city, Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi is worth a visit. The mall is considered as one of the top malls in the capital for its range of shops, cafés, fun activities and other amenities.

Stay tuned to MyBayut for more updates about shopping, activities and things to do in UAE.