Shopping
On moving to Abu Dhabi, you will be leaving well behind the high street shopping scenario.
Traditional or cosmopolitan, Abu Dhabi’s many shopping venues reflect the Emirates nature. Shopping is an expedition- where visitors may find an exquisite carpet or antique at one of the Emirate’s traditional souks or pick up the very latest in designer gear in one of the many ultra modern shopping malls.
There are well staffed kids entertainment areas, soft play areas for younger kids, cafes, restaurants, nail bars, massage centre's and soon to feature’ Snow world ‘ which will include an ice rink and ski slope at Marina Mall www.marinamall.ae
Shopping malls in Abu Dhabi are exquisitely ornate, air-conditioned and offer not just fantastic shopping opportunities but all round family entertainment.
Shopping malls offer a wide variety of shops from clothes, sports equipment, furniture, electrical, stationary and much more. Many will have a large supermarket on the ground floor and in many cases a liquor retailer adjacent. Liquor stores will have a separate entrance and will not be clearly signed; this is due to the strict licensing laws surrounding the sale and possession of alcohol in the UAE.
Shopping malls generally open 10am-10pm Saturday to Wednesday, 10am -11pm on Thursday and 2pm to 10 or 11pm on Fridays. Stand alone stores often close from 1pm to 4pm daily.
There is ample shaded or multi-storey car parking provided and in the case of larger malls, valet parking is an option. Stand alone shops are mainly found in the older more established areas of the city and sell items such as textiles, replica items, sportswear etc.
Souks which are lively colourful Arabian bazaars are to be found in the older parts of the city - Iranian Souk, Carpet Souk. Modern takes on these are now opening up in various locations Souk Qaryat Al Beri, Mwaifa Souk and also in Dubai Madinat Souq, Souq Al Bahar in Old Town Dubai, Khan Murjan in Wafi City are fine examples.
Bargaining is still common practice in the souks and smaller shops in Abu Dhabi; in fact many shopkeepers expect this form of trade. There is a fixed price policy in the shopping malls. Sales occur several times a year to coincide with the Abu Dhabi shopping festival which is held every year in March and also to coincide with religious festivals - Eid Al Fitr (Festival at end of Ramadan) and Eid Al Adha (Festival of Sacrifice).
ATMs representing a number of banks are conveniently located in all the shopping mall. All major credit cards are accepted and foreign currency can easily be exchanged in the many Bureau De Change, also located in the shopping malls. Hotels will also offer competitive rates on money exchange.