Shopping

SUPERMARKETS

Supermarkets in Abu Dhabi are mainly located in the smaller shopping malls; these malls may also house dry-cleaners, books shops, sports shops, café, etc. The larger shopping malls house the hypermarkets Carrefour, Lulu, Spinneys.

Supermarkets are well stocked with fresh good quality produce and carry many recognizable brands from around the world. These brands may be rather expensive as import taxes are high. Watch out for local produce and try to buy local produce where possible.

  • Some carry an in-store bakery.
  • Open from 8am until 10pm.

Friendly staff will pack up your groceries, and help bring to your car (a tip is appreciated).

Food stuffs are reasonably priced but have become more expensive of late.

Recycle centres are located generally in supermarket car parks and collect glass, plastic, paper etc. Many stores now charge for plastic carrier bags and encourage the re-use of carrier bags or alternatively they sell re-usable bags in support of environmental issues.

Some of the larger hypermarkets Carrefour, Lulu sell clothing, bedding, household goods etc. these tend to be slightly less expensive than the smaller stores but quality may not be as good.

Don't forget to collect your Air miles. Many are affiliated to the Air miles loyalty scheme and some stores have their own loyalty programme in operation.

  • Spinney'sInternational Produce/Waitrose UK
  • Carrefour (Hypermarket) French/International produces
  • Choithram International produce
  • Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society International/local produce
  • Abela Local/International produce
  • Emirates General Market Local International produce

Clothes

Shopping for clothes in Abu Dhabi is truly a shoppers dream...

All the major designers have a presence, based mainly in the larger shopping malls and also in exclusive boutiques in hotels . Prices are comparable to other major cities but sales occur frequently throughout the year and offer good reductions. Stores hold on file customer details and will SMS to inform of upcoming sales and invite to pre sale viewings!

High street stores such as Next, Debenhams, and Marks & Spencer (see listings) are also present and offer great choice and represent good value for casual and kids clothing.

People tend to dress for 2 seasons in the UAE, summer & winter and stores stock accordingly. Sizes are the same as UK & US. Shoes selection is amazing, and depending of course on your personal choice can be inexpensive.

There is also a large selection of kid's clothes shops - Pumpkin Patch, Osh Gosh, Mothercare, Baby shop, Okaidi. Kid’s shoes can be purchased from Clarks, Ecco, Geox, Paplosky etc. Ensure your children’s feet are measured accurately; ask whether the sales assistant has had training in this area. It is essential that shoes fit properly especially for growing and school going feet. Due to favorable weather in the UAE, flip flops, sandals and crocs prove extremely popular but are not always good for growing feet.

Some stand alone shops sell textiles, leather goods, shoes, and sportswear as well as replica goods. It is possible to barter but generally one gets what they pay for...

Dubai Outlet Mall is a large out of town outlet carries end of line stock and stock clearance at much reduced prices.

Shopping Malls

Kids Clothing shop

  • Next Abu Dhabi Mall /Al Wahda Mall /Marina Mall
  • Monsoon Khalidiyah Mall /Marina Mall
  • Mothercare Abu Dhabi Mall /Al Wahda Mall /
  • Okaidi Marina Mall
  • BenettonMarina Mall
  • Marks & Spencer’s Fotouh Al Khair Centre
  • Debenhams Khalidiyah Mall
  • Gap Al Wahda Mall /Marina Mall

Children’s designer clothes shops are available in the larger shopping malls.

ELECTRONICS

All well known brands are available along with lesser known. Items tend to be cheaper than in your home country. Always check the warranty duration and conditions, if you intend bringing the item outside of the UAE check that it carries an international warranty.

Research the item you wish to buy online / magazines before shopping, very frequently sale assistants display poor product knowledge.

After sales service is poor and is a lengthy process, bear this in mind if you are buying second hand goods. Secondhand goods come on the market frequently usually being sold by people relocating or because their owner is upgrading to a newer model. Supermarket notice boards display these advertisements and also on line at www.dubizzle.com or  www.expatwoman.com

Listings

  • Axiom Various locations www.axiomtelecom.com
  • Betterlife Various locations www.betterlifeuae.com
  • Jumbo Electronics Various locations www.jumbocorp.com
  • Plug-ins   www.plugsinselectronix.com
  • Jashanmal   www.jashanmal.ae
  • Universal Electronics   www.universal-uae.ae
  • Bang & Olufsen   www.bang-olufsen.com
  • Carrefour Various locations www.carrefouruae.com
  • Virgin Mega Store Abu Dhabi Mall www.virgin.com

JEWELLERY

Jewellery shops are found in the shopping malls and also in the Gold Souk in Madinat Zayed. Items are more expensive in shopping malls and some carry a fixed price policy, don’t be afraid to ask though…. Bartering is expected practice in the souk, along with being great fun you can gets an amazing insight into Arabic culture. Souks are especially lively and colorful places at night.

As well as having many beautiful pieces to choose from in stores you can also have jewellery designed and created to your own taste.

Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Graff, De Beers all have a presence in the major shopping malls.

Gold is valued at international daily rate, so there is little difference in the gold price from store to store. Prices vary, however with the workmanship and the addition of diamonds or precious stones / gems. Ask for a Certificate of Authentication, guaranteed it will certainly cost considerably less than in your own country… Have it valued on your next visit if you wish...

Great costume jewellery is to be found in most department stores and ladies fashion outlets, ranging in price and quality.

All well known brands of watches are available in the UAE, less expensive and a huge selection. Ask for the warranty and Certificate of Authentication.

Listings

Books

'Book worms' are well catered for in Abu Dhabi. Several spacious book stores are found in the major shopping malls. All carry a good range of best-sellers, reference books and kids books and if not in stock they will be happy to order it in. Pay a visit to the local interest section, there are many interesting books on the UAE available.

  • Don't they know its Friday
  • Abu Dhabi Explorer
  • Blood & Sand
  • Gardening in the Middle East and many more...

Watch out for book sales, car boots sales that occur frequently across the city. Join a book club; it is a good way to make new friends through reading. Public libraries are also available in Abu Dhabi.

Listings

ON-LINE SHOPPING

Online shopping in the UAE is still largely lacking, probably due to the fact that  shopping malls are within easy reach of all communities. However, a number of unique on line shopping sites are available.

www.giftexpressdubai.com

On line shopping from overseas is popular, however many companies will not ship to the UAE and those that do will bear a high delivery charge.  Aramex offer a 'shop & ship' service which with the use of a prepaid credit card and a PO Box set up in the UK /US where goods can be delivered. Subsequently, Aramex will forward to the customer in the UAE.