Shopping in Dubai is common, but have you ever wondered about visiting the markets in Abu Dhabi? It’s time to explore the vibrant traditional markets in Abu Dhabi, with modernity at its peak. These markets offer a unique mix of culture, shopping choices, and the chance to discover more about the rich heritage of the UAE.
This guide will cover a detailed overview of the options for the markets in Abu Dhabi, as well as the timing and details of what you can get there.
Top 10 Shopping Markets in Abu Dhabi
1. Etihad Towers
This is a stunning collection of five towers that combine elegance and an extraordinary shopping experience. This is among the top shopping markets in Abu Dhabi, and it perfectly reflects the lifestyle of Abu Dhabi. You can shop at a variety of designer shops and dine on delicious meals when visiting Etihad.
What You Can Get:
- Discover the finest jewelry
- Watch selection
- World-famous gourmet food store
Address: King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz al Saud Street, Opposite Emirates Palace Hotel
Timing: 24/7
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2. Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk
This market in Abu Dhabi shows a true glimpse into the routine life of people here. This bustling market is an authentic expression of the city’s lively street culture. The Mina Souk is a sensory experience where you’ll find the aromas of fresh vegetables and fruits with the vibrant colors of spices. You can observe the daily trading of commodities that is happening here for a long time.
What You Can Get:
- Stands selling dried fruits and nuts
- Fresh fruits and vegetables
- Foodies can taste distinctive ingredients
Address: Abu Dhabi’s Main Port Area
Timing: 8:00 am – 2:00 am
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3. Camel Souk in Al Ain
This is among the traditional markets in Abu Dhabi, where you can find fascinating insight into the region’s customs. This place is great to visit for seeking an understanding of Arabic traditions. You can see camels being transported in trucks and then positioned to be auctioned inside the souk.Â
This is a popular market for camels and a lifetime experience of souk. This allows visitors to witness enthusiastic buyers flocking to the market to bargain for poultry and camels.
What You Can Get:
- Camel market
- Market hosts mock races
- Buyers haggling for camels and poultry
Address: Cattle Market, Zayed Bin Sultan Road, Al Ain – Al Noud
Timing: 6:00 am -7:00 pm
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4. Souk Qaryat Al Beri
This place serves as the luxury shopping spots in Abu Dhabi as it is equivalent to visiting an expensive mall. You can find Souk Qaryat Al Berri, which is a blend of traditional and modern items like jewelry, handicrafts, and more. The two-level Souk’s design is a blend of Arabian and Venetian themes.Â
Markets in Abu Dhabi like this lets the visitors explore various cafés and restaurants with breathtaking Grand Canal and Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque views.
What You Can Get:
- Expensive fashion boutiques
- Luxury perfume collectionÂ
- Â Stalls for antiques, carpets, and furniture
- Exclusive restaurants and cafes
Address: Close to Maqtaa Canal
Timing: 10 am – 10pm on weekdays, 10am-midnight on weekends
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5. Gold Souk
This is among the next best markets in Abu Dhabi and is highly recommended for stores selling an exclusive collection of traditional Arabic and Western Gold jewelry. People prefer to buy gold here because they get the best bargains in Abu Dhabi.Â
The place houses outlets of every major brand in Gold Souk Abu Dhabi. Some include Gulf jewelers like Damas and Rivoli. When you step into this souk, you’ll be amazed by the exquisite gold jewelry and unique artistry in every piece of traditional jewelry.
What You Can Get:
- Gold at best bargains
- Gifts and souvenirs
- Beautifully designed jewelry pieces
Address: Between Airport Road and Muroor Road, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre
Timing: 09:00 am – 10:00 pm, Friday- 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm
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6. Souk Al Jami’
This is a hidden market option in Abu Dhabi, which serves as a great place to shop for the finest quality goods, such as fresh produce and fashionable accessories. This place houses more than fifty stores in its central location, which made Souk Al Jami a preferred option for street shopping in Abu Dhabi.Â
You can find this under the gardens of the Sheikh Zayed Mosque. The market is quite large, with stores selling clothing and assisting visitors to follow the dress code required to enter the Mosque. You can find so many restaurants in the food court serving some delightful dining options.
What You Can Get:
- Fashionable accessories
- Best dining options
- Clothes for visiting the Mosque
Address: Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Rd
Timing: 08:00 am – 10:00 pm
7. Carpet Souk
This adds to the next on the list of top markets in Abu Dhabi for its outstanding collection of beautiful carpets at affordable cost. This souk offers a wide range of stalls and shops that sell Persian, Iranian, Egyptian, Turkish, and Arabic carpets.Â
The best collection brings a unique style to your house, giving a completely fantastic look to your space. This is an excellent location for tourists to take home things they won’t get anywhere else.
What You Can Get:
- Handmade carpets from Iran and Afghanistan
- Intricate Islamic prayer mats
- Arabic designed cushions
Address: Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi
Timing: 9:00 AM – 11:00 PM
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8. Souk Al Zafarana
The market is popular for its blend of modern and traditional offerings, which adds this market to the list of top markets in Abu Dhabi. This marketplace has everything, like traditional Emirati products, trendy clothing at discounted prices, and more.Â
This is popular as an ideal spot for souvenir shopping as it houses all kinds of Abu Dhabi-themed trinkets, Arabic tea, coffee, and Emirati incense. The most distinctive aspect is its Mubdia Village, an area staffed by women, where only women shoppers can shop.
What You Can Get:
- Reflects true Emirati culture in a modern setting
- Has traditional garments, spices, henna and, oud
Address: 90 minutes from Abu Dhabi
Timing: 10 am to 1pm, 8 pm until midnight
9. Souk Al Bawadi and Souk Al Qaws
These two outdoor markets in Abu Dhabi let visitors experience the true magic of winter. You can find them near the Bawadi Mall in Al Ain, which is a mere 90-minute drive from the city’s bustling capital.Â
You can find some exclusive shops surrounded by impressive design and architecture in Souk Al Qaws. The market has more than forty services, such as banks, money exchanges, travel agents, and more. Souk Al Bawadi is a true reflection of a nostalgia-filled charm, housing around fifty shops packed with antique treasures and delightful souvenirs.
What You Can Get:
- Culturally rich marketplace
- Outdoor home merchandise and furniture
- Unique architectural style
Address: Near the Bawadi Mall in Al Ain
Timing: 8 am – 10pm
10. Mina Date Market
The next is the Abu Dhabi Date Market, which focuses on selling local sweet staples. You can find a variety of dates and some of the finest top-quality produce that the place houses.Â
This market has two rows of shops on both sides of a large road. The visitors here get to try some unique varieties of dates with some unique items like date spread, date ketchup, and pickles.
What You Can Get:
- Impressive variety of date types
- Sample mind-boggling varieties of dates
- Genuine hospitality from the welcoming staff
Address: Zayed Port
Timing: 8:00 AM – 11:30 PM
The Best Things About Markets in Abu Dhabi
Mentioned below are the top reasons that you must explore some of the best markets in Abu Dhabi:
Authentic Cultural Experience
The markets in Abu Dhabi will take you to the past of its culture, where you can explore the lively, vibrant, and brimming souks. You can find a different energy with bustling vendors selling traditional goods like jewelry, textiles, spices, perfumes, and more. Some markets in Abu Dhabi show a mixture of old-world charm and contemporary life, giving tourists an authentic cultural experience.
Haggling Culture
The souks in Abu Dhabi are the best bargaining spots when compared to the more enormous malls with fixed prices. The traditional markets here follow the art of bargaining, which gives tourists a fun-filled and lively atmosphere. When visiting the markets in Abu Dhabi, you get the opportunity to try your hand at bargaining skills and establish communication with local merchants.
Accessibility and Convenience
You can find some of the best markets in Abu Dhabi located conveniently and easily accessible from areas within the capital. You can find them located close to Abu Dhabi’s center, making it simple for residents and tourists to pamper the shopping spree themselves.Â
Diverse Items
The markets in Abu Dhabi are a feast for all tastes, including expensive items and inexpensive souvenirs. Some products sold in these markets include:
- Gold and Jewelry
- Spices and Herbs
- Perfumes
- Textiles
- Local Handicrafts and Art
- Traditional Street Food
Vibrant Atmosphere Around
These markets exhibit a unique energy with their textile and fabric souks, local food, enticing scents, and the famous flea markets in Abu Dhabi. The market scenes in Abu Dhabi usually include tourists and locals gathering together to shop, browse, and mingle. This lively and energetic environment is a notable attraction in the shopping markets in Abu Dhabi.
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FAQs
What are the best things to buy from markets in Dubai?
You can buy traditional handicrafts from souks, exclusive gold jewelry, traditional spices from old shops, and more by visiting the top markets in Abu Dhabi.
What are the options for weekend markets in Abu Dhabi?
The Ripe Market and the Manbat Farmer’s Market at Deerfields are a few markets that you can shop from during weekends.
Is it worth shopping from Markets in Abu Dhabi?
Yes. Abu Dhabi is dotted with some of the best markets where you can find everything from designer clothing to local spices and food.
Is shopping in Abu Dhabi expensive?
When you visit some famous flea markets in Abu Dhabi, you can find items at affordable prices.
What are the options for night markets in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi Night Souk and Mushrif Mall Night Market are a few markets that you can explore during the night.
