The Best Places To Buy Souvenirs In Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi, the capital of the UAE, is gaining a reputation around the region and among tourists for its tradition, culture, and safe environment, and it is becoming a growing hot spot for travel. From local sweets to traditional outfits, here are the best places to go shopping for souvenirs in the city of Abu Dhabi.

1. Heritage Village

Museum

Entrance way of Heritage Village on a clear sunny day

This area will have the more traditional-style souvenirs of Abu Dhabi, with items such as hand-woven clothes and ceramics. The Heritage Village is also a large open-air museum that showcases traditional Abu Dhabi, which means you can learn while you shop as well!

2. Marina Mall

Shopping Mall

Easily the most popular mall and hangout area for locals, Marina Mall is the place to go for the largest selection of gifts and souvenirs. From small shisha holders to traditional frankincense burners, this locale is a perfect place to search for keepsakes.

3. Mina Dates Market

Market, Middle Eastern

An open-air market selling fresh Abu Dhabi dates, Mina Dates Market is an excellent attraction for tourists as well as a place to buy the perfect souvenir from the city. With an enormous selection of different dates, both fresh and dried, you’ll have a hard time choosing which delicious variety to take home!

4. Gold Centre at Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre

The people of Abu Dhabi love their gold, which makes an ever-popular gift or memento from the UAE. The best place to buy gold as a souvenir in Abu Dhabi is at the Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre. Be sure to remember to bargain when going!

Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, Muroor Road, Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi, UAE, +971 2 633 3311

5. Emirates Palace Hotel

Hotel

This strikingly beautiful and rich hotel will take anyone’s breath away from the sheer luxury of it! From its enormous vaulted ceilings to gold-infused coffees at the extravagant café inside, the Emirates Palace Hotel is an ideal place to go to bring a little of Abu Dhabi’s riches back as a souvenir.

Emirates Palace Hotel, West Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi, UAE, +971 2 690 9000

Emirates Palace Hotel | © Rob Alter / Flickr

6. Tourist Club Area

One of the most well-known areas in the city, due to its large tourist and expat community, the Tourist Club Area is a great place to go for more traditional UAE gifts and souvenirs. With large areas of souks, you can buy anything from authentic Arabic rugs to UAE trinkets while also exploring one of Abu Dhabi’s most up-and-coming neighborhoods.

Tourist Club Area, Abu Dhabi, UAE

7. Yas Mall

Shopping Mall

Centre of Yas Mall with surrounding shops and people sat at chairs

Located on Yas Island, a hip and young destination in Abu Dhabi that is also one of the hottest places to be in the entire country, this mall is perfect for people-watching while you shop for souvenirs from the UAE. Here you can find anything from tasty dates, Abu Dhabi trinkets and keychains, traditional Emirati dresses, and luxurious Arabic perfumes. Shop away!

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