What’s not to like about Abu Dhabi’s shopping malls? They’re the perfect destination to come and avoid the midday heat, great places to people-watch and grab a bite to eat, and you’ll find many of the locals come here just to stretch their legs. Oh, and did we mention the shopping?

Abu Dhabi malls offer you just about the best retail experience on the planet. Here are our top 10…

1. YAS MALL

We thought we’d start with the biggest. Welcome to Abu Dhabi’s largest shopping mall, with 235,000 square metres (771,000 square feet) of floor space dedicated to all things retail, plus 60 or so food outlets if you get peckish while you’re here. You’ll find the largest Debenhams outside the UK, a Lego Concept store and a huge VOX Max screen if you fancy catching a movie in between all that shopping.

Green Route, Stop: Yas Mall

2. MARINA MALL

You’ll need to set aside a whole day if you want to truly experience everything the Marina has to offer. Come ice skating, or aim for a strike at the bowling alley, catch a movie at the Cineplex or come and marvel at the musical fountains. And don’t forget the shopping. All the world’s leading brands are here.

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Red Route, Stop: Marina Mall

3. KHALIDIYAH MALL

If you’ve spent the morning sunbathing on the Corniche Beach, you’ll find Khalidiyah just a few minutes’ walk away. The Mall is designed in true Emirates style, with Islamic architecture combined with the very latest contemporary design. There are over 160 shops, including a huge food court that’s always bustling with people.

Red Route, Stop: Markaziyah Park

4. ABU DHABI MALL

Fashion and jewellery take centre stage at the Abu Dhabi Mall, with some big names like H&M and Zara just waiting for your custom. There are over 200 shops to browse through, not to mention lots of restaurants and cafes if you want to kick back and relax for a bit. Abu Dhabi Mall is connected to the Beach Rotana Hotel.

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Red Route Stop: Abu Dhabi Mall

5. MUSHRIF MALL

Feeling hungry? Mushrif is home to Arabia’s biggest food court, where you’ll find the first ever Jimmy’s Killer Prawns outlet in Abu Dhabi. This 3-storey retail haven offers you a vibrant mix of shopping, dining and entertainment.

6. WORLD TRADE CENTER & SOUK MALL

This is a totally new concept in luxury shopping, taking a historic part of the city and recreating it as a modern mall. So, if you want the authentic souk experience, you can stroll through stalls and traders at the World Trade Center and pick out traditional artefacts. While if you’re looking for something more contemporary, there are 21st century brands in the mall too. Don’t miss the rooftop gardens while you’re here.

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Red Route, Stop: WTC Souk

7. AL RAHA MALL

At Al Raha you don’t need to worry that the kids might get tired while you’re looking at the shops. There are two cinemas where they can catch the latest family-friendly movies, not to mention a kids’ entertainment area too. So, you can all have a great day out.

Green Route, Stop: Yas Plaza Hotels

8. BAWABAT AL SHARQ MALL

There’s been a lot of development in the Baniyas area of Abu Dhabi in the last few years, and Bawabat Al Sharq is putting the area very much on the map of any discerning shopper. You’ll find big brands like Carrefour here, along with 22 restaurants to choose from, and cinemas too.

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9. DEERFIELDS MALL

If you’re staying near Al Muneera and Al Raha Beach, Deerfields will be right up your street. This vast megaplex contains some of the world’s leading brands, spread over five storeys, and you’ll find plenty of al fresco dining options too.

10. BAWADI MALL

Bawadi is the largest mall in Al Ain, with over 400 shops and lots of casual cafes and dining areas. But you don’t have to come here just for the shopping – you’ll find a cinema, bowling alley and even a ski village on-site.

Once you’re done shopping for a bargain be sure to check out the city’s tourist attractions and landmarks. The best way to do so is to hop on one of our Big Bus tours where you’ll be driven around from destination to destination, and have the freedom to hop off and explore when you want. Depending on the ticket you buy, we’ll even throw in some extras like a Marina Boat Cruise and a tour of Sharjah…