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Best Markets in Abu Dhabi

Since dates are iconic to the Arab culture, there is an entire market in Abu Dhabi dedicated to the fruit. Locally known as Mina Dates Market, Abu Dhabi Dates Market is also gaining popularity among tourists who would like to buy this luscious and nutritious fruit at reasonable rates.

The variety of dates here is wide and impressive, featuring dates of various shades, textures, and tastes. If you are looking for some cheaper options, locally grown date varieties such as Khlas and Lulu are recommended as they can be bought at a rate as low as AED 20 per kg. Besides, dates imported from Palestine, Oman, and KSA are also available here, most of which are a little on the expensive side.

Timings: 7 am to 12 am

Location: Al Mina Vegetable Market, Zayed Port, Abu Dhabi

What to Shop: Locally grown and imported dates can be purchased at reasonable rates.

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If you are hunting for precious jewellery with latest designs, Gold Souk Abu Dhabi is definitely one of the most recommended places in Abu Dhabi for shopping. Located within Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre, Gold Souk Abu Dhabi is a jewellery market with rows of outlets selling amazing collections of gold jewels in traditional Arabic and classic Western styles.

From the biggest jewellers in the Gulf like Damas and Rivoli to some not so known but excellent jewellers have their outlets here. As you step inside the souk, your eyes will be blinded by the glitter of the gold ornaments that exhibit lavishness and great craftsmanship.

Whether you want to purchase gold for the purpose of investment or you want to buy it for personal use, once you start exploring the collections, you will certainly be spoilt for choice.

Timings: 9 am to 10 pm

Location: Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre & Gold Centre, off Sheikh Zayed the 1st Road, Abu Dhabi

What to shop: Gold ingots and jewellery available in 18, 21, 22, and 24 carats.

Popular Read: 50 Best Things to Do in Abu Dhabi

Souk Al Zafarana is where the Old Souk of Al Ain found its new home, so it is naturally a significant marketplace in the region. Owing to the large spectrum of regional products available here, Souk Al Zafarana is one of the best markets in Abu Dhabi to get some insights into the culture of Dubai.

That is probably why no culture vulture visiting Abu Dhabi ever skips this bustling marketplace. From fruits and vegetables to traditional garment and souvenirs, this market has everything to offer. If you are planning to take a tour of this market, be ready for an assault on your senses with the vibrant colours, shimmering articles, and exotic fragrances that create a mesmerizing aura here.

Take back home some original Arab spices from here, buy incense to fill your home with the fragrances from Arabia, or purchase authentic handicrafts to keep the memory of your days in Abu Dhabi alive.

Timings: 10 am to Midnight

Location: Zayed Al Awwal Street, Al Ain

What to Shop: Local spices and traditional handicraft items.

Also Read: Boating In Abu Dhabi

If you have some time on your hands to spare on cultural exploration, Al Ain Souq is strongly recommended. This is one of the few markets in Abu Dhabi that have managed to preserve the original vibes of a typical outdoor Arab marketplace.

Since items of daily use and eatables are sold here, you will always find Al Ain Souk bustling with throngs of locals. However, you can also spot a lot of foreigners here, soaking up the delightful atmosphere of this market which is in stark contrast to the air-conditioned, high-end shopping complexes in the city.

If you are good at bargaining, a visit to this market is an ultimate chance to enrich yourself with loads of beautifully crafted souvenirs. And If you are a photography enthusiast, you are advised to bring your camera along because this souk offers an opportunity to capture the spirit of the original Abu Dhabi.

Timings: 10 am to 7 pm

Location: Off Zayed Bin Sultan Street, Abu Dhabi

What to Shop: Atmosphere of an old traditional Arab bazaar.

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Counted among the finest Abu Dhabi markets, Carpet Souk is a must-visit marketplace in the city regardless of whether you want to buy something, or you just want to bless your eyes with the sight of brilliant craftsmanship.

Located in the busy locality of Mina Road, this market serves as a great attraction for tourists. The market has several shops where carpets from different countries of the continent are available for sale.

Whether you fancy the intricate Persian patterns or your preference is an old tribal piece from Pakistan and Afghanistan, it is rare to find the kind of variety that can be enjoyed in this market. So if you are looking for carpets, prayer rugs, or mattresses in Abu Dhabi, this is certainly one of the recommended places for shopping in Abu Dhabi.

Timings: 9 am to 11 pm

Location: Mina Road, near Abu Dhabi Port Area

What to shop: Handmade and machine-made rugs, carpets, and kilims with exquisite designs.

Popular Read: 15 Best Malls in Abu Dhabi.

Located in the city’s heart, Abu Dhabi Farmers' Market is one of the best places for shopping Abu Dhabi if you are looking for fresh produce. A large variety of organic fruits and vegetables are available here at reasonable rates which makes it a popular spot for locals.

However, the market is also becoming increasingly popular among tourists who are interested in observing the life in Abu Dhabi from a closer distance as well as those who do not mind indulging their taste buds in an English breakfast.

In addition to fresh produce straight out of farms, this market also has several food options where one could relish delicious snacks and refreshing beverages.

Timings: 4 pm to 10 pm

Location: bay Avenue Market, Near Business Bay, Abu Dhabi

What to Shop:  Among the best Abu Dhabi markets to buy organic food items.

Suggested Read: 15 Best Places to Visit for Free in Abu Dhabi

Erected on the ground where once thrived the iconic traditional souk – the earliest major spot for trade and commerce in Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi Central Park is one of the most visited markets in Abu Dhabi. Looking at the wide range of regional and international products that are displayed here, any shopaholic is bound to rejoice and forget about the budget restraints.

Attar perfumes, antiques, branded clothes, and fashion accessories – a wide selection of everything can be found here. Also, with a range of food outlets located inside the complex, this place is a treat not only for shoppers but for gastronomes as well.

The building is elegantly designed and exhibits an unusual merger of the modern and classic Arab architecture. However, due attention has been given to restore the atmosphere and functioning of the old souk.

Timings: 9 am to 2 am

Location: Zone 1, Hamdan Street, Abu Dhabi

Highlight of the Market: A wide range of shopping outlets and diners.

Souk Al Bawadi & Souk Al Qaws are two popular Abu Dhabi markets in Al Ain, bustling with a mix of locals and outsiders. These outdoor markets come together to offer everything from regional items to services.

Souk Al Bawadi is a popular goods market bearing the atmosphere of a heritage market, best known for its nearly 50 outlets where traditional articles and souvenirs are available at a cheap price.

So, if you are bored and your luggage has a lot of unoccupied space, a visit to this market will help you fill the void with the right items. Souk Al Qaws, on the other hand, is a service hub where you can find banks, travel agencies, money exchanges, etc.

These twin markets have an energetic ambience along with pretty architecture, and these two factors also make it an excellent place for photography.

Timings: 9 am to 12 am

Location: Meyzad Road, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi

What to Shop: Heritage market with dozens of stores selling good quality regional goods.

One of those markets in Abu Dhabi that can be relied upon to create a wonderful evening for you and your family, Khalifa City A Market is a popular choice among the locals.

Located in the middle of the upscale residential area of Khalifa City A, this market features several restaurants, cafes, saloons, and supermarkets to take care of all your requirements.

The quiet atmosphere of the market makes it a highly recommended option if you are looking for someplace nice without having to deal with a crowd of tourists. Enjoy your dinner at one of the restaurants here, and hit Al Raha Beach which is located in close proximity – Khalifa City A Market deserves to be on your Abu Dhabi Itinerary.

Timings: 6 am to 12 am

Location: SW 2, Abu Dhabi

What to Shop: La Brioche and Jones the Grocer are popular eateries in the market.