To start the first of many to come, I put together all my Abu Dhabi mall trips in one place. Looking through all my photos, I realized I actually visited a lot of them (four to be exact) despite coming from the land of shopping malls. Of course, this is not an extensive explanation of what each mall has, but just the interesting places that I've seen around here! I must emphasize though, ABDB is not just only about malls.
1. Marina Mall - The Mall Museum
On the way to Marina Mall, we walked past this stretch of empty sandy beach. It was supposed to be winter then (November to March), but the temperatures are around 25-28 degrees in the day. Pretty much like Singapore, except less humid (hurray). At the distance, you can see the gorgeous Emirates Palace which we visited another day.
Marina Mall is a more family-friendly, 'residential' sort of mall, with supermarkets, mid-range brands and food court upstairs. It is huge though. Before you think it's just another mall? Nope. There is no such thing as a normal shopping mall, because they decided to put a real 15,000 year old wooly mammoth fossil here! 😱 Originally found in Siberia and placed in Marina Mall for all to gape at, this is a stunner that is right in the middle of the mall. But no touching - or one of the security guards would wrestle you to the floor (did not try that).
There is an extensive supermarket but this is the wall that caught my interest the most.
Willy Wonka world from top to bottom! (This shelf stretches on quite a bit too)
Look up and you might find some interesting display hanging from the ceiling - this picture doesn't do it justice.
2. The Galleria - The Latest Luxury Mall
The Galleria, Al Maryah Island is a much more upscale shopping mall with all the high-end brands including Gucci, Balenciaga and Alexander McQueen. It was Chinese New Year during then and the decorations were also up!
Pretty CNY-themed nails from 3D Nails.
3D Nails
132 Jurong Gateway Road #01-277
Strangely the decor was quite elaborate even though there aren't many Chinese around the area.
Of course I had to take a picture under this 'cherry blossom tree'.
Fancy malls with sofas and magazines sprawled across the middle, just like someone's living room. Super cozy! There is a promenade area for you to saunter around post-dinner too, but it was too cold so we got right back indoors.
3. Yas Mall - Fancy a rollercoaster restaurant?
Yas Mall is my favourite of the lot even though it is quite difficult to access. It is huge with a good mix of high-end and mid-range boutique stores, a lot of cafes and restaurants to dine at, and even a cinema! One of the restaurants, ROGO's, even has a crazy multi-spiral, double loop, and tornado track system to serve your food and drinks.
If you are into checking out interesting restaurants, put this in your bucket list!
One of our dinners we had it at Cheesecake Factory in Yas Mall, a restaurant that was made famous in New York! They had a really cheesy, savoury & completely appetising menu, and it is little surprise that the whole restaurant was packed with people.
Fettuccini Alfredo with Chicken, this was da bomb! Cheesy fragrance and olive oil wrapped around every bit of pasta, this was dearly missed when it was swept clean. Stuffed Mushrooms is an absolute must-order. Fontina and parmesan cheese, garlic, herbs in a wine sauce were stuffed in the mushrooms and every bite is simply heavenly. The next time I see Cheesecake Factory, I would definitely order this.
Cheesecake Factory
Level 1, Yas Mall,Yas Island - أبو ظبي - United Arab Emirates
The most expensive dress I ever tried on in Yas Mall, this was SGD4000.
I think it's pretty... oversized.
Last mall that we stopped by was Nations Galleria for an afternoon tea time, at award-winning cafe Leopold's of London. They even have a Leopold’s Tea Library which houses more than 70 types of tea collected globally!
Whichever way you like it, this place is so lovely for cake and coffee (or tea, if you so fancy) 😍❤️
The coffee here is really good too.
Leopold's of London
Al Falah St - Abu Dhabi - United Arab Emirates
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I share interesting episodes in life revolving around food, lifestyle, travel and inspirational ideas. If you would like to stay in touch, follow me on my Instagram on @amie.hu and Facebook page!