The ADR Guide: 5 Best Souks to visit in Abu Dhabi
Switch up your usual shopping trip with a visit to one of Abu Dhabi’s souks. You can pick up fresh produce, dates, spices, handmade pieces, or something for the home, then stop for a coffee or a bite along the way. Here are five souks to check out around Abu Dhabi and Al Ain.
Souq Al Mina
Head to Souq Al Mina for a mix of shops, creative businesses, cafes, and restaurants, right by the water.
Start with the antique stores, then have a go at making your own fragrance at Soul Perfumes or get your hands dirty at a pottery workshop at Hubel Ceramics. When you’ve worked up an appetite, stop at Marmellata for pizza and focaccia, or Jaan for Indian dishes such as the Kale Crunch, Mughal Masala Lamb Chops, and pani puri topped with edible flowers. Try pistachio gelato or a pistachio affogato at J.lato, while Lucky 2000 has filled doughnuts from Friday to Sunday evenings too. Once you’ve had your fill, take a stroll along the waterfront.
Timings: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Location here
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Souk Qaryat Al Beri
Souk Qaryat Al Beri, located between the Maqtaa and Musaffah bridges, has everything from abayas and perfumes to jewellery, dates, and gifts.
Browse the shops, then grab a bite at spots such as Finyaal Café, Milas, Camel Cookies or Ushna. Canals run through the souk, known for its traditional Arabian architecture and Venetian-style details lining the walkways.
You can also hop on an abra for a ride through the waterways, with views of Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque from the waterfront.
Timings:10:00 am - 11:00 pm Thursday and Friday; 10:00 am -10:00 pm Saturday to Wednesday
Souq Al Qattara
Make the trip to Al Ain to explore Souq Al Qattara, about an hour and a half from Abu Dhabi. The souq dates back to the 1930s, with thick mud walls, a palm-frond roof, and traditional ventilation details. Inside, browse spices, perfumes, handicrafts, souvenirs, and other local goods.
Once you’ve had a look around, grab a cup of gahwa with dates or try some luqaimat - a traditional Emirati dessert. You can also pop into Qattara Arts Centre nearby for exhibitions, archaeological displays, and workshops in pottery, painting, and calligraphy. Al Qattara Oasis is right nearby too, so you can wander through the palm and fruit trees before heading home.
When: Open from Thursday to Saturday
Timings: 10:00 am - 10:00 pm
Location here
Abu Dhabi Dates Market
If dates are a regular in your kitchen, head to the Abu Dhabi Dates Market in Mina Zayed. Wander through the narrow lanes lined with small stalls, with boxes of dates stacked behind the counters and sellers weighing your picks as you go. You’ll find varieties including Khalas, Medjool and Sukkari, so try a few, ask the sellers about the different types, and take home a kilo or two of your favourites.
Timings: 7:00 am - midnight
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Al Souq Al Baladi
At Al Souq Al Baladi in Khalifa City, you’ll find fresh fruit and vegetables, fish, meat, and other everyday essentials all in one place. There are also shops selling spices, flowers, toys, phones, and abayas, along with coffee shops and places to pick up something sweet. Once you’re all shopped out, head outside to the covered walkways, grab a seat, and maybe a coffee before heading home.
Timings: 7:00 am - 11:00 pm
Location here
