All you need to know about shopping, gold, food and culture at this exciting shopping centre in Abu Dhabi
Note of the Editor: Please be informed that the operation hours, merchants and price tags at Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre may change at any moment, particularly at the Gold Centre whose prices vary on a daily basis according to the rate of gold.
Introduction: One of the best kept retail secrets of Abu Dhabi
You want a shopping experience which is deeper than just another day spent in yet another glass and marble shopping mall with flagships of international retailers and you will definitely find it in Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre. Instead of purchasing the latest fashion trends and electronics, this multi-level and dynamic centre lets you immerse into the local life style through gold trading, fashion boutiques, perfume houses and grocery stores.
Located in the heart of Downtown Abu Dhabi, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre is the conveniently accessible destination which provides its visitors with affordable opportunities to purchase gold, fresh produce, electronics and clothes. Below you will find the practical guide, organized in the headings, which will help you to organize your tour.
History of Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre
Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre was founded in 1984 thus becoming one of the oldest shopping centres in Abu Dhabi. It was simply a convenient commercial centre in those days when people came to conduct their business here. This approach persists to the present days.
During the years of development, the tendency of expansion was evident as more shops, restaurants and other services emerged in the centre. The opening of the Madinat Zayed Gold Centre turned this centre into one of the largest gold markets of the country. Notwithstanding the fact that numerous flashy shopping destinations appeared successively, this combination of history and specialization attracted visitors.
Location and How to Get There
Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre is located on Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street in the region of Al Danah, Downtown Abu Dhabi. Being located in the heart of the city, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre becomes the natural destination of the tour around Abu Dhabi.
It is easy to reach this destination, due to the closeness of the Corniche, government buildings, hotels and many service shops located nearby. The most popular landmark among the citizens of Abu Dhabi is the neighbouring market of meat, fish and vegetables.
Ways to Reach the Mall
Transportation and Parking
If you want to get there by your personal vehicle, it will not be difficult for you to get to this destination since it is located not far from several major roads leading to Downtown.
There are some parking spots near the centre, but please prepare yourself to the possibility of the overcrowding of the parking lot during the peak shopping hours, especially in the evening and on the weekends.
Public Transportation and Taxi
You do not necessarily need your car to get to this destination since it is located within the reach of the public transport and taxi, as this is the rather central destination. Even guests of the nearby hotels will have no problems to get to Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre on foot.
Layout and Architecture of Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre
When you enter this centre, you will see that it combines two different concepts of the shopping mall architecture: the first one is similar to the typical shopping mall, while the second one is inspired by the traditional souk and filled with numerous jewelry, textile and other small shops.
This layout stimulates the visitor to explore this centre and not to follow the conventional shopping route, thus making this shopping centre unique and different from other shopping malls.
Madinat Zayed Gold Centre: Key Feature of This Destination
There is one particular feature which makes people travel to this destination from all parts of Abu Dhabi. Located near the main shopping centre, Madinat Zayed Gold Centre is considered to be one of the largest gold markets of Abu Dhabi with allegedly more than 70 jewelers operating at this place.
This is the reason why Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre attracts visitors notwithstanding the emergence of numerous new and flashy malls in Abu Dhabi, because of the unique opportunity to immerse into this cultural attraction and make a deal on the gold or silver item.
Gold Shopping: What to Expect
Since there are many jewelers in this part of the centre, it is possible to compare the models and prices, as well as discuss the quality of the items with the staff of the shops. Traditional Emirati patterns can be found as well as the international and modern ones, so there is a wide range of items to choose from, whatever kind of jewellery you are looking for.
- Compare prices in at least two or three shops before buying as the rates and making charges may differ between jewelers
- Ask for the karat weight and hallmarking of any item, especially when buying it as a gift or an investment
- Please be informed about the fluctuations of the gold prices and plan your budget accordingly
- Keep in mind that the exploration of a couple of dozens shops takes more time than the usual shopping
Fashion Boutiques and Apparel Outlet
In addition to the gold souk, this centre offers many fashion boutiques where you can find clothes of different style and type. There are boutiques with the traditional fashion, as well as the international fashion brands. There are also the footwear and accessories stores, so you can compose your outfit in this centre.
Perfume Houses, Incense and Beauty Shop
Moreover, there are many perfume and cosmetic shops which offer you the diverse range of products. Oud and incense shops sell traditional Emirati scents and make the perfect gift or souvenir, while the perfume shops provide the customers with different kinds of perfumes, both regional and international.
Electronics and Mobile Phone Accessories Shop
Also, there is an opportunity to buy electronics and mobile phone accessories here. This centre is filled with the stores offering different kinds of devices and accessories made in various countries. Mobile phone accessories shops allow you to buy charging cables, cases and other items needed for your phone.
Textiles, Homeware and Household Goods
The traditional element of the centre is the tailoring and textile shops. You can find the fabric for composing your traditional clothes or buy household items in the nearby shops.
Grocery and Supermarket
In addition to many fashion outlets, there are the grocery outlets at this centre. They include LuLu Hypermarket and the Abu Dhabi Co-operative Society stores, which give you the opportunity to buy various kinds of goods, both domestic and imported.
Dining and Food Court Experience
During your shopping you can get hungry, and this centre offers many options of satisfying your appetite. There are fast-food chains like KFC, Papa John’s, Popeyes, Biriyani Hut (for people who prefer the South Asian cuisine) and many other options of dining.
Services and Facilities for Shoppers
Besides the diverse shopping opportunities, there are the services which make the shopping easier for you. There is the pharmacy inside the shopping centre for your health needs and tailoring and specialty retail services for the residents of the neighbourhood.
Manager of Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre
Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre is managed by LuLu Group, one of the largest regional companies which owns many malls and hypermarkets in the Gulf States.
Operation Hours and Best Time to Visit
It is important to remember that the opening hours of each shop may differ, especially at the Gold Centre where many jewelers operate extended hours. However, in general terms, you can assume that most of the shops are open everyday with the modified schedule on Fridays. Since the opening hours may differ for each shop, it is recommended to contact the managers of the shopping centre and the shops directly before the visit.
If you want to avoid crowds, it is better to visit this centre on weekdays in the morning or afternoon. Weekends and evening hoursbecome quite crowded, especially in the Gold Centre.
Comparison of Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre with other Abu Dhabi Malls
While compared to the luxury and high-end malls like Yas Mall or The Galleria, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre offers a different experience. While luxury malls try to gather all the brands under one roof, Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre offers you the opportunity to buy fashion and household items at the affordable price and enjoy gold souk in the same time.
So, you have to choose what place suits your preferences and requirements better – Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre with its diversity of shops or luxury malls with the branded goods.
Tips for First-time Visitors
Bring money in addition to credit cards as there may be some small merchants in the souk part who accept only cash
Prepare yourself to negotiating when you will be shopping in the Gold Centre and textiles section, and do it politely
Prepare yourself to spending more time than you usually spend in other shopping malls, as there are many shops in Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre
- Bring cash alongside your cards, since some smaller souk-style vendors may prefer it
- Expect some negotiation in the gold and textile sections, and approach it politely rather than aggressively
- Wear comfortable shoes, since covering the full complex involves a fair amount of walking
- Set aside more time than you would for a typical mall trip, given the density of stores
- Visit the Gold Centre earlier in your trip when you have the most energy for comparing shops
Cultural Significance of Madinat Zayed
Even though being the purely commercial destination, this centre has its cultural significance in Abu Dhabi. Unlike other new and luxurious malls, this is one of the oldest retail spaces which preserve the atmosphere of souk shopping and present it to the visitors. The most interesting thing about this place is the centuries-old tradition of gold trade in Abu Dhabi, thus giving this destination not only the practical, but also cultural value.
Common Problems and Practical Considerations
Each shopping destination has its problems and you should be prepared to them while planning your trip to Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre. The parking lot of this centre may be crowded during the peak hours, so you should take this into consideration while planning your trip. The slightly outdated design of the centre may also be confusing for the visitors.
Conclusion: Why Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre Matters
Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre has become a destination which preserved its value for many years: diversity, affordability and the Gold Centre are its key features. You can buy groceries, electronics, fashion and household items as well as enjoy one of the most famous gold souks of the country at Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre.
FAQs
Is Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre the same as the Gold Centre?
Yes, this is the same destination, but the Gold Centre is the part of this shopping centre which specializes in jewellery sales.
What are the opening hours of Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre?
They are different for each shop, so you should contact the centre or the shop directly for the current information.
Is there a parking lot?
Yes, but during the peak hours this area may be crowded, so you should plan your visit accordingly.
What is the best time to shop for gold at this centre?
Weekdays in the morning or afternoon are the best time to avoid crowds.
Is it possible to negotiate the price of the jewellery at the Gold Centre?
Yes, but politely.
How far is the centre from the central landmarks of Abu Dhabi?
The centre sits in Downtown Abu Dhabi’s Al Danah district, close enough to the Corniche and other central landmarks to combine into a single day trip.
