If you visit Abu Dhabi and skip Al Wahda Mall, you have missed the city’s most-visited retail destination.
Opened on 5 June 2007 in the heart of the UAE capital, this 3.3 million square foot complex has grown from a single-building mall into a two-building destination with 480+ stores, 50+ restaurants, a multiplex cinema, multiple kids entertainment zones, a five-star hotel connected directly by walkway, and parking for 4,000 vehicles. It draws over 20 million visitors every year — more than the population of many countries.
This guide covers everything: every shop category with brand names, full restaurant lists, cinema details, exact opening hours, parking charges, step-by-step directions, and insider tips that most online guides leave out. Whether you are a first-time tourist or a long-term Abu Dhabi resident, everything you need is on this page.
| What You Will Find in This Guide • Full shops and brand directory by category and floor • Complete restaurant, cafe and fast food list • Cinema details, kids entertainment and fitness • Exact opening hours for weekdays, weekends and Ramadan • Parking charges, valet info and free parking rules • Bus routes, driving directions and ride-hailing tips • Al Wahda Mall vs Yas Mall comparison • Budget guide and best time to visit • 10 FAQ answers for quick reference |
1. Al Wahda Mall at a Glance — Key Facts and History
Quick Facts
| Detail | Information |
| Full Name | Al Wahda Mall (Arabic: الوحدة مول) |
| Opened | 5 June 2007 (Extension: 5 September 2012) |
| Owner | Al Wahda Sports Club, Abu Dhabi |
| Manager | Lulu Group International |
| Total Area | 3.3 million sq ft (307,000 sq meters) |
| Number of Stores | 480+ brands across two buildings |
| Annual Visitors | 20+ million |
| F&B Outlets | 50+ restaurants, cafes, fast food |
| Parking Spaces | ~4,000 (first 3 hours free) |
| Connected Hotel | Grand Millennium Abu Dhabi (5-star) |
| Phone | +971 2 443 7000 |
| Construction Cost | Approx. AED 1.8 billion |
Awards and Recognition
The mall has won Best Shopping Mall in Abu Dhabi for four consecutive years from 2010 to 2013. It has also received multiple Gold and Silver Awards from the International Council of Shopping Centres (ICSC) and the Middle East Council of Shopping Centres (MECSC) for Marketing and Operational Excellence. These are not honorary titles — they are competed for across hundreds of regional malls and reflect consistent performance standards.
Two Buildings, One Experience
The original building opened in 2007 and houses the main retail floors, Lulu Hypermarket, and the ground-floor food court. The extension opened in September 2012 adding over 200 new stores, the Star Cinemas multiplex on the third floor, additional dining options, and a separate underground car park. The two buildings are connected internally so visitors can move between them without going outside.
2. Shops at Al Wahda Mall — Complete Brand Directory
The retail mix covers fashion, electronics, home furnishings, beauty, sportswear, jewellery, books, stationery, and everyday essentials. Below is the most complete brand directory available online for this mall, organized by category.
Anchor Stores
| Store | Category | Floor | Opens At |
| Lulu Hypermarket | Groceries, electronics, home goods | Lower Ground (LB) | 8:00 AM daily |
| IKEA | Furniture, home furnishings, decor | Dedicated area | 10:00 AM |
| H&M | Fast fashion — men, women, kids | First Floor | 10:00 AM |
| Gold’s Gym | Full-service fitness centre | First Floor | Check with gym |
| Max Fashion | Fashion, home accessories, footwear | Ground Floor | 10:00 AM |
| Healthy Sports | Sportswear and fitness equipment | First Floor | 10:00 AM |
Fashion and Clothing
Fashion is the largest category in the mall. International high-street brands sit alongside regional favorites and budget options, giving shoppers of every taste and budget a clear route through the mall.
- International Fast Fashion: Zara, Mango, Bershka, Pull & Bear, American Eagle Outfitters, Gap, Banana Republic, Giordano, LC Waikiki, Aeropostale
- Premium and Lifestyle: Gant, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Armani Exchange, DKNY, Sacoor Brothers
- Ethnic and Regional: Nishat Linen (Pakistan’s top textile brand — fusion wear, fabrics, accessories), Khunji Sheila & Abaya
- Value and Discount: Brands For Less (Ralph Lauren, Nike, and more at reduced prices), Daiso (Japanese ¥100-equivalent store)
- Activewear: Adidas, Reebok, Nike outlets through Healthy Sports and sports specialty retailers
Electronics and Technology
- Sharaf DG — Large electronics chain covering phones, laptops, home appliances, cameras, and accessories
- Emax — Multi-brand electronics with extended warranties and service plans
- Virgin Megastore — Electronics, music, films, gaming, and lifestyle products
- E-City — Electronics retailer with Extra Care and Service Squad repair services
Home and Lifestyle
- IKEA — Full range of furniture, kitchenware, textiles, and home accessories
- Home Box — Landmark Group home essentials brand with furniture and decor at affordable prices
- Daiso — Japanese variety store with home goods, kitchen items, stationery, and seasonal products
Beauty and Personal Care
- Sephora — International beauty retailer with skincare, makeup, and fragrances from global brands
- MAC Cosmetics — Professional makeup brand with full product range and in-store consultations
- Victoria’s Secret (Full Assortment) — Lingerie, beauty products, and fragrances
- V Perfumes — 50+ UAE outlets; carries international, local, and niche fragrance brands
- Kaya Skin Clinic — Medical-grade skin treatments, laser therapy, and skincare consultations
Jewellery
- Malabar Gold and Diamonds — Traditional gold bangles, diamond jewellery, and luxury watches
- Multiple independent jewellery stores — Gold souq-style shops throughout Ground and First Floor
Books, Gifts and Specialty
- The Deal — Designer fashion outlet with luxury brands at competitive prices including home and beauty
- Brands For Less — Excess stock from major international brands at 30 to 70 percent below retail
3. Al Wahda Mall Complete Category Guide
| Category | Key Brands | Floor | Best For |
| Groceries & Daily Essentials | Lulu Hypermarket | Lower Ground | Weekly shopping, fresh food, organic produce |
| Home Furnishings | IKEA, Home Box | Mall & Extension | Furniture, decor, kitchenware |
| International Fast Fashion | Zara, H&M, Mango, Gap, Bershka, Pull & Bear | Ground & First | Trendy everyday clothing |
| Premium Fashion | Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein, Gant, Armani Exchange | First Floor | Occasion wear, premium gifting |
| Ethnic & Regional Fashion | Nishat Linen, Khunji Abaya | First Floor | Traditional and fusion clothing |
| Sportswear & Fitness | Adidas, Reebok, Healthy Sports, Gold’s Gym | First Floor | Sports clothing, gym membership |
| Electronics & Tech | Sharaf DG, Emax, Virgin Megastore, E-City | First Floor | Phones, laptops, home appliances |
| Beauty & Skincare | Sephora, MAC, Victoria’s Secret, Kaya Clinic | Ground & First | Makeup, skincare, fragrance |
| Jewellery & Watches | Malabar Gold, multiple jewellery shops | Ground Floor | Gold, diamonds, luxury watches |
| Food & Grocery (Budget) | Daiso, Brands For Less | Various | Value shopping, household items |
| Dining — Full Service | TGI Friday’s, Red Lobster, Galito’s, Nando’s, Kamat | Food Court & Extension | Family sit-down meals |
| Dining — Fast Food | McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, Al Baik, Jollibee | Food Court | Quick meals, budget bites |
| Cafes & Desserts | Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Paul Cafe, Cinnabon | Throughout | Coffee, pastries, desserts |
| Cinema | Star Cinemas | Third Floor, Extension | Hollywood, Bollywood, Arabic films |
| Kids Entertainment | Orange Wheels, Wanasa Land, Mamas & Papas | Second Floor | Rides, games, soft play, parties |
| Fitness | Gold’s Gym | First Floor | Gym membership, personal training, classes |
4. Dining at Al Wahda Mall — Full Restaurant and Cafe List
With more than 50 food and beverage outlets, the dining scene at this Abu Dhabi mall is one of the most diverse in the city. Options range from budget fast food to themed sit-down restaurants reflecting Abu Dhabi’s multicultural population.
Sit-Down and Specialty Restaurants
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Notable Dishes | Type |
| TGI Friday’s | American | Ribs, burgers, cocktails | Casual dining |
| Red Lobster | Seafood | Lobster, shrimp, fish dishes | Sit-down restaurant |
| Galito’s | South African / Chicken | Flame-grilled piri piri chicken | Casual dining |
| Nando’s | Portuguese / Chicken | PERi-PERi chicken, wraps | Fast casual |
| Famous Dave’s | American BBQ | Smoked ribs, pulled pork | Casual dining |
| Kamat Restaurant | South Indian vegetarian | Masala Dosa, South Indian Thaali, Paneer Hakka Noodles | Full service |
| IL Forno | Italian | Wood-fired pizza, pasta, lasagna | Sit-down restaurant |
| Ming’s Chamber | Chinese / Asian | Dim sum, stir fry, rice dishes | Casual dining |
| Al Baik | Saudi fast food | Broasted chicken, shrimp meal, garlic sauce | Quick service |
| Jollibee | Filipino / American | Chicken Joy, Yumburger, spaghetti | Fast food |
| Papa John’s | Pizza | Super Papa’s pizza, BBQ Chicken, cheese sticks | Fast casual |
| Wingstop | American / Chicken wings | Garlic parmesan, mango habanero, hickory BBQ wings | Quick service |
Fast Food Outlets
The main food court brings together all major international quick-service brands in one area on the ground floor.
- American fast food: McDonald’s, Burger King, Wendy’s, KFC, Subway, Popeyes, Pizza Hut
- Middle Eastern and regional: Al Baik (Saudi Arabia’s iconic broasted chicken brand — this is its first and largest UAE outlet), Jollibee
Cafes, Coffee and Desserts
- Coffee chains: Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Paul Cafe (French bakery-cafe)
- Desserts and sweets: Cinnabon, Baskin-Robbins, Gelato Divino
| Dining Tip — Best Times to Eat Peak hours are 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM (lunch) and 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM (dinner). If you want to avoid queues at popular spots like Nando’s or TGI Friday’s, aim for 12:00 PM or after 9:30 PM. Restaurants stay open until midnight on most days, so an evening meal after shopping is always an option. |
5. Entertainment — Cinema, Kids Zones and Fitness
Star Cinemas
Star Cinemas is located on the third floor of the mall extension. It is a full multiplex with multiple screens, high-quality audiovisual systems, and a range of seating categories including standard, premium, and VIP options. The cinema screens Hollywood blockbusters, Bollywood releases, and Arabic language films. Show times vary by day and demand. Booking in advance is recommended for new releases and weekend evenings.
- Location: Third floor, mall extension
- Contact for schedules: +971-2-443-3244
- Seating capacity: Approximately 1,500 across all screens
- Film languages: English, Hindi/Urdu, Arabic
Kids Entertainment — Three Dedicated Zones
- Orange Wheels — Indoor educational and activity centre combining rides, interactive games, creative workshops, and a safe play environment for children of all ages. Popular for school holiday visits.
- Wanasa Land — Full indoor amusement park with rides, video games, party rooms, and an Italian cafe inside. Suitable for both younger children and older kids. Contact: +971-2-443-7654.
- Mamas & Papas — Premium baby and toddler store covering prams, nursery furniture, clothing for newborns to age five, and maternity products. A specialist destination for new parents in Abu Dhabi.
Gold’s Gym
Gold’s Gym at the mall is a full-service fitness facility open to both members and day visitors. It offers personal training, group fitness classes, cardio equipment, and free weights. With more than 3.5 million members globally, the Gold’s Gym brand is well established in the UAE. The in-mall location makes it practical to combine a workout with shopping or dining.
6. Al Wahda Mall Timings — Full Opening Hours Guide
| Day / Section | Opening Time | Closing Time | Notes |
| Sunday to Wednesday (Shops) | 10:00 AM | 10:00 PM | Standard weekday hours |
| Thursday (Shops) | 10:00 AM | 11:00 PM | Extended by 1 hour |
| Friday & Saturday (Shops) | 10:00 AM | 11:00 PM | Weekend hours |
| Restaurants & Cafes (all days) | 10:00 AM | 12:00 AM – 1:00 AM | Often open past mall closing |
| Lulu Hypermarket | 8:00 AM | With mall / extended | Earliest opening in the mall |
| Star Cinemas | Based on film schedule | Often past midnight | Check +971-2-443-3244 |
| Ramadan / Public Holidays | Adjusted — check website | Adjusted | Call +971 2 443 7000 to confirm |
Note: Timings above are standard operating hours as of June 2026. During UAE national holidays, Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, and Ramadan, hours are adjusted. Always verify on the official website alwahda-mall.com or call +971 2 443 7000 before planning a special trip.
7. Location, Directions and Parking
Address
Al Wahda Mall, 1 Hazza Bin Zayed The First Street, Al Nahyan, Zone 1, Abu Dhabi, UAE. The mall is located along Old Airport Road (Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street), directly opposite the Abu Dhabi central bus terminal.
How to Get There
- By Car from Downtown Abu Dhabi: Head northwest on Al Karamah Street. Take a right onto Hazza Bin Zayed The First Street. The main mall entrance is on your right. Approximate drive: 5 to 10 minutes.
- By Car from Abu Dhabi International Airport: Take Airport Road (E20) toward the city. Merge onto Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Street (Old Airport Road). Continue to Hazza Bin Zayed The First Street. Approximate drive: 20 to 25 minutes.
- By Bus: The Abu Dhabi central bus station is located immediately outside the mall’s main entrance. Bus routes serving the mall include Route 007, Route 032, Route 054, and Route 063. For bus schedule inquiries call +971 2 635 1111.
- By Taxi: Tell the driver ‘Al Wahda Mall, near the main bus station’ for the most accurate drop-off. Multiple drop-off points are available including the main entrance and the extension entrance.
- By Ride-Hailing: Both Uber and Careem operate throughout Abu Dhabi. Select ‘Al Wahda Mall’ as the destination and specify the main or extension entrance based on which stores you plan to visit first.
Parking — Complete Details
| Parking Type | Location | Cost | Notes |
| General Parking | Multi-level, main building | Free first 3 hours | Charges apply after 3 hours |
| General Parking — Extended | After 3 hours | AED 10 to AED 150 | Depends on total duration |
| Lost Ticket | Parking office | AED 100 penalty | Keep your ticket safe |
| Extension Parking | Underground, extension building | Same as main | Usually less busy than main |
| Valet Parking | Main entrance, rear entrance, extension entrance | Fee applies | Available during mall hours |
| People of Determination | Designated spots near entrances | Free | At specific accessible locations |
| Car Wash | In parking area | Service fee | Done while you shop |
| Window Tinting | In parking area | Service fee | On-site customization service |
| Parking Tip The main building car park fills from Level 1 upward on Fridays and weekends. If you arrive after 6:00 PM on a weekend, go directly to the extension building’s underground car park which typically has more available spaces. Note your floor and section number before entering the mall — the car park is large enough that many visitors forget where they parked. |
8. Grand Millennium Abu Dhabi — The Hotel Connected to the Mall
One detail that most online guides omit: Grand Millennium Abu Dhabi is a five-star hotel connected directly to the mall via an internal walkway. This means hotel guests can access the entire mall, all its restaurants, and the cinema without stepping outside.
For business travelers visiting Abu Dhabi who also want convenient access to retail and dining, or for families who want to stay near a complete entertainment destination, this is one of the most practical hotel locations in the city. The hotel describes itself as the most preferred hotel for business and leisure travelers in the UAE capital.
9. Al Wahda Mall vs Yas Mall — Which Should You Visit?
Both are major shopping destinations in Abu Dhabi but serve different purposes. Here is a direct comparison to help you decide which is worth your time.
| Factor | Al Wahda Mall | Yas Mall |
| Location | Central Abu Dhabi — Zone 1 | Yas Island — outskirts of city |
| Size | 3.3 million sq ft | Larger — Abu Dhabi’s biggest mall |
| Stores | 480+ brands | 400+ stores including luxury |
| Anchor Stores | Lulu Hypermarket, IKEA, H&M | IKEA, Carrefour, Vox Cinemas |
| Cinema | Star Cinemas (multiplex, 1,500 seats) | Vox Cinemas (more screens) |
| Connected Hotel | Grand Millennium (5-star, directly linked) | Ferrari World nearby |
| Parking | 4,000 spaces, 3 hours free | Large but further from city |
| By Bus | Right outside — central bus station | Less convenient by public transport |
| Best For | Residents, convenience shopping, everyday brands | Tourists, luxury brands, theme park visits |
| Crowd Level | Busy evenings and weekends | Busier during tourist season |
For most visitors staying in central Abu Dhabi, the central location and immediate bus access of Al Wahda Mall make it the more practical choice. Yas Mall is better suited to those already planning a Yas Island theme park visit or specifically seeking luxury brands.
10. Insider Visitor Tips — What Most Guides Don’t Tell You
Best Time to Visit
- Quietest times: Weekday mornings from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM. The mall opens at 10 and does not fill up until early afternoon.
- Busiest times: Friday evenings from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM and Saturday afternoons. If possible, avoid these windows.
- Best season: November to March when Abu Dhabi’s outdoor temperature is mild. Visiting during summer (June to August) means the mall becomes more crowded as residents seek air-conditioned spaces.
Budget Planning Guide
| Visitor Type | Budget Estimate (AED) | Recommended Plan |
| Family of 4 — shopping trip | 300 to 600 AED | Lulu Hypermarket for groceries + food court lunch + one kids activity |
| Couple — cinema + dinner | 150 to 250 AED | Star Cinemas tickets + casual dining at Galito’s or Nando’s |
| Solo shopper — fashion focus | 200 to 800 AED | H&M, Mango, Brands For Less + Starbucks |
| Tourist — full day out | 250 to 500 AED | Shopping + sit-down restaurant + cinema or kids zone |
| Quick visit — essentials only | 50 to 150 AED | Lulu Hypermarket or one anchor store + fast food |
Facilities You Might Not Know About
- Prayer rooms: Available inside the mall for Muslim visitors
- ATMs: Multiple bank ATMs located throughout both buildings including inside Lulu Hypermarket
- Customer service desks: Centrally located in both main building and extension — staff can help with lost and found, parking validation, and mall navigation
- Wi-Fi: High-speed free Wi-Fi available throughout the mall
- Accessibility: Ramps and elevators at all entrances and between all floors. Dedicated accessible parking at specific locations near entrances
- Luggage storage: Lulu Hypermarket offers storage for large bags while you shop the rest of the mall
- Car care: Car wash and window tinting available in the parking area so your vehicle is ready when you finish shopping
11. Nearby Attractions Worth Combining with Your Visit
| Attraction | Drive Time | Why Visit |
| Qasr Al Hosn (White Fort) | 9 minutes | Abu Dhabi’s oldest stone building — free to visit the exterior, ticketed for interior tours |
| Abu Dhabi Mall | 9 minutes | Second major mall nearby — compare prices and browse additional brands |
| Capital Park | 9 minutes | Large public green space for an outdoor break after shopping |
| Reem Central Park | 13 minutes | Waterfront park on Reem Island — popular for families and joggers |
| Khalidiyah Mall | 10 minutes | Community mall with souk-style exterior and modern interior |
| Abu Dhabi Corniche | 15 minutes | 8km waterfront promenade — ideal for an evening walk after the mall |
| Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque | 20 minutes | One of the world’s largest mosques — Abu Dhabi’s most iconic landmark. Free entry. |
12. Frequently Asked Questions
What is Al Wahda Mall?
Al Wahda Mall is a major shopping, dining, and entertainment complex in Abu Dhabi, UAE. It opened on 5 June 2007, spans 3.3 million square feet across two connected buildings, and houses 480+ stores, 50+ dining outlets, a multiplex cinema, and multiple kids entertainment zones. It is owned by Al Wahda Sports Club and managed by Lulu Group International.
What are the opening hours of Al Wahda Mall?
Shops open from 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday to Wednesday, and 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday. Lulu Hypermarket opens at 8:00 AM daily. Restaurants and cafes stay open until midnight or 1:00 AM. Timings change during Ramadan and public holidays — call +971 2 443 7000 to confirm.
How much does parking cost at Al Wahda Mall?
The first three hours of parking are completely free for all visitors. After three hours, charges apply ranging from AED 10 to AED 150 depending on total duration. A lost or damaged parking ticket incurs a AED 100 penalty. Valet parking is available at the main entrance, rear entrance, and extension entrance.
How do I get to Al Wahda Mall by public transport?
The Abu Dhabi central bus station is located immediately outside the main mall entrance. Bus routes 007, 032, 054, and 063 serve the mall. For schedules call +971 2 635 1111. Taxis and ride-hailing services (Uber and Careem) also provide direct drop-off at the main and extension entrances.
What cinema is at Al Wahda Mall?
Star Cinemas is located on the third floor of the mall extension. It is a multiplex with approximately 1,500 seats across multiple screens, screening Hollywood, Bollywood, and Arabic films. Seating options include standard and premium. For schedules and bookings call +971-2-443-3244.
Is there a hotel connected to Al Wahda Mall?
Yes. Grand Millennium Abu Dhabi is a five-star hotel connected directly to the mall via an internal walkway. This means hotel guests can access all retail floors, restaurants, and the cinema without going outside — a significant convenience in Abu Dhabi’s summer heat.
What restaurants are inside Al Wahda Mall?
The mall has 50+ dining options. Sit-down restaurants include TGI Friday’s, Red Lobster, Galito’s, Nando’s, Kamat (vegetarian Indian), IL Forno (Italian), Famous Dave’s BBQ, and Wingstop. Fast food includes McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, Al Baik, and Jollibee. Cafes include Starbucks, Costa Coffee, Paul Cafe, and Cinnabon.
What kids entertainment is available at Al Wahda Mall?
There are three main kids zones: Orange Wheels (educational indoor activity centre with rides and workshops), Wanasa Land (full indoor amusement park with rides, video games, and party rooms), and Mamas & Papas (specialist store for babies and toddlers). The Star Cinemas also caters to family film screenings.
Is Al Wahda Mall or Yas Mall better?
It depends on what you need. Al Wahda Mall is better for convenience — it is centrally located, accessible by bus, and ideal for everyday shopping and dining. Yas Mall is larger and has more luxury brands but is further from the city centre. For most visitors staying in central Abu Dhabi, the central location wins.
What is the best time to visit Al Wahda Mall?
Weekday mornings from 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM are the quietest. Friday evenings and Saturday afternoons are the busiest. November to March is the best season to visit as the outdoor temperature is mild. In summer, the mall is more crowded as people seek air-conditioned spaces.
Final Thoughts
Al Wahda Mall has remained one of Abu Dhabi’s most visited retail destinations for nearly two decades because it gets the fundamentals right: central location, comprehensive retail mix, practical parking, and a dining and entertainment scene broad enough to fill an entire day.
For first-time visitors, the combination of Lulu Hypermarket, international fashion brands, and a direct bus station connection makes it the most accessible mall in the city. For families, the three kids entertainment zones and cinema provide enough to turn a shopping trip into a full day out. For those staying at the Grand Millennium, it is effectively a five-star hotel with a 3.3 million square foot shopping centre attached.
Plan your visit on a weekday morning for the quietest experience, check Star Cinemas in advance if a film is part of the plan, and allow at least three hours if you want to cover the shopping, dining, and one entertainment option properly.
| Next Steps for Your Visit • Save the mall phone number: +971 2 443 7000 • Check Star Cinemas schedules in advance: +971-2-443-3244 • If driving, aim to arrive before 5:00 PM on weekends to find parking easily • Combine with a visit to Qasr Al Hosn (9 minutes away) for a full Abu Dhabi day • Consider the Grand Millennium hotel if you want to stay adjacent to the mall |
