Long before Abu Dhabi’s skyline filled with newer, flashier malls, Marina Mall was already the capital’s shopping icon. Completed in December 2000 and opened to the public on 28 March 2001, it sits on the breakwater along Corniche Road, close to the Emirates Palace hotel — a waterfront setting that gives it a character few other malls in the city can match. Over two decades on, it remains one of Abu Dhabi’s most visited and best-loved retail destinations.
Where Is Marina Mall Located?
Marina Mall is located on the Abu Dhabi Breakwater, Corniche Road, connecting to Al Marsa Street. More precisely, it sits on Marina Mall Ring Road, in the Al Kasir area of Al Marina, Abu Dhabi. Geographically, it occupies one of the city’s most prominent districts, putting it within easy reach of some of Abu Dhabi’s most iconic waterfront attractions.
The mall was recognised by Forbes in January 2017 as one of the top shopping malls in Abu Dhabi, a reputation it has held onto thanks to its scale, waterfront setting, and constantly refreshed retail and entertainment offerings.
Shops and Stores: What’s Inside
Marina Mall comprises roughly 122,000 square metres of retail space, spread across four levels, and houses more than 400 high-street and high-end retail brands. The retail mix spans a huge range of budgets and tastes:
- High-end and luxury — Dior, Tiffany & Co., Rolex, Gucci, and Fendi sit alongside Armani Exchange, Prada, and Chopard.
- High-street and mid-range fashion — Forever 21, Giordano, Guess, H&M, Zara, Centrepoint, Damas, and Tommy Hilfiger cover more everyday shopping needs.
- Accessories and shoes — Clarks, Steve Madden, and Aldo, alongside jewellery names like Tiffany & Co. and Rolex.
- Electronics — iStyle, Samsung, and AI Gadgets Trading cover gadgets and tech.
- Groceries — a large Carrefour departmental store anchors the mall’s everyday shopping needs.
Beyond retail, Marina Mall doubles as a genuine entertainment destination. The Capital’s only Bounce trampoline park is here, alongside Magic Planet, Emirates Bowling Village, and VOX Cinema, while the complex also features a 100-metre observatory, a bowling alley, a multiplex cinema, and musical fountains — including an internal steam fountain adorned with handcrafted glass mosaic art. Just outside sits the striking Abu Dhabi Eye Ferris wheel, and for the more active, Just Padel offers well-equipped courts for a match inside the mall. Marina Mall is also a regular stop on the Big Bus Tour and features on many cruise line tourist itineraries.
Marina Mall Timings
General mall hours run as follows:
| Days | Timings |
|---|---|
| Saturday – Wednesday | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Thursday – Friday | 10:00 AM – Midnight |
As with most large malls, individual restaurants, the cinema, bowling alley, and observatory may run on slightly different schedules, so it’s worth checking ahead if a specific attraction is the main reason for your visit.
Metro Station and Connectivity
Abu Dhabi does not currently have an operational metro system, so Marina Mall — like other malls in the capital — relies entirely on road-based transport:
- By Bus: Routes 5, 7, 9, 11, and 24 all serve the mall, with the bus station located right in front of it. The closest stop is the King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street / Marina Mall Bus Stop.
- By Car and Parking: The mall offers ample parking for up to 4,000 vehicles, with a dedicated taxi pick-up and drop-off point at the mall’s North entrance. Car wash services are also available across the parking levels for AED 30.
- By Taxi: Widely available throughout Abu Dhabi and a convenient option given the dedicated pick-up zone.
Nearby Areas
Marina Mall’s waterfront position places it close to several of Abu Dhabi’s most recognisable landmarks:
- Emirates Palace — located close to the mall along the same stretch of Corniche Road.
- Abu Dhabi Corniche — the scenic waterfront promenade running alongside the mall’s breakwater location, popular for walks and outdoor activities.
- Abu Dhabi Eye Ferris Wheel — situated just outside the mall, offering panoramic views of the city and coastline.
- Al Marina district — the immediate surrounding area, known for its waterfront views and proximity to other leisure attractions.
Marina Mall also offers a useful range of government services on-site, including Abu Dhabi Community Police, Ministry of Labor, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ministry of the Interior, Traffic Management Licensing, Health Authority – Abu Dhabi, and Emirates Post — making it a practical stop for residents handling official errands alongside a shopping trip.
FAQs — Marina Mall Abu Dhabi
Q1. Where is Marina Mall located? A: On the Abu Dhabi Breakwater along Corniche Road, close to the Emirates Palace hotel, in the Al Marina area of the city.
Q2. What are Marina Mall’s opening hours? A: Generally 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Saturday to Wednesday, extending to midnight on Thursday and Friday.
Q3. Is there a metro station near Marina Mall? A: No — Abu Dhabi doesn’t currently have an operational metro system. The mall is reached by bus, car, or taxi, with a dedicated bus stop directly in front of it.
Q4. What makes Marina Mall a standout shopping destination? A: Its waterfront setting, a 100-metre observatory, musical fountains, a Ferris wheel just outside, and a broad retail mix spanning luxury brands like Gucci and Tiffany & Co. to high-street names like Zara and H&M.
Q5. Is parking available at Marina Mall? A: Yes — ample parking for up to 4,000 vehicles, along with a dedicated taxi pick-up and drop-off point at the North entrance.
Q6. What entertainment options does Marina Mall offer? A: Bounce trampoline park, Magic Planet, Emirates Bowling Village, VOX Cinema, a bowling alley, an observatory, and Just Padel courts, alongside the nearby Abu Dhabi Eye Ferris wheel.