Launched in 2011 as the retail heart of a fast-growing Abu Dhabi suburb, Bawabat Al Sharq Mall has become far more than just a shopping centre for Baniyas — it’s where convenience, culture, and community genuinely come together. As part of the multi-billion-dirham Bawabat Al Sharq Project, this community lifestyle destination has reshaped everyday life for families across the district.
Where Is Bawabat Al Sharq Mall Located?
Bawabat Al Sharq Mall is located on 6th Street, Baniyas East, Abu Dhabi, and is part of the wider Bawabat Al Sharq Project, a major mixed-use real estate development in Abu Dhabi’s Baniyas area. The mall serves as the business hub of Baniyas and the surrounding locality, functioning as the anchor retail destination for this suburban part of the capital.
Hidden in the centre of Baniyas, the mall brings urban-style shopping to Abu Dhabi’s suburbs, and the main entrance is distinctively positioned between two large towers — a design detail that’s become something of a visual landmark for the mall itself.
Shops and Stores: What’s Inside
Bawabat Al Sharq Mall spans 62,265 square metres of gross leasable area across two storeys, designed with a traditional aesthetic that reflects the surrounding community’s character. The mall features over 150 stores, including local and international retail shops, fitness centres, banks, pharmacies, and home improvement stores — a genuinely comprehensive mix built for suburban family life rather than tourist footfall.
Fashion is well represented for both men and women, alongside a solid beauty and wellness offering — Nayomi Beauty Services, located on the ground floor, is one of Abu Dhabi’s top salons, offering high-end hair treatments, facials, and therapeutic massages. Other salons and spas within the mall include Companion Beauty Salon and Spa, Sugar Beauty Salon, and Cosmesurge. For fitness, Fitness First on the ground floor is a female-only gym offering training suited to weight loss and core strength development, alongside nutrition plans, cardio, and saunas, while Metrofitt on the first floor is one of the more affordable gym options in the capital, covering weight management and weight training.
Carrefour anchors the mall’s grocery offering, giving weekday shoppers easy access to routine essentials alongside the mall’s broader retail mix. For entertainment, Novo Cinemas operates on the ground floor with multiple screens, and families regularly gather at the mall for Friday night movies, dedicated play areas for children, and casual dining. Cafés and restaurants throughout the mall serve everything from light bites to full family meals, rounding out its role as a genuine weekend hotspot for local residents.
Bawabat Al Sharq Mall Timings
Reported hours are consistent across the mall’s own official channels and independent guides:
| Section | Timings |
|---|---|
| Retail stores (Sun–Thu) | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Retail stores (Fri–Sat) | 10:00 AM – Midnight |
| Carrefour | 9:00 AM – Midnight, daily |
Novo Cinemas keeps its own separate showtime schedule, so it’s worth checking directly for movie timings, particularly for popular Friday night slots.
Metro Station and Connectivity
Abu Dhabi does not currently have an operational metro system, so Bawabat Al Sharq Mall, like other malls in the capital, is reached entirely by road:
- By Car: The mall is most conveniently accessed via Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Street (E22). For those coming from Dubai or Sharjah, driving via car rental is generally the most practical option.
- By Bus: The nearest bus stop, St 27 / Gems, is roughly a 4-minute walk from the mall, served by routes 401, 443, 444, and 447 — the 401 is the first bus of the day, stopping nearby at 5:45 AM, while the 447 is the last, stopping around 11:56 PM. From Abu Dhabi city specifically, bus route 490 connects directly to Baniyas and the mall.
- By Taxi: Widely available across Abu Dhabi and Baniyas, offering a straightforward option for visitors without a car.
- Parking: On-site parking is available for shoppers arriving by car, in keeping with the mall’s role as a suburban, car-friendly community destination.
Nearby Areas
Bawabat Al Sharq Mall’s Baniyas location places it within one of Abu Dhabi’s established suburban districts, with several other shopping destinations reachable nearby:
- Baniyas East — the immediate district housing the mall, serving as its primary business and residential hub.
- Bawabat Al Sharq Project — the wider mixed-use development the mall is part of.
- Mafraq Mall — another nearby community mall in the general Baniyas/Mafraq area, offering an alternative shopping option.
- Central Abu Dhabi malls — Abu Dhabi Mall, The Galleria, Marina Mall, Dalma Mall, and Khalidiya Mall are all cited among the capital’s other well-known shopping destinations for those wanting to explore further afield.
FAQs — Bawabat Al Sharq Mall Abu Dhabi
Q1. Where is Bawabat Al Sharq Mall located? A: On 6th Street, Baniyas East, Abu Dhabi, as part of the wider Bawabat Al Sharq Project.
Q2. What are Bawabat Al Sharq Mall’s opening hours? A: Retail stores run 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Sunday to Thursday, extending to midnight on Friday and Saturday, while Carrefour stays open 9:00 AM to midnight daily.
Q3. Is there a metro station near Bawabat Al Sharq Mall? A: No — Abu Dhabi doesn’t currently have an operational metro system. The nearest bus stop, St 27 / Gems, is about a 4-minute walk, served by routes 401, 443, 444, and 447.
Q4. Does Bawabat Al Sharq Mall have a cinema? A: Yes — Novo Cinemas operates on the ground floor with multiple screens, and the mall is a popular spot for Friday night family movies.
Q5. What are the main stores at Bawabat Al Sharq Mall? A: Over 150 stores including local and international fashion retailers, alongside Carrefour, fitness centres like Fitness First and Metrofitt, banks, pharmacies, and home improvement stores.
Q6. When did Bawabat Al Sharq Mall open? A: It launched in 2011 and has since become the retail and business hub of the Baniyas community.