Known as the UAE’s “Garden City,” Al Ain has a laid-back, green character that’s quite different from the glass-and-steel skylines of Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Right at the heart of it sits Mall of Al Ain (formerly Al Ain Mall) — the city’s original and most established shopping destination, blending retail, dining, and entertainment under one roof since it first opened over two decades ago.
Where Is Mall of Al Ain Located?
Mall of Al Ain is located in Al Ain, in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, specifically on Othman Bin Affan Street in the Central District. The bright, modern mall sits in Al Ain, Abu Dhabi’s garden city, about one and a half hours away from the UAE capital, making it a natural anchor for the city’s retail scene.
The mall was established as Al Ain’s very first shopping mall in September 2001, originally opening with around a hundred retail outlets, before an extension opened on 7 November 2011 that significantly expanded its footprint. Today it spans three floors covering roughly 2.66 million square feet of floor area, making it one of the largest and most established retail destinations in the city.
Shops and Stores: What’s Inside
Mall of Al Ain has grown into a genuinely large retail destination, with figures varying slightly by source but generally landing well above 250 stores. Some listings put the mall at 350 stores and 60 restaurants, while others confirm over 350 stores spanning international fashion brands, local boutiques, electronics, and home goods.
Key names and categories to expect include:
- World-renowned fashion and lifestyle brands such as Paris Gallery, Grand Stores, Salam, Mexx, Next, and Nine West.
- Anchor stores including Grand Stores (a well-known department store), Home Centre for furniture, and Paris Gallery for perfumes, cosmetics, sunglasses, handbags, and jewellery.
- Newer additions like Pan Emirates for furniture and 2XL Furniture and Home Decor, a UAE luxury home furnishings retailer operating since 2000.
- A Lulu Hypermarket for grocery and household shopping.
- Dining options — local favourites alongside global names like Nando’s and Sonagi Korean Cuisine.
On the entertainment side, the mall punches well above a typical retail centre: Bowling City on the second floor is popular with bowling enthusiasts across the emirate, while the ice rink welcomes skaters of all levels, with private or group lessons available from AED 600 for ten sessions, and single sessions at AED 40 including skate rental. There’s also a cinema for the latest releases, plus arcade and activity zones including Xtreme Laser, Trampo Extreme, Candy Zone, and Action Zone. A VR zone and skate-card membership programme for the ice rink round out the entertainment lineup.
Mall of Al Ain Timings
General mall hours run as follows:
| Day | Timings |
|---|---|
| Monday – Thursday | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Friday – Saturday | 10:00 AM – Midnight |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
As with most malls, individual restaurants, the cinema, and entertainment zones like the ice rink and bowling alley may run on slightly extended or independent schedules, so it’s worth checking specific venues if you’re planning your visit around them.
Metro Station and Connectivity
Al Ain, like Abu Dhabi, does not have an operational metro system, so there’s no metro station serving Mall of Al Ain directly. That said, the mall is well set up for other modes of transport:
- By Bus and Taxi: The mall has a very good location near the bus and taxi stand, and sits just opposite the Ayla Grand Hotel — about a 3-minute walk — making it especially convenient for tourists staying nearby.
- By Car: The mall offers 3,000 covered parking spaces across three basement levels, making it an easy and hassle-free option for those driving in from across the city or neighbouring areas.
- Getting to Al Ain: For visitors coming from Abu Dhabi city, the drive takes about one and a half hours, and the city is also reachable from Dubai in a similar timeframe via major highways.
Nearby Areas
Mall of Al Ain sits centrally enough to put several of the city’s landmarks and other malls within easy reach:
- Ayla Grand Hotel — directly opposite the mall, just a few minutes’ walk away.
- Al Jimi Mall — a large, busy mall in the centre of Al Ain, another popular shopping option in the city.
- Bawadi Mall — the largest shopping mall in Al Ain, offering a bigger-format alternative for a longer shopping trip.
- Al Ain city centre attractions — being Abu Dhabi’s garden city, Al Ain is known for its oases, heritage sites, and green spaces, many of which are a short drive from the mall.
FAQs — Mall of Al Ain
Q1. Where is Mall of Al Ain located? A: On Othman Bin Affan Street in the Central District of Al Ain, Emirate of Abu Dhabi.
Q2. What are Mall of Al Ain’s opening hours? A: Generally 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM from Monday to Thursday and on Sunday, extending to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Q3. Is there a metro station near Mall of Al Ain? A: No — neither Al Ain nor Abu Dhabi currently has an operational metro system. The mall is reached by car, taxi, or bus instead.
Q4. How many stores does Mall of Al Ain have? A: Estimates vary by source, generally ranging from around 175 to over 350 stores and restaurants, reflecting the mall’s growth since its 2001 opening and 2011 extension.
Q5. Is parking available at the mall? A: Yes — 3,000 covered parking spaces are available across three basement levels.
Q6. What entertainment options does the mall offer? A: An ice rink, bowling alley (Bowling City), a cinema, and several arcade and activity zones including laser tag and trampoline areas, making it a strong choice for family outings.