Ras Al Khaimah might not be the first city that comes to mind for grand shopping malls, but anyone who’s actually visited will tell you the northern emirate has its own standout — Manar Mall. Set against a backdrop of serene backwaters and mangroves, with a genuinely rare waterfront promenade, it’s less a quick shopping stop and more a proper day out.
Where Is Manar Mall Located?
Manar Mall is located on Al Muntasir Road in Dafan Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah, opposite the Corniche, offering waterfront access and close proximity to residential areas. Opened in September 2000 (some sources cite 2001), the mall is developed and operated by Al Hamra Group, a leading lifestyle development and investment company based in Ras Al Khaimah, and has played a key role in transforming the emirate’s landscape across residential, retail, hospitality, leisure, and entertainment sectors.
Manar Mall has grown over time, with a roughly 30,000 sqm expansion completed around 2016, bringing the mall to around 40,000 sqm of gross leasable area — a scale that makes it RAK’s largest mall, holding a dominant position in the emirate’s retail sector, supported by 5% annual population growth and a recovering tourism sector.
Shops and Stores: What’s Inside
Reported store counts vary somewhat between sources — some describe over 120 stores, while Al Hamra Group’s own website cites more than 200 retailers, likely reflecting the mall’s growth since its original 2000 opening and subsequent expansion. The mall proudly hosts the first and best selection of top brands available in Ras Al Khaimah.
Fashion is well represented, with H&M, Marks & Spencer, Superdry, Giordano, Gap, Aldo, and Mango all present, alongside Mothercare and Bath & Body Works, Next, and specialty beauty retailers including Sephora, The Body Shop, and Lush. Jewellery lovers can browse Damas and Pure Gold, and Carrefour hypermarket anchors the mall’s grocery offering.
Dining is a genuine strength, with over 50 food courts and restaurants according to one guide, or more conservatively, 20+ dining outlets spanning cafés and international restaurants according to another — either way, it’s a comprehensive spread covering casual bites to sit-down meals. Entertainment options include Novo Cinemas with 6 screens (some sources describe a smaller three-screen setup, reflecting different points in the mall’s history), a bowling alley, and the Tridom play zone for kids. Beyond retail and dining, the mall offers a luxurious spa, an art gallery, and a prayer hall, rounding out a genuinely comprehensive leisure offering.
What truly distinguishes Manar Mall, though, is its waterfront promenade — an open-air sit-out area that gives the mall a more relaxed, resort-like feel, particularly in the evenings. Water sports including adventure sports and fly fishing are also available, a rarity for a shopping mall setting and a genuine reflection of RAK’s coastal character.
Manar Mall Timings
Reported hours are consistent across the mall’s own official channels:
| Days | Timings |
|---|---|
| Weekdays | 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM |
| Weekends | 10:00 AM – Midnight |
Hours may vary on public holidays, so it’s worth checking with individual stores for specific holiday schedules if your visit falls around one.
Metro Station and Connectivity
Ras Al Khaimah, like the other northern emirates, does not have an operational metro or tram system, so Manar Mall is reached entirely by road:
- By Car: The mall’s central location on Al Muntasir Road, opposite the Corniche, keeps it well connected to Ras Al Khaimah’s main road network.
- By Taxi: Widely available across Ras Al Khaimah, offering a straightforward way to reach the mall for visitors without a car.
- Public Transport: Local bus services in Ras Al Khaimah connect to the general city area, though options are more limited compared to larger emirates like Dubai or Abu Dhabi.
Nearby Areas
Manar Mall’s central Dafan Al Nakheel location keeps it close to Ras Al Khaimah’s Corniche and several other shopping options in the emirate:
- Ras Al Khaimah Corniche — directly opposite the mall, offering waterfront scenery and a natural extension to a shopping visit.
- Dafan Al Nakheel — the immediate district housing the mall, known for its backwaters and mangroves.
- RAK Mall — another popular Ras Al Khaimah shopping destination, opened in 2012, covering around 700,000 square feet with a large Lulu Hypermarket and kids’ activities like ice skating and go-karting.
- Al Hamra Mall — another Al Hamra Group property nearby, offering a further shopping option connected via walkway to the Hilton Garden Inn.
- My City Centre Al Dhait — RAK’s first neighbourhood mall, serving the north and south-west of Al Dhait.
FAQs — Manar Mall Ras Al Khaimah
Q1. Where is Manar Mall located? A: On Al Muntasir Road in Dafan Al Nakheel, Ras Al Khaimah, opposite the Corniche.
Q2. What are Manar Mall’s opening hours? A: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM on weekdays, extending to midnight on weekends.
Q3. Is there a metro station near Manar Mall? A: No — Ras Al Khaimah doesn’t have an operational metro or tram system. The mall is reached by car or taxi.
Q4. What makes Manar Mall different from other malls? A: Its waterfront promenade — an open-air sit-out area with water sports options like adventure sports and fly fishing, giving it a more relaxed, resort-like atmosphere than a typical mall.
Q5. What are the main stores at Manar Mall? A: H&M, Marks & Spencer, Gap, Aldo, Mango, and Mothercare are among the key fashion names, alongside Carrefour hypermarket and jewellery retailers Damas and Pure Gold.
Q6. Is Manar Mall good for families? A: Yes — Novo Cinemas, a bowling alley, the Tridom play zone, and the waterfront promenade make it a comprehensive family day-out destination rather than just a shopping stop.