The Galleria at Al Maryah Island is widely regarded as Abu Dhabi’s premier luxury shopping, dining, and entertainment destination, set against a striking waterfront backdrop in the capital’s financial district. Here’s a complete guide before you visit.
Location of The Galleria
The Galleria is located at 107 Hamouda Bin Ali Al Dhaheri Street, on Al Maryah Island, in the heart of Abu Dhabi’s thriving financial district. Al Maryah Island — previously known as Sowwah Island before Mubadala’s development renamed and redeveloped it from 2012 — has grown into a hub combining office towers, luxury hotels, and residential space alongside The Galleria itself.
The mall first opened in 2013 as a luxury and fine-dining destination, before undergoing a dramatic expansion in September 2019 that broadened its offering considerably. Combined with the adjoining Al Maryah Central development, the wider complex spans over 2.7 million square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space across five levels, four of which hold retail. Today, The Galleria houses more than 400 stores and over 100 dining options.
Shops and Stores at The Galleria
The Galleria is known for hosting the largest collection of luxury brands in the capital, alongside a broader mix added during its 2019 expansion:
Luxury fashion: Iconic names including CHANEL, DIOR, GUCCI, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Hermès anchor the mall’s upscale positioning, with CHANEL’s boutique located on Level 2.
High-street fashion: Following the 2019 expansion, the mall added popular names like Zara, H&M, and Massimo Dutti, broadening its appeal well beyond a purely luxury clientele.
Watches and jewellery: A range of fine jewellery and watch boutiques complement the mall’s luxury fashion offering.
Other categories: Beyond fashion, the mall’s retail directory (available as a downloadable Mall Guide PDF, with each level colour-coded) covers a wide array of categories across its Ground, Level 1, and Level 2 floors.
Dining at The Galleria
With more than 100 dining options, The Galleria’s culinary scene is one of its strongest draws:
Award-winning fine dining: Names like ZUMA, COYA, and Almayass anchor the upscale end of the mall’s food offering.
Family favourites: The Cheesecake Factory, P.F. Chang’s, and Paul Café cater to a broader range of tastes and budgets.
Newer additions: Antonia Chic, CRAFT by Side Hustle, Flamingo Room by tashas, and Pincode reflect the mall’s continued evolution.
Rooftop food hall: The adjoining Al Maryah Central features an open-air rooftop food hall with more than 145 providers, including al fresco cafés, bistros, and fine dining restaurants.
Entertainment at The Galleria
Beyond shopping and dining, The Galleria offers a strong entertainment lineup:
VOX Cinemas: A 21-screen multiplex including an immersive IMAX experience. Mission: Play! by Mattel: A regional-first family entertainment concept. Sparky’s and Xtreme Zone: Family-friendly play and activity areas. GAME OVER Escape Rooms: A more adventure-oriented option for older visitors. Urban parks: Outdoor family activity spaces integrated into the mall’s waterfront setting.
Timings
The Galleria’s operating hours are:
Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 midnight
Individual luxury boutiques, such as CHANEL, follow these same general hours, though it’s always worth confirming with specific stores if timing matters for a particular visit, and checking the mall’s official website around public holidays.
Connectivity and How to Reach The Galleria
Abu Dhabi does not have an operational metro system, so The Galleria is reached primarily by road, though it offers some distinctive access options given its island location:
By car: The mall is accessible via Al Maryah Island’s road network, with valet parking service available on-site.
By free shuttle: A complimentary shuttle service connects The Galleria to Saadiyat Island and the Corniche, a useful option for visitors without a car who are staying in those areas.
By taxi or ride-hailing: Widely available and a straightforward way to reach the mall directly.
On foot: For visitors staying at hotels on Al Maryah Island itself, several properties offer direct internal access or are just a short walk from the mall.
Nearby Areas
The Galleria’s location on Al Maryah Island places it close to several notable spots:
Al Maryah Island’s financial district: Home to numerous office towers and international banks, making the mall a convenient stop for professionals working in the area. Luxury hotels: Several hotels on the island offer direct internal access to The Galleria or are just a two-minute walk away, with some describing views of the Gulf and the surrounding skyline. Saadiyat Island and the Corniche: Both connected via the mall’s complimentary shuttle service, putting Abu Dhabi’s cultural and waterfront attractions within easy reach.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is The Galleria located? At 107 Hamouda Bin Ali Al Dhaheri Street, on Al Maryah Island, in Abu Dhabi’s financial district.
What are The Galleria’s opening hours? 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM Sunday to Thursday, and 10:00 AM to midnight on Friday and Saturday.
Is there a metro station near The Galleria? No. Abu Dhabi does not have an operational metro system, so the mall is reached by car, taxi, or the complimentary shuttle service from Saadiyat Island or the Corniche.
What luxury brands are available at The Galleria? The mall hosts the capital’s largest collection of luxury brands, including CHANEL, DIOR, GUCCI, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Hermès.
Does The Galleria have a cinema? Yes, a 21-screen VOX Cinemas complex including an IMAX experience.
Is valet parking available? Yes, valet parking is offered at The Galleria alongside standard on-site parking.
When did The Galleria open, and has it expanded? It first opened in 2013 as a luxury retail destination, then underwent a major expansion in September 2019 that added around 250 new stores, including more accessible high-street brands.
How many restaurants does The Galleria have? More than 100 dining options, ranging from fine dining to family-friendly casual restaurants.
Final Thoughts
The Galleria’s combination of the capital’s largest luxury retail collection, a broad post-2019 mix of accessible high-street brands, and a striking waterfront setting on Al Maryah Island makes it one of Abu Dhabi’s most complete shopping and lifestyle destinations. Since it isn’t served by a metro station, planning around the free shuttle service, a taxi, or a short drive will make your visit smoother — and it’s worth checking the mall’s official website for current hours and any special events before heading out.