Shopping malls are a firmly established part of the lives of the people of Abu Dhabi. They have effectively replaced the traditional souks as one stop shopping, dining, entertainment and even business destinations. Malls are where people go to attend to their daily needs, pay their bills, do their banking, spend time with family and friends, window shop, people watch and do a myriad other things in comfortable air conditioned confines.

Phase I of the Dalma Mall completed in 2010 is among the newer additions to Abu Dhabi’s malls and is said to be the largest in Abu Dhabi and second largest in the UAE. It boasts a built up area of 250,000 sq meters that accommodates over 480 stores, Fun City a children’s entertainment area, Abu Dhabi’s largest Cineplex with 14 screens, 2,200 seats, VIP halls and 3D screenings, a food court and a selection of cafes and restaurants. Located to the east of Abu Dhabi opposite Mohammed Bin Zayed City, it is 25 km from the city centre. The mall caters mainly to the populations in a rapidly developing area of Abu Dhabi.

Designed to capture attention, Dalma Mall features a soaring interior, a glass and concrete façade and an eye catching column with an unusual capital connecting with the glass roof of the main atrium positioned in the middle of a fountain. Billed as a ‘lively lifestyle and entertainment destination’ the mall offers plush interiors, a hyper market, anchor stores featuring several well known department store brands, other stores of popular international brands, some with award winning layouts, that retail everything from clothing for the whole family to accessories, perfumes and cosmetics, watches and jewellery, pharmaceuticals, electronics, gift items, home ware, books and stationery among others. Visitor facilities include parking for 7,500 cars, a food court, cafes and restaurants with eclectic menus. The mall also hosts promotions, sales and special events to attract shoppers. These include entertainment for children with games, dance and juggling workshops, holiday celebrations and competitions. For many residents of the area the mall was built just in time as going to the city centre for daily needs was becoming too much of a hassle. As malls are now seen as more than a place to shop, the Dalma mall will accomplish an important function with regard to the population it seeks to serve.

Set amidst one of the greenest areas Anantara Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa Abu Dhabi is unlike any other city hotel. Its location perhaps dictates the style of this popular hotel in Abu Dhabi. Among its exceptional guest services are some of most spacious and well appointed accommodation in Abu Dhabi that look onto the surrounding landscape, onsite leisure facilities for men and women including an outstanding spa and dining venues known for their high quality eclectic cuisine.