Shop & Eat in Abu Dhabi’s Markets Like a Local Walking Tour

Abu Dhabi

A great way to discover the authentic side of Abu Dhabi independently!

Zayed Port

5 min

Learn about the history of Mina Zayed as you stroll towards the markets. Serving as the main port in the capital of Abu Dhabi for over 40 years, Zayed Port has the distinction of being one of the regional pioneers in the UAE’s maritime industry.

Carpet Souk

5 min

Peruse some of Abu Dhabi's finest selection of carpets in this traditional carpet souk. You can find everything from custom fitted chairs and curtains for majili living rooms to traditional materials like Sadu, a red, white and black thread unique to the Bedouins in this part of the world.

Mina Zayed

5 min

Marvel at Abu Dhabi's stunning skyline as you enter Zayed port. Get a closer look at the Mina Dhow Harbor, a great place to learn about the origins of this beautiful city. Abu Dhabi is an archipelago made up of over 200 islands! The ground we’re walking on right now isn’t physically connected to the mainland apart from bridges.

Zadina Dates

5 min

Stop by the Al Foah Dates company to discover the history of Abu Dhabi's long relationship with Palm Trees and Dates. Here at the Al Foah Date company, we’ll learn a bit more about their distribution and how many are exported around the world each year.

Bab Al Madina Karak

5 min

Try traditional Emirati tea at the City Gate Restaurant. It’s a truly delightful drink that gained popularity in the last couple of decades and made space for itself in every Emirati’s heart. Claiming its well-deserved place in the Emirati cuisine and the larger taste palate of every Abu Dhabi resident. It’s preferred for its sweet sugary taste, rich milky profile and refreshing caffeine boost.

Abu Dhabi Dates Market

5 min

Taste delightful dates and sip Arabian coffee in Mina Zayed's Dates Market. Date fruits have been gaining popularity around the world recently due to their health benefits and caramel-like sweetness. Along with the great nutritional value, dates are high in fiber and antioxidants so have become very popular with younger people.

Al Mina Fish Market

5 min

Explore the bustling fish market while looking onto Drow Harbour. Some favorites include the Shaari (Spangled Emperor), Hamour (Orange-spotted Grouper) or Safi (White-spotted Spinefoot) as well as the Kanaad (King fish) and Gasheed (shark meat dish). If you fancy grabbing a meal, you can haggle with one of the fishermen, grab yourself a fish and grill it at the shops next door.

Marsa Mina

5 min

Enjoy our Bonus Track, head up to Marsa Mina to explore their selection of food stalls and contemporary culture. Don’t forget to take in the astonishing view of the Persian Gulf as you enjoy this ambient waterfront. This really is the perfect place to wrap up today’s tour, surrounded by traditional and contemporary cuisine right by the waterfront.

Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk

10 min

Despite being situated next to a desert, Abu Dhabi hosts quite the selection of fruit & veg. As you walk through the market, notice the apples from Jordan, Oranges from Egypt, Onions from India and Mangosteens from Thailand.
While walking to the Plant Market, learn about the future of Mina Zayed and the properties currently in development. This matches a pattern that we’re seeing across the United Arab Emirates, with an increased focus on international tourism and redevelopment. However, these developments also have artistic and cultural value, such as the opening of Warehouse 421 nearby.