Souk World Trade Center Abu Dhabi
A vibrant marketplace blending traditional Emirati culture with modern retail, offering spices, gold, crafts, and diverse dining.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler and more atmospheric
Souk World Trade Center Abu Dhabi
Best Time
Cooler and more atmospheric

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant marketplace blending traditional Emirati culture with modern retail, offering spices, gold, crafts, and diverse dining.
"Explore artisan finds, mouthwatering eats, and a beautiful blend of tradition and modernity at WTC Souk.
"🎯 Bargain for Gold
Don't hesitate to negotiate prices, especially in the gold souk for the best deals.
🛍️ Souvenir Hunting
The Souk is ideal for unique UAE souvenirs like spices, dates, and traditional crafts.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Traditional Souk
Ground floor
Wander through winding lanes filled with spices, perfumes, gold jewelry, and handcrafted items. A vibrant taste of Emirati heritage.

Gold Souk
Within The Souk
Admire intricate traditional designs in gold jewelry. A dazzling display for shoppers and browsers alike.

Artisan and Souvenir Shops
Throughout The Souk
Find unique gifts, from fragrant oud and textiles to decorative pieces, offering a more authentic shopping experience.
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Souk Vibe
Navigating the WTC Complex
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Bargain for Gold
Don't hesitate to negotiate prices, especially in the gold souk for the best deals.
🛍️ Souvenir Hunting
The Souk is ideal for unique UAE souvenirs like spices, dates, and traditional crafts.
☕ Enjoy a Coffee Break
Many shops offer complimentary tea or coffee while you browse.
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking can be challenging; allow extra time and pay attention to exit routes.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Bargain for Gold
Don't hesitate to negotiate prices, especially in the gold souk for the best deals.
🛍️ Souvenir Hunting
The Souk is ideal for unique UAE souvenirs like spices, dates, and traditional crafts.
☕ Enjoy a Coffee Break
Many shops offer complimentary tea or coffee while you browse.
🚗 Parking Pointers
Parking can be challenging; allow extra time and pay attention to exit routes.
🍽️ Diverse Dining
Explore The Hub for a wide range of international and local food options.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The World Trade Center Abu Dhabi offers a blend of traditional souk charm and modern mall convenience. Visitors appreciate the variety of goods in The Souk, from spices to gold, and the diverse dining options in The Hub. However, some find the mall itself lacks high-end luxury and parking can be a bit confusing.
"An old mall with a wood interior. No luxury shops, high end boutique or fine dining. Connected with a bridge to the old souq that's just a tourist trap. No need to go there, Abu Dhabi is full of best options for shipping."
Giacomo Valducci
"Food, beauty procedures, shopping and movies - happy moments are easier to create with WTC Mall."
Aizhan Ussenaliyeva
"I love this mall. They should have classified the shops according to what they are selling and set a place in each category. They should allow also longer parking at least not exceeding 5 hours for the customer to roam without worry of the parking. Also add more space and variety of restaurants."
IszE Me
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Souk at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi is centrally located. Taxis and ride-sharing services like Uber are readily available and convenient from Abu Dhabi Airport and other parts of the city.
While specific bus routes can vary, public buses do serve the city center area. Checking local transport apps for the most up-to-date routes is recommended. Taxis are generally the most straightforward option.
The WTC complex has a multi-story car park. Visitors have noted it can be a bit difficult to navigate, so allow extra time for parking and exiting.
Yes, its central location makes it very accessible. It's a popular spot for tourists looking for a taste of local culture and shopping.
Depending on your starting point, it might be a long walk. However, it's relatively close to many downtown hotels and attractions, making a short taxi ride efficient.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to The Souk at World Trade Center Abu Dhabi is free. You only pay for any purchases you make.
The Souk generally follows the mall's operating hours, typically open from morning until late evening. It's best to check the official WTC Abu Dhabi website for the most current hours.
Similar to The Souk, there is no admission fee for the World Trade Center Mall. Shopping and dining costs apply to your purchases.
Absolutely! The Souk is connected to the WTC Mall, making it easy to explore both in one visit.
While not as frequent as in older, more traditional souks, WTC Abu Dhabi sometimes hosts events. It's worth checking their social media or website for any upcoming cultural activities.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You can find a variety of traditional items including spices, perfumes, dates, handcrafted jewelry, textiles, and decorative pieces. It's a great place for authentic Emirati gifts.
There's a street full of gold shops near the WTC, and the Gold Souk within The Souk itself offers many options for traditional gold jewelry. Remember to bargain!
The WTC Mall offers a range of branded stores, though some reviews suggest it may not have the ultra-luxury boutiques found in other Abu Dhabi malls. It's a good mix of international and local brands.
Yes, perfumes and oud are popular items found in The Souk, offering a wide selection of traditional scents.
Yes, the date market is a highlight, offering various types of dates, some with fillings and chocolate coatings.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The complex offers a diverse range of dining, from casual eateries to fine dining. The Hub, in particular, features international cuisines like Indian, Thai, Chinese, and Italian.
While The Souk focuses on retail, the wider WTC complex and The Hub offer various restaurants, some of which may serve Middle Eastern or Emirati-inspired dishes.
Yes, you can find cafes within The Souk and the adjacent mall. Many shops also offer complimentary tea or coffee to visitors.
The Souk is primarily for shopping, but the connected WTC Mall and The Hub have extensive food court and restaurant options.
Dining prices vary widely. You can find budget-friendly options in the food court areas, as well as more upscale dining experiences.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of individuals or specific shop displays.
The winding lanes, traditional architecture, vibrant spice displays, and gold jewelry shops offer excellent photo opportunities. The contrast between the traditional Souk and modern mall architecture is also striking.
Yes, the atmospheric lanes and colorful displays make it a very Instagrammable location, blending traditional charm with modern elements.
You can take photos of the displays, but for close-ups of specific pieces, it's best to ask the shopkeeper first.
Drone photography is generally not permitted in indoor public spaces like malls and souks. Always check local regulations if considering aerial photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Souk offers a cultural experience, keep in mind that it can get crowded. The connected mall provides air-conditioned comfort and a wider variety of food choices that might appeal to picky eaters. Parking can be a bit of a maze, so factor in extra time when arriving with children.
💰 Budget Travelers
For dining, explore The Hub or the food court options within The Mall for more budget-friendly meals compared to standalone restaurants. You can also find great deals on dates and local snacks in the souk itself.
💍 Couples & Shoppers
For dedicated shoppers, the WTC complex provides a good mix. The Souk is perfect for finding distinctive souvenirs and gifts, while The Mall caters to those looking for branded fashion and other retail items. Enjoying a meal at one of the diverse restaurants in The Hub makes for a complete outing.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The WTC Souk: A Cultural Hub
Key attractions within The Souk include the Gold Souk, where intricate traditional jewelry is displayed, and numerous shops offering spices, perfumes, oud, textiles, and handcrafted souvenirs. It's a popular spot for tourists seeking unique gifts and a glimpse into Emirati heritage. Many vendors are welcoming and may offer complimentary tea or coffee, adding to the hospitable atmosphere.
While some Redditors note that Abu Dhabi's souks may not yet have the same 'old town' feel as those in Doha or Dubai, the WTC Souk provides a convenient and accessible way to experience traditional shopping within a modern setting. It's a place where you can find both authentic local products and enjoy the convenience of a connected mall.
Navigating the World Trade Center Complex
Visitors often find it helpful to distinguish between the different sections. The Souk is for traditional crafts and souvenirs, while The Mall offers a more conventional shopping experience with fashion, electronics, and a hypermarket. The Hub is the go-to for a wide array of culinary delights, catering to diverse tastes.
Practical advice from visitors highlights that while the complex is well-equipped, parking can be a bit challenging, and navigating the exit routes requires attention. Planning your visit to focus on specific areas like The Souk or The Hub can make the experience more enjoyable.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit