KHALED AL KHAWALDEH (ABU DHABI)
Abu Dhabi’s malls are set to be set alight this Ramadan with a citywide shopping and entertainment bonanza in celebration of the holy month. Between March 8 and April 14, 2024, over 3500 stores across 27 malls across the emirate will converge as part of the Layali Ramadan programme and offer unique brand promotions, live shows and dining experiences.
Moreover, Abu Dhabi Retail says enticing discounts, exclusive showcases, and limited-edition Ramadan capsule collections from renowned international brands like Jimmy Choo, MAC Cosmetics, and Michael Kors will be available.
The programme is set to have something for everyone with a wide range of locations and events catering to different ages.
Souqs, Events and More
With the traditionally late nights of Ramadan and many kids on break, keeping everyone entertained and in the spirit is crucial to enjoying the holy month. Malls across Abu Dhabi will be celebrating with an array of special souqs, shows and workshops.
Abu Dhabi Mall will be running the Ramadan Souq delights the whole month, with unique retailers’ displays in the main atrium as well as a kids’ arts & crafts workshops every weekend.
Marina Mall will also run its own “Ripe market” over the course of Ramadan & Eid Al Fitr, with an array of both handmade and modern merchandise on display weekly from around the world.
At Yas mall, the Fawazeer market promises to be jam packed with competitions and down the highway the Family Fun Fiesta at Deerfields Mall will offer daily kids’ arts and crafts sessions in addition to traditional henna and Luqaimat (sweet dumplings) as well as board games.
The Ramadan Village at Bawabat Al Sharq Mall will give patrons a chance to enjoy the enchanting sounds of Oud and Qanoun. With a similar offering at Bawadi Mall including a unique 3D Lantern experience.
Many more malls are set to also run special events during the month, ensuring all patrons across the emirate are able to join in.
Unique Retail Experiences
Several local and international brands have also come together with various malls across the Abu Dhabi Retail umbrella and will be providing unique shopping experiences across the month.
Between March 16 and 31, internationally renowned brand Michael Kors will be collaborating with No. Fifty Seven Boutique Restaurant to unveil a Ramadan capsule collection featuring the latest handbags, ready-to-wear items, and accessories many in styles or colours exclusive to the Middle East.
A “highly Instagrammable” Benefit Cosmetics Beneverse Majlis hosted at Ritual Café will display the Gen-Z brand’s eye-catching visual identity and icons. This will coincide with a curated suhoor (pre-dawn meal) menu and mirror and flower painting workshops.
During the first weekend of Ramadan, Abu Dhabi Retail and homegrown pop-up concept Mirbad will host their annual Ramadan Night Market. Over 100 vendors including coveted brands as well as up-and-coming regional talents will display stalls.
Fresh from Paris and Tokyo, Jimmy Choo’s global “The Flower Series” capsule collection roadshow will land in Abu Dhabi with a brand-new collection inspired by the capital. The collection features 11 limited edition Bonbon Bags, each of which drawing inspiration from iconic cities worldwide and will be displayed at Origami Sushi Abu Dhabi.
French luxury retailer L’Occitane will create a “village” hosted at Chapter Café and Tryano will host a Majlis at Fil Café which will include a carefully curated Ramadan edit of collections from local and regional designers across women’s, men’s, and kids’ apparel.
Many more brands will also host a litany of specialised brand events across the emirate making Ramadan nights a great way to shop in the capital