Today's Edition
RABI HAMAMSAH (ABU DHABI)
Brimmed with history, Abu Dhabi’s traditional markets have many anecdotes to tell. In addition to their economic dimensions, they are hubs for cultural exchange and meeting points of civilisations.
Fitting all these attributes is the souk at Qaryat Al Beri or Souk Qaryat Al Beri as shoppers like to call it.
The souk at Qaryat Al Beri is a splendid Abu Dhabi location that embodies Arabian architecture and reflects traditional UAE hospitality and generosity. As Abu Dhabi’s gathering place of choice for both leisure and business, the souk is a popular setting for retail and brands from around the world.
Built over more than 6,000sqm and located between the Maqtaa and Musaffah bridges in Abu Dhabi, the souk is adjacent to the Shangri-La Abu Dhabi in one of the most distinguished waterfront projects of the Capital.
At the souk visitors can find an interesting fusion of Arabian architecture with a Venetian theme, as water canals meander through the souk and nearby properties with wooden abras ferrying guests to various locations.
“The souk promises to be the ultimate destination not only for tourists but also for Abu Dhabi residents with several restaurants and coffee shops overlooking the waters and the iconic Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque,’’ said Ahmad Al Balooshi, an owner of a traditional shop at the souk.
Souk Qaryat Al Beri, with its traditional and modern style, is an open space, where visitors follow their passion, and choose from a different array of goods. Everyone finds what they need in this place.
“I visit the souk twice a month. I do not come here only for shopping, but also to meet friends and colleagues to have a good time,’’ said Layla Al Mazrouie, a regular shopper at Souk Qaryat Al Beri.
She added that at this time of year, the souk is busy with tourists, shoppers, and guests, “as the tourism season and new year’s celebrations encourage all to come here’’.
Lisa Belware, a Canadian tourist, said: “The souq is not just a space that brings people together, but also it offers an opportunity to meet new people, and at the same time to get everything you need.’’
“I bought all the gifts and souvenirs to take them back home for family and friends. I found what I was looking for here. I was looking for traditional souvenirs that represent the UAE and Abu Dhabi,’’ she added.
The souk combines the designs of Arab architecture on the one hand and the unique touch of the Italian city of Venice on the other, which adds to the capital a distinctive mark among the series of huge projects already existing in Abu Dhabi.
The most distinctive feature of the souk is the water canals located at its waterfront, which make their way through it and through the neighbouring landmarks, where wooden abras ferries transport guests and shoppers from it to several nearby places.
The spread of ferries to the adjacent beach is one of the attractions that the souk draws as a tourist destination that integrates development in everything.
“It is the second time that I have visited this market and I was truly amazed by the extent of the urban sophistication it enjoys. Here one feels that they are on a touristic relaxation trip, where they forget the traffic and urban congestion. The evidence to what I said is that after the shopping tour I chose to stay here for more time and taste the Italian pasta in this place, overlooking the sea,’’ said Abir Hajjar, an expat living in Abu Dhabi.
