Mafraq Mall Abu Dhabi is a community shopping center in the Baniyas East area, catering primarily to the residents. Launched in 2012, Mafraq Mall offers a well-organized selection of stores, a hypermarket, eateries, and a few entertainment facilities, all in one place. Located near the E11 highway, this family-oriented mall is a comfortable, casual choice for shopping in Abu Dhabi, alongside the major shopping centers.
| Key Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Baniyas East, Abu Dhabi (Al Muwajjii St) |
| Opening Year | 2012 |
| Developer | Al Tawasoul Properties (with TDIC) |
| Floors | G+1 (Ground + 1st Floor) |
| Gross Leasable Area (GLA) | ~35,652 m² |
| Total Area | ~74,276 m² |
| Number of Shops | ~125 |
| Major Tenants | AD Co-operative Soc. hypermarket, Sharaf DG, Max, H&M, Zara |
| Parking | Free (limited spaces) |
| Opening Hours | Sat–Wed: 8 AM–11 PM; Thu–Fri: 8 AM–12 AM |
History & Development
Origins and Opening Date
Mafraq Mall in Baniyas East opened its doors to the public in 2012. It is a project of Al Tawasoul Properties (in partnership with Abu Dhabi’s TDIC) and was built to meet the needs of the expanding Mafraq/Industrial District. The name “Mafraq” (meaning “crossroads” in Arabic) represents the mall’s function as a local community hub. The idea was to bring together retail, dining and entertainment from around the world for the convenience of suburban residents.
Location & Accessibility
Address & Surroundings
Where is Mafraq Mall located? It sits on Al Muwajjii Street in the Baniyas East district of Abu Dhabi. This puts it about 20 minutes from downtown Abu Dhabi and close to communities such as Al Shawamekh, Baniyas North, and MBZ City. The mall’s strategic site off the major E11 highway makes it highly accessible by car or taxi.
Getting There
- By Road: Mafraq Mall is easily reached via the E11 (Abu Dhabi–Al Ain Road). Drivers can input “Mafraq Mall” into the GPS. Ample free parking is available on-site (though spaces fill up during peak times).
- By Bus: Abu Dhabi’s public buses 410, 405, and 404 each stop directly at Mafraq Mall. These routes connect the mall with LifeCare Hospital, Mussafah, and downtown terminuses, all with dedicated stops at the mall entrance.
- By Taxi: Taxis and ride-hailing apps are plentiful in Abu Dhabi. You can hail a cab or use the official TransAD service (600 53 53 53) to reach Mafraq Mall. Taxi drop-off points are located near the main entrance, making it easy for visitors without a car.
Architectural Design & Layout
Structure & Floors
Mafraq Mall is a contemporary double-storey building (ground + first floor) housing approximately 125 retail units. The design is quite simple – broad hallways and clear signage make it very easy, even for first-time visitors, to find their way around. An open atrium allows sunlight to pass through the floors, thus creating a fresh and light atmosphere.
Design Highlights
The architecture emphasizes clean lines and natural light. Large glass facades flood the interior with sunlight, giving the mall a warm and inviting feel. Compared to flashier centers like Yas Mall, Mafraq Mall opts for a practical, low-slung design that harmonizes with the desert surroundings. The exterior is characterized by smooth walls and a simple color palette, while the interior uses neutral tones and the Bani Yas tribal motif subtly in decor.
Layout Features
Primary facilities (hypermarket, cinema, food court) are located in the same area to reduce the distance customers have to walk. The family and kids’ zones are combined, and service amenities (ATMs, lottery tickets, pharmacy) are easily accessible on the ground floor.
Broad entrances and several access points are designed to spread out visitor flow, and shops are hardly ever crowded, even during rush hours.
Retail Experience
Stores & Brands
Despite being a community mall, Mafraq Mall has a surprisingly wide range of stores. Those who go there will discover popular international and regional brands, as well as local shops. Among the well-known ones are Max, H&M, Splash, Zara, Adidas, and Damas Jewellery, which target the fashion, sportswear and accessories markets. Lovers of technology and gadgets can check out the shops at Sharaf DG and E-Max. For regular daily needs, there is a stationery shop (Ask Me Stationery), a flower and gift shop (Jolnar Flowers), and even a laundry service (Al Ghabat).
In short, retail therapy at Mafraq Mall covers fashion, beauty, electronics and convenience. Many brands have mid-range prices, so shoppers enjoy modern offerings without the luxury-mall markup. The overall vibe is relaxed – you can run errands or enjoy a casual stroll through the stores without the crowds typical of downtown malls.
Shopping Atmosphere
The mall here is absolutely relaxed and a perfect spot for the family to walk around. The calming, laid-back music in the background makes it easy to find something just right by pulling on the jacket there. Bright signs are visible where goods are, and current deals circulate, from time to time, at the Abu Dhabi Co-op. Some benches are in different places, such as outdoor cafes, where people can let off steam while shopping. The main point is that instead of spending on the elite, the functionality of the mall should be the primary focus.
Grocery & Daily Essentials
Supermarket & Hypermarket
The prime attraction of Mafraq Mall is the Sary store found on its premises. It comprises a branch of a cooperative society in Abu Dhabi, a prominent grocery chain in the region. The store offers a wide range of products, including fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, meats, frozen foods, cleaning products, and household items. Apart from the convenience of the store being in the mall, people living in the vicinity can also reach it quickly to buy their groceries and other essentials. People visiting the place can get their daily essentials and fresh food without having to go to another mall.
Daily Essentials
Beyond groceries, the mall includes outlets for the essentials of daily life. There is a full-service pharmacy (Shefaa Al Madeena Pharmacy), offering medicines and wellness products. Home needs are covered by general stores (e.g., April General Trading). The presence of a bank ATM (First Abu Dhabi Bank) and even a Big Ticket lottery counter ensures visitors can handle common errands while shopping. In short, Mafraq Mall doubles as a one-stop shop for your weekly provisions and daily needs.
Dining & Culinary Scene
Fast-Food & Quick Bites
The food court and quick-service options at Mafraq Mall cater to all tastes. International fast-food chains like McDonald’s, KFC, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and Mandilicious offer familiar menus. If you’re in the mood for something more local, eateries like Al Ra’ai (Arab-style cafeterias) and Malfoof Wa Haris serve hearty Emirati and Middle Eastern dishes. Coffee and sweets are also plentiful: Costa Coffee and Baskin-Robbins satisfy caffeine and ice cream cravings, while Cake Gallery and Spicy Oasis offer cakes and burgers, respectively.
Casual Restaurants & Cafés
For sit-down meals, there are family-friendly restaurants and lounges. For example, Lebanese Flower serves Mediterranean fare, and Saudi Kitchen offers traditional Saudi dishes. These venues are ideal for family lunches or dinners. A cozy cafeteria (Hot Break) provides sandwiches and pastries. Many of these restaurants have play areas or viewing windows, making them kid-friendly.
Cafés & Desserts
Coffee and dessert lovers won’t feel left out. Aside from Costa and Baskin-Robbins in the food court, the mall has small cafes and kiosks for drinks: Costa Coffee for lattes, and Mandilicious for its signature mandi rice dishes. Casual ambiance spots like Cake Gallery (with pastries) add to the variety. Overall, Mafraq Mall’s dining scene is informal and affordable – perfect for family outings or a quick snack between shops.
Entertainment & Leisure
Cinema Complex
One of Mafraq Mall’s highlight attractions is its multi-screen cinema (Oscar Cinema), which offers the latest Bollywood, Hollywood, and regional films. With six screens and comfortable seating, it’s a top draw for movie fans. Cinemagoers enjoy new releases without traveling far, often taking advantage of combo deals in the mall’s cafes. The cinema shows films in Arabic and English, and occasionally family-oriented movies, making it a popular spot for weekend family outings.
Children’s Play Area
Mafraq Mall features a safe indoor kids’ play zone. Brightly colored and monitored play equipment lets children burn off energy in a secure environment while parents shop. Slides, ball pits and interactive games keep youngsters entertained. The play area is located adjacent to the food court, so families can relax at a café while keeping an eye on their kids. This kid-friendly amenity is a real plus, as it lets the whole family enjoy a day out (including the children).
Leisure & Community Events
Aside from the cinema and play area, Mafraq Mall occasionally hosts community events, such as seasonal markets and children’s activities (especially during holidays). There’s a quiet seating area near the main entrance where local announcements or charity drives sometimes take place. The mall managers have aimed to make the space feel communal; for example, municipal “Tawasul” campaigns have used neighborhood malls (including Mafraq Mall) to survey visitors about city services. These efforts make the mall more than just a shopping center – it’s a small cultural hub for the district.
Amenities & Services
Financial & Essential Services
Mafraq Mall includes many convenient services. As noted, there’s an in-mall ATM (First Abu Dhabi Bank) and a Big Ticket raffle counter. Visitors can also find a pharmacy (mentioned earlier), a currency exchange counter, and public restrooms. Clean, well-signposted washrooms are on each level, including baby-changing facilities. Throughout the mall, free Wi-Fi is available, so you can stay connected while you shop or relax.
Family & Accessibility
The mall is family-friendly: it provides stroller rentals at the entrance and has wide, ramped entrances for wheelchair access. Elevators and escalators connect the two floors smoothly. Security and information desks are present near the main entrance. Luggage carts can be borrowed for large grocery loads. The mall’s staff are generally attentive, with a security team patrolling the premises. Together, these services ensure a comfortable visit for all ages and needs.
Community & Cultural Engagement
Mafraq Mall was envisioned as a community centerpiece for Mafraq. It frequently participates in local initiatives. For instance, during National Day or religious holidays, you’ll see special decorations and local cultural performances in the atrium. The mall management often partners with nearby schools and organizations for charity drives and educational events. This community focus makes the mall a gathering place beyond commerce: neighbors meet here for social activities and civic feedback sessions. The developers continue to work with Abu Dhabi authorities to integrate the mall into the Tawasul (public participation) platform, ensuring residents’ voices are heard about neighborhood services.
Shopping Tips & Best Times to Visit
Smart Shopping Strategies
- Weekday mornings: If you prefer a quieter experience, visit then. The mall is least busy from Sunday to Thursday before noon.
- Family deals: Watch for the Bani Yas Co-operative’s weekly promotions. Mafraq Mall often features weekly deals (such as “Tuesday Souq” offers) on groceries and household items. Checking the co-op’s catalogues can save you a bundle.
- Festive seasons: Expect special sales during Ramadan, Eid, and other festivals. The mall stays open later during these periods, with extended food court hours.
Avoiding Crowds
Weekends (Friday/Saturday) can be busy, especially late in the afternoon. To avoid congestion, try to come early (the mall opens at 8 AM). Also, parking fills up quickly on Fridays, so arriving just after opening time is best. If you can, use one of the public buses (routes 410/405/404) – you’ll skip parking hassle and get off right at the entrance.
Tourist Accessibility
Mafraq Mall is primarily a local destination, so it’s not a major tourist hotspot. However, tourists staying in mainland Abu Dhabi can easily reach it by taxi from central attractions (the trip takes about 30 minutes from the Corniche). The mall is not on any major tourist circuit. Still, its proximity to Sheikh Shakhbout Medical City and several commercial projects means international visitors working or living nearby might stop by. Nearby amenities include a few budget hotels and residences, making Mafraq Mall a convenient stop for expats or business travelers based on that side of the city.
Safety & Security
Like all Abu Dhabi malls, Mafraq Mall follows strict safety and security standards. The complex is monitored by CCTV cameras and patrolled by uniformed security guards. There are clear emergency exits and frequent fire drills. Mall policy is family-friendly, with lost-and-found and child-safe zones near security. Visitors are advised to keep an eye on their belongings (as in any public place), but overall, the atmosphere is calm and well-managed. If you ever need assistance, the information desk near the entrance can help with directions or any mall-related queries.
Sustainability & Eco-Friendly Initiatives
While Mafraq Mall is primarily functional, it incorporates a few eco-conscious features. The large skylights and facade windows maximize natural lighting, reducing daytime electricity use. The developer has announced plans for rooftop solar panels (common in new UAE malls), though these were not installed at opening. Recycling bins for paper, plastic and cans are placed around the mall. In line with Abu Dhabi’s green building regulations, the mall uses LED lighting in public areas and motion sensors in service corridors to reduce energy consumption. Moreover, restaurant waste is partially composted or sent to authorized recyclers, reflecting the city’s zero-waste goals. While not a certified “green building,” Mafraq Mall is making strides toward sustainability in daily operations.
Business Opportunities
Mafraq Mall is an excellent place for retailers and service providers who want to focus on Abu Dhabi’s mass market. Since the customer base is primarily suburban, rental rates here are generally lower than those in city center malls. This pricing model works well for franchise brands, especially in the food, fashion, and electronics sectors, that aim to have low-cost retail space. The consistent turnover of the co-op hypermarket and well-known brands such as Sharaf DG serve as a good indicator of regular visitors.
As the residential areas around continue to develop, particularly with the rise of Shakhbout City, the demand for more outlets and services is likely to increase. Furthermore, the opening of Madinati Mall in Shakhbout City by the same developer may be viewed by investors as a signal of confidence in the area’s long-term growth. In general, Mafraq Mall is a good option for anyone looking to enter the Abu Dhabi retail market at a cost significantly lower than prime downtown locations.
Visitor Demographics
Mafraq Mall’s loyal crowd is largely made up of local families, workers, and students. The immediate vicinity of residential communities and industrial areas is a source of many blue-collar workers and young professionals, especially during lunch breaks and after work. Most customers come in casual clothes, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see families with kids here having fun. The mall is not a major draw for tourists, business travelers, or luxury shoppers, as these segments typically visit larger malls like Yas Mall or City Centre Abu Dhabi.
The visitor community is thus multicultural. Locals from Bani Yas shop side by side with expatriates from South Asia, other Arab countries, and parts of Africa who live in nearby neighborhoods. The busiest times go along with these trends: very early in the morning and late in the evening, professionals are the ones who come around. At the same time, weekends experience a considerable rise in family visits.
A Comparison with Other Abu Dhabi Malls
Mafraq Mall is way smaller and more practical than Abu Dhabi’s gigantic shopping venues. To put things into perspective, the Yas Mall on Yas Island is approximately 235,000 sq m, making it the largest mall in the emirate. Meanwhile, Mafraq Mall is only about 74,000 sq m, which makes it more like a neighborhood strip mall. It is not a place where one can find several high-end brands, and it does not have any facilities linking it to theme parks or major tourist attractions either.
In terms of size, Mafraq Mall is at the same level as Madinati Mall in the nearby Shakhbout City or Bawabat Al Sharq Mall. The three malls primarily cater to locals in their immediate vicinity and offer only mid-range brands. The distinguishing factor of Mafraq Mall is its role as a service point for the northern mainland. Bawabat Al Sharq primarily serves Al Shahama and the surrounding villa communities, while Madinati Mall’s target market is Shakhbout residents. Budget shoppers will find that Mafraq Mall is a good match for other value-oriented malls such as Mushrif Mall, which also has a cooperative anchor store and discount retailers.
In general, Mafraq Mall is known mainly for its convenient location and deep focus on the local community. On the contrary, big malls such as Yas Mall or City Centre Abu Dhabi mostly attract tourists and luxury consumers. Consumers of high-end, fancy brands might decide to go somewhere else, but buyers seeking regular value will get very fair prices at Mafraq Mall, considering it is in Abu Dhabi.
Future Plans & Developments
There hasn’t been a big public announcement about the expansion of Mafraq Mall. But the neighborhood around it is changing quite fast. ADQ’s Shakhbout (formerly Al Mafraq) City project is turning the land around into new residential neighborhoods. As the areas of Al Samha and Hyadiyah continue to grow, more people will likely come to the mall. A few industry insiders think that the developer might add another floor or increase parking in a future phase.
At the same time, Madinati Mall, a new venture by the same owners that had its grand opening in 2023, features three levels of shopping and houses international big-name stores like Carrefour. It certainly signals faith in the district’s prospects for the long term. If the concept of Madinati Mall proves profitable, Mafraq Mall could become a fashion destination featuring the most luxurious brands or focus more on leisure activities. At the moment, it seems the focus is on giving local services a facelift, adding new restaurants, possibly a gym for fitness enthusiasts, and making more event space available. The retail sector in Abu Dhabi is always transforming, so one should expect seasonal pop-up markets and new franchise openings in the coming years.
Practical Information
- Opening Hours: As noted, Mafraq Mall runs daily from 8 AM–11 PM (Saturday–Wednesday) and 8 AM–12 AM on Thursday and Friday. Stores may have slightly varied hours, but supermarkets and food court outlets stick to mall hours.
- Contact: The mall’s management office can be reached at +971-2-585-9529. They can answer specific questions about leasing, events, or general assistance.
- Parking: Free but limited. For busy times, arriving early or using public transit is advisable.
- Website & Social: While the mall lacks a dedicated official site, most of its promotions are on the Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society’s social pages (for grocery deals) and local community boards.
Conclusion
Mafraq Mall in Abu Dhabi probably isn’t the shiniest or biggest mall in the city. However, it serves an important role by providing convenience and value in everyday family life. Its emphasis on essentials such as grocery shopping, pharmacy services, and casual eateries, along with family-oriented entertainment options like a movie theater and a kids’ play area, makes it a practical destination for residents. By accommodating popular mid-range brands and hosting frequent sales, the mall makes shopping affordable and accessible.
Living in the area or just being a traveler through the northern suburbs, one thing you will probably find with Mafraq Mall is a very comfortable and hassle-free shopping experience. The place looks clean, safe, and very inviting. You can shop, eat a nice meal, and even see a movie without being surrounded by the big crowds that one can see in bigger malls. Abu Dhabi is growing, and hence, the mall’s function in the community will undoubtedly increase. For that reason, it remains a good choice for anyone who wants to see what the daily life of a city resident looks like.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Mafraq Mall located?
Mafraq Mall is located in the Baniyas East (Al Samha) area of Abu Dhabi, on Al Muwajjii Street just off the E11 highway. It is about a 20-minute drive from downtown Abu Dhabi. The mall is part of the Al Mafraq community and is easily accessible by car or public transit.
When did Mafraq Mall Abu Dhabi open?
The mall opened its doors in 2012. It was built to serve the growing residential communities around Mafraq and Baniyas.
Which is the largest mall in Abu Dhabi?
The largest mall in Abu Dhabi is Yas Mall on Yas Island, covering about 235,000 m². By comparison, Mafraq Mall’s total area is much smaller, at approximately 74,000 m². Yas Mall also features over 370 stores and luxury brands, while Mafraq Mall focuses on local, everyday shopping needs.
What is cheaper in Abu Dhabi for shopping?
For budget-friendly shopping in Abu Dhabi, consider visiting local cooperatives and traditional markets. Stores such as Bani Yas Co-op (Lulu) or Union Co-op often offer lower prices on groceries and household goods. Discount outlets and malls like Mushrif Mall also provide affordable options. The central Souk in the Heritage Village area and seasonal sale events can offer good bargains. In general, neighborhood supermarkets tend to have more affordable prices than high-end malls.
What is famous to buy in Abu Dhabi?
Abu Dhabi is known for souvenirs such as premium dates, Arabic coffee pots (dallahs), oud and Arabic perfumes, traditional Emirati clothing, Persian rugs, gold and silver jewelry, and sweet treats like dates with nuts and lokum. Many shoppers look for fragrant oud, local handicrafts, and high-quality dates to take home from the UAE.
