World Traveller December 2018

ABU DHABI
SET TO SHOP
Gallery goals
Abu Dhabi’s plush malls are a shopper’s delight. If
designer labels are your kryptonite then The Galleria,
Al Maryah Island, is sure to rob you of your selfcontrol.
We say give in and go try on some of the
wearable riches from the many luxury fashion, watch
and jewellery brands housed here, including Van Cleef
& Arpels, Richard Mille and Mulberry. thegalleria.ae
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Fashionable finds
The concept boutique scene is also hotting up with a
small but tempting collection of independent retailers
selling quirky, cool and collectible items. Fashionled
Minbart in the Al Raha Beach community stocks
pieces from up-and-coming local, regional and
international designers, while Bits & Pieces in the Al
Mushrif district is a repository of unique colourful
homeware, décor and kitchen trappings.
To the souk
The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri is a contemporary take on
the Arabian bazaar, with a touch of European influence
thrown in for good measure. The waterside setting
includes abras to ferry you along the man-made canal,
a plethora of water-facing dining options, plus shops
and pop-up stalls selling everything from jewellery
and accessories to perfumes. Follow your nose to
Amouage to stock up on oud-based fragrances, pick up
a cashmere pashmina or three at Toshkhana, or treat
yourself to some handcrafted jewellery at Exquisite
Antiques Gallery. soukqaryatalberi.com
The Souk at Qaryat Al Beri
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travelgoals
If you’re keen
to try authentic
Emirati cuisine, we
rate Al Fanar at
The Ritz-Carlton
Abu Dhabi Grand
Canal’s Venetian
Village. Bring your
appetite and feast
on dishes including
fish biryani and
a hearty chicken
thereed (where a
flavourful stew is
ladelled on top of
thin Arabic bread)
WHERE TO STAY
The St. Regis Abu Dhabi
Located at the heart of the city, along the corniche, The
St. Regis Abu Dhabi is famous for its Superior Sea View
rooms. Take a load off at Nation Riviera Beach Club,
which boasts its own private stretch of sand, and be
sure to squeeze in some pampering at Remède Spa.
Jumeirah at Etihad Towers
Overlooking the Arabian Gulf and the city’s
cosmopolitan corniche, the 69-storey Jumeirah at
Etihad Towers has views to write home about. The
suites here rank among the finest in the city: even
their bathrooms afford widescreen views of Abu Dhabi.
There are multiple dining outlets to enjoy, a pristine
private beach and the award-winning Talise Spa.
Jumeirah at Saadiyat Island Resort
Just a short stroll away from the sweeping protected
beachfront, this contemporary resort is brimming
with natural attractions, with mangroves, dolphins
and turtles on the doorstep. Catch a sunrise yoga
session, take a dip in one of three infinity swimming
pools and observe Hawksbill turtles on the sand during
the nesting season. Plus, it’s a stone’s throw from the
emirate’s leading cultural attractions.
World Traveller 61