The souk qaryat al beri is a free to enter, two level waterfront market in the Khor Al Maqta area of Abu Dhabi, set between Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri and Traders Hotel near Maqta Bridge. Its design blends a traditional Arabian souk with Venetian style canals, so you can stroll covered lanes, ride an abra boat and dine by the water with views of the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque. Shops sell perfume, oud, jewellery, carpets and clothing, and the souk opens daily from 10am to 10pm, with later hours at weekends.
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Table of Contents
Quick Facts About The Souk Qaryat Al Beri
Here is everything you need before you go, based on the latest details listed by Visit Abu Dhabi.
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Location | Khor Al Maqta, Bain Al Jessrain, between Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri and Traders Hotel |
| Address | Al Khor Street, near Maqta Bridge, Abu Dhabi |
| Opening hours | Daily from 10am to 10pm, and until midnight at weekends |
| Entry | Free |
| Time needed | Two to three hours |
| Best time to visit | Evenings from November to March |
| Getting around | On foot or by abra boat through the canals |
Opening hours may change on public holidays and during Ramadan, and terms and conditions apply.
Where Is The Souk Qaryat Al Beri and How to Get There
The souk is on Al Khor Street near Maqta Bridge, in the Bain Al Jessrain area on the mainland side of Abu Dhabi. It is part of the Qaryat Al Beri complex, which links Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri on one side and Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri on the other.
- By taxi or car: about fifteen to twenty minutes from Abu Dhabi city centre and the Corniche.
- From Zayed International Airport: about ten to fifteen minutes by road.
- From Dubai: around one hour and fifteen minutes by car in normal traffic.
- Parking: visitor parking and valet service are available at the complex.
Restaurants and Food Spots With Canal Views
Dining is the main reason most people come here. Many restaurants have terraces on the water, and at sunset the lit up Grand Mosque across the canal makes a beautiful backdrop. Options open at the time of writing include:
- Ushna: Indian cuisine with outdoor seating facing the mosque.
- Entrecote Cafe de Paris: French style steak and fries on Level 1.
- Abd El Wahab: Lebanese mezze and grills.
- Cafés: Starbucks and other cafés for coffee and a light bite by the water.
For a special night out, Shangri-La next door is home to Shang Palace for Chinese food and Bord Eau by Nicolas Isnard, a French restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide. Recent visitors note that some restaurants and shops in the souk have closed, so it is calmer than it used to be. Restaurants here change from time to time, so it is a good idea to reserve a waterfront table for sunset, especially on weekends.
Shopping at The Souk Qaryat Al Beri
The souk is smaller and quieter than a big mall, which makes it a relaxed place to shop. Along its arched, air conditioned lanes you will find:
- Perfume and oud shops with traditional Arabian scents
- Gold, diamond and pearl jewellery stores
- Carpets, lamps and Arabian home décor
- Abayas, kandoras and fashion boutiques
- Gifts and souvenirs to take home
Some units are closed or change owners over time, so the mix of shops may differ from your last visit.
Abra Boat Rides Through the Canals
Traditional wooden abras glide through the man made waterways that connect the souk with the two hotels. A short ride is a lovely way to see the Venetian style bridges and the Grand Mosque from the water, and it is a favourite with children and couples.
Hotels and Resorts Near the Souk
Staying nearby means you can walk to dinner and enjoy the canals after dark. Popular choices include:
- Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri: a beach resort connected to the souk, with Grand Mosque views.
- Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri: a good value option on the other side of the souk.
- Shangri-La Residences: serviced apartments for longer stays and families.
- Fairmont Bab Al Bahr: a beachfront hotel a short drive away.
- The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal: a Venetian inspired resort along the same creek.
- Andalus Al Seef Resort: next to Al Seef Village Mall in Khor Al Maqta.
Staying in Abu Dhabi for a few nights? White Sky can help you plan the rest of your trip, including flights and airport transfers, with the option to pay through Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card instalments for up to twelve months. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133. See our guide to Abu Dhabi budget hotels with Tabby.
Tourist Places to Visit Nearby
The souk fits easily into a full day of sightseeing. Close by you can visit:
- Al Seef Village Mall, a waterfront shopping walk a few minutes away
- The Grand Mosque, the city’s most famous landmark, just across the canal
- Qasr Al Watan, the presidential palace and cultural landmark
- Louvre Abu Dhabi on Saadiyat Island
- Umm Al Emarat Park for green space in the city
- Ferrari World Yas Island for theme park thrills
- Masdar City Central Park for shaded walks and a fog harvesting tower
Tips for Visiting
- Visit in the evening for cooler air and the best views of the Grand Mosque lights.
- November to March has the most pleasant weather for sitting outdoors.
- Weekdays are quieter than weekends.
- Dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, as in other public places in Abu Dhabi.
- Book a waterfront table ahead if you want a sunset view.
Related Articles
Planning more of Abu Dhabi? These guides will help:
- Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Abu Dhabi UAE: Visitor Guide
- Al Seef Village Mall Abu Dhabi: Shops, Dining, The Walk and Nearby Attractions
- Qasr Al Watan In Abu Dhabi: How to Visit the Presidential Palace
- Etihad Towers Abu Dhabi: Observation Deck, Hotels and Things to Do
- Nation Towers Mall Abu Dhabi: Shops, Cinema, Dining and Nearby Attractions
- Al Bateen Beach Abu Dhabi: Timings, Location and Tips
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the souk qaryat al beri?
The souk is on Al Khor Street near Maqta Bridge in the Khor Al Maqta (Bain Al Jessrain) area of Abu Dhabi. It sits between Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri and Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, facing the canal opposite the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque.
What are the opening hours of the souk qaryat al beri?
The souk opens daily from 10am to 10pm, and stays open until midnight at weekends. Restaurants and individual shops set their own hours, and timings may change.
Is there an entry fee for the souk qaryat al beri?
No. Entry to the souk is free. You only pay for what you buy, eat or book, such as a meal or an abra ride.
Can you take an abra ride at the souk?
Yes. Traditional abra boats move guests through the man made canals that link the souk with Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri and Traders Hotel, and the ride is one of the highlights of a visit.
Which restaurants are at the souk qaryat al beri?
Restaurants open at the time of writing include Ushna for Indian food, Abd El Wahab for Lebanese dishes and Entrecote Cafe de Paris, plus cafés such as Starbucks. Shang Palace and Bord Eau are inside Shangri-La next door. Some units have closed, and the line up changes from time to time.
Which hotels are near the souk qaryat al beri?
The closest are Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri and Traders Hotel Qaryat Al Beri, which connect directly to the souk. Shangri-La Residences, Fairmont Bab Al Bahr, The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi Grand Canal and Andalus Al Seef Resort are also nearby.
Is the souk qaryat al beri good for families?
Yes. The souk is air conditioned, calm and easy to walk, with cafés and abra rides that children enjoy. Weekday evenings are the quietest time to visit.
How far is the souk qaryat al beri from Dubai?
The drive from Dubai takes about one hour and fifteen minutes in normal traffic, depending on where you start. From Abu Dhabi city centre it is around fifteen to twenty minutes by car or taxi, and Zayed International Airport is about ten to fifteen minutes away.
Conclusion
The souk qaryat al beri is one of the most charming spots in Abu Dhabi for a relaxed evening, with free entry, canal side dining, abra rides and some of the best views of the Grand Mosque in the city. Pair it with nearby attractions and a stay at one of the Qaryat Al Beri hotels for an easy, memorable trip.
Let White Sky Travel and Tourism take care of your flights, hotels and transfers to Abu Dhabi, with the option to pay in instalments through Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit cards. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 and our team will plan your visit.
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