Al Dhannah Mall is a two level community shopping mall in Al Dhannah City (Ruwais), in the Al Dhafra region of Abu Dhabi, about 240 km west of Abu Dhabi city. Opened in 2014 and originally known as Ruwais Mall, it is the main place to shop, eat and relax in the Western Region. Inside you will find Lulu Hypermarket, a four screen Royal Cinemas, a first floor food court, Starbucks, family fashion brands such as Splash, Babyshop and Shoemart, Daiso, Bath & Body Works, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, banks, a pharmacy and the Fantasy kids play and bowling area. It is a handy stop for residents and visitors heading to the Jebel Dhanna beaches, Sir Bani Yas Island or Dalma Island.
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Table of Contents
Shopping and leisure at Al Dhannah Mall
This mall features a mix of local and international brands to support the daily needs of visitors. You can find everything from grocery staples to fashion outlets within the facility, and it is one of the few full shopping malls in Al Dhafra. If you are comparing it with malls in the capital, see our guide to Abu Dhabi malls.
| Store type | Best for | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Hypermarket | Grocery shopping | Lulu Hypermarket |
| Cinema | Entertainment | Royal Cinemas |
| Fashion | Apparel needs | Splash, Babyshop, Shoemart, Bath & Body Works |
| Dining | Casual meals | Food court, Starbucks, KFC |
| Services | Banking needs | RAKBANK, ADIB, Lulu Exchange |
Lulu Hypermarket
The hypermarket acts as the primary destination for weekly grocery shopping and household goods in the region. It suits families who need to stock up on food, cleaning supplies, and general home items in a single visit.
- Carries a wide range of fresh produce and meat.
- Includes sections for electronics and home appliances.
- Provides bulk purchase options for household essentials.
Lulu Hypermarket is generally open daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM, so you can shop early or late. Timings may change during Ramadan and public holidays.
Royal Cinemas
Royal Cinemas runs a four screen cinema with seating for around 414 guests, showing the latest international films. It suits moviegoers who want a big screen night out without driving to Abu Dhabi city.
- Screens the latest international releases.
- Features comfortable seating for long film sessions.
- Offers concession stands for snacks and drinks.
Showtimes vary by film and day, and timings may change during holidays.
Retail and fashion outlets
The retail wing focuses on family fashion, footwear, beauty, fragrance, jewellery and watches. Stores include Splash, Babyshop, Shoemart, Sun & Sand Sports, Brand Central, Lifestyle, Daiso, Bath & Body Works, Ajmal Perfumes, Malabar Gold & Diamonds and Al Iman Jewellery, plus opticians and mobile phone shops.
- Stocks seasonal clothing collections for adults and children.
- Includes specialized stores for watches and jewelry.
- Provides fitting rooms to ensure the right size.
Most fashion and lifestyle stores open from around 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and hours may extend during weekends, holidays and sale seasons.
Dining and food court
The dining area offers quick meals and coffee for shoppers taking a break. The food court on the first floor has KFC, Pizza Hut and Burger Hut, while Starbucks and La Brioche serve coffee and bakery treats. For something different, try Irion for Korean food or Moeeza Restaurant.
- Offers fast food chains and local cafe options.
- Provides communal seating for large groups.
- Maintains quick service speeds for busy afternoons.
If you’re in a rush, choose a quick service counter; if you have extra time, the sit down restaurants offer a more relaxed pace.
Kids and family entertainment
Families can keep children busy at the Fantasy entertainment zone, which includes Fantasy Kids’ Hub for younger children, Fantasy Bounce indoor trampolines, and Fantasy Bowling and Billiards for teens and adults. It is a good way to spend a hot afternoon indoors.
Additional mall services
- Banking services: RAKBANK, ADIB, Lulu International Exchange and ATMs are available for money transfers and currency exchange.
- Pharmacy and wellness: Al Manara Pharmacy, Dr. Nutrition and men’s and ladies’ salons are inside the mall.
- Other services: du and etisalat by e& stores, Autostrad and Thrifty car rental desks, and the Vehicle Registration Centre right behind the mall. A large open car park sits outside the entrance.
Choosing your visit time
Deciding when to go depends on your goal for the day. If you want a quiet shopping experience, visit on weekday mornings when the foot traffic is lowest. If you plan to watch a movie or dine with friends, weekend evenings are better because all shops and restaurants are fully active. You can combine these activities into one trip, as the mall layout allows you to move easily between the grocery section, cinema, and dining area.
How to get to Al Dhannah Mall
Al Dhannah Mall sits on the edge of the main residential area of Al Dhannah City, close to the town centre of Ruwais. The drive from Abu Dhabi city along the E11 takes around two and a half hours, and from Dubai it takes roughly three and a half hours.
- By car: Follow the E11 west towards Ruwais and take the Al Dhannah City exit. The mall has a large open car park.
- By bus: The X88 express bus runs from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Al Dhannah.
- Airport transfers: Flying into Abu Dhabi? White Sky can arrange airport transfer services so you reach the Western Region in comfort.
Hotels and resorts near Al Dhannah Mall
Staying a night or two lets you enjoy the mall, the beach and the islands without rushing back to the city. Popular choices include:
- Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort: a five star beachfront resort on the Jebel Dhanna coast with pools, a private beach and water sports.
- Dhafra Beach Hotel: a relaxed beach hotel next to Danat Jebel Dhanna, popular with families and business travellers.
- Remal Hotel and Villas: a more affordable option in Al Dhannah City, close to the mall and the ferry terminal.
- Sir Bani Yas Island resorts: for a wildlife escape, the island resorts are a short boat ride from Jebel Dhanna jetty.
White Sky can book these stays for you, with hotel booking in Abu Dhabi with monthly payments through Tabby, Tamara and UAE credit card installments for up to 12 months.
Things to do near Al Dhannah Mall
According to Visit Abu Dhabi, Al Dhannah is known as the gateway to Dalma Island, and there is plenty to see within a short drive of the mall:
- Al Dhannah Beach: a family friendly public beach for swimming, picnics and barbecues.
- ADNOC Beach Club: beach space and family activities on the Ruwais coast.
- Al Dhannah Golf Club: a nine hole course with views over the coast.
- Sir Bani Yas Island: an island nature reserve with Arabian oryx, giraffes and cheetahs. Read our guide to Sir Bani Yas Island.
- Dalma Island: a historic pearling island reached by ferry from Jebel Dhanna Harbour.
- Water sports: kayaking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding and banana boat rides along the Jebel Dhanna coast.
- Al Dhannah Traditional Souq: a local market for oud, incense, Arabic coffee and spices, with small cafes to try local snacks.
- Fish and Vegetable Market: fresh fish, meat, fruit and vegetables, a great look at daily life in Al Dhannah.
For more sand and sea in the emirate, explore the beaches of Abu Dhabi, or pair your trip with a city shopping day at Nation Towers Mall.
Plan your visit
Weekday mornings are the calmest time to shop, while weekend evenings are the busiest as families from Ruwais and nearby towns come for dinner, bowling and a movie.
If you are driving from Abu Dhabi or Dubai, fill up and take breaks along the E11, and plan to combine the mall with an evening at Al Dhannah Beach or an overnight stay in a nearby hotel.
Store and cinema timings may change during Ramadan, Eid and public holidays, so check showtimes before you go.
Related Articles
Planning more of your Abu Dhabi trip? These guides can help:
- Abu Dhabi Malls: Shopping and Entertainment Guide
- Nation Towers Mall Abu Dhabi: Shops, Cinema, Dining and Nearby Attractions
- Sir Bani Yas Island: Adventure and Wildlife
- Beaches of Abu Dhabi: Discover Top Spots
- Hotel Booking in Abu Dhabi with Monthly Payments
- Airport Transfer Services
Frequently asked questions
Where is Al Dhannah Mall located?
Al Dhannah Mall is in Al Dhannah City (Ruwais), Al Dhafra Region, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. It sits on the edge of the main residential area, with the Vehicle Registration Centre right behind it, about 240 km west of Abu Dhabi city.
What are Al Dhannah Mall opening hours?
Lulu Hypermarket is generally open daily from 8:00 AM to 12:00 AM, and most fashion and lifestyle stores open from around 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Timings may change during Ramadan and public holidays.
What stores are in Al Dhannah Mall?
Key stores include Lulu Hypermarket, Splash, Babyshop, Shoemart, Sun & Sand Sports, Daiso, Bath & Body Works, Ajmal Perfumes, Malabar Gold & Diamonds, du, etisalat by e&, Al Manara Pharmacy, RAKBANK, ADIB and Lulu International Exchange.
Does Al Dhannah Mall have a cinema?
Yes. Royal Cinemas has a four screen cinema inside the mall with around 414 seats, showing the latest international films.
Where can I eat at Al Dhannah Mall?
The first floor food court has KFC, Pizza Hut and Burger Hut. You can also visit Starbucks, La Brioche, Irion Korean restaurant and Moeeza Restaurant.
Is there a kids play area at Al Dhannah Mall?
Yes. The Fantasy zone has Fantasy Kids’ Hub, Fantasy Bounce indoor trampolines, and Fantasy Bowling and Billiards.
Is there parking at Al Dhannah Mall?
Yes, there is a large open car park right outside the mall entrance.
How far is Al Dhannah Mall from Abu Dhabi city?
It is about 240 km, or around two and a half hours by car along the E11. The X88 express bus also runs from Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station to Al Dhannah.
Which hotels are near Al Dhannah Mall?
Nearby options include Remal Hotel and Villas in Al Dhannah City, plus Danat Jebel Dhanna Resort and Dhafra Beach Hotel on the coast. Contact White Sky on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to book your hotel, flights and transfers.
What can I do near Al Dhannah Mall?
You can relax at Al Dhannah Beach, play golf at Al Dhannah Golf Club, browse the Al Dhannah Traditional Souq, try water sports at Jebel Dhanna, take the ferry to Dalma Island or visit the wildlife reserve on Sir Bani Yas Island.
Can I pay for my Al Dhafra trip in installments?
Yes. White Sky Travel and Tourism offers flexible payments through Tabby, Tamara and UAE credit cards for up to 12 months on flights, hotels and transfers. Contact us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to plan your trip.
Conclusion
Al Dhannah Mall is the go to spot for shopping, dining, movies and family fun in the Western Region of Abu Dhabi, with Lulu Hypermarket, Royal Cinemas, the Fantasy kids zone and popular brands all under one roof. Pair your visit with a stay at Jebel Dhanna, a day on the beach or a trip to Sir Bani Yas and Dalma islands for a complete Al Dhafra getaway. While the mall itself is free to visit, White Sky can take care of your flights, hotels and transfers, with flexible payment options through Tabby, Tamara and UAE credit cards for up to 12 months. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 to start planning.
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