When you think of Abu Dhabi, shopping is one of the first things that comes to your mind. But when it comes to grocery shopping, it can be a real challenge, especially for new expats. Navigating this process requires understanding and familiarizing yourself with its diverse supermarkets in order to get what you need. The sooner you do that, the better because you don’t want to wake up in the morning with a rumbling belly, and realize you don’t have anything!
No need to fret, though. This blog is the ultimate guide to grocery shopping and would be extremely useful for all living in Abu Dhabi.
What Are the Main Supermarket Chains in Abu Dhabi?
There are plenty of renowned and extensive names scattered all over the UAE, and there is a good concentration of them in Abu Dhabi. The most popular and well-known hypermarkets and supermarket chains are:
Carrefour
Launched in the UAE in 2010, this well-known French hypermarket chain has an extensive range of products. From fresh vegetables and fruits to seafood, meat, dairy products, and frozen items, you can find almost all your daily essentials here. Besides that, you can get cooked and packaged (ready-to-cook) food items as well. Carrefour also has branded goods as well as electronics and home decor.
Waitrose
This UK supermarket chain was first launched in Dubai nearly 15 years ago. Offering an extensive range of premium quality local and imported products, Waitrose has six stores in Abu Dhabi. These are located in Sun and Sky Towers, Al Raha Gardens, Al Maryah Island, 4th St, Khalifa City, and Yas Mall.
LuLu
LuLu stores just seem to be everywhere, and for good reason, too. Since its launch in 1995 in Abu Dhabi, it stands as the largest retail chain in the Middle East today! These stores have fresh fruits & vegetables, fresh juices, a great range of salads, dairy products, bakery items, and so on.
Spinneys
Founded in 1924 in Egypt by an Englishman, Arthur Rawdon Spinney, the name has since established itself as one of the leading supermarket chains in the UAE. Abu Dhabi has 11 of its stores scattered across the capital and within short driving distance. You can find fresh organic products, and typical pantry items here, along with other merchandise such as toys, books, and magazines.
Souq Planet
Since its debut in Abu Dhabi back in 1967, Souq Planet stands as one of the UAE’s top supermarkets with a spin; digital shopping. Here you can find a nice variety of non-alcoholic beverages as well as food items. It also has sections for various household products.
Mushrif Mall
Located in Abu Dhabi, this mall has a variety of departmental stores and its very own ‘The Market’, which is an entire floor designated for fresh food stalls.
Farmbox
This online grocery delivery service eliminates the need to travel entirely by bringing your eggs, milk, veggies, and meat to any doorstep in the UAE!
Kibsons International
For a variety of nuts (raw), dairy products, fresh food items, and healthy drinks, Kibsons is a great place. The fresh produce is claimed to be from organic farms at rates that are comparable to other stores.Choithrams Supermarket
It is known for a wide range of Indian groceries including food items like bakery, poultry, juices, good quality meats, and vegetables. The non-food products are also available which include toiletries, baby products, toys, and other household items.
Spar Supermarket
A subsidiary of the Abu Dhabi Coop, Spar supermarket is a great place to buy quality products at affordable rates – at all its branches. Just make sure you bring cash, as these stores only accept cash.
Al Madina Hypermarket
Open 24 hours, the Al Madina Hypermarket is a convenient option for regular grocery items plus clothing, and accessories. It has its branches in Musaffah, Al Mafraq, and Al Raha.
Do They Offer Home Delivery?
Delivery service is given for Farmbox, but if you have a preference for in-store shopping, LuLu is your go-to supermarket in Abu Dhabi. Souq Planet on the other hand offers a “click and collect” system that lets you build your basket at home and then collect and pay at the store, so that is half the comfort of shopping from your home. If you are only looking to purchase non-food items, then Carrefour is an additional option for you. Choithrams, and Kibsons also have apps with the option of online purchases with payments in cash on delivery or through a card reader at the time of delivery. Other online stores that have apps for online shopping and getting it delivered to you include:
- Spinneys
- QualityFood
- Springbok
- Arabind
- Bawiq
- MyLavka
- El Grocer
Where Can You Find Pork Products and Alcohol?
Waitrose, Spinneys, and Souq Planet are the only popular supermarkets in Abu Dhabi, which have stores with a non-Muslim section – so you know where to go to get bacon and sausages. Just give your local store a call beforehand, as it is only sold in select stores.
You are not going to have any luck with wine, though, since no supermarkets in the UAE sell alcohol. But you can almost always find a licensed alcohol shop like African & Eastern (A&E), and Maritime & Mercantile International (MMI) that sell alcohol near a Spinneys store. You will need to get an alcohol license in order to purchase any, which you can apply for one in any alcohol store. Just make sure to take along all the required documents.
ServiceMarket Insider Tips From Our Abu Dhabi Specialists!
- If you are after some great cuts of meat, head down to Mushrif Mall to visit the meat market.
- The Mina port has a great fruit and vegetable market, but put on your negotiating hat if you plan to go there. You can often get discounted prices by shopping around at different stalls and creating a good relationship with the stall owners.
- Farmbox is another great option for fresh fruits and vegetables, and the good part is they deliver right to your doorstep!
Conclusion
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