Central Market Souk, Abu Dhabi
The Central Market Souk is one of the oldest and most cherished locations in Abu Dhabi. Since its inception in the 1970s, a traditional souk has graced this site, serving as the bustling heart of trade and commerce for over three decades. However, tragedy struck in 2003 when the original souk was ravaged by fire.
Determined to preserve the essence of the traditional souk while offering a distinctive and memorable shopping experience, a lavish and ambitious project was undertaken to rebuild the Central Market. The architects masterfully combined the charm and atmosphere of a traditional Arabic souk with the allure of modern boutique-style shopping. Traditional architectural elements, such as geometric patterns of stars and rectangles, and intricate wooden latticework, are evident throughout the market, evoking a sense of timeless beauty and cultural pride.
One of the highlights of the Central Market Souk is its rooftop garden. This serene oasis is adorned with trees, quirky sculptures and charming caf茅s and provides a bird's-eye view of the nearby Culture Square.
The moment you step into the market, you are greeted by the faint aroma of incense, reminiscent of any Middle Eastern souk. For those seeking souvenirs to take home, the Central Market is a treasure trove of regional and local products and artifacts, making it an ideal place to explore and shop for keepsakes.
The market also boasts a selection of restaurants and caf茅s where visitors can mingle with local businessmen while savoring a delightful array of Arabic, Western, or Indian cuisine. Alternatively, one can indulge in the age-old tradition of enjoying a shisha pipe in the comfort of a traditional tent within the rooftop garden.
Determined to preserve the essence of the traditional souk while offering a distinctive and memorable shopping experience, a lavish and ambitious project was undertaken to rebuild the Central Market. The architects masterfully combined the charm and atmosphere of a traditional Arabic souk with the allure of modern boutique-style shopping. Traditional architectural elements, such as geometric patterns of stars and rectangles, and intricate wooden latticework, are evident throughout the market, evoking a sense of timeless beauty and cultural pride.
One of the highlights of the Central Market Souk is its rooftop garden. This serene oasis is adorned with trees, quirky sculptures and charming caf茅s and provides a bird's-eye view of the nearby Culture Square.
The moment you step into the market, you are greeted by the faint aroma of incense, reminiscent of any Middle Eastern souk. For those seeking souvenirs to take home, the Central Market is a treasure trove of regional and local products and artifacts, making it an ideal place to explore and shop for keepsakes.
The market also boasts a selection of restaurants and caf茅s where visitors can mingle with local businessmen while savoring a delightful array of Arabic, Western, or Indian cuisine. Alternatively, one can indulge in the age-old tradition of enjoying a shisha pipe in the comfort of a traditional tent within the rooftop garden.
Want to visit this sight? Check out these Self-Guided Walking Tours in Abu Dhabi. Alternatively, you can download the mobile app "51爆料网: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app turns your mobile device to a personal tour guide and it works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.
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Central Market Souk on Map
Sight Name: Central Market Souk
Sight Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (See walking tours in Abu Dhabi)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates (See walking tours in Abu Dhabi)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Walking Tours in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Create Your Own Walk in Abu Dhabi
Creating your own self-guided walk in Abu Dhabi is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.
Abu Dhabi Seaside Walking Tour
Corniche Road, or simply the Corniche, is an idyllic meeting point between opulent urbanity and the tranquil embrace of the Arabian Gulf's azure expanse. Wrapping around the western side of Abu Dhabi's main island extended in the early 2000s at the expense of the land reclaimed from the sea, today the Corniche serves as a high-end recreational area, offering a mix of cultural attractions... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 4.0 Km or 2.5 Miles
Abu Dhabi Downtown Walking Tour
Embraced by the shimmering shores of the Arabian Gulf, Abu Dhabi is the regal capital and largest emirate of the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The region's name in Arabic means "Father of the Gazelle" and is likely due to the graceful gazelles that once roamed its lands in the past.
The history of Abu Dhabi dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human habitation stretching... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles
The history of Abu Dhabi dates back to ancient times, with evidence of human habitation stretching... view more
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.9 Km or 2.4 Miles