Abu Dhabi The Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre doesn’t boast of plush interiors or mind-numbing display of international brands.
The old, dusty structure that sports Arabian style wind towers and two domes on its outer roof is not a stellar landmark either.
But you will not know what you are missing till you step into this 25-year-old shopping mall in the heart of Abu Dhabi city.
The old-world charm of its structure and ambience belies the dazzling retail scene inside. With more than 480 shops spread over the ground and first floor, Madinat Zayed is a shopping haven for bargain hunters.
Fashion accessories, leather goods, electronics, garments, mobile phones, jewellery, perfumes, handbags, make up – shopping has endless possibilities when you are at Madinat.
“Shopping here is a different experience. If you know how to bargain, you will get killer deals on bags and perfumes,” said Amina Assafi, 26, a Lebanese resident.
Umm Hassan, an Emirati mother of three, said she prefers to shop at Madinat Zayed because of the prices. “You may find bigger brands in other shopping malls, but their prices are fixed. We are regular customers and shop owners give us special discounts,” said Umm Hassan, who lives in Shahama.
Shopkeepers on their part know the psychology of their customers and offer personalised services and prices. “Our loyal customers will go nowhere else. We know what they are looking for and in what price category, ” said Mohammad Ishaq, who owns a garment shop.
He said that the prices varied depending on the customers.
“For example, I will not sell this skirt for Dh120 to an Asian customer. But my Arab customers will easily buy it. They will be impressed if I give a Dh20 discount,” said Ishaq.
The line of kiosks selling fashion accessories, handbags and make-up items is one of the biggest attractions at Madinat. The goods sold at affordable prices are mostly bought from Dubai markets.
Latheef, who has been running Paris Gift Corner for the last 10 years, said they have an edge over shopping malls because they are open to bargaining. “Customers like haggling over prices. They quote their price and we give them good bargains,” he said.
Many retailers have shifted shop to Madinat after the old market in Hamdan Street was torn down almost a decade ago. Business has picked up especially in the last five years, many say.
Other than the kiosks and local brands, Madinat Shopping Centre also has brands like Nine West, Charles & Keith, Giordano, Bossini, G2000 etc to cater to brand-conscious shoppers.
The new extension of the mall in 2011 called the Madinat Zayed extension has seen the opening of Lulu Hypermarket.
Currently, the shopping centre enjoys a footfall of 35,000 a week.
The Gold Centre housed within the retail complex is one of the largest in the UAE with more than 70 jewellery stores.
Madinat Zayed also boasts a popular food court. EMKE Group that manages the mall says that a new parking facility for 1,500 cars is being added to ease parking woes. A host of ancillary services like ATM machines, etisalat counter, traffic payment machines, internet cafes and children’s play arcade also make the centre a one-stop shopping destination.
