A Shopper's Paradise... Coming To An Island Near You!

If you’ve been thinking of coming to Abu Dhabi for work or for play, you’ve probably done a little bit of research. If this is the case, you’ve most likely heard that shopping is kind of our thing.  We have our fair share of shopping havens, and the newest one on the horizon is looking pretty great.  I’m talking about one of Abu Dhabi’s latest projects, Maryah Island. Centrally located and adjacent to downtown, you’ll have no trouble at all finding Maryah, and if you visit now you can literally be one of the first people to grace it’s beautiful grounds.  Even in it’s infancy, one can already see that this place has gorgeous potential. Along with the monumental Galleria shopping center, the island is also buzzing with the new Rosewood Hotel, the latest concept residences, and innovative new office spaces. Add to that a host of popular dining options in several new international restaurants, and you can easily see how Maryah is being named Abu Dhabi’s new Central Business District.  

Some images of the new Maryah Island. The oblong rectangular building is the new Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi. 

The Rosewood Hotel is equipped with luxury penthouses, a state of the art wellness center, tranquil spas, and fine terrace-style restaurants and lounges. It’s a 5-star accommodation and it’s style and modernity won’t disappoint. In it’s opening stage, the Rosewood hotel offered up a sweet discounted deal on a Deluxe suite. A concierge greeted us on arrival to the hotel, and from that point on, he personally catered to our smallest needs.  Our room was plush, immaculate, and thoughtful in both design and detail. 

The Rosewood Hotel's sharp and edgy architecture. 

The pool and garden at the Rosewood Hotel. Relax much?

Terrace-style shisha lounge, "SMOKE" at the Rosewood Hotel. 

Opening in August 2013, the Galleria at Sowwah Square is both fresh and fashionable. It will feature some of the hottest global designers such as Prada, Bulgari, Christian Louboutin, and Alexander McQueen. You will be able to peruse top international brand stores like Balenciaga, Bottega Veneta, Tom Ford, and Jimmy Choo. Trust me, you will be completely spoiled for choice. After shopping, you can sip an espresso and unwind in The Great Room under the all-encompassing scalloped roof which has a new and cutting edge design that was constructed to simultaneously keep the inside of the building crisp and cool while filling the entire mall with Abu Dhabi’s famous natural sunlight. The roof’s structural design, which is made of sculpted glass and steel, sweeps across the central area of the mall. It’s quite the impressive architectural feat, and upon arrival you’ll take some time just to stare at it as it blends harmoniously into the Abu Dhabi skyline just beyond it. The Galleria roof was designed by none other than the architectural geniuses who built the inverted pyramid in front of the Louvre. Of course! 

Some image projections of the inside and outside of the soon-to-be-iconic Galleria at Sowwah Square. 

Maryah Island is definitely shaping up to be one Abu Dhabi’s destination islands. The thought and planning that have gone into every aspect of it guarantee a utopian experience. Spend the night at the Rosewood hotel. Treat yourself to a world-class spa experience and some shopping cardio, and I have no doubt that each time you come to Abu Dhabi, you’ll return to the very exclusive and the very unique Maryah Island.