Dalma Mall With close to 500 stores, Dalma Mall provides a good variety of brands and is known as one of the top family friendly retail retreats in the capital. Kirsty Volpe, an image consultant and personal stylist at House of Colour, says: “One of Dalma Mall’s biggest selling points is that it caters for the whole family. There is a selection of entertainment attractions for children while adults can take advantage
1
of several stores they won’t find anywhere else in the city, such as Hobbs, Wallis and Pottery Barn. If visitors are seeking to buy from locally-based designers, GISELLAblu by the talented Sacha Plumbridge is worth a look for its feminine pieces while Feathers UAE at Dalma Mall specialises in beautiful, one-of-a-kind handbags that provide the finishing touch.” For a quick recharge, Volpe recommends grabbing a table at Gloria Jean’s or, for a more leisurely meal, heading to Petit Café. There’s also plenty of entertainment for children, she says: “The Adventure Zone at Adventure HQ is the most talked about indoor play area in Abu Dhabi right now. It’s an adventure park with a range of activities including a climbing wall. Children won’t be bored. Fun City is a good option for younger children, but there can be queues on weekends. The mall also has a virtual reality cinema with special effects.”
2
Location: Musaffah 1 Kirsty Volpe 2 GISELLAblu at Fashion Forward 3 & 4 House of Fraser, World Trade Center Mall
Contact: 02 5506111 or visit: dalmamall.ae A personal shopping session with Kirsty is priced at AED350 an hour. To make an appointment, simply visit: houseofcolour.co.uk
“World Trade Center Mall is home to the first international House of Fraser flagship store, which is the only premium department store in Abu Dhabi” World Trade Center Mall
4
Having opened its doors just over a year ago, World Trade Center (WTC) Mall has already established itself as one of Abu Dhabi’s retail frontrunners. It has more than 110 stores, with many more set to open in 2015. Alena Hrabinova, a personal shopper at House of Fraser department store shares her mall highlights: “WTC Mall is home to the first international House of Fraser flagship store, which is the only premium department store in Abu Dhabi,” she says. “At House of Fraser, Deepa Gurnani offers a range of stunning and unique accessories including belts, bracelets and hair accessories. Limited-edition pieces can also be found from McQ by Alexander McQueen and Love Moschino.” For traditional souvenirs and unique jewellery and accessories, Hrabinova advises a trip to the WTC Souk, which is connected to the mall. Dining at Abu Dhabi’s first P.F. Chang’s is also advised: “The menu offers an array of tasty Asian fusion dishes,” she says. “For a quick coffee however, I
3
like Brioche Doree, which also has a great selection of teas.” Younger visitors won’t be bored. “Cool Kidz on the lower ground floor has a huge play area that’s ideal for families,” says Hrabinova. “For mothers and daughters, the Hello Kitty Spa is an amazing spot to enjoy beauty treatments together. There’s also a cinema that screens all the latest movies.” Location: First Khalifa Street Contact: 02 5082400 or visit: wtcad.ae A personal shopping session with Alena Hrabinova at House of Fraser Abu Dhabi is complimentary with no obligation to spend. Visit: houseoffraser.ae
46
CONC_AUH_SHOP_PERSONAL SHOPPING_DEC14FR2.indd 46
11/20/14 2:32 PM