We hopped on the 2.30pm bus from Al Ain and slept most of the way back to
Abu Dhabi Central Bus Station. We arrived close to 5pm and walked across to
Al Wahda Mall, and after a few short minutes we met up with Ginny and Sern who just got off from work. They took us to an upscale shopping mall on the tiny but posh
Al Maryah Island.
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| there's even a cinema here |
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| quietly elegant mall |
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| with plenty of natural light |
The Galleria at Al Maryah Island is a relatively new mall surrounded by 5 star hotels and high end serviced apartments. This mouthful of a self-description says it all:
“First opened in 2013 as a luxury and fine-dining destination with brands such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci and Zuma, in September 2019 it dramatically expanded its offering when 250 new stores such as Zara, H&M and Debenhams open alongside family favourites such as The Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s and Paul Café. Combined with world-class entertainment venues including a 21-screen VOX Cinema with IMAX, a flagship Xtreme Zone and urban parks catering to family activities”
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| comfortable lounging area |
Ginny and Sern had a ‘little errand’ to run at one of the retail outlets here. Once the ‘little errand’ was done they took us to a fusion Chinese Korean fusion restaurant called the
Royal Orchid. Located in the North terrace of the original Galleria mall, this restaurant offered great tasting food with a menu that is simple yet varied.
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| at the Royal Orchid |
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| placing our orders |
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| simple yet varied |
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| making up their minds |
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| walking out to the terrace |
Originally knowed as Sowwah Island the Abu Dhabi Municipality renamed it Al Maryah Island in 2012. This diminutive island occupies a unique location in the midway between the current business area of Abu Dhabi, and the projects at Al Reem Island, Mina Zayed and the cultural district at Saadiyat Island. A fascinating fact that we found remarkable is that Al Maryah Island is a natural island, and not man-made from reclaimed land.
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| as the sun sets |
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| over Al Maryah Island |
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| waiting to be served |
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| beside the Four Seasons Hotel |
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| with plenty of walkways |
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| in all directions |
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| calm and peaceful |
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| the sun was setting soon |
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| as we dined |
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| we bore witness |
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| to a most pleasing and calming sunset |
The restaurant also provides seating at the terraces outside where we dined while enjoying a pleasing and calming view of the sunset over Al Maryah Island.
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| hakka chicken noodle |
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| vietnamese chicken pho |
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| hong kong noodles |
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| stewed duck rice |
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| fried noodles |
We then headed back to Al Reef to prepare for a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow would prove to be a physically demanding day that will be well worth the exertions.
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