Abu Dhabi's compact financial district doubles as a genuinely good shopping and dining destination.
Al Maryah Island houses the Abu Dhabi Global Market financial free zone and Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi, but for visitors its real draw is The Galleria, a large upscale mall with a strong dining lineup, sitting alongside a cluster of contemporary five-star hotels.
It's a good half-day option if you want quality shopping and dining without the theme-park energy of Yas Island or the beach focus of Saadiyat — and it's centrally located, close to downtown and Reem Island.
