Opening date for new Abu Dhabi Ikea confirmed

The new opening at Al Wahda Mall is set to be a 'more convenient and compact store' in the city centre

Ikea at Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi will open on November 10. Reuters

Latest: Inside Ikea Al Wahda Mall: an exclusive look at Abu Dhabi's latest store

Abu Dhabi's second Ikea is set to open at Al Wahda Mall on November 10, the Swedish furniture giant confirmed today. The store will be the first in the centre of the city.

The new outlet will be spread over 2,100 square metres on the first floor of the mall. There is already an Ikea at Yas Island in Abu Dhabi and two stores in Dubai, one at Festival City and another at Festival Plaza mall.

A smaller Ikea, compared to the mega-showrooms elsewhere in the UAE, the store will stock "approximately 2,000 low and medium sized ready-to-assemble furniture and home essentials", the company said in a statement. "For all other products, customers will have digital access to the full range and can place their orders in-store to have them delivered or opt for store delivery," it said.

There will be a Swedish cafe at Al Wahda Mall, where customers can enjoy dine-in or take away food. The affordable hot dogs, shawarmas, meatballs and pastries are fan favourites.

"We know that time is of the essence for many people therefore with the mall’s strategic and central location, we will be bringing the Ikea experience closer to people’s homes, in a more convenient and compact store," said Vinod Jayan, Ikea's UAE and Oman managing director.

"Al Wahda Mall remains a top destination for shopping, entertainment and leisure in the heart of Abu Dhabi, so we are thrilled to be able to bring our new Ikea concept store to this location.

"The full size Ikea store in Yas Island, which operates on an area of 33,000 square metres since 2011, will continue to be the go-to destination for the complete inspiring Ikea experience, so our goal is to create a closer glimpse of that experience at the heart of the Abu Dhabi Island."

In December 2019, Ikea opened its third UAE outlet at Festival Plaza mall and revealed it had 90,000 people apply for 200 jobs at the store. Prior to that opening, Jayan also revealed plans for a Sharjah store and an Oman Ikea set to open in 2021.

Look inside Dubai's Ikea, Festival Plaza, which opened in December 2019. At 35,000 square metres, it's the biggest in the UAE:

Inside the warehouse area at the new Ikea, in Festival Plaza mall, Jebel Ali, Dubai, during a preview tour on Tuesday, November 26, ahead of the store's December 2019 opening. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Areas are already ready for customers. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The Festival Plaza Ikea will be the only store regionally to have Swedish steps. Chris Whiteoak / The National

The till area is still awaiting finishing touches. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Vinod Jayan, Ikea's UAE and Oman managing director speaks during the preview tour. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Bed display areas are ready for customers. Chris Whiteoak / The National

A display of children's plates. Chris Whiteoak / The National

Outside the Jebel Ali Ikea store. Chris Whiteoak / The National

At 35,000 square metres, it will be. the largest Ikea in the UAE. Chris Whiteoak / The National