New Ikea opens in Abu Dhabi: customers can now visit the Al Wahda Mall store

The city-centre store stocks 'approximately 2,000 small- and medium-sized home essentials'

Finishing touches being made to the new Ikea store at Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National

The store is set to open on Wednesday, November 18. Victor Besa / The National

The new Ikea store will be the first in the centre of the city. Victor Besa / The National

The new outlet will be spread over 2,100 square metres on the first floor of Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National

The store is smaller than other Ikea outlets in the UAE. Victor Besa / The National

A look inside one of the finished rooms at Ikea, Al Wahda Mall. Victor Besa / The National

There will be Christmas stock to buy at the new store. Victor Besa / The National

Ikea store staff practise social distancing on the shop floor. Victor Besa / The National

The store will stock 'approximately 2,000 low and medium-sized ready-to-assemble furniture and home essentials'. Victor Besa / The National

For all other products, customers will have digital access to the full range. Victor Besa / The National

Customers can place their orders in-store to have them delivered or opt for online delivery. Victor Besa / The National

There will be a Swedish cafe at the store, where customers can dine-in or take away food. The affordable hot dogs, shawarmas, meatballs and pastries are fan favourites. Victor Besa / The National

Products have already been put out on display at the new store. Victor Besa / The National

Ikea store staff practise social distancing on the floor area. Victor Besa / The National

A member of staff tags items ahead of opening. Victor Besa / The National

The store is the fourth Ikea in the UAE. Victor Besa / The National

The other Ikea stores are located at Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi ... Victor Besa / The National

... And at Festival Plaza and Dubai Festival City malls in Dubai. Victor Besa / The National

Finishing touches are put on the store's Christmas display. Victor Besa / The National

Room displays are ready at the store. Victor Besa / The National

A vanity display within the new store. Victor Besa / The National

An Ikea bedroom display being finished. Victor Besa / The National

The brand new Ikea at Al Wahda Mall in Abu Dhabi has opened its doors.

Opening at 1pm on Wednesday, November 18, the Swedish furniture store welcomed a score of customers, who were keen to browse the selection of homeware and furniture in the new 2,100-square metre store.

Located on the first floor of Al Wahda Mall, it is the capital's second Ikea store, along with the 33,000-square-metre Yas Island location, and the fifth in the UAE.

Located in the centre of the city, the smaller Ikea is expected to be a more convenient place to shop. It will stock "approximately 2,000 low and medium-sized ready-to-assemble furniture and home essentials", the company said.

For all other products, customers will have digital access to the full range and can place their orders in-store to have them delivered to their homes or the shop.

Within the store, there is a Swedish cafe serving dine-in and takeaway food, including favourites such as the shawarma, the hot dog and Swedish pastries.

"We are thrilled to bring a new City Store Ikea concept to the people of Abu Dhabi, a concept that brings the Ikea experience closer to people's homes with the mall's strategic and central location," says Vinod Jayan, Ikea's UAE and Oman managing director, about the opening.

"We will offer a wide range of home furnishing ideas with well-designed furniture and home accessories that is affordable for all. Visitors will also be able to enjoy our classic treats such as the hot dog, the shawarma and more."

Ikea, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi is open now; Sunday to Wednesday, 10am-10pm; Thursday to Saturday, 10am-midnight; ikea.ae/AlWahda