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A Complete Guide to the Dubai Mall

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Have your credit cards ready: you’re about to enter the world’s largest shopping mall. Known for its space-age skyline, gold-plated sports cars, and lavish lifestyle, Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is all about living large — and nowhere is that more apparent than The Dubai Mall .

The world’s largest shopping mall by total area, the Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai spans 13 million square feet (enough to fill five Empire State Building s), with more than 1200 stores, 200 eateries, and scores of leisure and entertainment options.

Since opening in November 2008, the Dubai Mall has become one of the most-visited destinations on the planet. Today, it attracts over 80 million shoppers each year — more than the total number of people who visited New York in 2018.

To help you navigate this super-sized center, we’ve created the ultimate guide to the Dubai Mall’s shopping, dining and leisure attractions.

What’s in Store

For clothing and jewelry from the globe’s most coveted labels, hightail it to the freshly minted Fashion Avenue. Lined with gleaming white marble, glass and chandeliers, this ultra-glam expansion promises a five-star experience, complete with personal shoppers, chauffeur-driven buggies, and washrooms fit for royalty. It houses 80 high-end boutiques from the likes of Cartier, Dior, and Gucci, plus flagship stores for Rolex and Saint Laurent.

To browse homewares, fashion and accessories in one handy location, zero in on Dubai Mall’s upscale department stores: the three-story Bloomingdale’s outpost or French export Galeries Lafayette on level two. For a Cinderella moment, visit Level Shoes on the ground floor of the mall. This 96,000-square-foot store is a temple to designer footwear, featuring the latest pairs from Dolce & Gabbana, Jimmy Choo, Sarah Jessica Parker, Manolo Blahnik and more. 

After something a little easier on the wallet? Shop for high-street labels from Europe, the UK, and the US, such as COS, Mango, Ralph Lauren, and Zara, on the ground floor and level one, or head to The Village precinct for denim, sports and leisure wear. If you’re on the hunt for the latest high-tech gadget, swing past the electronics hub on the second floor.

Score souvenirs, gold jewelry, perfumes and carpets in the Souk, a marketplace of 200-odd tiny stores on the ground floor. While you’re there, spy the Dubai Dino, a 155-million-year-old diplodocus skeleton in the Souk’s atrium.

Next, follow the scent of sugar and butter to La Cure Gourmande on the lower ground floor, a vintage-style sweet shop selling cookies, macarons, caramels, and chocolate-coated dates.

Where to Eat

By now, you’ll have walked some serious miles and worked up a sizeable appetite. Head for the lower ground floor near the Dubai Fountain, where you can recharge with cake and coffee at Hummingbird or Magnolia Bakery; treat yourself to a three-tiered afternoon tea platter at Café Bateel; or enjoy vibrant Levantine salads and grills at Wafi Gourmet (nab a prime table on the promenade, overlooking the fountain).

On the ground floor, get your French fix at the ultra-luxe café Angelina or Parisian-style bistro Aubaine; or indulge your sense of nostalgia with a choice of 120 breakfast cereals at Cereal Killer Café, close to the indoor waterfall. Sweet tooths, pay a visit to one of the world’s largest candy store, Candylicious, where you’ll find a dizzying array of chocolates, gummies, and candies from across the globe.

It’s not all fashion and food, however. The Dubai Mall brings its bigger-is-better ethos to its entertainment and leisure options, too. Visit the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo to ogle thousands of aquatic creatures in the 2.6 million-gallon tank, including sharks, fish, and rays. You can even sign up to feed an otter or a baby crocodile.

Take a spin around the Olympic-sized ice skating rink; test your skills in the Emirates A380 flight simulator, or make like John Wick during a virtual reality session at VR Park. Children can blow off steam at KidZania, while the whole family can take in a film at the 22-screen Reel Cinemas.

Feeling spent after all that spending? Seek out the new Sleep Pod Lounge, near the Grand Parking entrance on level two, where you can book a private pod for an hour-long power nap.

What’s Nearby

Located in the center of Downtown, the Dubai Mall is surrounded by some of the city’s most impressive sights. Next door sits Burj Khalifa , the tallest building on Earth at a cloud-piercing 160 stories. Take in views of Dubai’s sand dunes, skyscrapers and Arabian sea from the lofty observation deck, At The Top Sky Lounge on the 148th floor, or enjoy a meal with a view at At.Mosphere on the 122nd floor.

Between the mall and Burj Khalifa lies the Dubai Fountain , another record-buster as the world’s largest choreographed fountain show. The five-minute music, light and water spectacle runs every half-hour from 6 p.m., and twice over lunchtime. For a front-row seat for the nightly performance, book a seat on a traditional abra boat or a spot on the Boardwalk, a floating platform that takes you within 30 feet of the fountains.

Finish your day with dinner at Souk Al Bahar , an Arabic-style marketplace of restaurants and shops overlooking Burj Khalifa Lake. Or, enjoy cocktails on the terrace of the Address Boulevard , a luxury hotel adjoining the mall with jaw-dropping views of the Burj Khalifa.

Getting There

The easiest way to get to the Dubai Mall is via the state-of-the-art Dubai Metro . Alight at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station, then follow the Metro Link Bridge to the mall’s entrance. There’s also valet parking available if you’d rather drive, as well as taxis, Uber and Careem services. The Careem app is indispensable if you’re traveling with a tot: Careem Kids cars come fitted with a child seat.

Insider Tips

• Bag a bargain: Time your visit to coincide with the Dubai Shopping Festival, a month-long sale that runs through January.
• Dress the part: The Dubai Mall is the place to flash your cash, not your flesh. Follow the Mall’s dress code by keeping your shoulders and knees covered at all times — gents, that goes for you too.
• Respect during Ramadan: During the Holy Month of Ramadan, there’s no eating or drinking in public during daylight hours, so most of the mall’s eateries don’t swing into gear until sunset. If you do need to grab a bite during the day, head to the curtained-off food court on level two.
• Get appy: Even the most committed fashionista needs help navigating this shopping metropolis. Download the Dubai Mall mobile app, then follow the prompts to your favorite stores.

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Ultimate guide to exploring dubai mall’s top attractions.

Dubai Mall is one of the biggest shopping malls in the world – and the most visited building on earth!

It can be an overwhelming place to explore with over 1,200 outlets, not to mention it is attached to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa as well as the Dubai Aquarium , Kidzania, a Virtual Reality Park, an Olympic Ice Skating Rink – on the scale of worldwide shopping mall experiences, it’s a pretty epic destination!

So, let’s explore the Dubai Mall in depth. What are the highlights you don’t want to miss? How do you get there? Should you stay nearby? What do all the extra attractions cost? Dubai visitors, read on!!

Top Things to Do in Dubai Mall

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You could easily pack several complete days in if you were to attempt everything that’s on offer at Dubai Mall. We know most visitors simply don’t have the time to see it all, so we’ll help you narrow it down based on your interests and time, let’s go!

Burj Khalifa – At The Top

Let’s start with a biggie (although technically its own building), the Burj Khalifa is entered through the Lower Ground Floor of the Dubai Mall. The main attraction for visitors is At The Top observation deck.

• We have a complete guide here to help you plan your trip to Burj Khalifa

This is one part of your trip to Dubai you really do want to plan in advance. The ticket prices are exponentially more at the door vs paying online and guarantee you the slot you want, particularly if you are keen on the popular sunrise or sunset times (though bear in mind they cost more)

Time Needed: 2 hours

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is famous for having the largest suspended aquarium tank in the world – holding 10 million litres (2.64 million gallons) of water. It has the largest acrylic viewing panel in the world measuring 8.3m high by 32.88m wide and is 75cm thick.

Inside the aquarium – which sits in the very centre of Dubai Mall – you can expect to experience hundreds of sharks and stingrays among the 140+ species on display. Within the zoo, there are plenty of add-on experiences to be enjoyed, from caged shark walks to Kind Croc encounters, shark dives, ray encounter experiences and feeding presentations.

• Check pricing and packages for Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo here

If you don’t want to splash the cash, it’s still possible to see the giant suspended tank of the aquarium without actually going inside.

Time needed: 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on what activities you undertake

The Human Waterfall (free!)

This stunning sculpture is beautifully iconic and utterly instagrammable. Spread over two large cylindrical walls 30 metres in diameter and 24 meters high – spanning the three floors of the Dubai Mall – it is one of the Mall’s most eye-catching features.

• You can learn more about the Dubai Waterfall here.

Time needed : 15 minutes

Glide Your Way Around the Ice Skating Rink

It’s hard to believe an entire Olympic-sized rink sits within the heart of the Dubai Mall. Open to all ages and abilities, you can learn to skate through to advanced skaters showing off their moves to the crowd. All your ice skating gear is there to rent.

Prices are variable depending on the time of day you visit. Adds and safety add-ons cost extra. We’ve found that it’s cheaper to pre-book your time slot using Platinumlist .

• You can learn more about the Dubai Mall Ice Rink here

Time needed: 1 hour

Get the Kids Working at KidZania Dubai

One of the best Dubai Mall activities for kids, this real-to-life city is a 7,000 m2 edutainment centre, incorporating over 60 real-life activities for kids to enjoy, from role-playing to critical thinking to crafts and sports and fun ways to spend the KidZoos (money!) that they earn for working.

Ideal for your kids aged 4 to 12 years old (they need to be independent of a parent/carer to join in).

• There’s a good detailed review here of exactly what to expect at Kidzania Dubai or purchase your tickets here .

Time needed: 3 to 4 hours

Land an Aircraft with the Emirates A380 Simulator

Have you ever wondered what it feels like to sit at the helm of the world’s largest commercial aircraft?

This cutting-edge simulator can be found on the 2nd floor of the Dubai Mall (opposite the Aquarium entrance). You can enjoy a 15, 30 or 60-minute lesson on landing this megalithic aeroplane at 12 of the world’s busiest airports.

Platinum and Gold Emirates Skywards members and Emirates Group staff are entitled to a 20% discount (proof of membership/employment is required) .

• Learn more about the Emirates A380 Experience here .

Step into the Future at Play DXB

In the space that was formerly known as VR Park (and before that, Sega Republic!), you will find the world’s largest virtual reality and augmented reality park – Play DXB .  Rides vary from the popular Dubai Drone, which sees you on a simulated roller coaster experience through Dubai’s landmarks, to popular video game classics.

There’s something here for everyone, from an inflatable playpark for tots to grown-up-themed simulators and shooting games for teens and adults. Entry is free; you only pay for the games and activities inside, so grab a Pay & Play pass and take your pick.

• Pre-purchase your Pay & Play Pass to enjoy the Park’s most popular attractions.

Time needed: 1.5 to 3 hours

Dubai Dino (Free!)

Situated quite centrally in the Souk Dome on the ground floor of the mall, the 24-metre long and 7-metre high Dubai Dino is a firm favourite of kids as one of the mall’s permanent displays. Marvel at the 155-million-year-old creature from the late Jurassic period, in stark contrast to its modern surroundings in this desert mall.

Time needed: 15 minutes

Be Scared Senseless at Hysteria

Hysteria is a haunted house experience like no other – explore through a 15-room mansion simulator. Certainly not for the faint-hearted, this extreme fear experience is only for your thrill-seekers and adrenaline junkies; you’ll find it at the Cinema end of the Mall, Level 2/P7 – recommended for 16 years+.

• Learn more about Hysteria and ticket pricing here .

Time need: 20 minutes

Catch the Latest Flicks Reel Cinemas

Speaking of the infamous cinema end to Dubai Mall – one of the largest cinemas in the Middle East can be found at Dubai Mall, the perfect way to spend a few hours tucked away from the heat. Almost every type of modern movie-going experience you can imagine can be found here, from Dine-in to 4D, ScreenX and Platinum Suites.

• See the current schedule for movies at Reel Cinema Dubai Mall

Time needed: approximately 2 hours

Get Behind The Wheel at Ekart Zabeel

On your marks, get set, go! On the rooftop of Dubai Mall Zabeel (extension to Dubai Mall), the latest new sensation to join the entertainment lineup is go-karting! Standard track sessions are available through race events that can be organized in groups of up to 8.

• Learn more and pre-book tickets for Ekart Zabeel here

Time needed: approximately 90 minutes

Dubai Fountains (Free)

One of the best free activities at Dubai sits outside, at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, you will see the breathtaking Dubai Fountain show. Beautifully choreographed performances happen daily at 1:00 pm and 1:30 pm, and again in the evenings from 6:30 pm and every half hour until midnight.

We highly recommend grabbing yourself a spot at a restaurant that has a view of the Dubai Fountains in order to maximise your experience and avoid the often crushing crowds on weekends.

For a truly special way to enjoy the fountain shows, take a traditional abra boat out onto Burj Lake to see the action up close (paid), or step out onto the Burj Lake boardwalk (paid) for the closest views.

You can check out some stunning footage of what to expect at the Dubai Fountains here:

Time need: The show itself is only about 5 minutes, but allow yourself 30 minutes getting outside, find your position, and keep a lookout for the following light show on Burj Khalifa

• A complete guide on the best spots and timing for the Dubai fountains and Burj Khalifa light show here

Wander & Dine at Souk al Bahar

The experience doesn’t end within the Dubai Mall. Keep heading outside the Mall (on the Lower Ground Floor, underneath the flagship Apple store). You will find a bridge over Burj Lake, which takes you to Dubai Souk al Bahar.

All of these fabulous experiences are before we get to the actual shopping part and the time it takes to walk around the mega-complex!

Our top tip – don’t attempt to see and do it all. If you have kids, head over to our family-friendly guide to Dubai Mall. With adults only in your group, there’s more you can squeeze in, but do try and balance it with other activities on your trip to Dubai too.

You can expect everything from quick bites and food court food through to fine dining, all within Dubai Mall. The largest food court is in the centre of the top floor of the Mall, but don’t miss a further extensive range of fast food and dine-in choices on the lower ground floor as you head to the Burj Khalifa “At The Top” entrance.

Restaurants are dotted all over the Mall, primarily on the side toward Burj Lake.

Do note, restaurants within Dubai Mall are dry, ie they don’t serve alcohol. If you fancy a drink with lunch or dinner, head over to Souk Al Bahar , accessible by a footbridge from Dubai Mall, or any of the surrounding hotels which are licensed.

Top dining picks for families in Dubai Mall

The choices are truly vast when it comes to family dining – you really can’t go wrong suiting even the fussiest of eaters. Most likely you will simply stop when the hangry strikes, but here are a few family-friendly ideas to keep in mind;

• The Cheesecake Factory – of international fame, you know what you’re getting, and great menu choices to suit everyone.
• TGI Fridays – likewise, an international menu with a range of familiar family-friendly choices.
• Social House – Situated on the Lower Ground Floor as you exit to the Fountains or Souk Al Bahar, they have a huge and varied menu selection and a great atmosphere that lends itself to family groups. Its prime location means it can be very busy.

Top Dubai Mall dining picks for a great view

Restaurants that sit on the outside of Dubai Mall get the best views of the Dubai Fountain shows which occur daily at 1:00 pm, 1:30 pm and again in the evening from 6.30 pm and every half hour until 11:30 pm. Some of our favourites include:

• Open Flame Kitchen – an upscale eatery on the 1st floor overlooking the action with international dishes on offer.
• Carluccios – an Italian favourite on the lower ground floor in the heart of the action.
• Tribes – a fabulous fun choice on the 3rd floor of Dubai Mall, tastes from all over Africa can be enjoyed inside and out.

You can find our complete guide to Dubai Fountain dining spots within Dubai Mall here.

The Dubai Mall is one of the city’s most unmissable attractions, located in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Navigating there is straightforward—though, depending on the time of day, it can be super busy!

• By Metro – The Dubai Mall is connected to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro station on the Red Line. From the station to the Mall, you walk through an air-conditioned air bridge with a travellator – about a 10-minute walk.
• By Bus – Route 27 from Deira Gold Souk station and Route 29 from Ghubaiba bus station service the Dubai Mall approx every 15 minutes. they arrive and depart from the tourist drop-off area, Grand Drive Entrance, Lower Ground Floor.
• By Taxi, Careem or Uber – there are several dedicated taxi ranks around Dubai Mall, including at the Cinema entrance and Fashion Avenue.
• By private car , there are multiple car park entrances and free covered parking*. Despite the mammoth car parks, it can be a challenge to find a park late afternoon and evening, especially on Friday and Saturday nights. Note that car parking charges are being introduced from 1 July 2024, paid for by Salik; see parking charges below.
• By Dubai Mall Coach – a complimentary coach service is run from several locations around the city, including Dubai Marina , Palm Jumeirah , JBR , Ras al Khaimah and Port Rashid for cruise passengers.

We have a detailed guide here on how to access Dubai Mall & Downtown Dubai from Dubai Airport.

New car parking charges for Dubai Mall in 2024

New from 1 July 2024, parking charges have been introduced at Dubai Mall. Operated by Salik (they also operate Dubai’s toll roads), there will be no toll booths, you will be automatically charged to your Salik account.

We have been advised that the following charges will apply:

Visitors, your rental cars will be registered already for Salik, but you’ll need to pay these charges at the end of your rental, along with any tolls you pass through in Dubai.

There’s a lot to be said for staying close to Dubai Mall on your trip to Dubai. Especially if you’re only here for a short stopover, staying near Dubai Mall puts many of the major attractions and shopping conveniences at your fingertips.

The top hotels you will find near to Dubai Mall are:

• Armani Hotel Dubai
• Address Downtown
• Kempinski Central Avenue
• Kempinski The Boulevard
• Palace Downtown
• Vida Downtown
• Rove Downtown

There’s no denying most of these hotels are at the luxury end of the scale and out of many travellers’ budgets. We recommend you pop over to our complete guide of places to stay in Downtown Dubai to see if this location will be suitable for your stay.

Anywhere that easily connects to the Red Line Metro would also be a great choice for staying close to Dubai Mall. You can see our complete guide on where to stay in Dubai here or check the map below:

The best way to save on Dubai attractions is to book your tickets in advance and look for multi-ticket deals, both within Dubai Mall and encompassing other top Dubai and UAE attractions. We recommend you try:

• Ultimate Family Multi-Attraction Dubai Mall Pass to the Aquarium, KidZania and PlayDXB (+ you get a Du 4G SIM)
• The Dubai Pass – a multi-attraction pass with several different booking options

The Dubai Mall is open for shopping:

• Daily 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM

Note that on Eid holidays, Ramadan and special events, these regular Mall hours can change.

Keep up to date with what is happening at the Mall with the Dubai Mall App ( Android here )- we talk about all the great apps you can download ahead of your Dubai trip here.

There are some slight variations for different attractions within the mall:

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

• Weekdays (Monday to Friday): 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (last entry at 10:15 pm)
• Weekends (Saturday & Sunday): 10:00 am to 12:00 am (last entry at 11.15 pm) 

Restaurants

• Food courts and restaurants within the mall – 10:00 am to 1:00 am daily
• On the external Promenade 10:00 am to 2:00 am daily
• Select cafes open from 9:00 am on weekends

Supermarket

• Monday to Thursday: 8:00 am to 11:00 pm
• Friday to Sunday: 9:00 am to 12:00 am

Reel Cinemas

• See their programmed shop times here

Dubai Ice Rink

• Daily 10:00 am to 12:00 am

To make your Dubai Mall as comfortable as possible, there are several great add-on services;

• Wifi (free)
• Porter Service (paid)
• Delivery service (get those shopping bags sent straight back to the hotel so you can get on with enjoying the attractions without baggage – paid!)

NEWS IN 2024: Dubai Mall is expanding! If 1.2 million square foot of retail space isn’t large enough, how about an extra 240 luxury stores and restaurants? There’s no open date yet but the announcement has been made, so let’s see what sort of attractions will fill this retail space.

We hope this helps you plan your trip to one of Dubai’s top attractions . Undoubtedly, it is still the heart of city entertainment and retail experiences far beyond any ordinary shopping mall!

Before you go… More important things you should know when planning a trip to Dubai

• Pop into our essential planning information page, it includes everything you need to know about getting around Dubai , a handy guide on what to pack , and top tips for first-timers on the do’s and don’ts, laws, and customs to be aware of.
• Check out this incredible list of 150+ places you should visit when you’re in Dubai .
• Pick up a Dubai Pass from iVenture or a Go City Dubai Pass to save up to 50% on top Dubai attractions.
• Don’t forget to pack your travel insurance !!!
• Discover the best areas to stay in Dubai , or bag a bargain on your accommodation here:

Take me back to Top Dubai Attractions

Please note we are not a travel agency. This site is a travel blog to help newcomers to the UAE and transit passengers self plan their trip, we cannot book your flights, hotels, visas or connections for you. We may make a small commission if you click on any of our recommendation links . Dubai Travel Planner

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Dubai Mall: The Ultimate Guide – ALL You Need to Know

The Dubai Mall , more than just a mere shopping center, embodies a captivating metropolis within its walls. Expansive, grand, and teeming with boundless activities, this remarkable retail complex has cemented its status as Dubai’s pulsating “central square” throughout the years.

The mall’s sheer magnitude is awe-inspiring, housing an abundance of retail outlets , dining establishments , exhilarating amusement parks , and an extraordinary aquarium that stands among the most awe-inspiring in the world. A visit to the Dubai Mall promises an immersive experience, transcending the boundaries of traditional shopping excursions. With over a thousand stores , ranging from luxury brands to eclectic boutiques, the Dubai Mall caters to every taste and preference. Be it haute couture, electronics, or artisanal crafts, the mall boasts an extensive selection that captivates even the most discerning shoppers.

Beyond its shopping allure, the Dubai Mall beckons adventurers with its enchanting array of entertainment. From adrenaline-pumping rides at the theme park to mesmerizing light shows at the iconic Dubai Fountain , there is no shortage of exhilarating experiences to partake in. Not to be missed is the captivating Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo , where visitors can marvel at a breathtaking display of marine life, including majestic sharks and vibrant coral reefs. The immersive tunnel walk offers a truly unforgettable encounter with the wonders of the deep sea.

Things to know about the Dubai Mall

Small guide to dubai mall shops, things to do and see at the dubai mall, best places to eat in the dubai mall, insider tips for visiting and shopping at the dubai mall, things to see and do around the dubai mall.

• The Dubai Mall is located in Downtown Dubai , in the heart of the most modern, futuristic and exclusive part of Dubai. Above the Dubai Mall stands the Burj Khalifa , the tallest skyscraper in the world.
• The Dubai Mall overlooks a complex of artificial lakes where in the evening you can watch the amazing show of the Dubai Fountain , a choreography of water, light and sounds.
• The Dubai Mall is huge : its size is equivalent to more than 50 football fields. This makes it one of the largest shopping malls in the world.
• There are over 1300 shops and over 200 restaurants and cafes in the Dubai Mall. In addition there is a 250-room luxury hotel, a 26-screen cinema and a plethora of theme parks to delight visitors of all ages. There is even an olympic ice rink .
• Inside there is an aquarium with over 30,000 marine animals and a tank of over 10 million liters, making it one of the largest aquariums in the world.
• If you like sweets you will love the Dubai Mall : here you can find Candylicious, the largest candy and sweet shop in the world.
• The Dubai Mall welcomes around 80 million visitors annually , more than New York or Los Angeles!

The Dubai Mall is a real shopping paradise: here you can find thousands of shops, and the products of the best international brands. Furthermore, some goods may have particularly advantageous prices due to low taxation .

If you love shopping, be prepared, the Dubai Mall is really huge! Probably more than you are used to. This means a lot of offer, a lot of people and a lot of chaos (especially in the sales periods and during the Dubai Shopping Festival ). Consider that to see all the shops you will have to spend the whole day here, or even more.

Fashion, Luxury, Beauty and Perfumery

Fashion avenue.

In the Dubai Mall you will find the best of luxury and international fashion . On the ground floor you will find Fashion Avenue which is home to over 150 high-end stores, including Louis Vuitton, Chanel, Gucci, Burberry, Cartier, Prada, Max Mara, Dior, Armani, Ralph Lauren, Hermes, Rolex and Dolce & Gabbana.

Each shop is set up with refinement and elegance, first-class staff (and obviously capable of speaking several languages), high technology and white marble and crystal surfaces. Everything is designed for a five-star experience , complete with personal shoppers, chauffeur-driven buggies, and washrooms fit for royalty.

Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette

If you are looking for a more easy-going experience, it is better to go to the Second Floor. Here are the two Dubai Mall’s upscale department stores: the three storeys of Bloomingdale’s and the French shopping icon Galeries Lafayette, where you will find homewares, fashion and accessories.

If you are looking for a nice pair of shoes, the right place is on the ground floor where you can find Level Shoes, a huge shop that sells the best brands of footwear.

Other Clothing and Accessories Stores

On the ground floor and first floor you will find many other clothing brands, including the stores of the famous European brands Zara, H&M, Mango and Ralph Lauren.

Jewelry, Watches and Diamonds

If you want to buy a nice jewel for someone special on the Ground Floor there is an entire area dedicated to jewelers where you can find the best European and Italian jewelry brands , as well as local diamond and gold shops.

Beauty and Perfumery

To take a look at cosmetics and fragrances, you can take a stroll through the boutiques of the various brands, scattered between the ground floor and the first two floors of the Dubai Mall. There are shops of all the most famous international cosmetic and perfumery brands. If you are looking for something particularly luxury you will surely find it on Fashion Avenue.

Also take a look at the Souk Al Bahar which is a reproduction of an old traditional souk, with craft shops, souvenirs, jewelry and perfumery. It is located on Burj Khalifa Lake and is connected to the Dubai Mall with a spectacular bridge that crosses the lake.

Electronics

The range of high-end electronics products is so vast that it satisfies the desires of all technology enthusiasts: smartphones, computers, digital cameras, drones and all the best technological innovations.

For fans of sound there are shops such as Bose (second floor) and Bang & Olufsen (first floor). On the first floor you can find the Apple Store, while on the second floor there are the stores of Huawei, Samsung and Sony. Photography enthusiasts will find the Canon (second floor) and Leica (ground floor) stores.

On the second floor there are several megastores dedicated to electronics: Virgin Megastore, Grand Stores Digital and Sharaf DG.

Something Sweet

On the Lower Ground Floor you will find many shops of sweets, chocolates, biscuits and delicious cakes, including La Cure Gourmande or the large candy and confectionery shop Candylicious.

Those who visit the Dubai Mall sometimes do it for shopping, but most visitors go there because it is full of attractions: from the aquarium to ice skating as well as many theme parks for children.

Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

The Dubai Aquarium is located inside the Dubai Mall and is one of the largest aquariums in the world. Its tank of over 10 million liters houses over 30,000 marine animals and is crossed by a crystal tunnel that allows people to walk inside it.

The path continues with the Underwater Zoo where visitors can meet many aquatic animals, including crocodiles, penguins and reptiles!

Burj Khalifa At the Top

Climb the world’s tallest skyscraper and enjoy the breathtaking view of the city!

From the Dubai Mall you can access the elevators that lead directly to the top of Burj Khalifa . The 124th, 125th and 148th floors can be visited and it is possible to access the external terrace of the observation deck, from which you have an incredible view of the city.

The best view is at sunset: with the golden hour light, and the sparkling lights of Dubai skyscrapers, it will be a truly unforgettable experience!

Queues for tickets are always very long, so make sure you get your tickets online .

The Dubai Fountain

Do not miss the magnificent choreography of the Dubai Fountain : an immense show of light, sounds and dancing fountains that stretch for almost 300 meters in length .

The water shot reaches 150 meters in height , and is illuminated by 6600 lights and 50 colored projectors. The dances are synchronized with the music that ranges from classical to contemporary.

Dubai Fountain performances take place at 1:00 PM and 1:30 PM and then every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM (on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 6:00 PM to 11:00 PM).

The show can be seen from the terraces of the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa, or from the terrace of one of the restaurants in the Dubai Mall. The most spectacular way to admire the show is directly from the lake, aboard an abra .

Dubai Mall Ice Rink

An ice skating rink open all year round, right inside the Dubai Mall, this attraction is ideal for escaping the desert heat for a while.

Even beginners can try this experience and it doesn’t matter if you don’t have ice skates with you, you can borrow them there.

This theme park is located inside the Dubai Mall and is entirely dedicated to virtual reality.

It was created on the basis of the old SEGA Republic (closed since 2017) and offers twenty games that through virtual reality allow participants to play epic battles, drive race cars or pilot fighters.

When you are in the Dubai Mall go say hi to Dubai Dino!

The Dubai Dino is the authentic fossil of a Diplodocus , a large long-necked dinosaur . The fossil originates from the USA and is over 7 meters high and 24 meters long.

You can see it on the Ground Floor, in front of Level Shoes.

KidZania is every child’s dream park!

This theme park is a child-sized replica of a real city : there are buildings, shops, airports, factories, restaurants and theaters. There is even a police station and a courthouse, while vehicles and pedestrians moving along its streets.

Here children aged 4 to 14 can do their dream job, be policemen, lawyers, doctors, firefighters, journalists, cooks or plane pilots! The activities that can be done are many and really serve the functioning of the city of KidZania.

Each child can earn KidZos (KidZania’s currency) while performing the tasks of his job and then he can spend the KidZos to play in other activities, or to buy something within the game.

Children are supervised during the game, so that parents can freely enjoy a walk in the Dubai Mall during the game.

Hysteria Dubai Mall

Ok, you have left your children to play in KidZania, well maybe now it’s the turn to play for the older ones!

A haunted house in the middle of the Dubai Mall: evil spirits and horrifying creatures inhabit its rooms and are ready to kidnap guests and make them live an adventure worthy of the worst horror story.

It is scary enough to make you scream like a baby already in the third room, and you have 15 rooms to explore.

Reel Cinemas Dubai Mall

Not a simple cinema: 26 rooms, the best technology: 3D movies, MX4D, 270° screens and the best sound. Furthermore there is the possibility to live the “dine-in” experience by eating burgers and fries while watching a movie.

How to save on Dubai Mall attractions tickets

To save up to 60% on Dubai Mall attractions tickets you can buy the iVenture Dubai Unlimited Pass , which allows you free entry to all major attractions in Dubai, including those of the Dubai Mall, such as KidZania, Dubai Aquarium, Dubai Fountain, Reel Dine-In Cinema, Ice Rink, Burj Khalifa and so on.

Dubai Mall is a place that foodies will surely appreciate. Its gastronomic offer is significant, with over 200 places to eat , have a coffee or a piece of cake with a cup of tea.

The best restaurants have a terrace overlooking the Dubai Fountain , offer the best of international cuisine, instagramable dishes and refined specialties. The prices are quite high.

All restaurants also have a good offer of healthy and vegetarian dishes and some have children’s menus, perfect for families.

For those who prefer a quick, tasty and cheap meal, the best alternative is to eat in one of the many fast-food restaurants in the Dubai Mall Food Court : you can choose from cuisines from all over the world, the portions are generous and have a good value for money.

Dubai Mall Opening Hours

In general the Dubai Mall opening hours are: from 10.00 AM until 10.00 PM, open 7 days a week.

Some restaurants and cafes open for breakfast at 9.00 AM.

How to get to the Dubai Mall

You can get to the Dubai Mall by taxi: every taxi driver knows the location of the Dubai Mall, so just ask. The taxi rank is on the ground floor, near the Waitrose supermarket.

This is undoubtedly the best solution for those arriving in Dubai on a cruise, taxis easily connect Downtown Dubai with the Port Rashid Cruise Terminal.

The Dubai Metro Red Line connects the Dubai Mall with the rest of the city (including Dubai International Airport). The closest metro station is Burj Khalifa Dubai Mall .

The metro station is about 1 km from the Dubai Mall, which means at least 10 minutes walk. However, the metro station is connected directly to the Dubai Mall via the Metro Link Bridge, a closed pedestrian bridge with air conditioning and airport-style travolators.

You can reach the Dubai Mall with Bus 27 which leaves from the Gold Souk Bus Station in Deira or with Bus 29 which leaves from Ghubaiba Bus Station in the Al Fahidi district.

The Hop On Hop Off double-decker bus stop is located right in front of the Dubai Mall main entrance. From here depart the routes that connect all the main attractions of the city, so it is very easy to include the Dubai Mall in your Dubai sightseeing itinerary.

To reach Dubai Mall by car you should leave Sheikh Zayed Road at Interchange 1 and take Financial Center Road to Dubai Mall. The road is well signposted. The Dubai Mall has three free multi-storey car parks with 14,000 parking spaces.

Sales at the Dubai Mall

The sales season usually coincides with the Dubai Shopping Festival, which normally takes place in January.

Dubai Shopping Festival

For a month Dubai becomes the international capital of fashion and shopping. Events, fashion shows, fireworks shows, concerts and even a film festival are held throughout the city.

During this time millions of people come to Dubai from all over the world to shop, the city is particularly crowded (be sure to book all experiences and tours in advance) and the Dubai Mall is full of shopping enthusiasts looking for sales.

Dress appropriately

It is good to be respectful of local customs. Keep your shoulders and knees always covered. This applies to both men and women.

Respect during Ramadan

During the Holy Month of Ramadan according to local customs it is not possible to eat or drink in public during daylight hours. However, some places to eat remain open: you can find them in the covered food court on the second floor.

The Dubai Mall is located right in the heart of Downtown Dubai . Right next to the Dubai Mall are the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain .

A few steps from the Dubai Mall you can visit the Dubai Opera and enjoy a leisurely cruise on Dubai Creek . The most popular meeting point in the Dubai Mall is the Dubai Mall Waterfall , one of Dubai’s most eclectic works of art.

Planning your trip to Dubai? Then you should check out the GUIDE TO THE BEST THINGS TO DO AND SEE IN DUBAI .

The Best Things To Do In The Dubai Mall

If you have only one day to explore Dubai, there is no better place to do it than The Dubai Mall.

Spanning a whopping 12 million sq ft space (equal to 200 soccer pitches), this spectacular mall is the biggest in the world and houses over 1,200 retail stores and 200+ dining destinations.

But The Dubai Mall is far from ‘just a mall.’ Under its vast space, this iconic landmark houses some of the most popular attractions in the city, including the Dubai Fountains, At The Top of Burj Khalifa Observatory, the Dubai Aquarium, and so much more. Safe to say, a trip to Dubai is incomplete without a visit to The Dubai Mall.

Because the mall is like a mini city on its own, it’s a good idea to create a plan and rough ‘itinerary’ of what you want to do during your visit to get the chance to take part in all the top things to do in the mall. It’s hard to cover everything the mall offers in a day, but if you can only visit once, planning ahead will help you tick the most important things off your bucket list.

This article will take you through everything you need to know about The Dubai Mall, including the most popular landmarks, retail stores, and dining destinations, along with important information like dress code, location, and how to get there and help you decide what to do in The Dubai Mall. 

Planning a visit to Dubai soon? Get the best deals on the most popular attractions in Dubai at Platinumlist. 

Things To Know Before Visiting The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall Opening Hours

The Dubai Mall is open from 10 a.m. to midnight from Monday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday to Sunday.

The Dubai Mall Dress Code

The Dubai Mall does not have any particular dress code. You can wear anything you like, as long as you follow the modesty rules of the mall, which include no beach wear and no clothing shorter than knee length. We recommend wearing comfortable clothes and shoes as you will walk a lot!

The Dubai Mall Accessibility Facilities

The Dubai Mall offers a fully accessible experience to people of determination with various facilities, including accessible parking, on-site wheelchairs, which are available for rent free of cost, ramps, and accessible washrooms.

Best Time To Visit The Dubai Mall

If you want to avoid big crowds, the best time to visit the mall would be during the early hours of the day as there aren’t as many people as there would be at night. If you can, choose to visit on a weekday instead of the weekend, as the crowd increases significantly during the weekend.

The Dubai Mall Parking Facilities

The mall has a large parking space spanning multiple floors that is free of cost for all visitors. As the mall is very large, we recommend checking beforehand which parking will be the closest to your intended destination and parking accordingly. Don’t forget to snap a photo of your parking spot; it’s very easy to forget where you’ve parked.

Other Facilities at The Dubai Mall

• Free, high-speed Wi-Fi is available at the mall for all visitors.
• You can easily navigate the mall with the help of digital maps available all across.
• Separate washrooms and prayer rooms are available for male and female visitors.
• Power banks are available for loans in exchange for a refundable security deposit.
• Guests can book a buggy service that takes that around the mall without having to walk themselves.

How To Get To The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is centrally located in Downtown Dubai and can be easily accessed by car, public transportation, or taxi.

By car: The Dubai Mall is located in Downtown Dubai, which is easily accessible by car. You can park the car in The Dubai Mall parking free of cost.

By public transportation: The mall is easily accessible by public transportation. If you are taking the metro, you can get off at the Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa station and walk to the mall via an air-conditioned overpass. 

By taxi: You can also take a taxi to the mall from anywhere in Dubai. It’s a popular destination, and most taxi drivers will be familiar with the location.

The Different Zones At The Dubai Mall

Fashion Avenue

Being one of the world’s top high fashion shopping destinations, one of The Dubai Mall’s most famous areas is Fashion Avenue, which houses 70 signature high fashion stores, including France’s leading luxury lifestyle store, Galleries Lafayette and Bloomingdales along with various other popular names.

Level Shoe District

One of the most unique shopping concepts in the world, Level Shoe District is a 96,000 square feet store in The Dubai Mall dedicated solely to luxury footwear with 40+ designer boutiques housing over 200 top footwear brands, including Saint Laurent and Christian Louboutin.

Souk Al Bahar

Translated to “the sailor’s market,” Souk Al Bahar is a unique part of The Dubai Mall that offers an uplifting marketplace vibe with the allure of traditional Arabia through its unique, historical architecture. Connected with the main mall through a bridge over Burj Lake, the market is filled to the brim with top restaurants and retail shops with traditional souvenirs, jewelry, cultural clothing, and more.

Different from the Souk Al Bahar, The Souk is another part of the mall inspired by old Arabian architecture and houses many jewelry shops and more. The Souk is also home to The Dubai Mall’s famous Dubai Dino exhibit featuring a Diplodocus longus dinosaur skeleton from the Late Jurassic Period, dating almost 155 million years ago.

The Dubai Mall Zabeel

The newest addition to the mall, The Dubai Mall Zabeel, is an exciting new extension that includes multiple dining and retail destinations. The Zabeel extension is connected to the main mall through a passageway that is lined with interactive art pieces, making it a must-see location for every visitor.

The Village

Exclusively open during the winter, The Village is a quaint little informal shopping precinct located in The Dubai mall featuring a retractable roof that houses many popular shopping destinations. The Village is also home to the famous colorful umbrella passageway that you must have come across on social media.

Here are the top attractions in The Dubai Mall that you can take part in during your visit.

At The Top, Burj Khalifa

The Dubai Mall is right next to Burj Khalifa and houses the entrance to the world’s highest observatory on Levels 124 & 125 of the tallest tower in the world. If you want to see the city like never before, head to the At The Top Observatory in Burj Khalifa for an unforgettable experience. The experience begins with the history and backstory of the tower, after which you will ride the fastest elevator in the world all the way up to the observatory.

The At The Top experience gets booked out very quickly, which is why it is recommended to book your tickets online and reserve your spot in advance.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

The Dubai Mall features one of the biggest aquariums in the world, with 140+ marine species, including Tiger Sharks and Stingrays. The aquarium is a spectacle to behold and can be viewed for free from the mall. However, if you want to witness the animals up close, you can head to the aquarium tunnel that takes you under the tank and gives you a unique opportunity to view the fish closely.

You can also add the underwater zoo to your experience, which includes three zones, the Rainforest, Rock Pool Coastline, and UAE Night Creatures, and helps you explore and learn more about the habits and lifestyle of the underwater animals. The zoo houses many unique creatures, including the giant King Croc.

Dubai Ice Rink

The Dubai Mall also houses an Olympic-size ice rink, the largest in the city, that is perfect for a fun day out on the skates with friends and family. The rink can be visited for a casual skating session or for attending one of its many ‘learn to skate’ programs.

Reel Cinemas

Fancy catching your favorite movie on the big screen? Head to Reel Cinemas, The Dubai Mall’s local theatre that features every new movie from different languages on its 26 screens with multiple shows throughout the day.

The Dubai Mall also features the world’s largest indoor virtual reality park, PlayDXB, which includes 30+ exciting gaming zones perfect for kids, teenagers, and adults. This thrilling park has something for everyone, from fun arcades and top VR games to carousel rides and ball pits, making it one of the most fun things to do in The Dubai Mall.

Infinity des Lumières

The biggest immersive museum in the world, Infinity des Lumieres, uses light, sound, and reflection to display the spectacles of art giants, including Gaudi, Klee, and Kandinsky, to create an unforgettable experience.

If you’re in the mood to face your fears, head to Hysteria, The Dubai Mall’s thrilling haunted house that will have you running from your nightmares. This one-of-a-kind experience takes you through a spooky journey across the “haunted” mansion, where you will encounter ghosts and goblins of all kinds and have to find your way out to the light to escape.

Trampo Extreme

Jump into extreme fun at one of Dubai’s biggest trampoline parks located inside The Dubai Mall. Both kids and adults can enjoy an exciting time jumping in the main bouncing area, wall climbing across the park safely, and other thrilling activities that will keep you on your toes all day.

Ekart Zabeel

Launched in the new Zabeel extension of The Dubai Mall, Ekart Zabeel is a unique indoor electric go-karting attraction that uses modern, state-of-the-art tech to create a fun and thrilling go-karting experience for everyone.

Zabeel Sports District

Bring out your sporting spirit and head to the rooftop of The Dubai Mall Zabeel to the exciting Zabeel Sports District, a multi-sports, dynamic complex spread across a space of 20,000 sq ft. The sports club houses multiple courts, including padel, tennis, volleyball, badminton, cricket, and basketball courts, giving you an opportunity to enjoy an exciting session with spectacular views of the Burj Khalifa.

Emirates A380 experience

Get an opportunity to experience the excitement of flying the world’s largest passenger aircraft, the A380, in this world-class flight simulator. Take control of the aircraft, pick your destination, and challenge your friends and family on a flight-off in this unique attraction located at The Dubai Mall.

A little world on its own, Kidzania offers little ones from the age of 4 to16 an opportunity to experience life as grown-ups on their own as they play different professions and roles and earn ‘Kidzos’ for their hard work that they can then spend in the make-shift city’s ‘shopping complex,’ all while being managed and looked after by highly-trained supervisors. Kidzania is one of the most exciting things kids and toddlers can do in The Dubai Mall. 

Free Things To Do In The Dubai Mall

The dubai dancing fountain.

One of the most popular fountain shows in the world, the Dubai Dancing Fountain show, is an experience that should not be missed. With 6,000 lights and 22,000 gallons of water, the fountain dances to popular music and songs from different genres. The fountain show takes place every half an hour starting from 6 p.m.

You can experience the fountains from the Burj Lake bridge for free, or choose to witness it up close from an Abra with the Dubai Fountain Boat Ride that gives you an opportunity to view them from the Burj Lake or head to the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk, which allows you to watch the fountains from the closest boardwalk.

At The Dubai Mall, you can travel back in time and discover the mall’s resident dinosaur located in The Souk. The dinosaur skeleton on display belongs to a Diplodocus longus dinosaur from the Late Jurassic period and is free to view throughout the day

The Dubai Waterfall

A unique sculpture and art installation, The Dubai Waterfall is one of the most iconic photo stops in the mall. The ‘waterfall’ consists of two 24-meter-high cylindrical walls that stretch across three floors and feature fiberglass figures of men diving into the fall in unison, creating a truly spectacular sight.

Shopping At The Dubai Mall

With over 1,200 retail stores, The Dubai Mall is one of the top shopping destinations in the world. You can find a wide range of stores ranging from high-end luxury brands and jewelry shops to local stores and kiosks under one roof. Whether you are looking for designer shoes or bags, local souvenirs and clothing, makeup and skincare, or your everyday brands like H&M and Zara, you will find it all in The Dubai Mall.

Here are some of the top retail outlets you can find in The Dubai Mall

• Bloomingdales
• Galeries Lafayette
• Levels Shoe District

Check out the full list of retail outlets in The Dubai Mall here.  

Popular Dining Destinations In The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall houses 200+ dining destinations, from fine-dining restaurants to fast-food locations, cafes, and dessert parlors. No matter what your preference is, there is something for everyone. 

You can choose to have a casual meal in one of the many food courts in the mall that house the likes of Mcdonald’s, KFC, Al Baik, and Burger King. If you feel fanciful, you can head to one of the many fine-dining destinations, including New Shanghai, Social House, CZN Burak Gurme, Peppermill, and more, many of which offer spectacular fountains and Burj Khalifa views. 

Here are some of the top dining destinations you can find in The Dubai Mall

• Social House
• Jones The Grocer
• New Shanghai,
• The Cheesecake Factory

Check out the full list of dining destinations in The Dubai Mall here . 

Things To Do Around Dubai Mall

If you have already completed your Dubai Mall bucket list and still have time to spare, there is plenty of things to do around the area. Here are a few exciting places to visit near The Dubai Mall

Dubai Opera

The Dubai Opera is the city’s exclusive performing arts center located within The Opera District in Downtown Dubai, right next to The Dubai Mall. With 2,000-person seating, it is one of the region’s largest spaces of its kind. The opera always has exciting performances taking place around the year that you can experience during your visit. If you aren’t interested in watching a show, you can also tour the Dubai Opera house and concert hall when available.

Check out all the events happening at The Dubai Opera . 

Sky Views Observatory

If you are looking for one of the best views in the city, look no further than Sky Views Observatory. The 220 meters high observatory located in The Address Sky Views Hotel offers a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the iconic Dubai skyline and Burj Khalifa from its floor-to-ceiling glass windows.

The observatory also offers other exciting experiences, like the glass slide that transports you between the two levels of the observatory through a glass tube, providing a unique view of the city from below.

You can also choose to take part in the thrilling edge walk experience, where you can walk on the building’s open ledge hands-free while hanging on the edge of the building without any barriers. This exhilarating experience is perfect for adrenaline-seekers and provides an unmatched view of the city.

The Burj Park is a free leisure park located right next to The Dubai Mall, perfect for a little sunlight and relaxation. You can relax all day at the park and enjoy beautiful views of the city with friends and family. The Burj Park is also home to many iconic photo spots in the city, including the famous Wings Of Mexico that perfectly frame the Burj Khalifa.

The Burj Club is an exclusive and high-end fitness and leisure retreat located in Burj Khalifa that offers multiple wellness facilities. Spread across five levels, with one dedicated exclusively to women; the Burj Club offers various activities, including a gym, a spa, an iconic rooftop swimming pool with gorgeous views of the Burj Khalifa, and a lot more. If you are looking for a relaxing day out, the Burj Club is the perfect place to be.

The mall is open from 10 a.m. to midnight from Monday to Thursday and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. on Friday to Sunday.

The Dubai Mall spans a large space of 12 million sq. ft and features multiple activities. Ideally, we recommend saving at least 2 days to cover the most popular attractions in the mall.

While each attraction has its own charm, the most popular ones include At The Top, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Fountain Show, and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

Yes, the mall has multiple kid-friendly activities, including Kidzania, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, PlayDXB, and Dubai Ice Rink.

Bloomingdales, Galeries Lafayette, and Levels Shoe District are some of the most popular shopping destinations in The Dubai Mall.

Dubai Mall: How to visit + Tips

Visiting the dubai mall: best things to do + activities + where to stay.

You’re traveling to Dubai and you’re looking for more information about the iconic Dubai Mall?

You’re at the right place!

As t he world’s largest shopping mall , the Dubai Mall is a must-visit destination for travelers of all age.

In order to help you plan your visit, I will tell you everything about the best things to do and activities you can enjoy at the Dubai Mall. And at the end of this guide, you will find my selection of the best hotels in Dubai, depending on your budget.

Let’s plan your visit!

Shopping and eating in Dubai Mall

Dubai aquarium and underwater zoo, dubai fountain show, burj khalifa, visiting dubai mall with kids, my best tips to visit the dubai mall, where to stay in dubai to visit the dubai mall, address of the dubai mall, you’re traveling to dubai these articles will help you .

Of course, the Dubai Mall is the perfect place for a bit of shopping!

You can start your day at the Dubai Mall by checking out its impressive selection of stores and restaurants. With over 1,200 retail outlets , you’ll find everything from luxury fashion to electronics, jewelry to home decor, and much more.

There are also plenty of cafes and restaurants , so you can take a break, have a drink or a meal while you shop. It ranges from the fast food of the food court to luxury restaurants , so you will be spoilt for choice!

You wanna take a break from shopping?

You should thus check out the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo , located inside the Dubai Mall (at level 1).

This aquarium is home to over 33,000 aquatic animals and features a 48-meter walk-through tunnel where you can get up close and personal with some of the sea’s most fascinating creatures, including sharks!

As one of Dubai’s top attraction, Dubai aquarium is always pretty busy, so make sure to purchase your tickets in advance online.

There are 2 types of tickets for the aquarium (click on the links to book):

• The classic: Aquarium + Underwater Zoo ticket
• A combined ticket: Aquarium + Underwater Zoo + Burj Khalifa – Certainly the most interesting for you , as you will probably visit the Burj Khalifa during your stay in Dubai!

The aquarium and underwater zoo is included in the Dubai Explorer Pass .

You can read more about the Dubai Aquarium in my dedicated article: How to visit Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo?

The best way to discover Dubai’s must see attraction is to purchase the Dubai Explorer Pass .

With this city pass, you have access to 3, 4, 5 or 7 tourist attractions (depending on your choice). The following activities are offered:

• Excursion in the desert
• Dubai Aquarium and underwater Zoo
• Dinner cruise in the marina
• Access to the world famous Aquaventure Waterpark of Atlantis Hotel
• Ticket for the Hop on Hop off bus.

Since all these attractions are among the best things to do in Dubai, this City Pass is really the best way to save time and money!

For more information about the Dubai Pass and the activities included, simply click on the button below:

When you’re done exploring inside of the mall, you can take a stroll outside to discover the Dubai Fountain.

This mesmerizing display of lights and music is one of Dubai’s must-see attractions and is sure to leave you in awe.

The fountain show takes place several times a day on the artificial lake located at the exit of Dubai Mall, at the foot of Burj Khalifa.

You must attend it during your trip to Dubai!

The best is to go there at nightfall, when the tower is illuminated. It’s simply magical to watch the ballet of water jets dancing to music.

The show takes place every 30 minutes between 18.00 and 23.00 (there are also a few during the day).

The access is free of charge.

Quick tip:  As it’s super touristy, plan to get there a bit early to secure a good spot to  enjoy the show!

If you want to admire the sound and light show up close , then you should take an abra (traditional boat) on the artificial lake. You need to click here to book your tickets.

One of the best places to view the fountain show is from the terrace of the Apple store located in Dubai Mall.

Near the lake, you can also visit Souk Al Bahar , another gallery with a few shops , cafés and restaurants with terraces and fountain view . It’s worth to go have a look, even if only for its beautiful interior.

As the entrance to the Burj Khalifa , the tallest skyscraper in the world, is located in the Dubai Mall, you will very probably visit the tower on the same day as the Dubai Mall.

To visit the Burj Khalifa , you should really book your skip the line ticket online in advance .

This will allow you to choose your visit time slot and avoid the long waiting lines to buy your tickets.

Another important advantage is that tickets are cheaper online than directly at the counter. And that’s the same for all the activities you can do in Dubai!

There are different types of tickets available (click on the orange link for information and to book):

• Ticket At The Top Burj Khalifa – Access to 124th and 125th floors.
• Ticket VIP At The Top Sky – Access to the 148th floor of Burj Khalifa + 124 and 125 floors + quick access to the security checkpoints and elevator.
• Ticket The Lounge – Access to floor 152 + 153 + 154, the lounge bar of the Burj Khalifa
• Ascent to the 124th floor + lunch or dinner at the Burj Club restaurant.

And if  you want to visit both the Aquarium and Burj Khalifa , you should buy the following ticket to save money:

Access to Burj Khalifa is included in the Dubai Explorer Pass .

You’re traveling with kids?

The Dubai Mall will for sure keep them entertained!

From Kidzania theme park to the Reel Cinemas , there’s something for every age group. The SEGA Republic gaming zone is also sure to be a hit with the whole family.

Of course, no family trip to the Dubai Mall is complete without a visit to the Dubai Ice Rink . You can spend hours here perfecting your ice skating skills or just having fun with friends.

If you’re looking to maximize your experience at the Dubai Mall, here are my 3 best tips that you should keep in mind:

• Make sure to check out the mall’s website before you go. Here, you can find out which stores are offering special discounts and promotions, so you can save big on your shopping.
• It’s best to visit the mall early in the morning, when it’s not as crowded. This will give you the chance to explore the mall at your own pace and avoid the long queues at the checkouts.
• Make sure to take advantage of the mall’s concierge services. From arranging transportation to booking restaurant reservations, the concierge staff can help make your visit to the Dubai Mall as stress-free and enjoyable as possible.

With its impressive selection of stores, restaurants, attractions, and entertainment, you can easily spend a day here and still not see it all. So, make sure to save some time for the Dubai Mall during your trip to Dubai!

There are hundreds of hotels in Dubai, and choosing the best for your stay can be a bit complicated.

In order to help you out, I have selected for you the best hotels in Dubai for each district, depending on your budget. I have also made a special list of the most beautiful luxury hotels in Dubai.

As always, to get the best prices, you should book your hotel as early as possible!

The best hotels in Downtown Dubai (near the Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa)

• DoubleTree of Hilton Dubai – Business Bay: Located 1.5 km from Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Mall. Very spacious and comfortable room, well decorated and equipped from 110€ per night, breakfast included. Strong points: free shuttle to the Dubai Mall, good breakfast, comfort, tranquility. This my favorite hotel in Dubai for its exceptional value for money!
• Rove Downtown: Only 600 meters from the Dubai Mall. Bright and clean double room with view on Burj Khalifa, from 150€, breakfast for 15€. Strong points: Access to the Dubai Mall on foot, helpful staff, free shuttle service to the beach, Dubai Museum or Madinat Souk.
• Taj Dubai: Located 800 meters from Burj Khalifa. Modern and luxurious room with bay window overlooking the city and marble bathroom starting at 220€ per night, breakfast at 32€. Strong points: The magnificent view from the roof, the Indian decoration, the large swimming pool. An excellent hotel in Dubai city center, perfect for a romantic stay!
• Palace Downtown: Located on the lake at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, this 5-star hotel offers magnificent rooms with balcony, with an exceptional view of the Burj Khalifa. From 380€ per night, breakfast at 39€. Strong points: the exceptional location, the beautiful surroundings, the very attentive and helpful staff. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Downtown Dubai!

The best hotels in old Dubai (Deira and Bur Dubai)

• Golden Sands Hotel Apartments : Located in Bur Dubai, 1.5 km from the Dubai Museum. Apartment equipped with kitchenette and washing machine, from 80€ per night, breakfast from 11€. Strong points: Cleanliness, the heated swimming pool, the comfortable apartments
• Swissôtel Al Ghurair Dubai: Located in Deira district. Warm and spacious room from 115€, breakfast at 27€. Strong points: the pleasant staff, the view, the good breakfast. It’s my favourite in Old Dubai for its excellent value for money!
• Hyatt Regency Creek Heights Residences: Located next to Creekside Park. Very spacious, super comfortable and very well equipped rooms starting at 130€ per night, breakfast at 33€. Strong points: 5 minutes walk from the metro, the warm welcome, the quiet location, the spa.
• Radisson Blu Hotel, Dubai Deira Creek : 5* hotel located in Deira bay. Double room with balcony overlooking the bay from 150€, breakfast at 29€. Strong points: The proximity of the metro and the shops, the beautiful swimming pool, the comfortable bed and the amazing view. This is my recommendation for a luxury stay in Old Dubai!

Dubai’s best beach hotels

• Delta Hotels by Marriott Jumeirah Beach, Dubai: Located 300 meters from the beach. Rooms and apartments with sea view from 125€, breakfast at 27€. Strong points: The view, the comfortable beds, the location near the beach and the harbor.
• Amwaj Rotana, Jumeirah Beach – Dubai: Located along “The Walk”. Rooms with balcony overlooking the Gulf and Palm Jumeirah from 175€, breakfast at 24€. Strong points: the exceptional view, the proximity of the tram and metro, restaurants and shops at the foot of the hotel.
• Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach: Located 150 meters from the beach. Contemporary room with balcony and sea view from 230€, breakfast at 22€. Strong points: the infinity pool, the very good breakfast, the spa, the ideal location to enjoy the sea.
• Grosvenor House Hotel and Apartments: Located on the port promenade. Elegant and bright double room from 290€, breakfast at 42€. Strong points: Comfort, access to the private beach, the quality of the food.

The most beautiful luxury hotels in Dubai

• Atlantis The Palm, Dubai : One of the emblematic hotels of the city, located in Palm Jumeirah. Room from 300€, breakfast from 42€. Strong points: Includes access to Aquaventure Park and The Lost Chambers aquarium, private beach, swimming pools.
• Rixos The Palm Hotel & Suites – Ultra All Inclusive: Also located in Palm Jumeirah, this luxury hotel offers all inclusive rooms (all meals included) from 452€. Strong points: the quality of the meals, the setting, the amazing rooms.
• The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai: Located directly on the beach of JBR Walk. Elegantly furnished rooms with balcony and sea view from 500€ per night, breakfast at 39€. Strong points: 6 swimming pools, a private beach, the spa, the very helpful staff.
• Armani Hotel Dubai: Located in the Burj Khalifa Tower! Rooms decorated by the fashion designer Giorgio Armani, starting at 550€ per night, breakfast at 41€. Strong points: the privilege of sleeping in the Burj Khalifa, the refinement of the place, the view.
• Kempinski Hotel & Residences Palm Jumeirah: Located in Palm Jumeirah. Luxury suite with living room and dining room starting at 750€, breakfast included. Strong points: The private beach, the huge swimming pool and the beautiful gardens.
• Burj Al Arab Jumeirah: THE luxury hotel, one of the rare 7* hotels in the world! The “smallest” suite is 170m² and prices start at 1290€, breakfast at 74€. I can assure you that your stay in Dubai will be truly exceptional and unforgettable!

You didn’t find your dream hotel in this selection?

You should thus have a look at my article about the best hotels in Dubai by clicking on the following link: Where to stay in Dubai?

Here is the exact address of the Dubai Mall:

The Dubai Mall Doha Street Off 1st Interchange – Sheikh Zayed Road Dubai, U.A.E.

In order to help you plan your stay in Dubai, I have prepared detailed itineraries depending on the duration of your trip .

They are 100% free and you can find them here: simply click on the orange links to read the guides!

• 2 days in Dubai – The perfect itinerary for 48h!
• 3 Days in Dubai – The best 72h itinerary
• 4 Days in Dubai – The defitinive guide to plan your trip
• 5 Days in Dubai – How to spend 5 days in Dubai
• 1 Week in Dubai – The best itinerary to visit Dubai in 7 days!

They will allow you to plan your trip very easily!

And if you have any question, don’t hesitate to ask me in the comments section, at the end of the corresponding article. I will be glad to help you plan your stay in Dubai.

Discover all my articles about Dubai : All my articles to help you plan your trip to Dubai are listed there.

• Dubai: The 30 best places to visit – All best things to do and activities!
• Burj Khalifa: The definitive guide to all tickets + Tips
• Dubai Aquarium: discover one of Dubai’s must see attraction
• Dubai Mall: How to plan your visit of this huge shopping center!
• Dubai Old Town: 10 best things to do
• Dubai Fountain Show: all my tips to enjoy it to the fullest!
• Palm Jumeirah: the 15 best things to do!
• TOP Activities in Dubai – The 30 best activities and excursions to do in Dubai!
• Dubai Zipline – Price, info and reservations for the best experience in town!
• The best desert safaris in Dubai – my 7 favorites! (4WD, quad, buggy and more)
• Where to stay in Dubai? The guide to the best hotels by district, for all budgets
• Dubai Pass: The best way to save time and money in Dubai!

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Creator of the Voyage Tips blog, travel and photography lover. I give you all my best tips to plan your next trip.

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The Best 15 Things to do at Dubai Mall

Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai and at the foot of the tallest building in the world; Dubai Mall is a place not just for retail therapy but for entertainment, epic shows and views and also, believe it or not, relaxation! One of the best places to visit when on vacation in Dubai! There are just so many things to do at Dubai Mall!

Adults or children it does not matter at Dubai Mall, you will lose your day at this epic centre or architectural brilliance, so make sure to start early and allow yourself to finish late. To list all that can be done here would require us to publish a book, so we touch on a piece of everything it has to offer. 

If you’d rather watch than read, check our video on the top 15 things to do at Dubai Mall below.

1. Shopping

The first and most obvious thing to do at The Dubai Mall; hit the shops! Featuring over 1,200 stores, two anchor department stores and hundreds of food and drink outlets, The Dubai Mall covers more than 1 million square meters, which is the equivalent of 200 football pitches!

So now your already getting to grips with our advice on starting early right… For those with a love of top brands, Fashion Avenue is dedicated to the likes of Burberry, Versace, Armani, Boss and more.  

This fabulous fashion precinct features a number of VIP extras including porter services, an exclusive lounge to relax in and even its own 20-metre catwalk where you can channel your inner top model. There are over 70 signature fashion shops and a whole area dedicated purely to children’s fashion. 

2. Dubai Mall’s Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

33,000 Aquatic animals reside here in a 10-million litre tank. The largest amount of Sand Tiger Sharks in the world also live in this very tank. This 33,000 litre tank rises to the third tier of the mall and has a 48-meter tunnel that you can stroll through whilst in awe of the creatures around and above your head.

You can also take a glass-bottom boat tour, have a go in a snorkelling cage or plunge into an oxygen tank to swim with sharks. Apart from the extra’s aforementioned, admission is free. 

To book any of the activities above visit their website.

3. Eat & Drink

Aside from actual Things to do at The Dubai Mall; one of the best things to do in life is eat and drink!

With literally hundreds of restaurants and cafes to choose from, there is something for everyone. Wagamama, Eataly, Operation Falafel, Carluccio’s are to name but a few. There’s even Cereal Killer Café for those fancying breakfast at any time during your visit. Fast food outlets such as McDonalds and Five Guys are also available.

Must-try:   The traditional baklava at famed Turkish steakhouse Günaydin in all its sweet and sticky glory. 

The best thing about dining at Dubai Mall has to be the restaurants outside though. Overlooking the water, Dubai Fountain and The Burj Khalifa.

4. Go Ice Skating

For the active ones, unless your like some, and can’t skate, this Olympic sized ice rink is located inside the mall and is available for use by the public as well as for shows. Ice Hockey games are held, Ice Go-Kart Racing and the rink even transforms into an astro-turfed soccer pitch at certain times of the year.

The shows here are fantastic and a must if your in the area at the time. For those wanting to spice it up a bit you can even rent ice bikes! I know, sounds crazy but give it a go, loads of fun!

5. Watch the Fountain Show

Showing multiple times throughout the day and night and with endless themes depending on the time of year and what is going on, the fountains are a must. Situated at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, the water show can be seen from ground level or by looking down from the top of the Burj. Either way you choose, both options give you a different feel and the show is no better through a specific viewing point.

Although images and video do not always do the real thing justice; you can check out a glimpse above.

6. At The Top – Burj Khalifa

You can’t visit The Dubai Mall without climbing the worlds tallest tower!

Our recommendation is to visit at dusk so that you get 360 degree views of the city in the day-time  and  at sunset. Watching the sun set over the beaches of the Arabian gulf is mind blowing. You can take it one step further and for an extra cost gain access to the sky premium experience. At 555 meters high, the outdoor terrace is officially the highest observation deck in the world. 

Book your tickets at BurjKhalifa.ae

11 Best Places In Dubai To Watch Sunrise And Sunset

7. Play at the VR Park

Virtual reality is fast becoming popular and more VR centres are popping up everywhere. Dubai never tends to fail when it comes to showcasing new technology and when it also comes to doing it better than most.

Lose yourself in a fully immersive virtual reality experience. Fun is had here for all ages with leisure, sport, adventure and more. Take a sneak peak at what type of games there are in the video below.

Visit their website to book.

8. Kidzania

Whilst on the topic of fun and things to do for children; Kidzania is an adventure park turned children’s sized city that encourages education through play.

Maybe you’ve had enough of your littles ones pulling at your arm whilst your dragging them around the shops, so you can let them burn off some energy here. If your really lucky, they’ll then fall asleep in the pram afterwards whilst you continue shopping. Job done!

9. Visit the Cinema

Be entertained by the latest movies at Reel Cinema . The cinema has several different themed rooms which cover luxury seating, 4D, 270 degree picture and even a dine-in and watch by celebrity chef Guy Fieri. 

10. Hysteria

Hysteria is an extreme fear experience. The first haunted attraction of its kind in the region takes guests on a journey through their darkest nightmares and deepest fears. This is not for the faint hearted! If you are a thrill-seeker, an adrenaline junkie, a horror movie fan or you simply like to try new experiences; this is for you if you think you’re brave enough. 

11. Dubai Dino

One major tourist attraction at the Dubai Mall is Dubai Dino, which is a real fossil of Diplodocus longus – Dinosaur. This remain is 24 meters in length and 4 meters in height. Not to forget, its long neck and elongated tail.

There is a great deal of fascination among visitors to witness this massive creature. This is primarily because these remains are about 155 million years old.

You need not just spend time observing the fossils of this Dinosaur, but also click as many photos as you would like around it.

Located in the souk area of the mall, access to this full-sized creature is free of cost . If you wish to gather more information about this creature, be it its diet, posture, or habitat, have no worries. There is an information board displayed right next to the relic which you can read through.

It’s hard to find a creation like this anywhere around the world, so next time around when you visit Dubai, head to the Dubai mall to witness this spectacular sight.

12. Become a Pilot with Emirates A380

This is your opportunity to fly the A380 as a captain with this Emirates Flight Simulator at Dubai Mall. This one of its kind flight simulator experience is sure to sweep you off your feet.

You will be joined by a trainer in the cockpit, who will take you through this unique experience. You can ascend, descend, turn, and even land as a pilot once you decide to take this flight journey.

If you are interested to fly Emirates A380, then you can book your tickets online. You get to choose from various flying packages. These range from sessions that last for 15 minutes to the ones that go up to 45 minutes.

From aviation enthusiasts to people, who simply wish to test their flying skills can sign up for these sessions. Once you get into the cockpit, you can choose to land at thousands of international airports. Most importantly, this simulator covers almost every airport that falls under the Emirates Global Network.

What is more, is that you get to choose the weather and environment conditions under which you would like to fly the plane.

Your family and friends can cheer you through this experience all thanks to the open cockpit and high-definition screens that air all the activities that are taking place on the deck.

13. Witness the Human Waterfall

When at the Dubai mall, you need to keep your eyes wide open to witness all the beauty that sits inside of this huge space.  Begin with the awe-striking human waterfall.

This art display is undoubtedly one of the major crowd-pullers at the Dubai Mall. This human waterfall sits at the heart of the mall and the photo above just doesn’t do it the justice of seeing it in the flesh.

The waterfall is designed in such a manner that the cascading water effect spreads across the entire height of the mall. The height of this waterfall is around 24 meters, while the diameter is 30 meters, which makes it a huge attraction.

You will be smitten to witness the inimitable charm that this piece carries with it. This man-made waterfall displays humans that are free-floating in the air, upside down with their hands spread out sideward. What further adds to the viewing experience is not just the inbuilt skylight, but also the natural sunlight that makes its way to this mesmerizing waterfall. The waterfall has a rhythmic touch to it, which further adds to its beauty.

14. Candylicious

One of the most favourite spots especially for children at the Dubai mall is undoubtedly the world-famous candy store, Candylicious.

At this store, children get an opportunity to design their candy. What boosts their excitement levels is the fact that the candy is made before them.

Candylicious at Dubai Mall is one of the biggest candy stores in the world.  You will have a time of your life as you witness the 3D candy experience up and close. Whats more, the 3D gummy printer remains the highlight of this store. The store is located opposite the Dubai Aquarium.

Candylicious sure isn’t the only sweet shop to explore in Dubai Mall, but if you have a sweet tooth, you surely cannot give this one a miss.

15. Visit The Ferrari Store

If you’re a die-hard fan of the Ferrari Formula 1 racing team, then heading to The Ferrari store at the Dubai mall would be just the right thing to do.

You will feel great as soon as you step into this store, as its design resembles the Ferrari Formula 1 pit stop or garage. Do not miss the staff that works at this store. They come dressed in uniforms similar to that of Ferrari engineers and pit crew. At this store, you can shop for sportswear and accessories by Scuderia Ferrari.

The Ferrari lover in you will find it difficult to leave this store.

Thanks for reading! Dubai Mall really is one of the best places to visit whilst on vacation in Dubai. However, it does have a rival in Mall of the Emirates. We’d advise visiting both, as both have many different shops and things to do. More notably Mall of the Emirates has an indoor ski slope! However, if you’ve not got time for both and want to know which is better, we have you covered in Dubai Mall vs Mall of the Emirates.

Make sure you keep coming back for more on Dubai & Abu Dhabi ! You can also follow us on Pinterest and Subscribe on YouTube too.

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Which is the best mall in Dubai? It’s The Dubai Mall!

It’s a no-brainer, The Dubai Mall is hands down the best mall in Dubai and for a good reason. With 80 million people visiting the mall annually, The Dubai Mall is a shopping and entertainment haven for locals and tourists alike.

Of course, it’s not the only mall in the emirate that’s providing all that, but it’s definitely the best one. And this post will tell you precisely what makes The Dubai Mall the top shopping mall in Dubai.

How Many Malls Are There In Dubai?

In a city like Dubai, shopping malls are more like community centres and comfortable spaces for people to gather around, shop, eat, enjoy, and attend social events and activities. This is one of the biggest reasons you’ll find a mall in Dubai on every nook and corner of the emirate. In all, the city has around 65 malls operating within its parameters and there are 10 more being constructed.

In such a situation, it is important for existing malls to up their games and attract people to what they offer. And the size of the mall is the last thing people consider when deciding which is the best mall in Dubai.

Which Is The Biggest Shopping Mall In Dubai?

Talking about size, The Dubai Mall is the largest mall in Dubai. Spread over a total area of 12 million sq. ft. this gigantic mall is equal to the size of 50 football fields – that’s insane!

Many people even confuse The Dubai Mall with the Mall of the Emirates, often asking:

Is Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates the same?

They are not. The Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates are two separate shopping malls in Dubai, located in Downtown Dubai and Al Barsha 1 , respectively. They are both counted among the most popular malls in Dubai . We don’t think there is much to debate over which is the best shopping mall in Dubai among the two.

Is The Dubai Mall bigger than Mall of the Emirates?

We already answered that, but of course, the Mall of Emirates is way smaller than The Dubai Mall.

Is The Dubai Mall, the Largest Mall in the World?

It is based on the total area occupied by any mall. The Dubai Mall ranks 21st in terms of the gross leasable area (actual space occupied for retail and entertainment outlets). Dubai is now on a mission to construct the absolute megamall – Dubai Square, which is planned to be the largest mall on the planet in every way. Until then The Dubai Mall remains the biggest and the best mall in Dubai to visit.

Now that we’ve settled the matter of its size, it’s time to look at all the things that make The Dubai Mall the best shopping mall in Dubai.

What Is Best In Dubai For Shopping?

Ask anyone in city what is the best place to go shopping and you’ll get to hear The Dubai Mall is the best mall in Dubai for shopping. Even the best mall in Dubai reviews will give you the same answer. This place has everything for everyone. Whether you’re looking for clothes, branded purchases, kids’ items, lifestyle shopping, or handicrafts, you’ll definitely find it here. The Dubai Mall is the ultimate one-stop shopping destination and rightfully the best mall in Dubai. But it’s a lot more than that too!

Why Is The Dubai Mall, Dubai’s Best Shopping Mall?

92 million people visited The Dubai Mall in the year 2015. Not even the most popular tourist landmarks and destinations have seen that kind of traffic in any given year. This mall is popular among shopping buffs, foodies, people seeking various leisure activities, or even those who just want to have a good time roaming around the place. Let’s look at what attracts these people.

It’s All About Variety

At Dubai Mall, you can enjoy an unparalleled mix of retail paired with world-class entertainment and leisure opportunities and an extensive array of dining options. There are The Dubai Mall stores that you’ll find nowhere else in the emirate.

There are more than 1300 retail outlets in The Dubai Mall selling everything from books, toys and candies to perfumes, clothing, furniture and electronics. It may not be the best mall in Dubai for electronics – but you’ll still find almost everything you need there. Retail being just one aspect of the mall, a similar variety is also available in food and beverage outlets. There are over 200 cafés and restaurants in The Dubai Mall.

It’s Easy to Navigate

The best mall in Dubai is humongous. If you don’t know where exactly to find the shops you’re looking for, you’ll fail miserably even after you spend an entire day looking for it. Thankfully, navigating around The Dubai Mall is simple. The retail outlets have been grouped into precincts based on the product type.

Everything fashion related can be found on the Fashion Avenue – this includes all high street and luxury brands, concept stores and flagship outlets. The Souk precinct is all about traditional retail. Set up to emanate in a market-like feel, the Souk is where you can buy handicrafts, jewellery, traditional clothing, and accessories. For an outdoor market vibe and premiere denim brands, head over to the village.

When you know where to go, you save time. Plus, it’s hassle-free. If you still have trouble locating stores in The Dubai Mall, you can always refer to the help desks available throughout the mall.

It Caters All Budgets

Perhaps the best thing about The Dubai Mall is that it has something for everyone. When we say everyone, we mean everyone – regardless of how deep their pockets are. In fact, some of the best shops in Dubai Mall do not charge exorbitant prices for their products.

The comprehensive retail mix in this mall brings you a collection of everything ranging between high street favourites and high-end designers. You’ll find H&M and Zara here, as well as Chanel and Cartier. Apart from that, there is an extensive variety of boutiques, convenience stores and the two prominent department stores – Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette.

Simply put, you can shop from the places that fall into your budgetary limits. And when you feel the need to splurge, there are plenty of outlets to help you with that too.

It Provides Unlimited Entertainment

Besides shopping, there are a lot of things to do in The Dubai Mall . The best mall in Dubai offers entertainment and leisure outlets like no other. Someone who hasn’t been to The Dubai Mall may ask:

What is Dubai Mall famous for?

The answer is simple. Keeping the shopping element aside, The Dubai Mall is home to entertainment and leisure destinations like

• The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo with its world-class walk-through tunnel and thousands of aquatic species.
• The Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink
• The Dubai Dino Park , where you can walk through the prehistoric times when dinosaurs walked the planet
• The VR Park that takes you into the exciting world of augmented reality
• The 22-screen Reel Cinemas , which are the one of the biggest in the world

Trust us, that’s a lot to keep you entertained for the whole day. If you have toddlers, KidZania is a fun learning activity to indulge them in.

It’s Great for Foodies

Those of you who love food, check out the best restaurants in Dubai Mall . With 200 food and beverage outlets, you have a plethora of cuisines, flavours and names to choose from.

Whether it’s Guy Fieri’s Kitchen, The Cheesecake Factory, Aubaine, Social House, Markette – or any other of your favourites – you’ll find taste everywhere around the best mall in Dubai. They also have Katsuya, P.F. Chang’s, and Peppermill – some of the best places to eat in Dubai Mall! Which of them is the best restaurant in Dubai Mall, still remains a debatable topic. 

It Enjoys a Prime Location

The Dubai Mall stands adjacent to the iconic Burj Khalifa . It is the go-to shopping and leisure destination for most people renting flats in Downtown Dubai . Even those who come from far and wide, find the mall’s proximity to the Burj Park, Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, quite beneficial.

The location makes it easier for people to mix things up and add sightseeing or extra entertainment to their schedule. Who wouldn’t want a trip to At The Top Sky, Burj Khalifa after a fulfilling shopping and fun spree at The Dubai Mall?

Apart from the people living in Downtown Dubai, the best shopping mall in Dubai is conveniently located for those renting apartments in Business Bay or residing in Bur Dubai .

How do I get to Dubai Mall?

In case you’re wondering how to reach The Dubai Mall, the easiest way is to take the Dubai Metro unless you’re driving of course. The nearest Metro Station to The Dubai Mall is the Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall Station. From there, you can either walk to the mall via the Metro Link Bridge or use the feeder bus service running between the mall and the station.

It Offers Great Support Services

There are nine service desks scattered around the mall, where members of the mall administration respond to your queries. Can’t find a shop or need a specific service? Reach out to them and they will help you out.

Does Dubai Mall have WiFi?

Yes, The Dubai Mall offers a complimentary high-speed WiFi service. Simply connect your phones to @DubaiMall and voila!

Besides the WiFi, the mall also offers:

• Sleeping Pods
• Power banks
• Emaar gift cards
• Electric car charging facility
• Mobile charging stations

With that, we wrap up this post on The Dubai Mall – rightfully dubbed the best mall in Dubai. By now, you know everything there is about the mall that makes it number one. It’s a shopping mall that has opened up avenues of entertainment and leisure for the people of Dubai and anyone visiting the city.

However, not everyone may share our opinion about The Dubai Mall. Which do you think is the top mall in Dubai? If it’s not the Dubai Mall, let us know what makes your pick a better option. Write to us at [email protected] . We’d love to hear from you.

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The Dubai Mall – 1200 Shops and Countless Attractions

The Dubai Mall combines lifestyle, entertainment, and luxury. Numerous attractions such as the Dubai Aquarium and the ice rink make the mall particularly popular in Dubai and not just a place to go shopping. Here you can find out which shops are located in the Dubai Mall and get exciting information about the Dubai Mall.

Dubai Mall - One of Dubai's Most Popular Shopping Centers

The famous Dubai Mall shopping center, with a total sales area of around 350,000 square meters, is one of the largest shopping centers in the world. At its opening on 4 November 2008, the shopping center had around 600 shops. Since then, more than 1200 shops and boutiques have settled there.

The mall is located in the district Dubai Downtown and can be easily reached by the Dubai Metro or by bus. From Burj Khalifa the shopping center is within walking distance. The mall is also easy to reach by car. The car park has more than 14,000 parking spaces. The shopping mall was built between 2004 and 2008 and planned by the company Emaar Properties.

Check it out: During the Dubai Shopping Festival you can get a lot of bargains in the Dubai Mall and there are several attractions during this time.

Brands & Shops in the Dubai Mall

In the Dubai Mall, you will find something beautiful in every price range. From H&M to luxury brands like Gucci or Hermes. In this shopping center everyone will find what they are looking for! You will find almost every internationally known brand in the following categories:

• Watches, jewelery, and accessories
• Beauty and perfumeries
• Electronics
• Furniture and decoration
• Bags/leather goods
• Supermarkets
• Sweets and gifts

For the smaller purse there are shops in the Dubai mall such as & Other Stories, Accessorize, Billabong, Birkenstock, Bershka, COS, Foot Locker, Gap, H&M, Hollister, Jack Wills, Levi's, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Next, Oysho, Parfois, Pull & Bear, Scotch & Soda, Superdry, Timberland, Zara, and many more. Luxury brands like Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Armani, Louis Vuitton, Hermes, and Dolce & Gabbana are also represented in the mall. There are also many Arab shops that are definitely worth a visit!

There are about 150 restaurants, snack stands, fast food restaurants and cafés for small sweet toothers and those with a thirst for shopping. The "Food Court" on the upper floor offers an enormous selection of fast-food restaurants. For example, you can find the famous Ben's Cookies, Haagen Dazs, several ice cream parlors, smoothie shops, and some supermarkets.

List of Shops in the Dubai Mall

Here you will find a list of the shops sorted by categories. Please note that categories such as supermarkets or hotels are not included in our list.

Attractions in the Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is home to one of the largest gold souks (Arab market) in the world, with well over 200 jewellers. It also offers its visitors a fascinating fountain controlled by music, a gigantic waterfall , a large cinema , a supervised adventure and learning centre for children, the gigantic "Ice Rink" and an aquarium with 33,000 sea creatures.

As soon as you enter the dreamlike shopping center, you will see another attraction in the mall: the Dubai Dino - a skeleton of a dinosaur that is said to be over 100 million years old and comes from the USA.

Another top attraction in the mall is, of course, the A380 flight simulator - Emirates A380 Experience. There, flight enthusiasts have the opportunity to experience take-offs and landings of the A380 aircraft type by Emirates in different weather conditions and at different airports.

There is also something for the adventurous visitor! The Sega Republic Adventure Park consists of five different zones: the Cyberpop Zone, the Sports Zone, the Wild Adventure Zone, and the Speed Zone. The adventure park covers almost 75,000 square meters and extends over two floors. More than 170 games and more than 10 amusement attractions are on offer.

The Dubai Aquarium in the Dubai Mall

The Dubai Aquarium in the Dubai Mall has a height of more than 8 meters over three floors and is almost 33 meters wide. The aquarium holds the world record for the largest acrylic glass pane with its 75-centimeter thick acrylic glass pane. In addition, the Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest walk-in aquariums in the world. More than 33,000 animals live in the gigantic aquarium. These include exotic fish, sharks, giant crabs, rays, penguins and seals.

In addition, the tunnel that leads through the aquarium is an absolute highlight. The 2-meter wide tunnel is almost 50 meters long. A 19-centimeter thick acrylic glass pane separates visitors from the marine animals. The aquarium also contains a lighting system with day and night simulations as well as automatic feeders. For the walk through the tunnel of the beautiful Dubai Aquarium, a small entrance fee is required, which is definitely worth it! For the visit to the Aquarium & Discovery Center or the Underwater Zoo, you will have to pay a slightly higher entrance fee. Nevertheless, the price in relation to the breathtaking impressions one experiences there is not expensive.

Opening Hours and Direction

Opening hours.

May vary on public holidays/festivities (e.g. during Ramadan)

Arrival by Metro The easiest way to reach the Dubai Mall is with the Dubai Metro (stop: Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall).

Arrival by Bus Buses 27 and 29 run regularly to Dubai Mall. (Bus stop: Dubai Mall)

Arrival by Car On the Financial Center Road (right side, coming from the center) there is an access road to the Dubai Mall. Free parking is available there.

Address Financial Center Rd - Dubai - United Arab Emirates

Plan route with Google Maps

Website thedubaimall.c o m

Tickets for the Attractions in the Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is not only known for its wide range of shops but also for its many attractions such as the Dubai Aquarium and the huge ice rink.

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A visitor’s guide to Dubai Mall, 15 things you must do

Things to do in Dubai Dubai Travel Guide Dubai Neighbourhood Guides Dubai Mall

The Emirati city of UAE, Dubai is popular for its opulent experience. The city is all about ultramodern architecture, with the best hotels in the world, and magnificent malls. With hundreds of places to visit and many things to do, not visiting the Dubai Mall while in the city would be a wasted trip. There are so many things to do in Dubai Mall, including those where you wouldn’t have to shell out a dirham!

Dubai Mall is the second largest mall in the world with more than 1200 shops spread over 4 floors. The mall is visited by more than 54 million visitors each year! The best part is that this mall is not just a place to shop and enjoy excellent food. There are attractions that you can visit such as Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, VR Park, Hysteria, Rainforest Cafe, Creek Tower Replica, KidZania, etc.

About the size of 200 soccer pitches, the Dubai Mall is an architectural marvel with everything under its roof. From an aquarium as high as 11 meters to the Olympic size Ice rink perfect for international events.

Interestingly, the Dubai Mall is situated right next to the Burj Khalifa, located right on Financial Center Street. The mega mall is a part of the Dubai $20 billion Downtown Dubai complex. Surrounding the Dubai Mall is some of the world-renowned premium luxury hotels including The Address Dubai. Visitors get to explore and shop from Fashion avenue - the lifestyle precinct which has every high-end brand in the world. Besides that, there are plenty of things that you can do at the Dubai Mall for free such as the Dubai Dino Exhibit with a view of the monumental exhibit of 155 million years old dinosaur skeletons at the Souk, a view of Dubai Burj Khalifa, the Fountain lake, the largest Aquarium in the world, VR park entrance, the Breathtaking site Human Waterfalls, and more.

Why should you visit Dubai Mall?

• If you are with your family or friends, or on a bachelor party tour or honeymoon, Dubai Mall is the ultimate entertainment spot for you. It has something for all age groups.
• Shop to your heart’s content from brands like Gucci, Bloomingdale’s, Ralph Lauren, Jo Malone London, etc., among the 1200+ retail stores.
• Its prime location ensures that if you are short on time you can easily visit major highlights of Dubai including Burj Khalifa. Spend the day shopping and simply exploring the extravagance of Dubai Mall, and move on to the evening view of the magnificent Dubai Fountain. If there is something happening in the world worth knowing about, you will catch the highlights at the Burj Khalifa.
• The food scene at the Dubai Mall is the most extensive experience you will have in your lifetime. There are 200+ food outlets here with American, European, Indian, Mediterranean, Asian, Middle Eastern, and other cuisines.
• If you have your kids with you, then they’re in for a delightful treat! Places like KidZania, Ice Rink, Trampo Extreme, Carousel Kids play, Ekart Zabeel, Dino Display, VR park and more are going to present you with the challenge of steering your kids away!

Top 15 things to do inside the Dubai Mall

1 burj khalifa- at the top.

Offering a 360-degree view of Dubai, Burj Khalifa is the world’s longest skyscraper. The magnificent architectural marvel has 163 floors. The 124th floors combined together are the highest outdoor observatory. The experience of looking down at the majestic city of Dubai from the 124th and 125th floors is mindblowing. Enjoying immersive virtual realities, and clicking pictures against greenscreens to later edit them as per your choice are just a few of the activities that you can participate in here. The view you get from one of the many telescopes available here is the highlight. The way to get into Burj Khalifa- At the Top is through the ground floor of the Dubai Mall. It takes you across the entire floor up to the entrance.

2 Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Home to marine animals of more than 14 species, including the most number of tiger sharks in the world, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is genuinely spellbinding. The 11-meter-tall aquarium holds 33000 liters of water and is the largest hanging aquarium in the world. There is a 48 meters long tunnel that you can walk through while looking at the base of the aquarium, filled with underwater marine life. There is a lot of scope for great photography here. On the second level, above the Aquarium, there is the Underwater Zoo which is a thrilling part of this attraction. experience. Experience the Rainforest, Living Ocean, and Rocky Shore here all at once. Being a major highlight of Dubai Mall, this place can get pretty crowded, so it’s best to visit the Aquarium early in the morning or late evening. Additionally, 5-6 pm is the busiest hour here at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

3 Dubai Fountain

The Dubai fountain is the world’s most popular site which attracts large-scale tourists every day. The experience is extra special when visited during the evening because of the 6600 lights and 50 colored projectors building effects that become more apparent at that time. Nevertheless, you can catch the 5-minute show during the afternoon at 1 and then 1:30 pm every day. In the evening, the frequency increases as a 5-minute show happens every 30 minutes until 12 am. The shows are a combination of music including Arabic and contemporary, with lights and colors that convey peculiar messages.

4 Infinity Des Lumieres

Visit the immersive dynamic art museum which is the first of its kind in the UAE. The gallery contains digital copies of extraordinary artists including Van Gogh, Dreamed Japan, and Verse. The experience is so rich and unique that you will be taken to a different world. Look at the world-famous arts in a new light. Explore their details as you walk through them. The exhibits currently on display at the Infinity Des Lumieres are: The Imagination Architect, Gaudi, The Abstraction Odyssey, Kandinsky, The Music Painter, Klee, Feel the Infinite, Cosmos, Dubai Data.

Heaven for thrill seekers, VR Park is the world’s largest indoor virtual reality zone. Now known as the Play DXB, this is one of the best experiences for techies out there. Any amount of time spent here is insufficient. Bringing together the old-school arcade games, trampolines, inflatable playgrounds, and ultramodern high-end VR games under one roof there is something for both kids and adults alike. Indulge in multiplayer activities with your family or friends or treat yourself to single-player games. The adventure games with mind-boggling virtual reality concepts can be played using Oculus gaming headsets. Most activities of this experience are all accessible except for a few which have age and height restrictions based on the intensity.

6 Ice Skating Rink

Escape the sweltering hot weather of Dubai at the Olympics-sized Ice Skating Rink at Dubai Mall. This is the world’s largest indoor snow park which can host international-level competitions. This offers a wide range of fun-filled thrilling activities including tobogganing, plunging down a twin track bobsled, penguin shows, a human hamster ball slide, skiing, and a large number of rides that can be thrilling or romantic based on who you are with. The place also offers skating lessons for kids. An experience best enjoyed with family and kids or friends can be customized to your comfort instantly. In fact, you don’t have to be dressed for it, as the entry tickets include the apt attire simplifying things further. Some of the activities are not recommended for people with pre-existing health issues or pregnancy. Taking proper precautions and wearing protective headgear is highly recommended at all times.

7 KidZania Dubai

The ultimate edutainment experience for your child between the ages of 4 to 16 awaits you at KidZania . A highly recommended Dubai Mall activity for parents and kids who want to try role-playing simulations as they venture into different career opportunities together. Teach your child or motivate and inspire them by allowing them to take the seat of an adult professional and do their job. Let them become a surgeon or a train driver for a day. The University is a section that gives the children a chance to graduate with their favorite degree, then take on various roles at the Al Alan Tv studio, Radio Station, or Metropolitan Stage Theater including stage manager, cameraman, hosts, etc. Discover the world of Food and Beverages in various degrees of professional cooking from a factory to McDonald’s kitchen. Or allow the young minds to gain interest in the field of Science at the Microsafe Antimicrobial Lab by working alongside real scientists.

8 Ekart Zabeel

Test your skills against the latest super-speed electric go-kart engines by Emaarat, the indoor Go-karting courses at the Dubai Mall. The best thing about this thrilling adventure is that you do not need any prior experience. It is easy and challenging enough at the same time for people to enjoy it irrespective of their skill level. This adventure is meant for you if you are traveling with your friends or family. Challenge them for a race and simply have the best time. The three laps are timed for clear competitive events that can be enjoyed by groups of people including corporate events. The course is extremely challenging yet safe, You get the helmets and jumpsuits to put on as a strict safety precaution. This karting zone is designed to maintain world-class standards and safety, hence it is extremely sturdy to tackle the speed and force of the ultra-modern go-karts zooming away.

9 Address Sky View

The 5-star luxury hotel close to Burj Khalifa is an excellent way to make your tour prince-like. If you visit Dubai, especially with shopping in your mind, Address Sky View is the perfect place to stay. It is situated in Downtown Dubai close to the Dubai Mall and has a bus and metro station nearby. The hotel is also close to the airport. The 5-star luxury hotel offers a poolside bar, a terrace to get a panoramic view of Dubai, a sauna and steam room, a Spa and massage services. The luxurious hotel has some excellent nearby places to visit as an option including Emaar Square, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera, and Dubai Fountain, all the highlights at a maximum of 10 minutes distance from the Dubai mall.

10 Dubai Dino

Check out this spectacular display of 150 million years old skeletons of the Diplodocus Longus Dinosaur. It is 24 meters long and 4 meters high in structure with magnificent grace. The Diplodocus Longus Dinosaur has an elongated neck and tail which makes this display a breathtaking site.

11 The Human Waterfall

The majestic site of the cascading waterfall and the striking image of human forms hanging is a site that no one can overlook. It is the drama of the Human Waterfall that enunciates the level of architecture and artistry which defines the futuristic city of Dubai at one glance. The surreal beauty of the diving human forms is so realistic and out of this world at the same time. The fun fact about these diving human forms is that it has been crafted using fiberglass. With the effect of water streaming down, the human structures frozen mid-dive come alive under the beautiful skylight illuminating the site. This is a replica of an oasis in the desert and succeeds in creating a serene vibe of one. The palm trees surrounding the attraction further make the picture real.

12 Emirates A380 experience

How many times do you get to pilot a plane? Have you ever wondered what the pilot’s job entails? Here at the Emirates A380 experience, grab the chance to look at the city of Dubai from the pilot’s perspective. The stimulator brings you the experience to pilot the world's biggest passenger plane with realistic controls and situations. Simply choose a location among thousands of airports across the globe and choose a perfect path for a safe journey ahead! Compete against your family and friends or simply absorb the unique feeling as you go. You get to choose the flight type, weather, and other challenges. Watch your flight fly above the world’s beautiful gems including the Eiffel tower. You can choose the timing for the experience between the three options which is 15, 30, or 60 minutes.

13 Hysteria

A haunted house experience for really strong-hearted and fearless people that is one of its kind. Walk through the stuff out of the scariest of nightmares and horror movies all placed in one place. Hysteria is defined as the extreme fear experience. Be ready to walk through the doors of a haunted mansion with dim lights full of scary elements that might freeze you with fear. Brave your way through the petrifying and gruesome sites displayed across 15 rooms. If you are a thrill seeker and happy to scream at the top of your lungs and enjoy a shot of adrenaline rush in your blood, do not miss out on Hysteria.

14 Reel Cinemas

Experience Cinema with ultimate luxury at the Dubai mall with Reel Cinemas. Choose your movie and watch it exactly the way you like it. Reel Cinemas promise the experience to be most comfortable and convenient for their guests no matter what. As you watch movies dine in with 5-star delicacies served to you by a personal butler on call. Sit back or lie down with pillows and warm blankets on ultra-luxurious reclining leather seats to enjoy your movie. The seat offers three levels of reclining to balance optimal comfort and angle. The A la Carte menu style option serves you all that you can desire from the movie trend food to gourmet lunch or dinner from major brands.

15 Shopping

Enjoy the finest shopping experience in Dubai: Shopping at the Dubai Mall. In this ultimate shopping experience, you can find pretty much everything. Fashion, footwear, perfumes, furnishings, electronics, etc. The mall contains some exclusive options as well, which cannot be found anywhere else in the city. These include Bloomingdale's, Galeries Lafayette, Missguided, Moncler, Candylicious, etc. There are 1200+ outlets to explore which can easily overwhelm you. Have a clear idea in your mind as to what you want and then select the store you want to hit in order to have your personal best experience at the Dubai Mall.

Plan your visit

Dubai mall opening hours.

Dubai Mall is open on all days of the week. Here’s what you should know about hours:

1. Dubai Mall Entrance: - Saturday- Monday: 10:00 am to 12:00 am - Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm 2. Food and Beverages: - Saturday- Monday: 10:00 am to 01:00 am - Tuesday to Friday: 10:00 am to 12:00 am - On weekends, by 9 am, you can find a few cafes and restaurants open for breakfast. - Waterfront Promenade Restaurants are open on all days between 10:00 am to 01:00 am. 3. Metro Link Bridge Outlets: - All days, 10:00 am to 12:00 am

The best time to visit Dubai Mall

• If you enjoy crowds and a happening environment, visit the Dubai mall during the evening hours during the weekdays.
• For a quiet experience, visit in the morning at 10 am or so when a very little crowd can be observed.
• For shopping purposes visit in the month of January during the Dubai Shopping Festival or mid-July for the 45 days long Dubai Summer Surprises to enjoy insane discounts.
• If you prefer a cooler season to enjoy your visit choose either the start of the summer period that is May, which is beautifully warm at 23-36 degrees Celsius.
• Months between November to April are super busy due to the winter season making it a bit crowded but still a great time to visit.
• The period between June to August is not very convenient due to the sweltering heat but the crowd is really on the low side.

How to reach Dubai Mall

By Metro The nearest Dubai Metro station to the mall is the Burj Khalifa/ The Dubai Mall station. It is within a walking distance of the mall entrance. In fact, the walk is an experience in itself as you get to cross the famous Metro Link Bridge which is a complete air-conditioned glass tunnel between the metro station and the mall.

By Bus Choose one of the two buses available 16 minutes apart with service routes 27 from the Deira Gold Souk and 29 from the Ghubaiba bus station. Both the buses drop off at the Lower Ground floor of the Dubai Mall every day.

By Car If you are driving to the Dubai Mall, consider this route from the center of Dubai, then start by taking the first interchange and move along the Financial Center Road/ Doha Street. On the right side, you will see the approach road to the mall. Considering that you are coming from Abu Dhabi, exit the Financial Center Road from the first interchange.

By Taxi The most comfortable way to reach the Dubai Mall, is via taxi. The available options include Careem and Uber. Simply download the app of your choice and enter the Dubai Mall as the drop-off location.

Best Restaurants inside Dubai Mall

There are 200+ eateries ranging from casual to high-end available in the Dubai Mall. Here is a combination of the top must-visit places to try:

Experience the French way of life at this prestigious brand which has been called the little Paris in Dubai for its authentic cuisines and culture. The Angelina scales the simple tearoom experience, offering breakfast, brunch, lunch, and dinner. It caters to vegan, halal, gluten-free, vegetarian, and other preferences. Angelica is the best spot To sample French pastries and other baked goods with coffee and hot chocolate. Level: Ground Floor

Eat, shop, and learn at this Italian restaurant. With an international presence across the globe, the chain offers high-quality Italian food at reasonable prices. The restaurant intends to create a place that is natural, simple, and informal for people to eat in peace. Eataly has acquired 8+ awards and recognitions in different countries. Level: Lower Ground Floor

“A temple to gastronomy and gourmandize”, the restaurant is the ultimate gourmet luxury spot for you. Here you can find cuisines from all over the world under one roof by award-winning chefs. The casual sitting environment is all about food and fun with comfort. The combinations include Izu Baker and Brasserie, Wok Tales, Sushi Bar, Tandoonari, etc. The all-day food hall has everything in terms of services along with the unique blend of flavors and textures for you brought by culinary masters. Level: Second Floor

The restaurant has 250+ items on their menu, and they've been delivering freshness since 1972. Their menu is so extensive that you might end up being confused about what to eat from the array of options including Appetizers, Salads, Pastas, Steaks, Desserts, and of course Cheesecakes. Level: Ground Floor

Things to do around Dubai Mall

2 minutes away The Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world. Standing at a staggering 829.8 metres (2,722 feet), it's hard to miss this iconic structure when visiting Dubai. If you're looking to get an incredible bird's eye view of the city, then a trip to the top of the Burj Khalifa is a must. There are two observation decks open to the public – At the Top, Burj Khalifa and At the Top SKY.

4 minutes away Address Sky View Dubai is one of the most luxurious hotels in the city, and it offers stunning views of the skyline. The hotel is located in the heart of Dubai, and it is close to many attractions. If you are looking for a 5-star hotel experience, then Address Sky View Dubai is the perfect place for you.

5 minutes away Visiting the Museum of the Future is an experience like no other. With its cutting-edge exhibitions and interactive displays, the museum offers a glimpse into the future of technology, design, and innovation. Whether you're interested in gadgets and gizmos or the latest advances in science and medicine, this museum has something for everyone.

7 minutes away If you're looking for a truly unique and unforgettable experience, then you need to add the Dubai Garden Glow to your travel list! This one-of-a-kind destination is illuminated with over 50 million energy-saving bulbs and features intricate displays that are spread out across five different zones namely, Glow Park, Dinosaur Park, Ice Park, Magic Park and Art Park

7 minutes away This place is teeming with life and is truly a nature lover's paradise. From the moment you step foot into this magical place, you will be mesmerized by its beauty. Dubai Green planet is home to some of the most exotic plants and animals on the planet. You will be able to see everything from rare birds, to giant snakes, to huge elephants!

10 minutes away The Dubai Frame is one of the most unique and Instagram-worthy attractions in the city. Located in Zabeel Park, the 150-meter tall structure offers stunning views of both old and new Dubai. Visitors can take a lift to the top of the frame, where they will be treated to panoramic views of the cityscape. On a clear day, you can even see the Burj Khalifa and Palm Jumeirah from here!

11 minutes away When in Dubai, one mustn't miss the opportunity to experience Ski Dubai! It is the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East and offers an amazing experience for all. The slopes are suitable for beginners as well as advanced skiers and there is also a snow park for those who want to try their hand at other winter activities.

Dubai Mall - Accessibility, Facilities and Services

• With the complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi stay connected with the Dubai Mall app to navigate and explore the mall conveniently.
• If you shop worth AED 500 at least, your bags will can be delivered to your home or hotel safely, within the same day, or by the next day across the UAE.
• There are Interactive digital maps located Throughout the mall, from where you can look for a specific place or simply check out what’s on all four levels of the mall including amenities like washrooms.
• Book a buggy service at the Guest service desk and get driven to all the stores of your choice without getting too tired to shop.
• Prayer rooms are available on all floors for men and women with distinct markings for convenient recognition.
• Loan power banks from the Guest Services desk for free in exchange for a refundable security deposit and a valid ID.
• At the Cinema Car Park, P3 you can get your Car Windows Tinted as you spend your day shopping and enjoying inside the mall.
• The mall is wheelchair accessible and guests can also loan them conveniently at the mall from the Guest Services desk, free of cost.
• Hire exceptional babysitters and childcare professionals from Malaak at the Dubai mall. The cost for the service is 100 AED per hour.
• Things you should know! - Pets are not allowed in the mall. - No smoking on the premises. - No dangerous activities like rollerblading are allowed inside. - No kissing or overtly physical display of affection is allowed.

Insider tips to know before visiting Dubai Mall

• The best season to expect sales is during the month of January during the Dubai Shopping Festival.
• Your dress should cover your shoulders and knees irrespective of gender during the visit to avoid any hassles later on.
• Wear shoes that are comfortable as you are visiting the world’s biggest mall, there is a lot of walking to do.
• You are allowed to take pictures almost everywhere in the mall. Only a few places do not allow photo ops so seek permission before you click pictures just to be sure.
• - Avoid visiting on a Friday, when the place is absolutely packed.
• - Avoid visiting during the month of Ramadan as one cannot be seen eating or drinking in public due to the tradition of fasting for an entire month. In Fact, you will find most of the eateries closed during the day.
• Be respectful towards the local culture and religion during the time of your visit.

How many stores are there in the Dubai Mall?

There are over 1,200 stores in the Dubai Mall! You could spend days exploring them all.

How big is the Dubai Mall?

The mall covers an area of over 12 million square feet! It's one of the largest malls in the world.

What is there to do in the Dubai Mall?

In addition to shopping, there are plenty of other activities to enjoy in the mall. There is an aquarium, a cinema complex, and a theme park, among other attractions.

Where is the Dubai Mall located?

The Dubai Mall is located in the heart of Dubai, in the United Arab Emirates.

Can I buy tickets to the attractions in the Dubai Mall online?

Yes, you can purchase tickets to the attractions in the mall online.

Dev Ramkumar

Born and brought up in Mumbai, I am a content creator by day and a musician by night. My love for travel peaked when my music career took me to various parts of the country. Now, my dream is to explore the world, attend all kinds of music festivals, and experience the culture of each city I visit. My journey has just begun and I've already covered parts of Europe and Southeast Asia.

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Throughout Dubai Mall you will find eight guest service desks manned by our friendly team members who will be happy to help you with queries, directions and assistance throughout the mall. We have a range of services to make your experience a pleasurable one.

For Your Convenience

• - Free Wi-Fi
• - Dubai Mall mobile app
• - Mobile recharge cards
• - Concierge Lounge (porter and lockers)
• - Print and copy centre
• - Emirates Post letterbox
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• - ATM machines
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• - Prayer rooms for men and women

Family Friendly

• - Baby strollers

Getting around

• - Club Car service
• - Valet parking
• - Boulevard tour buses
• - Taxi service
• - The Dubai Trolley
• - Public transportation
• - RTA buses and Metro ticket machines

Shoulders and knees should be covered

No pets inside the mall

No smoking in the mall

No dangerous activities

No kissing or overt displays of affection

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Dubai Mall to introduce paid parking from July 1

This new system will improve parking availability and streamline the process, ensuring a more convenient and efficient visit for all guests.

Waheed Abbas

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Dubai Mall on Wednesday said it will introduce paid parking in cooperation with Salik Company from July 1.

The new paid parking system at Dubai Mall applies to Grand Parking, Cinema Parking, and Fashion Parking, while Zabeel and Fountain Views parking locations will remain complimentary.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

On weekdays, motorists will have free parking during the first four hours, then they will be charged between Dh20 and Dh1,000 for parking. During the weekend, the first six hours will be free and they will be charged on an hourly basis.

Here is how much motorists will be charged for parking at Dubai Mall:

• Paid parking at Dubai Mall: How is it calculated, free areas, exemptions; all you need to know
• Dubai Mall paid parking fees to be deducted from Salik account
• Salik to roll out paid parking at Dubai Mall soon

In December 2023, it was announced that paid parking would be introduced at Dubai Mall in cooperation with Salik with a barrier-free system. The mall has more than 13,000 parking spaces.

Salik announced a cooperation with Emaar Malls on Friday that it would "deliver a seamless and efficient parking management system at Dubai Mall. Under the terms of the agreement, Salik’s technology will be deployed to enable a smooth, barrier-free parking experience for mall customers.”

It said the paid parking system will be introduced to improve parking availability and ensure a more convenient and efficient visit for all visitors to the mall. The introduction of paid parking aims to free up spaces , ensuring guests can find parking more quickly and easily.

“This new approach is not just about parking; it is about providing a seamless experience for every guest from the moment they arrive. By implementing this system, we are ensuring that our guests can enjoy a hassle-free visit, with the confidence that their parking needs are well taken care of,” it said in a statement.

“This initiative aligns with our commitment to enhancing the guest experience by leveraging innovative technologies, in collaboration with Salik. This collaboration highlights our dedication to continually improving our services and setting new benchmarks in retail and leisure,” said Ahmed Almatrooshi of Emaar Properties.

“This is an important step in our strategic evolution to become a global leader in sustainable and smart mobility solutions and is also in line with our ambition to deliver innovative and convenient solutions that eliminate the need for gates or barriers. This is just the beginning for us, and we are truly excited to have Emaar as our first partner,” said Ibrahim Sultan Al Haddad, CEO of Salik Company.

How will parking fees be charged?

The automatic fee collection for ticketless parking will be charged using vehicle plate recognition.

The barrier-free parking system will use the same automatic number plate recognition and radio frequency identification (RFID) technology used for tracking tags by Salik.

A camera will capture the plate number as it enters the parking floor and will record the entry time. At the exit, the camera will again scan the plate number and the system will calculate the parking time.

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Dubai’s Community Malls Are a Missed Opportunity for Fashion

• Rohma Theunissen

Key insights

• The need for retail in residential areas is on the rise as Dubai’s population is set to double, growing from 3.6 million today to 7.8 million by 2040.
• Residents of new mixed-used developments across the UAE expect more fashion and beauty brands to be on their doorstop, away from traffic and tourists.
• The design of community malls is evolving across the Middle East as the urban landscape changes and consumers demand greater convenience and variety.

With over 650 retail outlets, an indoor rollercoaster and 18-screen cineplex, it’s easy to mistake Dubai Hills Mall for one of the city’s iconic mega malls. Opened in 2022, it offers the scale and experience shoppers expect elsewhere but its location helps well-heeled locals avoid the congestion and crowds of tourists at larger properties like Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates.

“Dubai Hills Mall’s convenient location serves several established neighbourhoods in Mohammed bin Rashid City and the catchment areas of Arabian Ranches and other lifestyle communities,” said Mohamed Alabbar , chairman of Emaar Properties, in a statement from Emaar Malls, the unit that owns and operates some of Dubai’s most prominent shopping destinations including Dubai Mall and Dubai Marina Mall.

Community malls, a long-standing retail concept, are a staple in many markets around the world, including Dubai. Older districts of the city, like Bur Dubai, Deira, and Al Qusais have always been home to smaller, community-focused shopping areas serving local residents. However, these were often built into multi-story buildings with narrow walkways, featuring diminutive and cramped stores with limited natural light.

In recent years, the design of community malls has evolved significantly across the GCC region (Gulf Cooperation Council countries comprising the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar and Oman) as the urban landscape changes and consumers demand greater convenience. Emphasising spaciousness, natural light and lifestyle amenities, this new guard of community malls — often part of mixed-use developments — aims to deliver superior, localised shopping experiences.

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In Dubai, wealthy residents must still travel across the city for top-tier brands like Chanel, Hermès and Brioni but, for wardrobe staples and a spot of in-store retail therapy alongside food and entertainment offerings, they can now avoid some of the frustrating elements of the mega malls offering ultra-luxury labels.

“Before the opening of Dubai Hills Mall, a lot of us had to brave the crowds and traffic at Mall of the Emirates or Dubai Mall for shopping and leisure,” said Samantha Francis-Baker, a resident of Dubai Hills Estate and founder of creative agency Aces of Space Studios. “A quick mall trip was just not possible unless you went super early or late at night. Dubai Hills Mall offers a more convenient, accessible shopping experience with a well-curated mix of brands, without the chaos.”

Though larger than many of its community mall peers, Dubai Hills Mall features a retail mix of brands including Zara, Nike, Michael Kors, Dior Beauty, Babyshop, Sephora and The Giving Movement. Its curation speaks to shoppers looking for a more premium family-centric shopping experience while shielding them from the glare of some of the flashier features that tend to attract the masses.

But Dubai Hills Mall is an outlier among community malls as most have few global fashion and beauty brands in their tenant mix.

“People often forget that in the UAE, we live an indoor, air-conditioned lifestyle due to the heat,” explained Rania Masri El-Khatib, founder of Dubai-based consultancy RMK Collective. “Unlike in Europe or North America, where local shops are easily accessible, in the UAE, our community malls fulfil those very same needs. For instance, if you live in Kensington [in London], you wouldn’t go to Notting Hill just to buy flowers. Similarly, here, we shop within our immediate surroundings.”

The need for well-executed community retail is on the rise as Dubai’s population is set to double in the coming years, growing from 3.6 million today to 7.8 million by 2040. Propelled by Dubai 2040, the urban masterplan introduced by Dubai’s ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum in 2022, this growth is causing a pronounced decentralisation as vast spans of desert are transformed into upscale residential developments complete with local schools, hospitals and businesses. Investment has poured into these neighbourhoods, creating new places for residents to live, work, and play.

To keep pace with its projected population growth, real estate brokerage Knight Frank estimates that Dubai will need around 70,000 new homes annually, yet only about 22,000 homes are expected to be delivered each year over the next five years. This shortage in housing, along with rising property prices, is pushing residents further out from traditional urban centres. As they move, so too does the focus of retail investment.

Redefining community retail

“There’s always been some confusion about what constitutes a community mall,” noted Myf Bagnold, chief marketing officer at Cenomi Group (previously Fawaz Albdulaziz Alhokair Group) , which comprises Cenomi Centres, one of Saudi Arabia’s leading mall operators and Cenomi Retail, the group’s joint venture and owned retail unit.

“Historically, we’ve defined them by size, ranging between 10,000 and 37,000 square metres in GLA (gross leasable area). However, community malls are now more about their location in residential and mixed-use areas, where they serve as vital anchors for local communities. They become part of the neighbourhood fabric, impacting the broader residential environment.”

Traditionally built around supermarkets and other service-focused retail establishments, community retail in the UAE has largely been limited to offering residents a quick and easy way to run everyday errands, with the lack of global fashion and beauty brands being pronounced in many cases.

“I think it’s a missed opportunity,” said Bagnold, who feels that smaller retail hubs can offer some international fashion brands the chance to gain an intimate understanding of the local customer, forging deeper connections. “These [community-serving] malls should cater to fashion and beauty needs, but the product and service mix really needs to be tailored to the community [to be successful].”

A quick scan of the UAE’s retail landscape reveals four tiers of community-serving retail centres when categorised by size. The smallest of these is the strip mall-type outlet that is typically found within suburban-style residential developments. Examples in Dubai include Emaar’s Ranches Souk in Arabian Ranches 1, Majid Al Futtaim’s Distrikt in the Tilal Al Ghaf, and Damac Mall in Damac Hills. These can have a GLA of up to 10,000 square metres and tend to feature a convenience-led retail mix that includes groceries, laundry, fitness, children’s play areas, salons, pharmacies, medical clinics and a selection of homegrown retail outlets. Some might include one or two local and regional fashion and accessories stores.

The second tier of community malls is best described as the mid-sized segment, comprised of shopping centres spanning 10,000 to almost 50,000 square metres GLA, which are located within residential hubs. These tend to integrate a leisure aspect, offering a wider range of dining options, entertainment and shopping options that serve surrounding communities.

Springs Souk in Emaar’s upscale Emirates Living master development in Dubai which includes the exclusive Emirates Hills community is one example. Another is Abu-Dhabi based developer Aldar Properties’ Al Hamra Mall in Ras Al Khaimah, located in a catchment adjacent to Al Marjan Island, the chosen locale for Wynn Resort Ras Al Khaimah, where the UAE’s first casino is set to launch in 2027. Despite their strategic locations with access to an affluent local consumer base, their potential remains largely under-utilised by international fashion brands, with footwear labels Crocs and Skechers being the only ones with stores at Al Hamra Mall.

The third tier of community malls comprises of full-scale shopping malls, with GLAs of 50,000 to 150,000 square metres, that are designed to serve entire districts. Examples include Aldar Properties’ Al Jimi Mall, a key shopping hub in the city of Al Ain, currently undergoing an expansion, Majid Al Futtaim’s City Centre Sharjah, a preferred social and shopping destination in the emirate of Sharjah, and Al Futtaim’s Dubai Festival Plaza in Jebel Ali, which maintains a consistent footfall year-round because of an Ikea flagship, one of only two in the emirate of Dubai.

Despite their scale and popularity, most of these malls comprise primarily of local brand tenants with only a handful of global names making the cut like Levi’s, Aldo, Foot Locker and Monsoon.

Spanning beyond 150,000 square metres GLA, the final tier of community-serving malls overlaps with the ‘mega mall’ classification. Examples here are limited to Majid al Futtaim’s City Centre Mirdif in Dubai’s residential Mirdif neighbourhood and the Dubai Hills Mall. This category is the only one where global fashion brands have a prominent presence, although it is primarily limited to the high-street, athleisure and fast fashion categories.

Fashion’s Missed Opportunity

It’s little surprise that ultra-high-traffic retail destinations like Majid Al Futtaim’s Mall of the Emirates and Emaar’s Dubai Mall — the latter attracting 105 million visitors last year — have become a focal point for global fashion and luxury brands looking to establish their presence in the UAE to tap locals and tourists alike. Everyone is vying for space in these leviathans, from luxury brands to department stores like Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdales and Galeries Lafayette as well as high street and fast fashion giants. But with rents that can be ‘astronomical,’ according to retail industry insiders, is the return-on-investment worth it?

For brand awareness and recognition, larger venues offer unmatched exposure, a sense of safety and security in terms of experience and positioning, and a vetted blueprint for success. However, when it comes to engagement and conversion, some community malls — despite their limited footfall and higher perceived risks — can offer a more value-driven proposition.

“Community malls are a really interesting category of mall, certainly in terms of cache and positioning,” said Bagnold. “They [are not] considered [by global brands] as much as bigger, flagship malls are and yet they play an incredibly important role as a key anchor in local communities.”

For brands looking to invest in physical retail beyond the mega malls, the metrics for success need to be broadened, suggests Bagnold. “Looking only at footfall to assess feasibility can be an oversight.” Instead, she recommends undertaking a more detailed assessment of the local catchment area.

“The conversion rate of very big malls is quite low because a lot of people are just browsing recreationally,” said El-Khatib. “In contrast, the conversion rate in community malls tends to be much higher because people there typically come to you with the intention of buying something that they need. So, if you can offer a really personalised, customised experience, you can, as a brand, experience much higher conversion rates [than in a mega mall].”

With more and more suburban community developments underway, and the imminent shift of the city’s population away from the centre, Dubai’s leading real estate developers such as Emaar, Majid Al Futtaim, Aldar, Nakheel, Meraas and Damac are using community shopping experiences to entice investors and residents alike. But many global brands – particularly those based in Europe and North America – remain cautious about community malls despite the opportunity they present in terms of experimenting with new formats, concepts and innovations without the need for heavy capital investment.

“Having a Bloomingdales at Dubai Mall is great, but you have to compete with so many brands who already have their flagship stores there,” pointed out El-Khatib. “Why not open a Bloomingdales concept store in the heart of a residential community, where they have the means, but are limited in options?”

El-Khatib references Chalhoub Group’s luxury footwear department store Level Shoes which opened its first location outside of the company’s Dubai Mall flagship last year at the Atlantis The Royal hotel in the Palm Jumeirah district. A hybrid personal shopping retail concept, the boutique offers a curated selection of footwear and accessories in-store, and access to the retailer’s entire product line, with express delivery.

“Multi-brand stores are usually more in touch with customers on a local level. They can go granular on their offering [because of how well they know the market and the customer] whereas global brands have most of their strategies coming from their global headquarters, making them less agile,” said El-Khatib. “This can be a huge competitive advantage for [multi-brand] and local brand [competitors] who have boots on the ground.”

• Mohamed Alabbar
• Dubai, United Arab Emirates

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15 different things to do when you have friends visiting Dubai

Stray away from the usual tourist spots….

If you have guests coming to visit Dubai, keeping them entertained can be pretty easy as the city is packed with plenty of things to do. However, if you want to do something different from the usual Burj Khalifa visit or Dubai Mall shopping spree, here’s a list of wonderful things to do to ensure they leave with some great memories.

Here is a round-up of 15 things to do in Dubai when you have friends visiting

A visit to Old Dubai should not be missed especially when friends are coming down to visit. The bustling waterfront promenade in Old Dubai is one not to be missed as it shows off a different side to Dubai. It runs a stretch of 1.8 kilometres along the iconic Dubai Creek and is packed with plenty of shopping opportunities, cafes and restaurants, and entertainment spots. Read our guide here . 

@alseefdubai

Alserkal Avenue

Take a stroll down Alserkal Avenue to enjoy the artier and hipster side of Dubai. A cultural landmark, this avenue is home to numerous galleries, boutique shops and rustic cafés. Spend the evening strolling around being enriched by the international art on display and soaking in the cool vibes.

Alserkal Avenue, Al Quoz, Dubai, open daily, 10am to 7pm, Tel: (0)4 333 3464, alserkal.online , @alserkalavenue

Aura Skypool Lounge

Burj Khalifa is one of those spots that people who visit Dubai don’t want to miss. If they like the views, add in a visit to Aura Skypool Lounge located 200 meters in the air. It’s also the world’s highest 360 infinity pool and offers panoramic views of the city.

Aura Skypool Lounge, The Palm Tower, Palm Jumeriah, open daily, timings vary, Tel (0)4 566 2121, auraskypool.com , @auraskypool.dubai

Camel Racetrack

Camel racing is an important traditional local pastime and if your visitors want a dose of heritage, take them to see Al Marmoom Camel Racecourse. From the grandstand, you can become fully immersed in the races and experience an integral part of Emirati life.

Dubai Camel Racing Club, Al Ain Highway, Dubai, Tel: (0)4 718 8888.

Chillout Ice Lounge

If your friends are visiting over the summer, give your guests a break from the heat and take them to a place where they can chill – literally. No, we’re not talking about Ski Dubai. Chillout Ice Lounge is another one of the spots here in Dubai that offers up a below-freezing atmosphere as you dine or have a coffee. It’s the first of its kind in the Middle East and your guests will leave with cool images of themselves posing with ice sculptures.

Chillout Ice Lounge, Times Square Center, open daily, 10am to 10pm, Tel: (0)4 341 8121, chilloutindubai.com , @chillouticeloungedubai

Dinner in the Sky

Picking a restaurant to dine at in Dubai is hard only because there is a long list of options. However, if you want something unique, head to Dinner in the Sky for a unique sky-high experience. You and your guests will take a seat at the table on terra firma and then will be lifted up into the air 50 metres by a crane for your dining experience.

Dinner in the Sky, Al Sufoh, Skydive Dubai, open daily, 2pm to 11pm, Tel: (0)58 819 3296, dinnerinthesky.ae , @dinnerintheskyuae

A road trip to this beautiful exclave is always exciting for residents and visitors alike and there’s always something new to explore. At Hatta Wadi Hub alone there are countless activities to get involved in from mountain biking to archery, zorbing, ziplines, axe-throwing, paragliding, horse riding and more. If you want your loved ones to experience a one-of-a-kind glamping experience, check out Hatta Resorts. The tents come with a full range of amenities including a mini-fridge, television, private BBQ and fire pit within a large terrace space and more. Book  here .

Hatta, located off the Dubai-Hatta road, Dubai. Tel: (0)4 852 2200. visithatta.com   @visit.hatta  

Hot air balloon 

An essential part of your visit to Dubai should include a hot air balloon over the emirate’s iconic desert. You will depart at sunrise and drift peacefully over the awakening desert. You’ll even be able to spot camels, gazelles and much more of Dubai’s cool wildlife. For something really different, book yourself and three of your mates to enjoy Breakfast in the Sky in the UAE’s first seated hot air balloon .

balloonflights.ae  

A lake in the desert? No, it’s not a mirage, it’s real! Love Lakes is perhaps one of the most well-known man-made lakes in Dubai. The interlocking hearts have garnered plenty of interest since it was first revealed a few years ago. The Love Lakes  can be found in Al Qudra Oasis and are best seen from an aerial view. On land, whether you’re picnicking, walking or taking in the sunset, it’s certainly a wonderful UAE nature spot to do it in. Nearby at Al Qudra Lakes, you’ll find plenty of flamingos, ducks and swans.

Phobia Dubai 

If your visitors want a break from sightseeing, take them to an escape game at Phobia. It’s not everybody’s cup of tea but one of those fun experiences that your visitors will certainly remember when they head back home. In this escape game, you’ll have to work in a room with no light (of course…), and the preface of a revengeful dead little girl who follows you around. The escape room is open for two to five people brave enough to have a bash. It is an eight-plus-rated escape room if the parents are present, if not, it’s strictly for those over the age of 14.

Phobia Escape Games, JLT, Red Diamond Building, Dubai, Tel: (0)52 797 4916/(0)50 873 0445, phobia.ae

Platinum Heritage

Class and luxury collide with culture and sustainability at this Platinum Heritage experience. Take your guests on a quintessential desert safari trip and visit the dunes in a traditional Land Rover. You can even opt for a hot air balloon experience or an overnight stay.

For more information visit platinum-heritage.com

There are a number of must-not-miss restaurants in Dubai, but if you’re looking for one with no frills – go to popular dining and cultural experience Ravi Restaurant. It is located in the bustling neighbourhood of Satwa in Old Dubai where you can tuck into traditional Pakistani and Indian food for a pocket-friendly price. Since you’re here, go check out the Iranian Hospital and Satwa Grand Mosque.

Ravi Restaurant, Al Satwa, open daily from 5am to 2am Tel: (0)4 331 5353, @ravirestaurantuae

StepUp Ceramic Cafe

Have an artistic visitor? Let things get messy in this splatter painting experience. Your visitors will be able to create a one-of-a-kind abstract painting in their cosy splatter rooms. You can choose your colours and music and get your paint on. Use your 30 minutes to create your own masterpiece – whether that’s on the canvas or on yourself, it doesn’t really matter. It’s open to all ages, so little ones will have a lot of fun with this one.

Stepup Ceramic Cafe, Apex Atrium Building, Turin blvd, Motor City Dubai, open daily, 8am to 9pm, Tel (0)58 538 1800, stepupceramiccafe.com @stepupceramiccafe

Sunrise SUP yoga

Dubai is not all about living in the fast lane, so make sure to show your friends how to find ‘zen mode’ in Dubai’s fast-paced life. Take them to a sunrise yoga class on a SUP (Standup paddleboard) to help them feel centred and connect with nature. There’s also moonlight beach yoga available if they are more of the night owl type. Book here .

SUP Yoga, RIVA Beach Club, Palm Jumeriah, Dubai, Sat from 6.30am to 7.30am, Dhs100, Tel: (0)52 249 5311, ignitewatersports.com

The Smash Room

Want to go crazy? Go to The Smash Room – the ultimate destination to go rage on objects that can sometimes drive us crazy – like a printer or even a TV. The Smash Room philosophy is ‘If it can fit through the door, you can smash it.’ Keep in mind that their location has a garage-size roller door so just about anything goes for smashing. 

The Smash Room, Umm Suqeim, Street 195, Al Quoz 4, open daily, 12.30pm onwards, Tel: (0)4 339 7810, thesmashroom.com , @thesmashroomdxb

Images: Social and supplied

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