The Ultimate Guide To The Dubai Mall: The World’s Largest Shopping Destination

As one of the world's largest shopping destinations, Dubai Mall is so vast and filled with endless possibilities that it almost feels like you’re in a small city. In this blog post, we'll go on a quick tour of the Dubai Mall to prepare you for an experience that will most probably leave you stunned.

How Big Is The Dubai Mall? 

Dubai Mall is so huge that you could fit more than 50 football fields in it! It's actually the biggest of its kind in the world. Packed with over 1,200 stores, from high-end luxury brands to your everyday stores, it has something for everyone. And it's not just about the number of stores – the mall is home to amazing dining and entertainment destinations. Plus, the design and atmosphere make it a wonder in itself. Walking through the Dubai Mall means something cool and exciting at every corner. 

Shopping At Dubai Mall

Let’s dive into the heart of Dubai Mall – the shopping! Whether you're looking for the latest trends or you're someone who just wants to browse around, the range here is mind-blowing. With 1,200 stores to choose from, there is something for everyone and all budgets. 

A shopping spree is almost inevitable at this point especially because of the mall’s design and atmosphere, which makes the shopping experience both visually stunning and entertaining.

In Dubai Mall, you will find two major department stores, Galeries Lafayette, which offers a wide range of luxury brands, and Bloomingdale’s, the luxury American store offering a huge selection of designer clothing, handbags, shoes, and accessories. 

Designer Stores In Dubai Mall

If you're looking to treat yourself to something extra special, Dubai Mall is home to many of the world's most popular luxury designer brands, including: 

• Chanel
• Louis Vuitton
• Dior
• Prada 
• Cartier
• Gucci

Affordable Fashion At Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall isn't only home to designer brands, you'll also find many high-street brands, including: 

• Zara
• H&M
• Sephora 
• Pull & Bear 
• Forever 21

Dubai Mall caters to so much more than just fashion, as it’s also a paradise for tech-lovers, bookworms, and those looking to beautify their homes. 

Tech Shops In Dubai Mall

The latest cutting-edge gadgets are released in Dubai Mall’s Apple store, Samsung, and Virgin Megastore before anywhere else. You will always find a lineup of tech-gurus outside the store on every release morning!

Bookstores In Dubai Mall

Similarly, bookworms have the well-renowned Kinokuniya in Dubai Mall for all their book needs. This bookstore is known for its extensive collection, which spans a variety of languages and genres, and it also offers comfortable seating areas. 

Home Stores In Dubai Mall

As for those looking to enhance their living spaces, there is an array of decor stores in Dubai Mall which include Pottery Barn, Williams-Sonoma, and Roomours for all their furniture needs.

Souk Al Bahar

For a unique shopping experience, head to Souk Al Bahar, the ‘sailor’s market’, which has a lot of local shops offering traditional Emirati crafts and souvenirs.

Restaurants And Cafes At Dubai Mall

All that shopping will definitely work up an appetite. To fix that, Dubai Mall ensures that the dining scene is as diverse as its shopping by featuring more than 150 restaurants. Sushi, a juicy burger or even authentic Middle Eastern cuisine, the options are endless. From cosy cafes to luxurious fine-dining restaurants, every taste is catered to. Don't miss out on the waterfront restaurants near the Dubai Fountain, where you can enjoy a meal with a stunning view.

In addition to the impressive array of restaurants that Dubai Mall has to offer, it is also known to have the best cafes in town. Each cafe has its own unique charm, offering a selection of coffees and delicacies. Most cafes in Dubai Mall feature such relaxing atmospheres that they are perfect for finishing a day's worth of work while sipping on the finest coffee beans, or even just for grabbing a quick caffeine fix while shopping.

Entertainment And Activities At Dubai Mall

Of course, Dubai Mall isn’t all about shopping and eating, this place is also an entertainment powerhouse! Watch the latest movies at the massive cinema, or enjoy a family day at one of the many kid-friendly attractions. There’s also the not-to-be-missed Dubai Fountain show – a beautiful dance of water, music, and lights which takes place at 30 minute intervals every evening. And if you’re into art, the mall often hosts exhibitions and cultural events that ensure that your experience is enhanced.

Let’s talk about more attractions that make the Dubai Mall more than just a shopping centre.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

This is not your average aquarium. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest aquariums in the world. Home to thousands of aquatic animals, including sharks and rays.

Opening Hours And Ticket Details 

Monday-Friday: 10:00 AM - 11:00 PM (Last admission at 10:15 PM)
Saturday-Sunday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Last admission at 11:15 PM)

• Penguin Cove and Nursery Experience (AED 199 each for Adults & Children 2 years and above)
• Ultimate Experience (AED 299 each for Adults & Children 2 years and above)
• Additional Encounters (AED 100)

For the latest information and updates, we recommend visiting their official website before planning your outing.

PlayDXB

For the tech gurus, PlayDXB offers an adrenaline rush like no other. It’s a virtual reality experience that teleports you to different worlds, and it’s up to your preferred genre.

Opening Hours And Ticket Details

Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Last admission at 9:30 PM)
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM - 12:00 AM (Last admission at 11:30 PM)

To ensure you’re up to date with their latest information and/or to check their ticket prices, it’s a good idea to check the official PlayDXB website

Ice Rink

Ice skating in the middle of the desert is made possible here in Dubai Mall with its Olympic-sized ice rink. Suitable for both beginners and ice-skating pros, it's also a cool way to take a break from shopping.

Opening Hours

Monday to Sunday: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM​​.

Ticket Prices

Prices for a skating session range from AED 90 to AED 125, depending on the day and time that you visit. For more information, visit the Dubai Ice Rink website. 

KidZania

This one's for the little ones. KidZania is a kid-sized city where children can role-play in various professions, learning about different careers in a fun and interactive way. 

Opening Hours And Ticket Details

Sunday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Last entry at 9:00 PM)
Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Last entry at 10:00 PM)​​.

Ticket Prices:

• Economy (4 - 16 yrs): AED 195
• Premium (4 - 16 yrs): AED 260
• Adult (17 yrs and above): AED 80
• Toddler (2 - 3 yrs): AED 110
• Baby (0 - 1 yr): Free​​

These details provide a comprehensive overview of the operating hours and ticket prices for KidZania, offering a range of options for visitors of different ages.

And there's so much more – the giant cinema, the endless dining options, and seasonal events that transform the mall into a festive wonderland.
 

Dubai Mall Opening Hours

Dubai Mall operates from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM from Monday to Thursday, and until midnight or later on weekends.

Getting To Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is located in Downtown Dubai on Financial Centre Road, near the iconic Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. There are lots of ways to get to Dubai Mall, including metro, public bus, car and taxi. 

By Metro

Getting to Dubai Mall via the Dubai Metro is very straightforward. The closest station, Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall, is conveniently linked to the mall via the Metro Link Bridge, allowing for an easy walk. In addition, regular feeder bus services provide direct access to the mall, ensuring frequent drop-offs for passengers every day.

By Car

Dubai Mall is easily accessible by car from anywhere in the city due to its location in the heart of Dubai. It's close to major highways like Sheikh Zayed Road, but the traffic can be very busy in Downtown Dubai during peak hours. 

From Dubai International Airport: 15-20 minute drive (14km)

From Burj Al Arab: 20 minutes (20km)

From Palm Jumeirah: 25 minutes (22km)

From Deira: 15-20 minutes (13km)

Parking At Dubai Mall

You won’t have to worry about parking fees when visiting Dubai Mall. The mall offers 14,000 free parking spaces across 3 main car parks and 10 levels, making sure that your visit is hassle-free. There is also a valet parking service available in P6 - Zaabeel parking on the second floor, which will cost you anywhere from 10-100 AED.

By Taxi

It's very easy to get to Dubai Mall by taxi. You can either flag a brightly-coloured roofed Hala taxi in the street or use an app-based service like Careem or Uber. And when it's time to go home or return to your hotel, the Dubai Mall has a taxi rank and Uber pick up locations to get you on your way. 

Enjoy Your Visit!

Dubai Mall is one of the reasons why Dubai is so special. It's a place where you can spend a whole day and not even think of getting bored. Whether you love shopping, food, an adrenaline rush, or just looking for a day out with the family, Dubai Mall has something for you. So, when you’re in Dubai, make sure to set aside a day... or two for this incredible destination.