Dubai is a shopping paradise! With world-renowned malls boasting spectacular attractions like an Olympic size ice rink, vast aquarium and luxurious fashion boutiques; it has something for everyone. Looking for designer labels? The Dubai Mall's Fashion Avenue has got the highest end luxury brands such as Louis Vuitton, Dior & Gucci available in one place waiting to be explored by you! Ready for some tech talk? Check out Deira City Centre or Ibn Battuta Mall - here lies all of your techie dreams made real with hundreds of gadgets on offer. So get ready deal seekers, because it’s time to shop till you drop in this captivating Arabian hub known as Dubai!
The Malls
Dubai is home to some of the most iconic and popular malls in the world. From The Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall and City Walk, these four malls are truly an integral part of the city's unique culture, offering something for everyone – whether it's designer stores or leisure attractions. Both shoppers and visitors will find everything they need in one place, with convenient transport links and parking facilities. Let’s take a closer look at each mall to get a better understanding of why they are so popular.
The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is undoubtedly one of the most impressive malls in the world – it’s the largest shopping destination in the Middle East with almost 1200 stores and attractions. Fashionistas can take their pick from over 200 high-end labels while budget shoppers can get great deals in its many retail outlets with discounts available for those who sign up for the ‘The Dubai Mall Rewards Programme’.
Dining at The Dubai Mall is an experience like no other. With 120 restaurants and cafes from around the world, it's no wonder why this is one of the most popular destinations for foodies. From classic dishes to innovative new creations – there’s something to please everyone from all walks of life.
The mall is home to some of the city's most exquisite restaurants as well as more casual dining options like The Cheesecake Factory, not to mention the plethora of bakeries and sweet treats found throughout the mall. For those looking for something more adventurous try Din Tai Fung, one of the most popular Asian restaurants in all of Dubai, or take a trip to Italy amongst the chic interiors of Gia.
Many of these eateries have gorgeous views either overlooking The Dubai Fountain or out onto the terrace. After all of that eating, why not enjoy a leisurely stroll by taking in the beautiful sights and sounds around you? You’re sure to find something special here at The Dubai Mall.
And who could forget the Dubai Mall's Aquarium and Underwater Zoo; a truly unique and unforgettable experience. Located on the second floor of The Dubai Mall, this one-of-a-kind attraction takes visitors on a journey into the depths of the ocean, letting them explore over 140 species of aquatic animals from around the world.
Here, you'll have the chance to admire exotic creatures such as sharks, rays and turtles up close in the immersive 48m long walkway tunnel - an experience unlike any other. It's also home to some of the world’s largest fish such as Giant Groupers weighing up to 400kg! Throughout your visit you can learn about each animal with interactive displays or take part in workshops led by expert aquarists. The Aquarium also has plenty of activities for younger visitors including feeding presentations with rays and sharks; as well as animal encounter experiences with penguins, otters, and even crocs! This is ideal for families or those looking for a fun day out!
Finally, no visit is complete without taking a stroll through its sprawling Underwater Zoo. Here you can discover 3 ecological zones, such as the rainforest, rocky shore and living ocean. Whether it's just wandering through its stunning pathways admiring marine life or getting involved in intriguing workshops – every visitor will be mesmerised by what The Dubai Mall’s Aquarium & Underwater Zoo has to offer.
Mall of Emirates
Mall of the Emirates is an iconic destination for shoppers, foodies, and entertainment seekers alike. Located in Dubai’s Al Barsha district, this sprawling shopping complex offers visitors an unforgettable experience that caters to all.
At its core, Mall of the Emirates boasts 100 restaurants and cafes, 80 luxury stores and 630 retail outlets all offering a vast range of products from luxury fashion to everyday essentials. Whether you’re looking for the latest designer pieces or trying to find the perfect gift – here you’ll be spoilt for choice with luxury international brands including Dior, Burberry, and Chanel.
In addition to its impressive retail section, Mall of the Emirates also houses 100 restaurants ranging in cuisine from Italian to Brazilian, as well as popular fast-food chains like IHOP and Cinnabon. For a lavish meal in luxurious surroundings try Cipriani, where polished steel meets high gloss wooden interiors.
Whether you're looking to treat yourself, catch up with friends or simply want to explore something new - Mall of the Emirates is guaranteed to have something exciting in store!
Ibn Battuta Mall
The Ibn Battuta Mall is one of the largest shopping centres in the world and one of the most unique. As you step into the mall, you are transported back to 14th century Arabian exploration routes through its 6 courts – China, India, Persia, Tunisia, Egypt and Andalusia. Each court has been carefully rendered with its own distinct design and décor inspired by its namesake’s culture.
The mall itself pays tribute to the travels of famed explorer Ibn Battuta who covered over 75,000 miles throughout his journeys and explored more than 40 countries – an incredible feat for a time when travel was not as advanced as it is now. With stores like high-street fashion brand H&M, and more affordable fashion brands such as Tommy Hilfiger - you’re sure to find something special here that will transport you back in time.
To complete the experience the mall also contains 29 restaurants serving up cuisine from all across the globe – including Indian eateries like The Indian Palace or contemporary Japanese at Yakitate. Additionally, there are cinemas, children’s play areas and plenty of events throughout; so make sure to check out what's on before your visit.
City Walk
Last but not least is City Walk - it doesn't just offer traditional shops but a whole outdoor lifestyle experience complete with boutique stores, award-winning restaurants and sidewalk cafes along lush gardens; plus a number of entertainment venues like the Roxy Cinema or the Coca Cola Arena.
City Walk is the perfect destination for visitors to Dubai who want to enjoy a unique shopping, dining and entertainment experience, all in one place. Located in a prestigious area on Al Safa Street and in close proximity to Jumeirah Street, you’ll enjoy designer boutiques, local eateries, as well as leisure activities such as the ‘NOWAYOUT’ escape rooms or the lush bio-dome of ‘The Green Planet’.
The outdoor mall itself is split across two levels, with high street labels catering to everyday shoppers, and affordable fashion brands for something special. But it’s not only fashion that makes City Walk stand out! Its range of eateries are guaranteed to tantalise your tastebuds with options ranging from fine-dining restaurants to sumptuous street food stalls. If you’re after something sweet then you won’t want to miss Bashir Ice Cream to try one of their famous flavours such as astar dipped in pistachios, chocolate or mulberry!
When you’ve finished exploring the shops and cafes, head over to Roxy Cinemas for an immersive movie experience. With three tiers of seating, this is the perfect place for movie buffs looking to enjoy the latest blockbuster Hollywood release. With so much on offer, City Walk deserves a visit during your stay in Dubai!
What to Expect
For anyone looking for a taste of Dubai's vibrant culture – these malls truly have something special waiting for them. From high-end fashion labels to unique attractions - these four iconic malls cover every aspect when it comes to shopping in this remarkable city full of culture, history and thrilling experiences!
When shopping in Dubai, you’re guaranteed an effortless experience – no matter which mall you visit. All of these malls offer great transport links and parking, plus convenient payment methods such as cash and debit/credit cards, making your visit less of a chore.
The Dubai Mall is connected to the Metro Station and there are several car parks available throughout the day. It also offers valet service if you’re feeling extra fancy! Plus, The Dubai Mall has its own loyalty programme that rewards shoppers with points that can be exchanged for gift cards at multiple stores within the mall.
Mall of Emirates also has excellent transport options as it’s connected to the Metro station and offers free shuttle buses from all over Dubai on weekdays and weekends. Several car parks are also available with discounted rates for those driving electric cars; what's more, this mall has a customer loyalty program where shoppers can earn points every time they shop or dine at any of the stores.
The Ibn Battuta Mall provides similarly convenient access, providing a dedicated bus service from five key points in Dubai as well as multistorey public parking facilities – all at great prices. And like its counterparts, Ibn Battuta also has loyalty programmes tailored to each court with exclusive discounts being made available to participating retailers; so make sure to sign up!
Finally, City Walk also features multiple transportation services as well as ample parking opportunities both outside and underground with flexible payment options; what's more it even boasts a tobacco kiosk so smokers don't have to leave their shopping trip when needing some nicotine relief after their purchases are completed!
Final Thoughts
Shopping in Dubai is not just about finding the perfect item – it’s about experiencing a truly unique culture. From The Dubai Mall to the Mall of Emirates, Ibn Battuta Mall and City Walk, these malls offer a wealth of attractions, entertainment and shops that make them an essential part of any traveller’s itinerary.