Dubai is quite popular for its excellent offerings. In other words, it is one of the most prominent entertainment and shopping destinations. If you visit Dubai, you should never miss out on the Dubai Mall. It is the largest shopping mall in the world. Let’s learn more about the top attractions in Dubai Mall.
Top Dubai Mall Attractions
Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world, with over 1200 shops, making it a shopaholic’s paradise. Some of the top attractions in Dubai Mall include the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, VR Park, and KidZania. Here are some of the top attractions in Dubai Mall.
- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
If you want to visit a suspended aquarium, you should consider visiting here. You can discover over 140 different species of marine life here. They include rays, sharks, and many other exotic fish.
- Play DXB
At Play DXB, enjoy exhilarating virtual reality rides and games for the whole family. You can fly a magic carpet or defend a city from zombies here. Or else, you can even walk the plank from the top of a skyscraper. It has more than 30 different VR experiences.
- KidZania
KidZania is an interactive edutainment center that allows kids to roleplay various professions. They can be pilots, firefighters, doctors, and more! As one of the largest KidZania’s globally, with over 80 roleplaying activities, it’s a great way for kids to have fun and learn.
Why Visit Dubai Mall?
As one of the world’s largest shopping malls, spanning over 13 million square feet, Dubai Mall has something for everyone. From global flagship stores to unique attractions and entertainment, a visit here makes for a complete Dubai experience.
It’s not just the endless shopping that makes it a must-visit. Dubai Mall houses one of the most diverse food courts, with cuisine from all corners of the world. It also has the Dubai Aquarium, an Olympic-sized ice rink.
Things to Know Before You Go
- Be prepared to walk and stand for hours, as Dubai Mall is massive, with over 1200 stores spread across multiple levels. Wear comfortable shoes to enjoy your time without getting tired easily.
- Have a look at the mall’s directory to help navigate between levels and zones. Planning your route can save time, especially if you want to cover specific stores and attractions.
- Weekday mornings before noon are less crowded compared to evenings and weekends, when there is usually a surge of visitors. If crowds bother you, plan your visit accordingly.
- Carry some local currency, though most stores and dining outlets accept global credit cards too. Having cash on hand you can be useful for quick food purchases or tipping.
- Dubai Mall attractions like Play DXB, KidZania Dubai, and Dubai Aquarium require pre-booked tickets purchased online or on-site. Save time by booking these in advance before you arrive.
Dining in and Around Dubai Mall
With over 200 eateries offering global cuisines, Dubai Mall caters to every craving you can think of. If you like to dine at a fast-food chain, you can find all the popular brands. They include McDonald’s, Shake Shack, and many more. There is also a Candylicious inside Dubai Mall. People interested in luxe dining can visit restaurants like Eataly and the Cheesecake Factory; you will be spoiled for choice.
Some of the best fine-dining restaurants can be found just outside Dubai Mall. Make reservations at At.mosphere on the 122nd floor of the Burj Khalifa for panoramic views and contemporary cuisine. Stop by one of celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay’s restaurants for a memorable gourmet meal.
The Souk Al Bahar is connected to the Dubai Mall and offers Arabian specialties at restaurants like Arabian Tea House Café and Al Hallab. With outdoor waterfront seating, it’s a great place to sample Emirati delicacies.
Getting to the Dubai Mall
The mall is conveniently located along Sheikh Zayed Road in Downtown Dubai. Therefore, you can easily access it by both public transport and private vehicles. The closest metro station is the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station. Taxis and buses also frequently fly from other parts of Dubai.
Driving to Dubai Mall is also easy, with dedicated parking zones; the parking fee starts at AED 15 for the first hour. Valet parking is available at select entrances, such as the Fashion Avenue and Waterfall entrances.
If you’re staying nearby, it’s pleasant to walk down Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard to arrive at the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination.
Staying Near Dubai Mall
With top attractions like Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountains at its doorstep, there are many hotels near Dubai Mall. From luxury hotels to budget-friendly options, convenient stays make visiting Dubai Mall easier.
Five-star hotels like Armani Hotel Dubai, Address Downtown, and V Hotel Dubai are directly connected to Dubai Mall via air-conditioned walkways. Other upscale hotels like Renaissance Downtown Hotel, Palace Downtown Dubai, and InterContinental Dubai Festival City are just a 5- to 10-minute drive away.
Mid-range picks like Rove Downtown, Novotel Suites Dubai Mall of Emirates, and Courtyard by Marriott World Trade Center are budget-friendly options still close to all the action. Most hotels provide shuttle services to Dubai Mall too.
Dubai Mall Opening Hours
The opening hours of the Dubai Mall are as follows:
- Saturday to Wednesday: 10am to 12am
- Thursdays and Fridays: 10am to 1am
- During annual shopping festivals: 10am to 2am
While the standard mall trading hours apply to most outlets, there are several exceptions you should be aware of. Some dining outlets and cafes remain open beyond 12 am while most fine dining restaurants are open only for dinner from 7pm onwards.
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is open from 10am to 12am on weekdays and until 1am on weekends. VR Park Dubai’s operating times are from 10am onwards until the same time the Dubai Mall closes for the day. KidZania is open from 10am to 10pm on weekends, 4pm to 10pm on weekdays.
Extra Services at Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall offers conveniences like free WiFi access, prayer rooms, nursing rooms for mothers, wheelchairs and strollers for rent, and valet parking services to enhance your experience.
You can store your shopping bags for free at the Visitor Information Centre, and you can even get your purchases gift wrapped before taking them home. Shop and Collect services are also available at over 80 outlets, so you don’t have to carry shopping bags while you explore more of the mall.
Opt for a VIP Majlis Tour to explore Dubai Mall’s top highlights, accompanied by a personal shopper in tailored 4×4 vehicles. You can also book private lounge access at selected outlets.