Dubai Mall, one of the iconic Emaar Properties developments, remains a top spot for things to do in Dubai. As one of the world’s largest shopping malls, it combines luxury shopping, family-friendly activities, fine dining options, and cultural experiences all under one roof. With over 1,200 stores, from high-end luxury brands to well-known global retailers, it caters to every palate, style, and budget. But shopping is just the beginning. Its luxurious interiors, themed zones, and cultural exhibitions enhance its attraction, and every visit can become a memorable experience for people of all ages. For 2023, the Dubai Mall has upgraded its concierge services to offer even more personalized assistance for visitors, thereby enhancing the overall experience.
What Does a Visit to Dubai Mall Offer: From Shopping Experience To Dining Options
The recent expansion of Dubai Mall added even more attractions and shopping areas for visitors. At the mall, visitors can discover the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, home to thousands of aquatic animals and one of the world’s largest suspended aquariums. The mall also offers an Olympic-sized ice rink, a huge VR park with virtual reality games and attractions, and KidZania, a mini-city where children can play and learn in a fun, interactive environment. In June 2024, Play DXB showcased special interactive gaming zones at the VR Park, drawing fans from across Dubai.
Regarding relaxation or dining, The Dubai Mall offers more than 200 dining options, ranging from casual cafes and international fast food chains to fine restaurants with views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
The mall also delivers easy access to major landmarks and nearby attractions. With its modern architecture, elegant interiors, and a range of exciting events organized throughout the year, The Dubai Mall is the central hub of lifestyle, tourism, shopping, and leisure in the UAE. Every shopper will find something to enjoy, from high-end brands to casual stores. Luxury accommodation nearby complements the mall experience, with suites offering stunning views.
Address Dubai Mall Guide
The Dubai Mall is situated in the heart of Dubai’s prestigious central business district, bordering the world-renowned Burj Khalifa. It’s just a few steps from the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall metro station.
Its central location makes it a major attraction and a popular starting point for navigating other nearby places, including the Dubai Fountain, Dubai Opera, and Souk Al Bahar.
Getting to the Dubai Mall is easy, thanks to clear signage, ample parking, and a well-connected road network. You’ll find dozens of hotels, a sky observatory, and several restaurants near the landmark, although you’ll likely find everything you need in the mall itself.
What Are the Best Ways to Get There?
As you would expect from one of the largest malls in the world and a hub for thousands of people, there are many ways to get to the Dubai Mall.
- Public Transport: If you prefer to travel by public transport, some buses run from all parts of the city. It’s a good idea to download an app that includes all the routes, so you don’t get lost.
- Metro: The metro station to the mall provides direct access, making it easy to attend events that the Dubai Mall hosts. Take the Red Line and get off at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. From the station, a fully air-conditioned pedestrian walkway, called the “Metro Link Bridge”, connects directly to the mall. The walk takes about 10-15 minutes.
- Taxi: Speaking of transportation, you can always book a taxi. Uber is probably the most popular option, but if you don’t have roaming data on your plan, you can easily hire a taxi without using the internet.
- Personal or Rented Car: Of course, you can always drive there, whether you have your own car or are planning to rent one in Dubai. The mall features several large parking areas with over 14,000 spaces, divided into four zones: Zabil, Fashion, Grand, and Cinema. So you’ll easily find a place for your car. But when you do, make sure to write down its number, because seeing it after a day at the mall is a challenge.
- By Foot: Suppose you’re staying at a nearby hotel in Downtown Dubai or visiting attractions such as the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain, or the Dubai Opera. In that case, the mall is within walking distance.
During the Dubai Shopping Festival, convenient transport options become especially important. On weekends and during peak hours, taking the subway or a taxi is usually more convenient due to heavy traffic and crowded parking lots.
Must-See Attractions and Entertainment Options of the Dubai Mall in the Emirates
With its massive size and huge variety, The Dubai Mall can be pretty challenging. To help, we suggest downloading the Dubai Mall app, which includes a built-in map that uses nearby Wi-Fi networks to track your location. If that doesn’t work out, you can also use the interactive terminals scattered around the mall.
Here are the must-see attractions at The Dubai Mall that you shouldn’t miss:
Burj Khalifa
The entrance to the At the Top observation decks is accessed through the Dubai Mall. The famous skyscraper has its own reception area where you can buy tickets or drop off items that aren’t allowed to enter. The Burj Khalifa tour is designed to be accessible and enjoyable, offering options for visitors of all ages and interests.
The reception area has two separate lines, and buying tickets on the spot will take significantly longer, so it’s preferable to purchase tickets in advance.
After showing your ticket, you’ll be able to proceed to the elevators. Many tours include a visit to the observation decks on the 124th and 125th floors, but the elevator ride will be quick and smooth. Although it can take anywhere from 20 minutes to an hour to get through all the lines, the breathtaking views are definitely worth the wait.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Located on the first floor, the Dubai Aquarium is one of the mall’s most notable features. While there are aquariums in hundreds of cities, this one is built in the classic Dubai style, impressing visitors with its scale.
The main tank holds an enormous volume of water and is home to tens of thousands of marine animals. Some of its most iconic inhabitants include giant bull sharks and rays, but it’s also interesting to encounter smaller fish, such as eels, snappers, and clownfish.
You can always buy a ticket and explore the aquarium on your own, but the operating company also offers a variety of additional experiences for you to try. The list includes encounters with various animals, feeding demonstrations, and even shark dives.
Fans of marine life will enjoy exploring 240 new exhibits, a unique addition for those who like shopping nearby. A huge acrylic viewing panel allows you to see the marine life inside clearly. The experience is even better with a 48-meter-long tunnel that lets you walk through and enjoy 270-degree underwater views. The second level houses an underwater zoo, showcasing otters, penguins, and the famous King Croc, one of the largest crocodiles in the world. It’s an educational and visually delightful experience for visitors of all ages.
The Dubai Fountain
Just outside the Dubai Mall, you’ll find the city’s most famous fountain. However, calling it a fountain would be a bit of an understatement, as the system is 275 meters long and can shoot water up to 150 meters into the air.
The most impressive show begins after sunset, when the lights come on. It’s equipped with over 6,000 lights and twenty-five giant, colored projectors, creating a stunningly beautiful display.
These spectacular water shows take place daily, with music and lights dancing across the illuminated Burj Lake. The best places to watch the show are the waterfront park, the Apple Store terrace, or the Dubai Fountain floating deck for a closer look. Each show only lasts a few minutes, but it leaves a lasting impression. Valet services near the fountain make visiting convenient, and nearby arcade games entertain children while waiting.
Ice Rink
If you’re seeking a unique experience, this is the ideal destination for you. It’s an Olympic-sized ice rink that’s open to skaters of all levels.
You can enjoy skating sessions suitable for all levels or book a lesson to learn from one of our expert instructors. The rink also regularly hosts events, and you can find the schedule on its official website to help plan your visit. The ice rink, connected by a footbridge, spans thousands of square meters.
VR Park
For those who love games, ambiance, adventure, and technology, this immersive indoor theme park combines augmented and virtual reality in a variety of interactive games and simulations. From aerial rides to ghost rides and multiplayer challenges, VR Park provides high-energy fun for teens and adults looking to escape the traditional shopping experience. High-fashion shoppers often take a break here, enjoying immersive reality experiences in a vibrant atmosphere.
Like most other attractions in Dubai, entry to VR Park is ticket-based. You can buy them on site or book online before your visit. As always, reserving tickets in advance is preferable, as it will save you time that you would otherwise spend in a queue.
KidZania
Parents can enjoy complimentary refreshments while children explore KidZania’s interactive mini-city. Meanwhile, parents with older children can leave their kids at KidZania for supervised play and enjoy some shopping. It should be noted that this option is only available for children taller than 120 cm.
The main attraction of the place is its mini-city, where children can play out different real professions in a fun and interactive environment. Safety standards are incredibly high, and each child wears a special armband that alerts staff if they leave the area.
This isn’t just a game, but an educational experience that teaches responsibility, teamwork, and independence engagingly. Parents can watch their children from the lounge or designated viewing areas as they explore this unique world.
The Dubai Dinosaur
One of the most unexpected yet fascinating attractions at the Dubai Mall is the Dubai Dino. The exhibit provides direct access to an impressive Diplodocus longus skeleton, a genuine fossil that dates back approximately 155 million years. Children and adults alike are amazed by its scale and detail.
Fashion Avenue
Fashion Avenue boasts over 200 upscale luxury stores, featuring high fashion brands such as Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Cartier. The state-of-the-art interior design, featuring marble floors, luxurious lighting, and curated art installations, reflects the ambiance’s elegance. Personal shopping services, VIP lounges, and premium events will satisfy fashion enthusiasts. Check the website for events at this venue, as it offers exclusive fashion shows and the services of stylists to help you update your wardrobe and create a new image for yourself. The area also features several restaurants and cafes, making it an ideal spot for a premium day out.
Chinatown
Chinatown is a small area located in one of the remotest parts of the Dubai Mall, and it’s very easy to miss.
You’ll surely enjoy the neon lights and themed decorations, but if you’re in for it, you can visit one of the restaurants or go for hot beverages at one of the local tea houses. Relaxing at a luxurious spa is one of the many experiences offered within the mall’s area. Just stopping by will only take you five minutes, which will be worth it, at the very least, for the atmospheric photos.
Hysteria
Welcome to the horror attraction at Dubai Mall. If you love thrills and it gives you goosebumps, this is the place for you. Admission is available for adults and teenagers aged 13 and above. This is a genuine haunted house featuring spooky decorations, special effects, and actors who suddenly appear before visitors. The atmosphere is on par with professional horror movies: dim lighting, fog, sudden sound effects, and elaborate scenarios.
Art Galleries
Art lovers will enjoy this format: paintings, sculptures, and art object exhibitions. In addition, the Dubai Mall often organizes cultural events during the Dubai Art Season. If you are lucky enough to be there at the right time, you can see contemporary art, photography, and digital installations.
Reel Cinemas
Don’t forget to visit one of the most modern movie theaters. The formats of the auditoriums vary from standard to VIP auditoriums with reclining seats and service, as well as IMAX and 4DX with moving seats and special effects (wind, smells, vibration).
There is a separate ScreenX theater where the image is projected not only onto the main screen but also onto the side walls, allowing you to watch the movie in comfort from any seat. In the VIP areas, you can order food directly to the theater, including dishes from famous restaurants. The cinema often shows not only world premieres, but also films in different languages, including Indian and Arabic cinema.
Final Recap
The Dubai Mall is created as a world within a city. It’s not only a shopping destination, but also a space that combines education, entertainment, art, and culture. Whether you’re here for an hour or an entire day, be sure to check out these top attractions to get the most out of your trip.
