Dubai Mall

If you are a shopaholic, the Dubai Mall is definitely a stop you cannot miss on a trip to Dubai. However, even those who are not too fond of shopping are advised to visit this mall, which offers much more than shops inside. Located in the Dowtown district, the Dubai Mall welcomes more than 100 million visitors every year and is therefore considered one of the most visited shopping malls in the world.

Opened in May 2009 with ‘only’ 635 shops, the Dubai Mall has since expanded and is now the ideal place to spend hot summer days not only shopping but also experiencing some of the best attractions in town. It houses 1,200 shops, two department stores (Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s) and more than 200 other activities including restaurants and leisure attractions. The Mall’s offerings are completed by free Wi-Fi, a car parking and drop-off service, electric car columns, pushchairs and wheelchairs, prayer rooms for men and women, and many other customer-oriented services.

What to do at the Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is the ideal place for the whole family. Shoppers and brand lovers can head to the Fashion Avenue an area where the latest collections of the most established international designers such as Versace, Burberry, Louis Vuitton and many others are on display. For shoes you can go to Level Shoes, while jewellery shops can be found at the area known as the Souk of Gold.

If you are looking for entertainment for the whole family, head to the Virtual Reality Park or the Dubai Aquarium. There is also no shortage of restaurants and places to try out different cuisines: from Arabic to Italian, Chinese to Mexican. In addition to this, the Dubai Mall is also home to theDubai Opera House and a large multiplex cinema.

Dubai Aquarium

The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the most visited attractions inside the Mall. The aquarium is home to over 140 species totalling over 33,000 aquatic animals. Inside, you can explore the wonders of the marine world, admire rare species such as the largest school of tiger sharks, and follow tours designed to raise awareness of marine ecosystem issues.

What’s more, at the Dubai Aquarium you can get up close and personal with some unusual animal species such as Asian otters, Gentoo penguins, KING CROC’ an extraordinary Australian saltwater crocodile and some sharks. The site also offers diving lessons for students of all levels and the opportunity to dive for a close-up view of sand tiger sharks, reef sharks, leopard sharks, groupers, rays and many other marine species.

At the Top, Burj Khalifa

You have to enter the Dubai Mall to go up to the At The Top viewing terrace of Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Ascending the Burj Khalifa is an experience not to be missed during a trip to Dubai. The building was inaugurated in 2010 and offers all its visitors a breathtaking view of the city, which is why the best time to go up is definitely at sunset.

Fast lifts take you first to floors 124 and 125, where panoramic terraces provide a truly exceptional experience, and then to floor 148 for an even higher view of the whole area. Along the way to the viewpoints, a trail is displayed telling the story of the building’s construction and some testimonies of those who worked on it.

Sky Views Observatory

The Sky Views Observatory is one of the newest attractions to open in Dubai. Located at 219.5 metres, the Observatory provides one of the most beautiful views of the city from above. Inside there are three different activities that visitors can choose to do: the Observatory, the Glass Slide and the Edge Walk, which is definitely the activity reserved for the more courageous who, after wearing a harness, can take a walk on the ledge surrounding the building without windows or other protective barriers. In addition to these attractions, to spend a different evening you can dine at the Sky 52 Restaurant where you can eat while admiring a truly breathtaking panorama.

Ice skating rink

The ice-skating rink is another attraction that allows visitors to the Dubai Mall to have a great time. Suitable for adults and children, beginners and experts alike, the ice rink is located on the ground floor of the complex next to Car Park P3. This boasts Olympic dimensions, is open every day of the week and on special occasions also hosts events. During various times of the year, ice skating lessons are also organised here for all those who want to learn.

Virtual Reality Park

The Virtual Reality Park is the largest indoor park of its kind in the world. Based on the unique technology of virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR), this modern park is a recommended stop especially if you are travelling with children and young people. It houses more than 30 exciting virtual reality experiences and a play area for the little ones.

You can experience the thrill of virtually jumping off the Burj Khalifa, travel through space with RobocomVR or dunebash in the desert. If you visit the park with family or friends, many activities can be shared thanks to the multiplayer feature.

Hysteria

If you love thrill rides, you can’t miss Hysteria, an activity only suitable for the brave. This attraction is set inside a manor where two parents are desperate because their children have disappeared during the night and you were among the fortress guests. The parents wander around looking for the kidnappers and think that some of the guests may have taken their children, so you must not get caught!

The Waterfall

Once inside the Dubai Mall, you cannot miss the chance to admire The Waterfall. This incredible work is a fountain that stretches approximately 24 metres high along all four floors of the building. Inaugurated in 2009, the fountain is decorated with fibreglass sculptures of fishermen diving into the water. It is one of the most photographed monuments in the Dubai Mall and due to its size is often used as a meeting point.

Admission tickets for Dubai Mall attractions

Some attractions, such as the Aquarium or the Burj Khalifa viewing terrace, are ticketed. Due to the high number of tourists, we recommend that you buy your entrance tickets online before you leave to avoid queues at the ticket counters. You can also save money with combination tickets.

Where to stay at the Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is located in the Downtown district, which means that some of Dubai’s main attractions, such as the Burj Khalifa, are nearby. However, being a more inland area, there are no waterfront hotels available. In addition to boasting top-notch hotel facilities, this area of Dubai also offers excellent public transport links to get around the city.

Within the Dubai Mall or in the adjoining areas there are many hotels that offer guests sensational experiences. Right inside the mall is Hotel Address Dubai Mall, a five-star hotel boasting an infinity pool with a view and an excellent spa. The services are of a very high standard and the rooms with modern furnishings can look right onto the Burj Khalifa.

Other hotels we recommend in this area include the Armani Hotel, which occupies no less than 11 floors of the iconic Burj Khalifa. The hotel can be accessed via a separate entrance or via the mall. Guests are offered elegantly furnished rooms, a wellness centre and no less than seven different restaurants.

Another establishment in the area is Address Sky View Hotel, a five-star hotel that houses the new Dubai Observatory. Inside the hotel are two swimming pools, a spa with wellness centre, a gymnasium and excellent restaurants. Hotel guests can enjoy privileged access to the Sky Views Observatory.

Finally, also belonging to the famous Address chain, you can consider Address Fountain Views a hotel whose rooms offer a splendid view of the fountain show that takes place every evening just outside the Dubai Mall. This accommodation boasts finely furnished rooms, three swimming pools, a spa with wellness centre, a gymnasium and top-class restaurants.

Hotels in the Dubai Mall

How to get to the Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is easily accessible by metro thanks to the Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall station, which is connected to the mall via the Metro Link Bridge. Alternatively, numerous buses serve the mall. In particular, line 27 from Deira Gold Souk station and line 29 from Ghubaiba bus station. If you do not wish to travel by public transport, you can always reach the mall via a convenient taxi ride . The Hop on – Hop Off bus lines also stop at the Dubai Mall.