When travelers look for Things To Do in Dubai, one destination stands above the rest: the Dubai Mall. Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, right next to the Burj Khalifa, it is the largest shopping mall in the world by total area and one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
But the Dubai Mall is more than just shopping. It’s a multi-experience destination where you can:
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Explore 1,200+ retail outlets featuring luxury and lifestyle brands.
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Visit attractions like the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, VR Park, and Dubai Ice Rink.
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Watch the world-famous Dubai Fountain Show outside the mall.
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Enjoy global cuisines at 200+ dining outlets.
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Attend international festivals and entertainment events year-round.
For first-time visitors, the Dubai Mall is both exciting and overwhelming. This guide will give you a complete breakdown of everything you need to know before your visit—history, attractions, tickets, timings, dining, shopping, and insider tips.
Overview of Dubai Mall
| Dubai Mall Facts & Highlights | Key Details |
|---|---|
| Opening Year | Opened in November 2008, a landmark in modern Dubai retail. |
| Developer | Built by Emaar Properties, the leading real estate developer in the UAE. |
| Prime Location | Situated in Downtown Dubai, next to the iconic Burj Khalifa. |
| Mall Size | Covers 12 million sq. ft., about the size of 200 football fields. |
| Shopping & Retail | Home to 1,200+ retail stores, including flagship luxury and fashion brands. |
| Dining & Food Options | Features 200+ restaurants, cafés, and food courts, offering global cuisines. |
| Entertainment & Attractions | Includes the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Olympic-sized Ice Rink, KidZania, VR Park, and Reel Cinemas. |
| Visitor Numbers | Welcomes 100+ million visitors annually, making it the world’s most-visited shopping mall. |
Getting to Dubai Mall: Location & Transport Guide
Dubai Mall sits in Downtown Dubai, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the city.
| Transport Mode | Details |
|---|---|
| Metro | Take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station. Use the air-conditioned pedestrian walkway (10–15 mins walk). |
| Taxi / Car | Drop-off points at Grand Entrance, Fashion Avenue, and Zabeel Parking. |
| Bus | Multiple RTA routes stop directly at Dubai Mall. |
| Parking | Over 14,000 spaces across Grand Parking, Fashion Parking, and Zabeel Parking. |
History and Development of Dubai Mall
| Year | Milestone |
|---|---|
| 2004 | Construction of Dubai Mall began, led by Emaar Properties. |
| 2008 | Mall officially opened with 600 retail stores. |
| 2009 | Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo became one of the mall’s biggest attractions. |
| 2010 | Direct integration with Burj Khalifa entrance, boosting visitor access. |
| 2018 | Major expansion introduced Fashion Avenue, featuring top luxury brands. |
| 2023 | Dubai Mall ranked among the most-visited destinations in the world. |
The vision behind the Dubai Mall was to create a world-class hub that merges retail, culture, and entertainment, positioning Dubai as a global lifestyle destination.
Top 5 Things To Do at Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is not just the world’s largest shopping center—it’s also one of the most popular tourist destinations in Dubai. With a wide mix of retail, dining, and entertainment, the mall attracts millions of visitors each year. Below are the five must-visit attractions inside and around Dubai Mall that every visitor should experience.
1. Shopping at 1,200+ Stores
With more than 1,200 retail outlets, Dubai Mall offers one of the most diverse shopping experiences in the world.
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Luxury Fashion: Fashion Avenue is home to exclusive boutiques from brands such as Chanel, Dior, Gucci, and Louis Vuitton, making it a hotspot for high-end shoppers.
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Popular Retail Chains: Stores like Zara, H&M, Uniqlo, and Sephora cater to everyday fashion and beauty needs.
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Flagship & Specialty Stores: The Apple Store, Hamleys toy store, and Bloomingdale’s provide unique shopping experiences you won’t find in every mall.
Dubai Mall combines luxury, lifestyle, and convenience in one place, making it the ultimate shopping destination for both tourists and locals.
2. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, containing over 10 million liters of water and housing 33,000+ aquatic animals.
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The 48-meter tunnel walk gives visitors a 270-degree view of sharks, stingrays, and exotic fish.
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Interactive experiences include glass-bottom boat rides, cage snorkeling, and even shark diving.
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The Underwater Zoo on the upper level introduces visitors to rare species such as crocodiles, penguins, and otters.
This attraction blends education with adventure, making it a favorite for families and marine-life enthusiasts.
3. KidZania Dubai
KidZania is an award-winning indoor edutainment center designed for children. Covering a mini-city inside the mall, it allows kids to role-play over 40 real-world careers.
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Professions include pilots, doctors, firefighters, chefs, journalists, and more.
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Each role-play activity is designed to teach children essential life skills such as teamwork, decision-making, and financial literacy.
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Safe, supervised, and highly interactive, KidZania is an ideal family activity.
It’s more than play—it’s a hands-on learning experience that keeps kids entertained while teaching them responsibility.
4. Dubai Ice Rink
The Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink offers a refreshing break from shopping and is perfect for all skill levels.
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Open skating sessions are available daily, alongside professional lessons for beginners and advanced skaters.
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Events such as ice discos with music and lighting effects make it a lively hangout spot for teens and young adults.
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The rink is often used for special events, adding to the mall’s vibrant entertainment mix.
It’s a chance to enjoy a unique winter activity in the heart of Dubai, appealing to both tourists and residents.
5. Dubai Fountain Show
Located just outside the mall at Burj Lake, the Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system.
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Water jets soar as high as 150 meters, dancing to music ranging from classical to contemporary Arabic and international hits.
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Shows take place every 30 minutes in the evening, making it one of Dubai’s most popular free attractions.
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The best viewing spots are from the Waterfront Promenade, Burj Khalifa observation decks, or by booking a fountain-view restaurant.
It’s a breathtaking performance that combines art, music, and technology—an unforgettable way to end your Dubai Mall visit.
Entertainment Beyond Shopping
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VR Park: Futuristic rides and games with virtual and augmented reality.
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Reel Cinemas: 22-screen multiplex, including Platinum Suites and IMAX.
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Souk Al Bahar (connected by bridge): Traditional-style marketplace with dining and souvenirs.
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Dubai Dino: A genuine 155-million-year-old dinosaur fossil displayed inside the mall.
Dining at Dubai Mall
With over 200 dining options, Dubai Mall offers everything from luxury fine dining to quick bites.
| Type | Options |
|---|---|
| Fine Dining | At.mosphere (Burj Khalifa), Social House, Armani Amal |
| Casual Dining | Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s, Shake Shack |
| Food Courts | 2 large food courts with Asian, Arabic, American cuisines |
| Dessert & Cafes | Ladurée, Angelina, Starbucks, Bateel |
Ticket Prices & Entry Information
| Attraction | Ticket Price (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo | From AED 120 (~$33) |
| KidZania | From AED 185 (~$50) for children |
| Dubai Ice Rink | From AED 90 (~$25) |
| VR Park | From AED 75 (~$20) per game |
| Reel Cinemas | From AED 40 (~$11) |
| Dubai Fountain | Free to watch |
| General Mall Entry | Free |
Tickets can be purchased:
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Online (official websites or third-party platforms).
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On-site counters inside the mall.
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Through mobile apps for convenience.
Best Time to Visit Dubai Mall
| Time | Why Visit |
|---|---|
| Weekdays (Morning–Afternoon) | Less crowded, easier shopping experience. |
| Weekends (Evening) | Vibrant, great atmosphere, fountain show timings. |
| Dubai Shopping Festival (Jan) | Biggest sales and discounts. |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | Ideal indoor escape from the heat. |
| New Year’s Eve | Watch Burj Khalifa fireworks from mall promenade. |
Events and Festivals at Dubai Mall
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Dubai Shopping Festival (January): Mega discounts, fashion shows, entertainment.
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Dubai Summer Surprises (June–August): Family activities and deals.
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Eid al-Fitr & Ramadan: Traditional decorations, festive dining.
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New Year’s Eve: Perfect spot for fireworks and light shows.
Travel Tips for Visitors
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Plan Ahead: Download the Dubai Mall app for maps and store directories.
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Wear Comfortable Footwear: Expect to walk several kilometers.
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Budget Time: At least 5–6 hours; many tourists spend a full day.
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Combine Attractions: Visit Burj Khalifa + Dubai Fountain along with the mall.
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Avoid Peak Hours: Weekends evenings can be crowded.
Why Dubai Mall is a Must-Visit in Dubai
Dubai Mall is more than a shopping center—it’s an entertainment and cultural landmark. It blends luxury shopping, family attractions, international dining, and unforgettable experiences under one roof.
Among all Things To Do in Dubai, the Dubai Mall offers the most versatile experience, suitable for solo travelers, families, couples, and business visitors alike.