If you love fashion and prestigious brands, Dubai is definitely one of your top destinations. How could it not be? With many retail options and attractions, Dubai is a shopaholic’s dream. Let’s briefly look at its massive malls and diverse shopping options and see what makes it unique.
Best and Most Famous Shopping Malls in Dubai
1. The Dubai Mall
This is one of Emaar Properties’ crowning achievements. It is one of the world’s largest malls and the largest mall in Dubai. This shopping centre is regarded as the greatest in Dubai, with multiple flagship stores and a dedicated fashion road, including high-fashion labels such as Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci, and others. GAP, Bloomingdales, and Debenhams are among the other stores at The Dubai Mall.
Apart from a plethora of shopping and entertainment options, some facts about The Dubai Mall will entice anyone to visit. For example, it has an Olympic-size ice rink, over 1200 stores, and a parking lot that simultaneously holds up to 14,000 cars!
But it’s not just the Mall’s 1200+ businesses that make it a fantastic Dubai destination. Aside from shopping, Dubai Mall has a lot to offer, such as a visit to the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, a visit to the old-fashioned Souk, watching movies at Reel Cinemas, and Kidzania.
The Mall is also close to all of the activities happening in Downtown Dubai, making it one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions. Magnolia Bakery, Laduree, The Cheesecake Factory, and Five Guys are among the fine-dining and popular international dining establishments.
2. The Emirates Mall
The MOE as the residents of Dubai like to call it or Mall of the Emirates is a natural choice for one of Dubai’s premier shopping malls. Since it first opened its doors to the public in Al Barsha in 2005, MOE has been a popular shopping destination. The Mall spans over a whopping 2 million square feet. The Mall has over 100 restaurants and cafes, as well as 600+ retail stores. Ski Dubai, the UAE’s first indoor ski resort and park, is also located at MOE. Among other attractions at the Mall of the Emirates include Magic Planet Family Entertainment Center, a Dreamscape VR experience, and VOX Cinemas.
The iconic Ski Dubai, where Dubai residents can enjoy winter activities all year, is another popular attraction at MOE.
Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Marks & Spencer, and other high-end retailers can be found at the MOE. A metro line connects the Mall of the Emirates with the Sheraton hotel, conveniently located within the same complex. Dean & Deluca, Texas de Brazil, and Tribes are popular restaurants in this Dubai mall.
3. Dubai Festival City Mall
The Dubai Festival City Mall, known for its stunning light shows, is located in Dubai Festival City, as the name suggests.
The Robinsons department store, which provides a wide choice of luxury brands, is one of the Mall’s centrepieces. Anchor stores like IKEA, Toys R Us, Brands for Less, and popular fashion brands like DKNY, Zara, Beverly Hills Polo Club, GAP, and Mango are all available here. There are also a few quiet eateries in Dubai Festival City, such as the Cheesecake Factory, with stunning coastline views. It also houses the Sugar Factory, which serves some of Dubai’s most Instagrammable desserts.
There are Novo Cinemas and Festival City’s dancing fountain called ‘IMAGINE’ for entertainment at this Dubai mall, both of which are popular with visitors.
4. Ibn Battuta Mall
Battuta Mall is known as one of the world’s largest themed malls. This single-story Mall in Dubai, managed by master developer Nakheel Properties and located near Discovery Gardens and Jebel Ali Village, pays homage to the journeys of the legendary explorer Ibn Battuta. This Dubai shopping mall is recognized for its distinctive architecture and is easily accessible via the Ibn Battuta metro line. There are six courts and it is divided based on the explorer’s travels: Andulasia, China, Egypt, Persia, India, and Tunisia. These themed courts are just a few of Ibn Battuta Mall’s attractions and activities.
Aside from entertainment, the Mall offers a variety of F&B outlets and retail establishments to guests. For example, restaurants in Ibn Battuta Mall include India Palace, Pizza Express, and Yo! Sushi, and others. Shops in Ibn Battuta Mall, such as H&M, Carter’s, and The Body Shop, are also popular with travellers seeking shopping therapy.
5. Mirdif City Center
This massive retail attraction, part of Majid Al Futtaim’s City Centre brand, is located in the family-friendly Mirdif neighbourhood. Mango, Hamleys, Decathlon, Zara, Pottery Barn, and Crate & Barrell are among the most popular stores in City Centre Mirdif. Mirdif City Centre, as a comprehensive lifestyle destination, also has various eateries that make any visit worthwhile. Gazebo, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Zafran, and other popular eateries can be found at the Mall. Aside from shopping, City Centre Mirdif offers a variety of other activities, such as iFly Dubai to experience a unique indoor skydiving experience, Magic Planet, and Little Explorers.
6. Mercato Shopping Mall
Mercato mall, one of Dubai’s most beautiful shopping malls, literally translates to “market” in Italian. With beautiful Renaissance-style architecture, this Mall is ideal for mall trawls. It has a nice assortment of retailers, such as Mango, Laura Ashley, and Hallmark.
Aside from the Mercato Mall shops, guests can relax in the restaurants here. More Cafes, Hardees, Living Rooms, and restaurants are available. Fun City is a great place for you to enjoy the games and have fun with your children. In addition, pet owners in Dubai should be aware that Mercato mall has a pet shop on the basement level.
7. Dubai Marina Mall
Marina Mall has a constant stream of events and activities, a fantastic lineup of high-street brands, and some stunning waterfront dining options. So, it makes it onto our list of the best malls in Dubai.
H&M, Cos, Billabong, Monsoon, Pinko, and River Island are well-known brands in Dubai Marina Mall. Visitors will also enjoy the waterfront views while dining at Carluccio’s, Five Guys, Zafran, or any of Marina Mall’s other restaurants. The restaurants in Pier 7 at this Dubai mall provide tourists with a more gourmet dining experience.
8. Wafi Mall
This Egyptian-themed shopping centre, which has been in operation for nearly two decades, is next on our list of the finest malls in Dubai. The Wafi Mall, which features many local businesses, is well-known for its light and sound extravaganza in the evenings and its massive Christmas tree decorations in December.
Marks & Spencer, Matalan, and other well-known retailers can be found in Wafi. Visitors can also dine at Wafi Gourmet, Bousporus Gourmet Restaurant, Biella, and Paul Cafe.
9. Burjuman Centre
The Burjuman Centre is another classic and a Dubai favourite that has made our list of the top 10 malls in Dubai. The mall is one of the best places to spend time in the city. It is conveniently positioned for the inhabitants of Bur Dubai.
The Burjuman Mall offers a variety of activities. This is a fantastic Dubai shopping mall to visit with friends and family, with entertainment options like Magic Planet, high street shops like Next, H&M, and Nautica, and luxury retail stores like Montblanc and Louis Vuitton. If you wish to see a movie, there is a VOX cinema in the Burjman mall. Sushi, Jollibee, and Nandos are some of the most popular eateries in Burjuman.
10. Deira City Center
City Centre Deira is one of Dubai’s oldest malls and has a devoted following. Like most other City Centre malls, this Deira mall offers a Magic Planet to keep younger customers entertained. The metro station in Deira City Centre makes it incredibly accessible to tourists and inhabitants.
Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, Zara, and H&M are among the most popular stores in City Centre Deira. You can grab a bite at the food court or visit Carluccio’s, Paul’s Cafe, Gazebo, or any other restaurants if you get hungry. It also has many discount stores, such as Daiso, Miniso, Mumuso, and others.
Which of the malls on our list is your favourite? Do you have your own list you would like to add? Tell us about them in the comment section down below.
