Dubai is renowned for its malls, and during the summer, they offer the perfect escape from the desert heat. Inside, you’ll find not only shops but also restaurants, hotels, and entertainment centres. However, with so many options, it can be hard to know which mall to visit or where to start! Here’s your quick guide to the key malls in Dubai and which ones are best for each type of shopping, along with some handy tips for navigating the larger malls.
Dubai Mall
Of course, we have to start with the biggest and most famous of them all—Dubai Mall. As the largest mall in the world, it’s home to the iconic Dubai Fountains and has recently expanded with ‘Fashion Avenue’. Each section is dedicated to specific areas, so it’s a good idea to plan your visit ahead of time. The mall even has a handy app to guide you through its vast spaces. You’ll find almost every shop you could need, but it may take a couple of days to explore them all!
Inside, there are also major tourist attractions, including the Falling Man Fountain and the world’s largest aquarium. If you have children, you’ll love the virtual reality theme park and cinema. While parking can get congested during busy times, it’s easy to navigate with the mall’s enormous parking structure. Be sure to remember where you’ve parked—there are paper token dispensers to help, or you can follow the locals’ tip and park in Souq Al Bahar to avoid traffic. Parking is free in both malls, except for premium valet parking.
Dubai Hills Mall
Dubai Hills Mall is a modern shopping destination offering a mix of high-street and luxury brands, along with a variety of dining and entertainment options. Home to one of the region’s largest indoor roller coasters, it’s a great spot for both shopping and family fun. The mall features a spacious, contemporary design, making it easy to navigate and enjoy. With plenty of parking and a convenient location in Dubai Hills Estate, it’s a popular choice for residents and visitors alike. Whether you’re looking for fashion, dining, or entertainment, Dubai Hills Mall has something for everyone.
IBN Battuta
This mall features different themed sections, offering a wide variety of shops, making it an interesting place to wander and perfect for snapping some photos. It’s also great for bargain shopping, with regular sales and a mix of affordable stores. There’s even a cinema, which tends to be less crowded than many others in Dubai. While Ibn Battuta Mall is smaller than some of the others, it’s still a fair walk from one side to the other! Parking is free, just like at Dubai Mall, except for the premium valet service.
Mall of Emirates
This mall strikes a balance between regular shops and high-end designer stores, making it a great all around shopping destination. It features a cinema, a solid selection of restaurants, and two connected hotels. Like Dubai Mall, it tends to get busy in the evenings and on weekends, and it’s nearly as large, so navigating it can be a challenge. Parking is free on weekends, and during the week, the first four hours are free (excluding valet). You can also get additional free parking if you visit the cinema, but your ticket must be validated.
Dubai Marina Mall
Although much smaller compared to the other giants in Dubai, this mall is perfect for Marina residents or those staying nearby. Like the others, it features a variety of restaurants and a cinema. You’ll find a mix of shops, including fashion, beauty, and electronics. Parking is free at all times, except for valet service, just like the other malls.
Festival City Mall
If you’re looking for a variety of activities for the kids but want to avoid the crowds at Dubai Mall, Festival City Mall is a fantastic choice. It features its own water and laser show, which runs at set intervals, similar to the Dubai Fountains. This is another great all-round mall with a good mix of shops, restaurants, and a cinema. Plus, parking is free.
Dubai Outlet Mall
If you’re looking for discounted luxury goods, this mall is perfect for you. It’s styled in a way that makes it seem like you’re walking along a street in Tuscany with glass skylights and paved streets. It’s a nice escape especially during the summer where you can feel like you’re outside, without being actually outside. It’s a relatively lengthy drive from Dubai as it’s located by Dubai’s Parks and Resorts, but it does make a nice day out. Parking is free.
Mirdif City Centre
In terms of shops, this mall is similar to Ibn Battuta, but without any themed sections. It offers a range of stores, from fashion to sports, and includes restaurants and a cinema. If you live nearby or happen to be in the area, it’s a convenient mall for picking up everything you need. However, there aren’t any particularly unique shops, so it’s not one you’d drive across the city for, unless you’re looking for a quieter experience. Parking is free as well.
Dubai is a city of malls, with many smaller ones scattered throughout different areas, offering similar stores but with a smaller selection. The larger malls are perfect for spending an entire day—wandering around, grabbing a bite to eat, and enjoying time with the family. Given the intensely hot summers, malls have become the perfect hideaways for residents to enjoy the air conditioning. We hope you enjoyed this quick guide to Dubai’s malls, and don’t forget to tell us which one is your favourite shopping destination!
ABOUT THIS ARTICLE
These insights are from our feature blogger Danni B.