If you are visiting Dubai, a visit to Dubai Mall is a must! Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest malls, houses over 1200 retail stores and countless entertainment and dining options, offering something for everyone.
Whether you are seeking retail therapy, unique experiences, or dining, you could spend days exploring the Dubai Mall! But worry not, Borderline Nomad has prepared this curated list of must-visit shopping destinations, unique entertainment experiences, and must-try dining options in this ultimate guide to things to do in Dubai Mall. So let’s get started!
Shopping at Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is a paradise for shoppers! From ultra-luxury boutiques to budget-friendly stores, you can find everything under the same roof. Here’s a breakdown of shopping options by budget so you can plan your shopping spree according to your preference:
Luxury Options
For those who enjoy the finer things in life, Dubai Mall is home to some of the world’s most exclusive brands. You can find brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Cartier, Rolex, Van Cleef & Arpels, and many more!
These luxury stores give you access to the most exclusive and one-of-a-kind clothing, watches, jewelry, and timeless pieces, perfect for shoppers who appreciate exclusivity and craftsmanship.
Accessible Luxury Options
Personally, I am a big fan of accessible luxury fashion—you get the same (sometimes better!) quality of pieces at a lesser price. If you agree, you would be happy to know that Dubai Mall offers amazing options for accessible luxury options!
Brands like Michael Kors, Coach, Ted Baker, Diesel, and AllSaints at Dubai Mall offer a balance between trend, quality, and brand reputation at a lower price.
Pro Tip: To save even more on high-quality pieces from these brands, look out for seasonal sales and exclusive collections in these stores. Dubai Mall often hosts events with amazing discounts!
Affordable Fashion Options
If you’re looking for trendy fashion, travel essentials, or gifts without breaking the bank, Dubai Mall has a solid lineup of global, affordable, sometimes fast fashion brands. Whether you’re revamping your wardrobe or grabbing a quick accessory, you’ll find budget-friendly choices here.
The top affordable brands in Dubai Mall are Zara, H&M, Urban Outfitters, Miniso, and Brands For Less. These stores are likely to be on Level 1 and Level 2, so budget shoppers, head here for the most affordable and trendy pieces!
Entertainment & Experiences in Dubai Mall
Whether you’re looking to have a fun family outing or you’re taking a short break from shopping and want to experience something unique and fun, Dubai Mall spoils you with tons of experiences and entertainment options.
Here are the must-visit entertainment spots in Dubai Mall:
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Who would have imagined that you would find one of the world’s largest aquariums housing over 33000 aquatic animals representing more than 140 species inside a mall? Well, the Emiratis surely did!
With a standard ticket, you can walk through the iconic glass tunnel and witness a wide variety of marine life right around you and visit the Underwater Zoo, where you will walk through three zones: Rainforest Zone, Rocky Shore Zone, and Living Ocean Zone – each housing respective species found in different climate and waters!
Apart from the standard ticket, there are multiple add-ons and VIP experiences available such as Glass Bottom boat rides and Cage Snorkeling. If you’re a PADI-certified diver, you can even dive and swim alongside sharks!
Dubai Aquarium can take about 2 hours to explore completely, and about 3-4 hours if you have opted for add-ons.
Dubai Ice Rink
If an aquarium inside a mall wasn’t enough for you, Dubai Ice Rink offers an Olympic-sized ice skating rink right inside the mall!
Dubai Ice Rink offers one-time experience tickets for skating sessions that last around 60 minutes, and even offers weekly skating lessons for all age groups!
If you are a complete beginner, you can get the skating aids to build up your confidence. And if you are a seasoned ice-skater, they offer premium hockey skates and even figure skates at an additional price.
VR Park (PlayDXB Arcade)
Are you looking for a fun outing where your family can dive into immersive, entertaining experiences? Or are you a die-hard gamer looking to try some of the best virtual reality games? Then the PlayDXB Arcade (also known as VR Park) in Dubai Mall is the place to be!
Spread across two levels, the PlayDXB Arcade houses some of the best games developed by leading VR developers, and even the best arcade games! There are over 18 virtual reality rides and experiences available such as Burj Drop where you experience what a free fall from Burj Khalifa feels like, and shooter games like John Wick Chronicles.
PlayDXB offers a wide variety of games and experiences for all age groups, perfect for a fun family outing!
Trampo Extreme
As we said, Dubai Mall has basically everything, and Trampo Extreme attests to that fact! This indoor trampoline park offers a top-quality trampoline play area, basketball hoops, and even wall climbing!
Anyone above 3 years of age is allowed to get in on the trampoline fun, and Trampo Extreme even offers 1:1 coaching to learn all the unique jumps. Apart from this, the wall-climbing area offers six different walls with incremental difficulty for you to conquer, with top-quality safety gear.
Whether you’re looking for a fun experience with your friends and family, or you’re looking to keep the kids entertained while you shop, Trampo Extreme is an amazing spot to wind down!
Hysteria
Yes, Dubai Mall has one of the scariest haunted houses too! At Hysteria, you will get to experience the kind of horror that pays homage to the movies from the 80s and the 90s.
There are 23 different areas to explore in the haunted house with live actors, and visitors frequently mention that this is one of the best haunted experiences ever!
Hysteria even hosts special haunted events during Christmas, Halloween, and other holidays. Do you have the guts to face the horror head-on at Hysteria?
Books Kinokuniya Dubai
Books Kinokuniya Dubai might as well have the most comprehensive collection of books, comics, mangas, and anime DVDs in all of Dubai!
Whether it’s Middle Eastern and Asian literature, special editions from the US and the UK, or even Studio Ghibli classics and retro manga/comic issues, Books Kinokuniya Dubai has it all!
If you’re an avid reader, time will fly by and you won’t even know it, just because of the sheer size of their collection!
CinemaCity Fountain Views
Want to end your day at Dubai Mall by watching a movie in a luxury setting with some drinks and on-demand food? Then CinemaCity Fountain Views in Dubai Mall is the go-to spot! CinemaCity offers screens with luxury seating and lesser crowds, and has a VIP lounge with a bar offering wines and cocktails. Moreover, you can order food and drinks right from your seat using their app!
CinemaCity offers various VIP packages which provide luxury seating, a wide variety of food, and cocktails/mocktails, perfect to end your shopping spree on a great note!
KidZania
Want to keep your kids occupied while shopping?
KidZania is the answer! KidZania offers a fun and educational experience for your kids to role-play different jobs, earn money and learn how to spend it while living in a mini-city!
Your kids will get to experience the responsibilities of doctors, chefs, pilots, firefighters, or 40+ other professions in this safe simulation environment, and get to take home goodies after the entire experience.
KidZania aims to teach children how to be independent, and values important to thrive in the real world. Whether you’re looking to accompany and watch your kids have fun and smile in this unique experience, or want to keep your kids busy in an engaging, educational experience while you shop, a day at KidZania is a great experience for your kids!
Dining Experiences in Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall has loads of dining options, ranging from great lip-smacking fast food to luxury fine-dining experiences! Whether you’re wanting a quick bite in between your shopping splurges or looking to end your day in style at a gourmet restaurant, there are a variety of options available.
Here’s our curated list of restaurants in Dubai Mall catering to every budget:
Parker’s
Cuisine: French
Pricing: $$
Parker’s offers a French fine-dining experience with a touch of nostalgia! The restaurant aims to incorporate familiar global flavours into their dishes and is most famous for its burgers and desserts.
If you visit Parker’s, be sure to try the Matilda Cake, the signature dessert the restaurant is most known for.
Note: The restaurant can get busy, especially during the evening. To avoid waiting, we recommend reserving a table beforehand.
OFK
Cuisine: Experimental
Pricing: $$
OFK is an upscale designer restaurant in Dubai Mall that features internationally influenced cuisine.
OFK adds a touch of fusion to many popular dishes and aims to offer a modern dining experience, keeping up with the latest trends. They also have a sushi bar, where you can watch the chefs apply their mastery of this craft.
OFK is known for its sushi, offering a wide variety of options, including fusion options as well!
Entrecôte Café de Paris
Cuisine: French
Pricing: $$$
Known for their famous ‘Café de Paris’ sauce, with its recipe being a well-kept family secret, Entrecôte Café de Paris offers a Parisian bistro dining experience with a simplistic menu and exceptional ambiance.
Due to their goal to provide an authentic, tight-knit experience, Entrecôte Café de Paris offers very few menu options, but each option is a star in its own right!
Their rib-eye steak is a must-try, as they aim to make it exactly how you want it and serve it with their signature Café de Paris sauce.
Scalini Cucina
Cuisine: Italian
Pricing: $$$
Scalini Cucina brings the warmth of Italian dining to Dubai Mall, serving traditional, authentic Italian dishes made with fresh ingredients.
The restaurant offers a wide selection of pasta, pizza, and seafood in its menu and is known for its quick service. If you visit Scalini Cucina, be sure to try their Spaghetti Lobster, one of their signature dishes!
Amaya
Cuisine: Fusion & Shisha Lounge
Pricing: $$
Amaya offers delicious dishes from diverse international cuisines with a touch of fusion! Whether you’re looking for a hearty breakfast, a great lunch, or dinner, or just a great shisha lounge to hang out at, Amaya has tons of unique options on their menu, from seafood and Italian food to fusion sushi!
Amaya is a must-visit and can get busy, especially during lunchtime or in the evening. We recommend booking a table in advance to avoid any last-minute waiting!
Joe’s Café
Cuisine: Cafe
Pricing: $$
Joe’s Cafe serves up comfort dishes from around the world, from sandwiches and salads to great main course options. The relaxed setting makes it perfect for a quick coffee, casual lunch, or light dinner while shopping. Be sure to try their Club Sandwich – their signature dish!
Vapiano
Cuisine: Italian
Pricing: $$
Vapiano brings a fun, fresh take on Italian dining to Dubai Mall. This modern restaurant lets you watch as chefs cook your meal right in front of you. The restaurant takes pride in making fresh pasta every day, and provides a great variety of options in their menu.
If you’re craving some authentic Italian food, you can’t go wrong with Vapiano!
Nando’s Dubai Mall
Cuisine: Italian
Pricing: $$
If you are craving some non-gourmet chicken burger or a juicy grilled chicken meal, Nando’s in Dubai Mall is your go-to spot.
This popular restaurant chain brings the famous flame-grilled peri-peri chicken to Dubai. The restaurant offers good value for money and quick service, ideal for shoppers who need a filling meal without the fuss!
Reaching Dubai Mall
Now that you know about the best things to do in Dubai Mall, let’s discuss how to get to the mall. Here are the different ways to reach Dubai Mall:
By public transport
If you’re looking to use the metro, be sure to use the red line, as Dubai Mall has a dedicated station with a short, covered bridge directly connected to the mall.
If you’re planning to travel via bus, you can take either bus route 27 or 29 from the Deira Gold Souk or Ghubaiba bus stations, which arrive every 16 minutes and drop you off at the Grand Drive Entrance of the mall.
By Taxi/Uber
You can simply enter ‘Dubai Mall’ in the Uber app, or instruct your taxi driver to take you to Dubai Mall and they will be happy to do so. If you’re wanting to go specifically to Fashion Avenue or Cinema Parking, be sure to mention it as the taxi driver will drop you at its designated entrance, helping you avoid a long walk.
By rented car (LocalRent)
Since taxis and Uber can get quite expensive in Dubai, we prefer renting a car through LocalRent. This way, we got to travel on our own terms, take our time at each visit, while having a comfortable experience. Since petrol is especially cheap in the UAE, we highly recommend renting a car as it might end up saving you a lot of money!
From budget-friendly to convertible or luxury cars, you can book anything from LocalRent!
Best Hotels near Dubai Mall
Want to stay near the Dubai Mall or in the most prime location of Dubai? Here are the best hotels you can stay at:
Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai
Located 1km away from Dubai Mall, Ramada by Wyndham Downtown Dubai offers superior amenities, a great gym, an amazing pool, and an amazing view of Burj Khalifa – a perfect mid-range retreat!
The Heritage Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott
Looking for a luxurious stay in a contemporary hotel with all the amenities you could ask for and more? The Heritage Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott offers superior contemporary rooms with traditional design, 24/7 room service and gym, a beautiful pool, and multiple restaurants serving different cuisines right inside the hotel!
Book your stay at The Heritage Hotel, Autograph Collection by Marriott here!
Vida Dubai Mall
Located right next to Dubai Mall, Vida Dubai Mall provides an exceptional luxurious retreat in the form of premier rooms, a superior outdoor pool, a 24-hour gym, a tasty continental breakfast, and much, much more!
That concludes our carefully curated list of things to do in Dubai Mall! Dubai Mall isn’t just a shopping destination—it’s a world of its own.
Whether you’re a fashion enthusiast, a foodie, a thrill-seeker, or someone just looking to soak in the city’s vibrant energy, the mall offers something for everyone.
So, whether it’s your first visit or your 10th, there’s always something new waiting to be discovered at Dubai Mall!
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