Dubai Mall: Shopping, dining and entertainment options to explore

Located next to the iconic Burj Khalifa, it is one of the largest malls in the world.

Dubai Mall is the ultimate global destination for shopping, dining and leisure. It is a shopper’s paradise, featuring hundreds of local and international brands. Visitors can enjoy varied international dining with an array of entertainment and leisure attractions. The expansion of the Dubai Mall Zabeel in 2019 elevated its grandeur, introducing new lifestyle offerings, dining choices, retail options and a 3,000+ parking space. This 15,000 square metre extension is seamlessly connected through a climate-controlled bridge from Dubai Mall.

See also: Visitor’s guide to Oasis Mall Dubai

 

Dubai Mall: Location

Situated in one of Dubai’s most upscale localities, Dubai Mall enjoys a prime location adjacent to the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. It is easily accessible from all parts of the city.

  • Dubai Metro: The well-connected Red Line features a dedicated Dubai Mall station. Get off at the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall stop, which is linked to the mall via a convenient footbridge. Direct access to Dubai Mall is available from the Dubai International Airport (DXB). Board the Red Line at Terminal 1 bound for EXPO Metro Station.
  • Bus: Two buses – Route 29 from Ghubaiba bus station and Route 27 from Deira Gold Souk station – serve Dubai Mall every 16 minutes. Both buses operate from the tourist drop-off area in front of the Grand Drive Entrance, located on the Lower Ground Floor of Dubai Mall.
  • Car: If you are driving from Dubai’s centre, take the first interchange and follow Financial Centre Road (formerly Doha Street). The approach road to Dubai Mall will be on your right. If arriving from Abu Dhabi, use the exit to Financial Centre Road from the first interchange. Set your GPS device to the coordinates 25°11.922 and 55°16.805 and follow the signs to the car park.
  • Taxi/Cab: Making your way to Dubai Mall has never been more convenient with options like Careem and Uber at your disposal.

 

Dubai Mall: Timings

Dubai Mall stays open throughout the week; however, the timings for stores and venues may vary.

  • Retailers

Monday to Thursday: 10 AM – 11 PM

Friday to Sunday: 10 AM – 12 AM

  • Food courts and cafés

Monday to Thursday: 10 AM – 12 AM

Friday to Sunday: 10 AM- 1 AM

  • Waterfront promenade restaurants

10 AM – 2 AM daily

 

Dubai Mall: Shopping

Dubai Mall boasts of over 1,200 retail outlets. The shopping experience is elevated by the presence of two popular anchor department stores – Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette. This mall offers a range of products to cater to every desire, from cosmetics and fashion to electronics, toys and home décor.

For those seeking haute couture and high-end fashion, a visit to Fashion Avenue is a must. Explore the latest collections from globally acclaimed brands like Burberry and Versace. Visit the Gold Souk for exquisite gold jewellery. Level Shoes offers the latest trends in footwear fashion. Dubai Mall is home to an array of popular brands, including:

  • Bulgari
  • Chloé
  • Cartier
  • Chopard Boutique
  • Henry Jacques
  • Christian Louboutin
  • Louis Vuitton
  • Tiffany & Co.
  • Victoria Secrets
  • Adidas
  • Aldo
  • Anita Dongre
  • Apple
  • Armani
  • Dior
  • Bose
  • Calvin Klein
  • Fendi
  • Dyson
  • Gucci
  • Gap
  • H&M

 

Dubai Mall: Dining

Packed with fine-dining restaurants, cosy cafés and popular fast food stalls, Dubai Mall offers more than 200 international dining experiences. Indulge in quick bites and delicious meals at the food courts located on the lower ground and second floor of the main mall and the Zabeel extension.

Several restaurants offer a beautiful view of The Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa, creating an unparalleled dining atmosphere. The best restaurants to enjoy these views include Novikov Café, Joe’s Café and WAFI Gourmet. In 2023, Dubai Mall introduced the Chinatown district, housing exceptional Chinese and Asian street food options. Don’t miss Hawker Chan, the Dubai outpost of Singapore’s Michelin-star establishment.

On the second floor, you will find Souk Al Bahar, a lively Arabesque marketplace, featuring 22 remarkable restaurants, lounges and cafés. This charming locale offers a delectable range of local cuisine along with breathtaking views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. Souk Al Bahar is home to Time Out Market Dubai, showcasing 17 exceptional local chefs and restaurateurs handpicked by the esteemed Time Out Dubai editors.

 

Dubai Mall: Entertainment

Dubai Mall is an excellent place for entertainment and recreation, offering a myriad of exciting experiences for all ages and interests.

  • Explore the remarkable Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zooand witness marine life up close.
  • The Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink is the perfect option for adventurers.
  • Children and families can visit Kidzania, based on the ‘edutainment’ concept.
  • Movie enthusiasts must visit Reels Cinema, the massive indoor cinema complex.
  • The indoor fountain is one of the mall’s most iconic and photographed attractions.
  • Don’t miss the enchanting outdoor shopping experience at The Village, complete with a retractable roof that opens during the winter.
  • Zoom past the Burj Khalifa on the open-air track of EKart Zabeel.
  • Step into the virtual world of augmented reality adventures at the VR Park, the first-of-its-kind attraction in the Middle East.
  • Sports enthusiasts and athletes should head to the Zabeel Sports District, the rooftop multi-sports complex of Dubai Mall Zabeel.

 

Real estate around Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall plays a major role in shaping the area’s economic dynamics. As a world-renowned shopping, dining and entertainment centre, the mall attracts millions of tourists and locals alike throughout the year. This increases demand for nearby accommodation, elevating property values for hotels, rental spaces and service apartments.

The mall’s immense success promotes the growth of other businesses, including boutiques, entertainment venues and restaurants. Properties close to the Dubai Mall become desirable investment options due to their proximity to this vibrant hub.

The mall’s central location makes it a transportation nexus, enhancing property values in accessible residential areas. The notion of living near this prominent landmark increases the neighbourhood’s appeal, influencing property demand and contributing to the overall real estate dynamics in the surrounding locale.

 

FAQs

Why is Dubai Mall famous?

In addition to being one of the largest malls in the world, its strategic location near Burj Khalifa and the large variety of shopping, dining and entertainment options make it an unparalleled destination.

Which are the most popular restaurants in Dubai Mall?

Dubai Mall has more than 200 dining venues, including Novikov Café, Joe’s Café, WAFI Gourmet, Hawker Chan and Time Out Market Dubai.

Which are the most popular shops in Dubai Mall?

Dubai Mall has over 1,200 retail stores selling everything from cosmetics, clothes, footwear and accessories to electronics, toys and home essentials. Famous brands present in the mall include Bloomingdale’s, Galeries Lafayette, Burberry, Versace, Dior and Chanel.

How can I reach Dubai Mall?

Dubai Mall is easily accessible via the Dubai Metro’s Red Line. Buses on Route 29 from Ghubaiba and Route 27 from Deira Gold Souk serve the mall. Taxis, Careem and Uber offer convenient transport options.

(Header image by Dario Ciraulo on Unsplash)

 

Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at [email protected]

 

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