A Guide To Dubai Mall

Things to do

Watch the water choreography at The Dubai Fountain

One of the prime highlights of visiting Dubai Mall is watching the amazing dancing fountains at The Dubai Fountain. Set against the backdrop of the Burj Khalifa, visitors are mesmerised as they take in the world’s tallest and largest choreographed fountain show where fountains shoot up to 140 metres (459 feet) in height. It is a spectacular display of water, light and music. The fountains are choreographed to a range of classical, regional and contemporary music that will surely enthral you. Shows start from 6pm each day and take place every half an hour.

Marvel at Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

As one of the largest aquariums in the world, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is another popular spot to visit in the mall. It is a massive 10 million-litre (2.6 million gallons) tank that rises up three levels of the mall and contains an astounding array of marine animals. It has 140 marine species and over 33,000 aquatic animals, including the largest collection of sand tiger sharks. For an additional charge, visitors can even go through a 48 m (157.5 ft) tunnel that allows you to see stingrays, sharks and other fishes swimming overhead and around you. You can also go scuba diving in the tank.

Go ice skating at Dubai Ice Rink

Another marvellous attraction at this mall is Dubai Ice RInk that features an Olympic-size ice rink on the ground floor. This well-maintained rink offers a range of experiences for an additional charge, including ice skating experiences for first-timers, training sessions for beginners or those looking to perfecting their techniques. The ice rink also hosts DJ nights where you can dance the night away or have a disco party. A game of Broomball is also an enjoyable group activity here.

What to eat

Logma

Tuck into delicious Emirati cuisine with a twist at Logma in Dubai Mall. With contemporary decor and beautiful views of the dancing fountains, Logma offers a trendy Emirati dining experience with its range of sandwiches, salads, beverages and desserts. Try their khameer (Emirati flatbread) sandwiches, savoury khaleeji wings (spiced chicken wings), chicken samboosa (triangular fried pastry stuffed with chicken) or Nutella lugaimat (Arabic sweet dumplings).

The Cheesecake Factory

Extremely popular with visitors and residents alike, The Cheesecake Factory is another great place to dine in Dubai Mall. With its fantastic location right in between the Souk and Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, this American restaurant offers a variety of dishes. Sample American favourites like steaks, burgers, pasta and pizzas or just pop in to try their famous cheesecakes. The portions at the restaurant are massive, but perfect for sharing!

Things to buy

Jewellery at the Souk

Located on the ground floor of Dubai Mall is the Souk, which is a specially designed area of the mall that resembles a traditional Arabian market. It has a range of jewellery stores that have attractive silver, gold and diamond jewellery on display. Precious gemstones in all shapes and sizes are also available here. Splurge on diamonds, buy a gold necklace or opt for dainty silvery jewellery as your ultimate Dubai souvenir.

Designer shoes at Level Shoes

Another one-of-a-kind section in Dubai Mall is Level Shoes located on the ground floor. It is a massive 96,000 sq. feet (8918 sq. metres) area that is a shoe lover’s paradise. Take your pick from designer footwear from the likes of Manolo Blahnik, Christian Louboutin, Jimmy Choo, Prada, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, etc. Grab a designer pair from Level Shoes that is sure to complement your wardrobe.

Travellers tips

Wheelchair accessibility

Almost all areas of Dubai Mall are wheelchair-friendly. Wheelchairs are also available at the Information Desks located throughout the mall. Elevators are located at every level of the mall providing ease of access to those on a wheelchair.

Time of visit

Dubai Shopping Festival is probably the most popular shopping festivals in the world attracting millions of visitors to Dubai each year. It takes place from the end of December to the end of January each year, with malls and stores across Dubai offering discounts from 25-70% off. Time your visit to Dubai Mall during the festival to avail fantastic discounts on all your shopping.

Eating and drinking restrictions during Ramadan

Dubai follows the Islamic calendar and the holy month of Ramadan is characterised by a period of fasting from dawn to dusk for all Muslims in the country. Thus, there are restrictions on eating and drinking in public during this month and visitors should take note of this before visiting Dubai Mall.

How to get there

Public transport

The most convenient way to reach the mall is by Dubai Metro train service. The closest station is Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station on the Red line. After alighting at the station, a 15-20 minutes’ walk across the Metro Link Bridge will take you right inside the mall. You can travel on the metro by buying a ticket at the station or by purchasing a Nol card that can be used for all forms of public transport and to pay for parking as well.

Private car

Conveniently located in the downtown area along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, you can reach Dubai Mall by driving down the famous Sheikh Zayed Road or take a toll-free route from Al Khail Road.

Taxis or ride-hailing apps

Taxis can be easily hailed on the streets of Dubai to take you to the mall. Alternatively, you could even book one via the Careem app. Uber is another convenient way to reach Dubai Mall.

Parking information

There are about 7 to 8 parking levels available at Dubai Mall and an additional 3000 spaces at the newly-opened Dubai Mall Zabeel. Parking is free at the mall. Valet parking is also available at an additional charge.

Dubai Mall information

Dubai Mall

Address: Financial Center Rd, Along Sheik Zayed Road, Next to Burj Khalifa, Dubai, UAE

Opening hours: 10am - 12am (daily)

Official Website: The Dubai Mall

Department of tourism: Visit Dubai