In the dazzling cityscape of Dubai, opulence unravels at every corner. Here, in the ritzy neighbourhood of Jumeirah, you might spot teenage girls grandly cruising in their pink Audis and Ferrari convertibles as a casual Sunday drive. The notion of 'budget food' has a head-swimming tag of 50 dirhams attached, and there's an entire Gold Class carriage in the metro that offers plush, private seating - a serendipitous encounter proved it first-hand. Be warned though, non-Gold Nol card users risk a fine of AED100 for venturing into this zone.

Contrastingly, outside the glittery realms of Jumeirah, Marina, and Emirates Hill, there exists a humbler face of Dubai that's surprisingly inviting. Should you not tote earnings in Euros or Dinars and aren't planning to shell out AED1500 for a sky-high suite, the chances are you'll find solace in the liveable locales of Deira or Bur Dubai. This is from the well-learned experience of staying in a modest 2-star hotel in Deira, where the balance between price and value is a nightly contemplation.

Extravagance aside, one cannot ignore that Dubai is a dazzling traveller's paradise. Despite being a chap on a shoestring budget, the dazzling display of goods in the mall windows stirred an inner battle - a self-conflict that has now crowned the author a bewildered owner of five pairs of branded footwear, hopelessly considering his backpack dimensions.

During Ramadan, sales bloom across Dubai like desert roses. It's a haven for shopaholics, as branded names (FCUK, DKNY, Coach, Massimo Dutti) become blissfully affordable. If you ever find yourself star-struck by Dubai's skyline, take a moment to explore its shopping hotspots - detailed below are the best malls that Dubai proudly houses.

Read also: Dubai Desert Safari Tour & Ticket Price

Table of Content

1. The Dubai Mall
2. Mall of the Emirates
3. City Centre Deira
4. Dubai Marina Mall
5. List of Malls in Dubai

Popular Shopping Malls in Dubai

Popular Shopping Malls in Dubai

The Dubai Mall

Dubai Mall is a must-visit destination when in Dubai. Located right beside the almighty Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, tourists can feast their eyes on the mesmerising fountain show on the 30-acre lake that takes place every half an hour after 7pm. The Dubai Fountain is a true spectacle, with water jets shooting up to 500 feet in the air, choreographed to a range of music from classical to contemporary. The show is a perfect way to end a day of sightseeing and shopping, with the stunning backdrop of the Burj Khalifa adding to the experience.

The Dubai Mall is not just a shopping destination, it's a world-class entertainment hub. Visitors can explore the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, which houses over 140 species of marine animals, including the largest collection of Sand Tiger sharks in the world. The aquarium also offers a range of activities, including shark dives, glass-bottom boat tours, and cage snorkelling. For those who prefer to stay on land, the Dubai Ice Rink offers a unique and fun experience, with public skating sessions, figure skating lessons, and ice hockey games. The rink is Olympic-sized and is perfect for both beginners and experienced skaters.

In addition to the fountain show, aquarium, and ice rink, Dubai Mall also offers a range of dining options, from fast food to fine dining. Visitors can also enjoy a range of shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques to high street stores. With so much to see and do, Dubai Mall is a destination in itself and is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Dubai. So, make sure to add Dubai Mall to your itinerary and experience the best that Dubai has to offer when it comes to entertainment, shopping, and sightseeing.

How to get there: Dubai Metro Red Line: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station
Address: Financial Center Street, Sheikh Zayed Road
Opening hours: 10am–12am
Contact number: +971 800 382246255

Top attractions at The Dubai Mall

Mall of the Emirates

The Mall of the Emirates is another must-visit shopping destination in Dubai. This gigantic mall is centrally located at interchange four on the busy Sheikh Zayed road and first opened its doors in 2005. The mall is home to over 630 retail stores, including luxury boutiques, high street brands, and department stores, making it a shopper's paradise.

However, what sets the Mall of the Emirates apart from other shopping centres is the unique and exciting experiences it offers. The mall houses the first ever indoor ski resort and snow park in the Middle East, Ski Dubai. This winter wonderland spans over 22,500 square metres and features a range of activities, including skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing, and even penguin encounters. The snow park is perfect for families and children, with a range of fun activities, such as snowball fights and snowman building.

In addition to Ski Dubai, the Mall of the Emirates is also home to the Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC). This state-of-the-art theatre offers a range of performances, including plays, musicals, and concerts. The centre also offers a range of workshops and classes, including acting, dance, and art, making it a hub for creativity and culture in Dubai.

The Mall of the Emirates also offers a range of dining options, from fast food to fine dining, and a range of entertainment options, such as a cinema and a family entertainment centre. With so much to see and do, the Mall of the Emirates is a destination in itself and is a must-visit for anyone travelling to Dubai.

How to get there: Dubai Metro Red Line: Mall of the Emirates Station
Address: Al Barsha Sheikh Zayed Road Interchange Four
Opening hours: 10am–12am
Contact number: +971 800 6636255

Mall of the Emirates in Dubai

City Centre Deira

City Centre malls are a popular shopping destination in Dubai, with several branches located throughout the city. However, the City Centre Deira branch stands out as one of the most impressive. This mall has everything any shopper would need, from luxury brands to high street stores, as well as a range of dining and entertainment options. The mall is conveniently located in the older part of the city, delightfully situated between Sharjah, Bur Dubai, and the Airport.

The City Centre Deira mall spans over 1.3 million square feet and is home to over 370 retail stores, making it one of the largest malls in Dubai. The mall offers a range of shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques to high street brands, as well as department stores such as Debenhams, Carrefour, and Marks & Spencer. The mall also features a range of dining options, from fast food to fine dining, and a range of entertainment options, such as a cinema and a family entertainment centre.

What sets the City Centre Deira mall apart from other shopping centres is its unique architecture and design. The mall features a stunning atrium, with a glass ceiling that allows natural light to flood in, creating a bright and airy atmosphere. The mall also features a range of art installations and sculptures, adding to the overall aesthetic appeal of the space.

In addition to its impressive design and range of shopping experiences, the City Centre Deira mall is conveniently located in the heart of the city. The mall is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport, making it a convenient destination for both locals and tourists alike. The mall is also located near several popular tourist attractions, such as the Gold Souk and the Dubai Creek, making it a perfect stop for a day of sightseeing and shopping.

Getting there: Dubai Metro Red Line: Deira City Centre Station

Address: 8th St, Port Saeed, Dubai
Opening hours: 10am–12am
Contact number: +971 800 226255

Deira City Centre Mall

Dubai Marina Mall

This indoor shopping mall spans over four levels and offers visitors over 140 stores, making it a shopper's paradise. The mall is also home to a range of dining options, from fast food to fine dining, as well as a children's play area, making it a perfect destination for families with young children.

The mall's location in Dubai Marina is one of its most impressive features. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the marina, with its luxurious yachts and beautiful waterfront promenade. The mall is also located near several popular tourist attractions, such as the Dubai Marina Walk and the Jumeirah Beach Residence, making it a perfect stop for a day of sightseeing and shopping.

The Dubai Marina Mall offers a range of shopping experiences, from luxury boutiques to high street stores, as well as department stores such as Marks & Spencer and Waitrose. Visitors can find everything they need, from fashion and beauty products to electronics and home decor. The mall also features a range of entertainment options, such as a cinema and a virtual reality park, making it a perfect destination for a day out with friends or family.

In addition to its impressive range of shopping and entertainment options, the Dubai Marina Mall also offers a unique and immersive experience for visitors. The mall features a stunning indoor waterfall, which cascades down from the ceiling into a beautiful pool below. The waterfall creates a tranquil and peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect place to relax and unwind after a day of shopping and sightseeing.

Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai Marina
Opening hours: 10am–10pm
Contact number: +971 4 436 1020

Shopping at Dubai Marina Mall

List of Malls in Dubai

There are definitely many other malls worth going to given there is sufficient time (and if you will not get sick of shopping everyday). The Middle Easterners are particularly fond of the Dragon Mart situated along Al Awir Road which sells cheap Chinese products from machinery to building materials (you name it). Other malls worth mentioning are:

• Wafi Mall
• Al Ghurair Centre
• Jumeirah Plaza
• Ibn Battuta Mall
• Dubai Festival Centre
• Arabian Center

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