Last Updated on January 21, 2023
Dubai is known for its contemporary sightseeing tourist attractions such as the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world) and shopping malls that come complete with mammoth aquariums and indoor ski slopes. The emirate is home to some of the largest shopping malls in the world, with a multitude of retail options and attractions.
If you love Dubai and shop on the go, the biggest malls in Dubai are likely to be at the top of your travel list. Whether it’s shoes, bags, clothes, or jewelry, everyone has a weak point: an item they spend on quickly. These record-breaking malls serve all of them.
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Biggest Shopping Malls In Dubai
Here we look at the biggest shopping malls in Dubai and what makes them special.
1. THE DUBAI MALL
One of the biggest malls in the world and the largest mall in Dubai, this is one of the crowning glories in the remarkable portfolio of Emaar Properties. Widely considered the best mall in Dubai, this shopping centre features several flagship stores and a dedicated fashion avenue boasting high-fashion brands including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and more.
Apart from a slew of shopping and entertainment outlets, there are also some facts about The Dubai Mall that are enough to make anyone want to go here. For example, it has an Olympic size ice rink, more than 1200 stores and a parking lot that can accommodate up to 14,000 cars at a time!
But it’s not just the 1200+ stores and amazing facts about the place that makes the biggest mall in Dubai a great place to visit in the city. There are plenty of things to do in Dubai Mall besides shopping, including visiting the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, an old-fashioned Souk, Reel Cinemas and Kidzania.
The mall is also close to all the activities in Downtown Dubai, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city. There are also several fine dining restaurants and popular international dining outlets including the Cheesecake Factory, Magnolia Bakery, Laduree and Five Guys. Here is an overview of Dubai Mall timings, contact and location:
- Location: Downtown Dubai
- Timings for all retailers: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday to Saturday)
- Contact: 800-DUBAI MALL (800-38224-6255)
2. MALL OF THE EMIRATES
The Mall of the Emirates (MOE) is a natural pick for one of the best shopping malls in Dubai. Occupying more than 2 million sq.ft., MOE has been a hot shopping destination since it opened its doors to the public in 2005 in Al Barsha. Apart from its 600+ retail outlets, the mall also has over 100 restaurants and cafes. Additionally, MOE is also home to the UAE’s first indoor ski resort and park — Ski Dubai. Other attractions at the Mall of the Emirates include a Dreamscape VR experience, VOX Cinemas and the Magic Planet family entertainment centre.
Another popular attraction at MOE is the iconic Ski Dubai where Dubai residents have access to some winter fun all year round.
The MOE is home to several high-fashion outlets including Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Marks & Spencer and many more. There is a metro line directly to Mall of the Emirates and the Sheraton hotel, conveniently located within the same premises. Some of the popular restaurants in this mall in Dubai include Dean & Deluca, Texas De Brazil and Tribes.
- Location: Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road Interchange Four
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday to Saturday)
- Timings of Carrefour: 09:00 am to 12:00 am
- Contact: 800-MOE MALL (800-663-6255)
3. DUBAI FESTIVAL CITY MALL
A mall famous for its spectacular light shows, the Dubai Festival City Mall is next on our list of notable malls in Dubai. As the name implies, the mall is located in Dubai Festival City.
One of the highlights of this mall is the Robinsons department store, which offers a whole range of luxury brands. Other popular outlets here include Beverly Hills Polo Club, DKNY, GAP, Mango, Zara and anchor stores like Brands for Less, IKEA and Toys R Us. There are also a few cosy restaurants in Dubai Festival City such as Cheesecake Factory offering gorgeous views of the waterfront. It is also home to the Sugar Factory which features some of the most Insta-worthy desserts in Dubai.
As for entertainment at this mall in Dubai, there is Novo Cinemas and Festival City’s dancing fountain called ‘IMAGINE’, both of which are popular with visitors to the mall.
- Location: Dubai Festival City
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday to Saturday)
- Contact: 800-332
4. IBN BATTUTA MALL
Known to be one of the worlds largest themed malls, Ibn Battuta Mall is the next mall on our list of top malls in Dubai. Located close to Discovery Gardens and Jebel Ali Village and managed by master developer Nakheel Properties, this single storey mall in Dubai pays homage to the travels of the famed explorer Ibn Battuta.
Easily accessible by the Ibn Battuta metro stop, this Dubai shopping mall is known for its unique architecture. It is divided into six courts based on the travels of the eponymous explorer: Andulasia, China, Egypt, Persia, India, Tunisia. These themed courts are just some of the attractions and activities in Ibn Battuta Mall.
Apart from entertainment options, the mall has plenty of F&B outlets and retail stores for visitors. For example, the restaurants in Ibn Battuta Mall include Pizza Express, India Palace, Yo! Sushi and more. For some retail therapy, shops in Ibn Battuta Mall — like H&M, Carter’s and The Body Shop — are also popular with visitors.
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali Village
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-390-9999
5. CITY CENTRE MIRDIF
Part of the City Centre brand of malls by Majid Al Futtaim, this is a mammoth retail destination located in the family-friendly neighbourhood of Mirdif.
Popular stores in City Centre Mirdif include Hamleys, Decathlon, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrell, Zara and Mango.
As a complete lifestyle destination, there are also several restaurants in Mirdif City Centre that make any visit worthwhile. Popular eateries at the mall include Gazebo, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Zafran and more.
There are also a lot of other activities in City Centre Mirdif apart from shopping which includes Magic Planet, Little Explorers and iFly Dubai, a unique indoor skydiving experience.
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road – Mirdif
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday to Saturday)
- Contact: 800- Mall (22-6255)
6. CITY CENTRE DEIRA
Next on our list of best shopping malls in Dubai is another Majid Al Futtaim retail centre. City Centre Deira is one of the oldest malls in Dubai and still, retains a loyal fanbase. Like most other City Centre malls, this mall in Deira also has a Magic Planet to entertain younger visitors. The Deira City Centre metro station makes it extremely accessible to both tourists and residents.
Popular stores in City Centre Deira include Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, Zara and H&M. If you are feeling a little peckish, you can get a bite to eat at the food court or pop into Carluccio’s, Paul, Gazebo or any of the other restaurants. It has also got many discount shops such as Daiso, Miniso, Mumuso and many other discount shops making it one of the best places for cheap shopping in Dubai.
- Location: 8th Street – Port Saeed, Dubai
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday to Saturday)
- Contact: 800 CC MALL (22-6255)
7. BURJUMAN CENTRE
Another of the old Dubai favourites to make it on our list of top 10 malls in Dubai is the Burjuman Centre. Ideally located for the residents in the apartments in Bur Dubai, the mall is one of the best leisure spaces in the city.
There are plenty of activities at the BurJuman mall. Entertainment options like Magic Planet, high street brands such as Next, H&M and Nautica and luxury shopping outlets including Mont Blanc and Louis Vuitton makes this an ideal shopping mall in Dubai to check out with friends and family. There is also a VOX cinema in the Burjman mall for those who want to catch a movie. Some of the popular restaurants in Burjuman include Yo! Sushi, Jollibee, Nando’s and Dome Cafe.
- Location: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road – Al Mankhool, Dubai
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Saturday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (Thursday to Friday)
- Contact: +971-4-352-0222
8. MERCATO SHOPPING MALL
One of the most stunning shopping malls in Dubai, Mercato mall literally translates to ‘market’ in Italian. With gorgeous renaissance style architecture, this mall is especially great for mall trawls and features a good selection of stores including Mango, Laura Ashley and Hallmark.
Aside from Mercato Mall shops, visitors can also enjoy a relaxed time at the restaurants here. You can get a bite to eat at the More Cafe, Hardees, The Living Room and more. If you are bringing kids along they can enjoy the games at Fun City. Pet lovers in Dubai should note that there is a pet shop on the basement level of the Mercato mall.
- Location: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1 – Dubai
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-344-4161
9. DUBAI MARINA MALL
With a constant stream of events and things to do in Marina Mall, an impressive lineup of high street brands and some gorgeous waterfront dining options, it’s easy to see why this shopping centre makes it on our list of best malls in Dubai.
Billabong, Monsoon, Cos, River Island, Pinko and H&M are some of the well-known brands in Dubai Marina Mall. Visitors will also love the fact that they can enjoy the waterfront views while having a sumptuous meal at Carluccio’s, Five Guys, Zafran or any of the other restaurants in Marina Mall. This mall in Dubai also offers visitors a more gourmet dining experience thanks to the restaurants in Pier 7.
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
- Contact: +971-4-436-1020
10. WAFI MALL
Next on our list of best malls in Dubai is this Egyptian themed shopping centre, which has been in operation for over two decades. Featuring many local brands, the Wafi Mall is known for it’s light and sound show in the evenings and its mammoth Christmas tree decorations in December.
Popular stores in Wafi include Marks & Spencer, Matalan and more. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy dining at Biella, Bosporus Gourmet Restaurant, Paul Cafe and Wafi Gourmet.
- Location: Oud Metha Road, Dubai
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Saturday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday to Friday)
- Contact: +971-4-324-4213