A Guide to Shopping Malls in Dubai
Discover Dubai’s incredible malls, which offer more than just shopping.
Upon first visiting Dubai, you’d be forgiven for thinking the city’s official sport is shopping. With some 96 malls across the city, there’s no better place to find that perfect dress, exquisitely tailored suit or quirky memento. But the city’s shopping hubs offer far more than retail therapy, with indoor theme parks, cultural attractions and much more.
The Dubai Mall
Downtown Dubai
FIND ANYTHING YOU'RE AFTER AT THE WORLD'S BIGGEST MALL
The world’s largest mall, The Dubai Mall has something for everyone, including an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, and the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Under one massive roof, you’ll find 1,000-plus retailers, including high-street favourites such as Topshop and Zara, and department stores such as Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette. Luxury labels find their home on Fashion Avenue, a section of the mall dedicated to high-end designers like Chanel, Lanvin and Elie Saab, with the nearby Level Shoe District occupied by brands such as Christian Louboutin, Fendi and Dior.
City Walk
Jumeirah
A NEW OUTDOOR DESTINATION FILLED WITH EDGY BOUTIQUES
Haute Middle Eastern architecture meets European style street shopping in one of Dubai's most Instagrammable venues. Positioned between Downtown and Jumeirah Beach with startling views of the Burj Khalifa, the new City Walk is redefining the shopping experience in Dubai. Open squares and London-style streets filled with edgy fashion boutiques, Michelin-starred culinary concepts and an array of entertainment choices will make City Walk the place to be this year.
The Outlet Village
Jebel Ali
A TUSCAN-INSPIRED, LUXURY OUTLET MALL
Phase one of Dubai’s new luxury outlet mall opened its doors in early September 2016 with 1.5 million square feet of retail space that includes three department stores, over 125 brands (with more on the way) as well as premium food and beverage outlets to help fuel a full day of shopping. Score fabulous deals on of-the-moment pieces from big designers like Michael Kors and Carolina Herrera and revel in the village’s charming Tuscan-inspired architecture during your next shopping spree.
Mall of the Emirates
Al Barsha
ENJOY EXCLUSIVE SALES AND POP-UP ENTERTAINMENT AT MALL OF THE EMIRATES
Mall of the Emirates now features an Apple store, Dubai's favourite dumpling house Din Tai Fung and another hipster cafe, Common Grounds, amongst other luxury stores. Home to the Ski Dubai slopes, the Magic Planet indoor entertainment centre for kids, and Dubai Community Theatre and Art Centre providing local and international music and theatre performances, there’s always something to do or see. Add in a visit to department stores like Harvey Nichols, Marks & Spencer and Debenhams, plus the ultra-chic Fashion Dome and VOX Cinemas for a memorable day out
Mercato Mall
Jumeirah
A RELAXED, FAMILY-FRIENDLY SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Mercato Mall mimics the sights and feel of a Renaissance-era Italian village. Shoppers can choose from international retailers such as Laura Ashley and Jack Wills as well as plenty of bakeries like Cakery Epicerie by Stephane Glacier, a favourite with locals for a quick pick-me-up and Alison Nelson’s Chocolate Bar for the city’s creamiest hot chocolate.
Ibn Battuta Mall
Jebel Ali
GO ON AN ADVENTURE IN THE WORLD'S LARGEST THEMED MALL
Ibn Battuta Mall gets its name from the explorer, and the mall’s six courts source design inspiration from Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China, the regions in which he travelled. The decor in the mall includes elaborate tiling, a gigantic golden elephant, a high ceiling painted to resemble blue skies, and lush outdoor tea gardens. Interior design aside, Ibn Battuta Mall is a treasure trove of fashion, lifestyle and sporting shops with regular in-store promotions and celebrations.
WAFI Mall
Dubai Creek
INDULGE IN A LUXURY, ARABIC SHOPPING EXPERIENCE
Housed in instantly recognisable Ancient Egyptian architecture, the iconic Wafi Mall continues the theme on the inside as well. Visitors can immerse themselves in an Arabic shopping experience with Middle Eastern fashion boutiques offering the latest in kandoras, burqas and abayas. Or head to Salam, the UAE’s independent department store, for household buys.
Dubai Marina Mall
Dubai Marina
BEST FOR THE LAID-BACK SHOPPER
Sitting on the shores of the marina, Dubai Marina Mall offers a casual family shopping experience. It houses a variety of international retailers with an emphasis on affordable high-street fashion and beauty services in a relaxed atmosphere. There’s plenty of choice for lunch, all with outdoor alfresco seating along the water’s edge. Wander next door to the attached Pier 7, which offers seven exciting dining concepts, each with breezy terrace seating
City Centre Mirdif
Mirdif
A SHOPPING EXPERIENCE THE WHOLE FAMILY WILL ENJOY
City Centre Mirdif houses over 430 retail locations with key anchor stores including Carrefour, Debenhams and Centrepoint. As one of Dubai's truly suburban malls, it also sets itself apart with inventive entertainment concepts like indoor sky-diving with iFly, children's edutainment at Little Explorers, interactive football with Soccer Circus Dubai and 12-lane cosmic bowling at Yalla! Bowling.
If you've ever fancied indoor skydiving, this is the mall to visit in Dubai. It's evidence that our malls aren't just about the shopping - it's the whole entertainment experience.
Beyond skydiving, Mirdif City Centre is popular with families because of all the other activities: bowling, a climbing wall, a soccer circus and an arcade with game simulators and rides to keep the youngsters (and young at heart) busy. Add to this a 10-screen VOX cinema, 80 eateries and a Carrefour supermarket, and you could easily spend all day at this easy-to-navigate mall. If you do come for the shopping, you'll find over 260 brands including Debenhams, Forever 21 and Pottery Barn.
Dubai Festival City Mall
Dubai Creek
CHARMING MALL AND WATERFRONT VIEWS
Set on the banks of Dubai Creek, Dubai Festival City Mall is home to over 400 stores including the massive IKEA department store, HyperPanda supermarket and ACE Hardware. This mall also gives you a chance to stroll along its charming Canal Walk or ride the abra at one of the waterfront restaurants.
Jumeirah Beach Residence
SHORELINE SHOPPING FOR SOUVENIRS AND BIG RETAIL NAMES
For a full day of shopping, dining, movie watching and lounging by the beach all in one place, consider a trip to open-air shopping boulevard, THE BEACH opposite JBR. With retail brands ranging from Adventure HQ to Sephora and plenty of spots to stop for a quick pick-me-up treat, you can enjoy premium retail therapy just steps from the water.