You won’t be surprised to know that Dubai also breaks records when it comes to shopping centres, and there’s one that’s considered to be the largest in the world in terms of surface area. It has over 1,200 shops and its leisure offer is as overwhelming as its shopping options. In a country where summer temperatures exceed 50ºC, having spaces like this one where the temperature is pleasant and you can do absolutely anything inside is sure to be a success. Whether or not you’re a fan of shopping on your travels, Dubai Mall will certainly impress you.
For curious people, it’s a perfect place to observe the type of shops it has, with avenues offering absolute luxury (with the same brands or even more than in New York or Paris), restaurants of all kinds, fun areas such as a giant aquarium, ice skating rinks, cinemas, virtual reality spaces, and exhibition halls in some of its corridors. A visit to the Dubai Mall is certainly a must because of the atmosphere, its architecture, and the endless possibilities it offers. What’s more, its location in the heart of the Downtown area allows you to visit the city’s main attractions in just a few minutes.
- Conoce el centro comercial más grande del mundo
- Qué tiendas puedes encontrar
- Opciones de ocio en Dubai Mall
- Restaurantes y gastronomía
- Otros centros comerciales en Dubái
- Dónde alojarse en Dubái
See the world’s largest shopping centre
Who can resist visiting the world’s largest shopping centre? If you dare to enter the world of the Dubai Mall with the curiosity of a regular traveller, leaving aside consumerist criticism, it will be a place you’ll enjoy and where you can spend a whole day practically without opening your wallet. That said, the temptation is constant.
We’ll share with you some interesting facts so that you’ll be prepared. This shopping centre in Dubai occupies an area of one million square metres, or rather, if you’re a football fan, think of it as 200 football pitches put together. There’s room for no fewer than 1,200 shops, restaurants, souks, amusement parks, and areas with art and historical works of art. Here’s a more detailed description.
What shops can you find?
If you like shopping, you’re going to enjoy yourself at the Dubai Mall. You’ll also notice that although there are European-style fashions, the most international brands have adapted their models to this country’s culture. In other words, women’s clothing is much more restrained. Among the foreign brands, you’ll find a good range at Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s, as well as a very exclusive Fashion Avenue with the most renowned designers. There you’ll find Bvlgary, Cartier, Louis Vuitton, Versace, Tiffany&Co, Roberto Cavalli, etc. The rest of the shopping centre is also home to beauty, home, and electronics brands, among others.
Leisure options at Dubai Mall
This is perhaps the most striking section of this shopping centre in Dubai because, although more and more leisure is offered in this type of space in Europe, what happens in the UAE is out of this world. At Dubai Mall, you’ll find amazing places like the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo where you can immerse yourself in the mysteries of the ocean without having to put on a wetsuit, or become a star by dancing in an ice-skating rink. Not forgetting the thrill of visiting immersive exhibitions, virtual reality spaces (such as VR Park), state-of-the-art cinemas, or educational places like Kidzania. Art lovers shouldn’t miss the Dubai Mall Zabeel area (connected to the shopping centre by an air-conditioned bridge). This new space created in 2019 covers 15,000 m2 and houses more entertainment and artworks.
Restaurants and dining
Another advantage of Dubai Mall is that it offers such a wide range of dining options so that no matter what your tastes, you’ll always find something to suit you. The most successful places are Angelina, a luxurious French-style tea room, Eataly, where you can not only eat but also buy gourmet products, Magnolia Bakery, specialising in New York-sized snacks, Markette, fast but quality food, Nando’s, grilled meat, or The Cheesecake Factory, where you can guess what the star is.
Other shopping centres in Dubai
Although Dubai Mall is the most famous shopping centre in Dubai, there are also other shopping centres and areas that you may be interested in visiting. We’ve chosen some of them.
City Walk
This is one of the ideal places to stroll around, shop in elegant shops, enjoy a bit of entertainment, and end your visit with a meal in one of the many restaurants. It’s located in the Jumeirah area, and is surrounded by Green Planet, Hub Zero, and Mattel Play Town, as well as several cinemas. If you’re staying for lunch, take note of some of its best restaurants: Farzi Café, which offers Indian cuisine; Sikka Café, Emirati fusion food; and Cocoa Kitchen, for those with a particularly sweet tooth.
Mall of Emirates
Mall of Emirates is a comprehensive shopping centre with over 500 shops, exclusive boutiques, entertainment venues, a cinema, and fine dining options. Another must-visit shopping destination in Dubai. It has a ski slope, Ski Dubai, which will delight fans of winter sports. Restaurants include the oriental flavours of Din Tai Fung and the Common Grounds café, where you’ll always want to stop for a bite to eat.
Madinat Souk
If you’re interested in the world of souks, you’ll want to check out this 21st century souk in Madinat Jumeirah. It’s a space that mimics the old guild markets but with a more sophisticated atmosphere. It’s an ideal place to buy quality handmade products, and have fun browsing through its 75 shops, art galleries, bars, and restaurants. It has a very pleasant atmosphere, with music and lovely spots where you can take pictures.
Mercato Mall
The Mercato Shopping Mall is also worth a visit because it’s very different from the others. This place is Italian Renaissance in style, with cobbled streets and beautiful squares. There are 130 shops, cinemas, and a Fun City for the kids. If you go at night, it’s even more beautiful with the streets lit up.
WAFI Mall
As anything is possible in Dubai, so is a shopping centre with an Egyptian theme. Here, 350 shops are housed inside a spectacular glass pyramid. There’s no shortage of brands such as Burberry, Chopard, and Roberto Cavalli. Among the most striking places inside you’ll find Cleopatra’s Spa, a mini golf course, and a swimming pool.
Dubai Marina Mall
This large shopping centre is located very close to the Dubai Marina. Its 36,200 square metres are home to 130 shops on four levels. Although it may seem small compared to other shopping centres, it’s perfect for shopping without having to travel long distances inside. In addition to fashion and other shops, it also offers children’s play areas and large-screen cinemas.
Where to stay in Dubai
A trip to Dubai deserves accommodation to match, whether in an apartment or a hotel. In and around the city, you’ll find interesting options. With a very exclusive feel and located on one of the man-made island palm trees, Palm Jumeirah, you’ll find Dukes The Palm, a Royal Hideaway Hotel, a five-star hotel with 279 rooms and suites, plus 285 apartments. It also has a private beach and a large infinity pool.
Another suggestion is the Occidental Al Jaddaf, a four-star hotel near Dubai Creek with 365 spacious and modern rooms and suites. Here, you can choose from good restaurants such as Carmen Tapas, which offers Spanish cuisine, and Beit Beiruty, which specialises in food from Beirut. And if you’d prefer the privacy of an apartment, you’ll love the Barceló Residences Dubai Marina in Dubai Marina, with 253 stylish residences to choose from, and excellent facilities with swimming pools, and a gym.
Want more options? The Occidental Dubai Production City, a four-star hotel located near the Dubai Expo, offers 239 rooms, two restaurants, bar, two heated pools, and a sky lounge with a pool. Lastly, a very quiet option is the Occidental Sharjah Grand, a four-star hotel located in Sharjah with 221 rooms, a private beach area, and good dining options.
