Shopping malls in Dubai - which is the best? - Dubai Adventure! Your Dream Trip Starts Here

In Dubai, the choice of shopping malls is really a tough decision to make. There are very many malls, which differ significantly not only in their offer, but also in their atmosphere. Although many stores in the malls are similar, they vary mostly in ambiance and entertainment options.

In addition, the traffic in Dubai should not be underestimated. Therefore, it is advisable to consider in advance which mall you want to visit. It is advantageous to combine the mall visit with an interesting attraction that can be booked via platforms such as Viator or Platinum Dubai.

In this blog, we won’t go into detail about the different attractions or provide a list of the stores, as that information can be found on the malls’ respective websites, which we will link you to. It’s also difficult to make specific shopping recommendations because visitors’ individual interests vary widely. But of course we share tips & tricks as well as our preferences.

Dubai Mall

Restaurant Gia is not only for the palate, but also for the eye.

On different levels extends the Dubai Mall Dubai

Art has it everywhere in the Dubai Mall. Here in the rear wing you can see a flying ball

In the blog article“Dubai Mall” we have already reported about the largest mall in Dubai. Here you can buy literally anything, and you can pamper yourself in a spa, especially culinary delights from around the world. Personally, however, we are not particularly enthusiastic about this mall. It’s just too big and often too hectic, especially on Saturday nights. It is almost impossible to find a seat in a restaurant, let alone find a parking space. Nevertheless, the Dubai Mall offers many impressive and unique experiences.

For example, you can watch the fantastic and free Fountain Show or enjoy delicious dumplings at China Court. Our tip: reserve a table in the evening, for example at Gia on the terrace. From there you have a great view of the many lights and the Fountain Show. At the same time you can enjoy an authentic pizza.

We think the prices here are fair, considering that you are in the Dubai Mall – a rather expensive place in the city – and have a direct view of the lake. In summary, if you are in Dubai for the first time, you must visit the Dubai Mall. You should have experienced the size, the hustle and bustle and especially the atmosphere once.

Mall of Emirates

The Mall of the Emirates opened in 2005 and surpasses many malls with its beautiful design. The mall includes over 600 stores and over 100 restaurants and cafes. It offers various recreational activities for the whole family, including Ski Dubai (the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort and snow park), the 500-seat Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre, and Magic Planet, one of the largest indoor entertainment centers for families in Dubai.

In November 2005, the Mall of the Emirates was named the world’s leading new shopping center at the World Travel Awards in London.

What we particularly like about the Mall of the Emirates is the architecture. In the center is a large gallery, flooded with air. Right next to Ski Dubai and the Magic Park, there are several relatively inexpensive restaurants lined up next to each other. So you don’t sit in a closed restaurant, but more like on a terrace, watching the action. Direct access from the metro to the mall is also particularly convenient for those who want to do without a car.

IBN Battuta Mall

The IBN Battuta Mal is a feast for the eyes. It has different areas, which are beautifully decorated. Let yourself be inspired

This mall is truly exceptional and unique. The various decorations and areas are not only pleasing to the eye, but also to the palate. The Ibn Battuta Mall offers not only fantastic entertainment and a wide range of stores, but also many restaurants and the option to stay near the mall in one of the surrounding hotels.

So if you’re looking for a shopping experience while enjoying the beautiful atmosphere, you’ve come to the right place.

Kids and shopping? Most kids don’t like that. One more reason to visit the IBN Battuta Mall. You can drop off your kids at Kidz Palooza. There are several really great attractions there, such as painting clay figures, building Lego landscapes, or having fun at the market with wooden toys. If a child still needs a new haircut, that is also possible here 🙂

Dubai Hills Mall

The Dubai Hills Mall the newest mall in Dubai, is nestled in a beautiful park, just outside the coast of Dubai. The mall is home to over 600 stores and many other attractions such as various entertainment options for families, a grocery store, a movie theater and much more. The Dubai Hills Mall is known for its many different restaurants.

Our conclusion: We love this mall! It is only about a 20-minute drive from our home. The clarity of the mall is remarkable – you won’t get lost. Foundcourt radiates a pleasant calm and is far from noise and bustle. As you stroll through the mall, you keep coming across fascinating art objects, such as the giant teddy bear.

Only on weekends the mall is crowded, so we try to avoid visiting on those days. Oh, almost forgot – do you like adrenaline? So you absolutely have to test the Storm Coaster. But beware – better go to lunch afterwards, otherwise another disaster could happen 🙂

Festival City Mall

Ikea on vacation? Probably not, although one or two things from Ikea could also be useful in Dubai. There are two Ikea stores in Dubai, one of which is directly in the Festival City Mall. So if you’re near Dubai Creek, you could take a trip to Festival City Mall. We like the mall very much.

There are numerous children’s paradises like Leo & Loona (our favorite), Stay & Play and other activities for the kids. Of course, you will also find many well-known stores like H&M or Zara, but there are also numerous stalls with oriental products like dates, honey or of course perfumes, which are ideal as souvenirs. If your path takes you to the mall in the late afternoon, be sure to stay until dark.

Every day at 7:30 p.m., the first Imagine laser show starts right in front of the mall. Although the show only lasts a few minutes, we are always impressed by how the lasers dance to the appropriate music. During the fire show it gets really hot around the body. It’s truly an experience you don’t want to miss.

Our conclusion

Of course, there are many more smaller and larger malls in Dubai. It is important to emphasize that there is no such thing as the best, most beautiful or easiest mall. We would simply like to tell you the pros and cons, respectively our personal taste. However, the most important thing for us is that tourists will feel comfortable in our adopted country. This also includes the transfer time. That’s why we recommend choosing a mall that is close to you. This will save you time and nerves in traffic, which should not be underestimated.

Once you get to the mall, check out these digital boards. This will give you a first overview of what is available at the mall. And hardly anything else is more important in Dubai than an overview – especially when choosing a mall !

You have help boards in every mall. Here, for example, in the Dubai Mall. How to find all restaurants and stores

Then you can begin your path. Let yourself drift through the aisles and enjoy the unique atmosphere.

Bye from Dubai

Your Ines

Your Sascha

Shopping malls in Dubai – which is the best?