15 Best Things to do in the Dubai Mall

It’s known to all that the Dubai Mall is one of the world’s biggest malls. But, did you know that you can easily spend your entire Dubai holidays without ever stepping out of this mall? It’s so vast that you’ll never have a dull or boring moment here. Yes, this masterfully crafted colossal structure is more than just a mega mall or a place to shop; there is a limitless array of things to do in Dubai Mall and here we’ve compiled some of the must-experiences among them.

The Dubai Mall – Fast Facts, Location, Timing & Covid-19 Guidelines

Fast Facts

• Opening Year: November 4, 2008
• Overall Area: More than 13 million square feet (equates to the space of over 50 football fields combined)
• Total Internal Floor Space: About 6 million square feet
• Total Number of Levels: Four
• Owned & Managed by: Emaar
• Entry Fee: Free
• Best Time to Visit: This is an indoor attraction which can be enjoyed during any part of the year
• Iconic Landmarks nearby: Burj Khalifa, Souk Al Bahar, the palatial style Palace Downtown Hotel, and Dubai Opera

Location & Accessibility

You’ll find this in Downtown Dubai, located along Sheik Zayed Road at Financial Center Street and right adjacent to Burj Khalifa. Due to its prime spot in the heart of modern Dubai, you can easily arrive here via one of Dubai’s public transport means or alternatively hire a cab or arrange a convenient private transfer. The Burj Khalifa / The Dubai Mall Station is the closest metro station. You can further take bus number 27 or 29 to reach here from Al Ghubaiba or Deira bus stations.

Timing

The Dubai Mall is open on all days and timings are as follow:

• Sunday to Wednesday: 12:00 hrs to 22:00 hrs
• Friday & Saturday: 10:00 hrs to 24:00 hrs

Covid-19 Safety Guidelines At The Dubai Mall

Majority of retail stores, leisure attractions, and dining venues across the mall are now open with certain restrictions. Moreover, it has imposed the following preventive measures to ensure the safety of both visitors and its staff.

• Mall timings are now reduced to maximize the safety of visitors.
• All visitors should undergo thermal screening before entering the facility.
• Visitors including kids should mandatorily wear the masks.
• Social distancing boxes are strategically marked throughout the mall.
• Seating across the public area is appropriately spaced out in order to adhere to the social distancing norm.
• Contactless hand sanitization stations are attached all over the mall.

Top Things To Do In Dubai Mall

1. Enjoy Shopping at its best

Whether you want to give an overhaul to your wardrobe or get a beauty makeover or want to add some unique statement pieces to your jewelry collection, more than 1200 outlets scattered across its diverse levels and themed sections ensure that you’ll find the choicest version of almost everything here. Rightly so, it features flagship stores of some of the renowned names in the apparel, fashion accessories and cosmetic industry, such as Sephora, Moncler, Bloomingdale’s, Galeries Lafayette, Level Shoes, Harry Winston, and Aspinal of London. While shopping is one of obvious reasons that draw majority of people here, you’ll realize that there are more things to do here. Just continue reading to enlighten more about this.

2. Discover Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

The Dubai Mall wows you by hosting the largest suspended aquarium in the world. Its gigantic 10-million-liter tank holds more than 33,000 marine creatures that represent over 140 species. Interestingly, you can view a part of this aquarium for free; however charges or a nominal fee applies to participate in some of its distinct experiences such as Shark Counter, Cage Snorkeling, Glass Bottom Ride and Dive with Shark. Spread over two levels (ground and first floor), it also comprises an Underwater Zoo where you can see king croc that weighs over 750 kilograms, among others. There is also a captivating 48-meter-long underwater tunnel which delights you with the 270-degree of the aquarium and its magical inhabitants.

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3. Catch up with Dubai Dino

Things may not come cheap in the Dubai Mall. That said, not all experiences lay your money here as you can explore and enjoy some of them absolutely free of any charge. One of the most popular among them is Dubai Dino. Majestically displayed in the mall’s Grand Atrium, Dubai Dino is an authentic remnant from the pre-historic era. Yes, this is not any replica dinosaur skeleton; this approximately 25-meter-long and seven-meter-high skeleton is a bonafide fossil of a real dinosaur which once wandered the surface of the planet more than 155 million years ago.

4. Ride the Advanced Go-Karts

For this, head to Ekart Zabeel at Zabeel Extension! This is one of the Dubai Mall attractions exclusively made for those who are crazy about racing and speed. It’s the region’s first of its kind karting facility, set completely indoors, and filled with the most advanced electric go-karts. But to ride it, you should be 14 years or older and also fulfill the height (not exceed 140 centimeters) and weight (not exceed 120 kilograms) requirements. So come race with your family or friends. With your kart racing timing being tracked, you’ll be able to know who has achieved the fastest lap time and even share it online as well.

5. Take your little ones to KidZania

Joined by your kids from 2 to 16 years? Take them to KidZania for an edutainment adventure like no other. It’s a replica model of a real-life world where your child can role-play their favorite job to his or her heart’s content. Beyond practicing their favorite profession, they even get rewarded for all their genuine efforts in the form of KidZos (KidZania’s own currency). So let them bake pizza, pilot plane, or walk the ramp when you shop or roam around the mall with absolute peace of mind.

6. Have the most chilling moment at Dubai Ice Rink

Dubai Ice Rink at the Dubai Mall is one of the closest to the snow and winter that you could ever get in Dubai. Lace up a pair of ice skates and spin around the glazing ice rink as you forget all about the blistering temperature outside. It’s not just for pro; there are colorful skating aids available for beginners and first-timers of all age groups. You can further sign up for skating lessons which are even open to kids above four years.

7. Watch Movies in style

Take your movie watching experience from ordinary to extraordinary at the Dubai Mall’s Reel Cinema! It’s not only the country’s biggest, but also one of the world’s most cutting-edge and luxurious cinemas. The Cineplex has 26 screens and offers the coziest ever seating plus other facilities, all enhanced by the finest in audio and visual techniques. So get ready to excite your senses in an unbelievable ambience.

8. Admire Iconic Sights from the Apple Store Terrace

Have plans to shop the latest smart phone or other cool electronic gadgets? Be sure to visit Apple Dubai Mall. But what if you don’t have any plan for shopping? We would still insist you to check out this Apple store. After all, it has a terrace adjoining the store from where you can get the best views over the mighty Burj Khalifa and the captivating Dubai Fountain show, besides catching up with all fervor and spirit of this urban haven.

That’s not all; it stands as one of the greatest illustrations of kinetic art and engineering with its 18 cool Solar Wings. Made using polymer rods armored with carbon fiber, they are a true engineering marvel (inspired by the traditional Arabic Mashrabiya) which adjusts itself or responds effectively to the region’s climatic conditions.

9. Find your way out of Hysteria Haunted attraction

Want to add a dash of mystery and terror to your Dubai holidays? The Dubai Mall has a special attraction for you in the form of Hysteria Haunted Attraction. This recreates a haunted mansion which invites all above 16 years to discover its creepily dark sections and mostly encounter several ghostly figures. This experience lasts for only 15 minutes, but attempt to walk into this place only if you and everyone in your group are adventurous, brave, and fit and healthy.

10. Buy a candy or chocolate imprinted with your photo

Yes, this is possible at Candylicious, which is a favorite of kids and kids-at-heart alike. Overlooking Dubai Aquarium, it’s the Middle East’s largest candy store means you can imagine finding here almost all classic and latest brands of chocolates imaginable and beyond. So what better way to satiate your sweet tooth once in Dubai? Be welcomed by a huge chocolate tree here whose trunks, leaves and other parts are adorned using hundreds of chocolates. You’ll also get to see the special Candylicious airplane and even be part of exclusive Candylicious experiences such as Pick and Mix and Bake-a-licious.

11. Enjoy the best in Virtual and Augmented Reality

Enter VR Park at the Dubai Mall and transport yourself to an immersive world filled with the finest and most thrilling in Virtual and Augmented Reality. From Burj Drop, Plummet and Dune Bash to Dubai Drone, Dune Bash and the Raft, more than 30 exciting rides and games await you to promise you adventure and amusement at an epic scale.

12. Strike a pose against the Human Waterfalls

Dubai is a true charmer when it comes to merging modernity with its rich culture and heritage. And this waterfall which spans through the overall height of the mall is a wonderful depiction of this fact. The highlight of the cylindrical falls is the stunning sculptures of pearl divers (taking eternal flight) which make a marvelous epitome of the region’s once-flourished yet dangerous pearl farming occupation. Finished using fiberglass, these distinct art installations well synchronize with the soothing pulse and flow of the waterfalls.

13. Treat yourself to a culinary adventure like no other

Crammed with several over-the-top dessert and cookie shops plus an entire food court dedicated to your preferred cuisines, the Dubai Mall literally lets you sample foods from all over the world. Enjoy the yummiest desserts at the Cheesecake Factory, Cinnabon, Ben’s Cookies etc, and wash it down with your favorite appetizing drinks at Starbucks, Shake Shack etc. With 200 plus dining outlets, it’s up to you whether you opt to dine on the go or drop into a classy venue (like Al Hallab, Dish Dash and Café Bateel) for a full, sit-down meal.

14. Enjoy Dubai’s only A380 Flight Simulator

With this advanced flight simulator that resembles the cockpit of a real plane, get ready for a unique and uplifting air travel experience. Just pick from the list of busiest airports and there you’re all set to feel the fun and thrill of piloting an airplane on your own. There will be an instructor by your side to help you with your navigation skills.

15. Watch Dubai Fountain Show

Finally, the Dubai Mall is not all about its lavish interiors and jaw-dropping leisure zones. Just step out of the mall to feast yourself with an extravaganza of choreographed water and light show. Artistically synchronized in tune to foot-tapping western or Arabic music, this exquisite fountain show is set on the Burj Lake and is the highest of its kind, with water jetting out up to a height of over 500 feet during the show. Played at an interval of every 30 minute after 18:00 hrs, this attraction is absolutely free to watch. That said, you can choose to take in this experience from an up-close standpoint on an abra ride along Burj Lake.

Top Tips For Visiting The Dubai Mall

• The Dubai Mall is incredibly vast, so make sure that you grab a map (from one of the mall’s guest services desk) or download the Dubai Mall app on your device for its better navigation.
• Before you visit the mall, make a good research and create an organized list of thing you wish to see and do here.
• If you’re planning to shop, be sure to arrive here early. With so much to explore, it’s sure that you won’t settle for something very soon.
• There is not any particularly dress code but make sure that your dress covers shoulders and knees.
• Come here prepared to walk a lot; so a staple is to put on a comfortable pair of shoes.
• Free Wi-Fi is available all over the mall. All you have to do is to connect to Dubai Mall by Emaar.
• After all shopping, you can enjoy the mall’s exclusive delivery services. But a minimum spend of AED 500 is required to avail of this.
• If all high-end outlets and boutiques make you overwhelmed, you can make the most of its chauffeur services. To make it even smoother and convenient, get the help of a personal shopper who will take you around the mall in a buggy and further enlighten you about its top brands and recent collections.
• Don’t panic if you’ve lost an item while inside the mall. It’s very likely that you’ll get back it from the mall’s ‘Lost & Found’ section on the ground level (close to Abu Dhabi National Bank.)
• If elderly or little ones in your group don’t want to walk, head to one of the Guest Services Desks and get a wheelchair / baby stroller for free.
• There are professional babysitters to take care your kids if they don’t want to join you in your shopping spree.

Conclusion

The Dubai Mall, precisely, has so much on offer that you would never want to leave this spot. With amazing shopping and leisure attractions plus oodles of dining choices, this mall is a pure bliss and of course a giant playground for adults and kids alike. So pre-plan and do everything to just make sure that your Dubai trip is not just confined to the Dubai Mall.