Visiting the world’s largest mall and its attractions
Dubai is the ultimate destination where you can find any extravagance comprising a wide range of malls. The city counts around 65 malls, and among them, we find one of the icons of Dubai as well as one of the largest mall in the world: The Dubai Mall.
Opened in November 2008, The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world by total land area with 3.77 million square feet of retail space and calling it just a mall it would be an understatement.
Aside from more than 1,200 stores, the mall has hundreds of restaurants, movie theatres, a luxury hotel, an Olympic-size ice-skating rink, a virtual-reality theme park, and an aquarium.
It is said that the Dubai Mall, has been receiving over 80 million visitors annually in the last years making it the most visited mall in the world. It is not only an excellent place for shopping but also entertainment and leisure.
The Dubai Mall Top Attractions
1. Burj Khalifa
The Tallest Building in the World is one of the icons of Dubai and a must for people who reach the desert city. Get your ticket and through one of the fastest elevator in the world, enjoy “a walk in the clouds” visiting the observatory decks and having a breathtaking view of the city. Fees: there are many options, and it depends on what you want to do. Fees: Click here to see all info about prices and tours. Opening Hours: from 5.30 a.m. until 12 a.m. (last entrance at 11 p.m.).
2. Dubai Mall Foutain
Every day thousands of tourists visit the 30-acre lake situated just outside of the Dubai Mall, at the bottom of the Burj Khalifa, to watch the Fountain show. The Dubai Fountain is the world’s most extensive choreographed fountain system shooting water as 500 feet. Evening shows begin every day at 6 p.m. until 11 p.m., every 30 minutes and the performance lasts one song. There are also three shows in the afternoon, from Saturday to Thursday at 1:00 p.m., 1:30 p.m. and 2:00 p.m. while on Fridays at 1:30 p.m., 2:00 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. As the place is very crowded, especially at night, you could try to get closer with a unique view through the boardwalk or the Abra. Tickets are available at the Ticketing counter along the Waterfront Promenade, on the official website or through different online agencies as Viator, GetYourGuide or Musement. Click here to know more about Dubai Mall Fountain.
3. Dubai Aquarium
Located in front of the Cheesecake Factory, on the ground level of the Dubai Mall, you can admire one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. The 10 million litre Dubai Aquarium tank houses thousands of aquatic animals, and by a ticket, it is possible to walk through an underwater tunnel, see over 140 species and explore the underwater zoo on level two above the Aquarium. Opening Hours: 10:00 am – 12 a.m. (Last admission 11:30 p.m.). Fees: You can book your ticket online through the Dubai Aquarium website, at the desk (ground level) or on reliable agencies such as Viator, GetYourGuide or Musement.
4. Dubai Dino Display
During your walk in Dubai Mall, among shops, restaurants, cafes, fountains, aquarium, cinema and many other things you can spot a 155 million-year-old Dinosaur and pre-historic creatures. Discovered in Wyoming (USA 2008), this amazing skeleton was unveiled to the public at the Mall’s Grand Atrium in March 2014. Located in the heart of “The Souk” (Ground Floor), it is free, and you can view the Dubai Dino any time during the Mall opening hours.
5. Human Waterfalls
It is a beautiful piece of art, and it is impossible not to stare at this spectacular water cascades embellished with artistic fibreglass sculptures of human divers. The waterfalls are 24 meters high and gush through the entire four floors of the Dubai Mall. It is situated next to The Grove, a key component of the retail centre where you can also find some cafes to relax and enjoy the spectacle.
6. Dubai Ice Rink
It is an Olympic sized ice skating rink situated on the ground floor of the Mall, and it is very well equipped for its visitors: facilities include skates, lockers, snack bar, spectator seating, and a shop. Fees: prices depend on your choice since they offer a wide range of packages and discounts such as a single session, a private lesson, birthday, Dj Night Disco and many other options. You can buy your ticket once there at the desk, on Dubai Ice Rink website or through different online agencies or For more info and book your ticket check on Dubai Ice Rink. Opening Hours: Weekdays 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 a.m.; Weekends: 10:00 a.m. – 1:00 a.m.
7. Vr Park Dubai
The world’s largest park for indoor virtual reality it could be only in this city, and it lies on level 2 of the Dubai Mall (previous Sega Republic theme park). Designed to “challenge reality”, VR Park is centred around “shared escapism”, and its games can suit all ages. Fees: entry is free; you only pay the game you play. Tickets can be bought at VP Park counter or online at VP Park page. In the alternative, you can check on Viator, GetYourGuide or Musement. Opening Hours: Saturday to Thursday: 9 a.m. – 12 a.m.; Friday: 9 a.m. – 1 a.m.
8. The Imperial Army of Star Wars
On the second floor at Fashion Catwalk Atrium, don’t forget to take a picture with the Imperial Army of Star Wars: this must-see exhibition is featuring more than 40 life-sized figurines of Darth Vader and the Imperial Army. Fees and Opening Hours: it is free, and you can view the Imperial Army any time during mall opening hours.
9. Fashion Avenue
When you are strolling around in the Dubai Mall, if you love shopping or not, it doesn’t matter. Head to the Fashion Avenue, a 440,000 square feet shopping center which houses a large selection of fashion luxury brands such as Chanel, Hermes, Dolce & Gabbana, Roberto Cavalli, Alexander McQueen, Oscar de la Renta, Alexander McQueen, Gina, Ralph Lauren, Armani, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Dior, Marc by Marc Jacobs, Carolina Herrera, D&G, Blumarine, MCM, Jean Paul Gaultier and many others. Moreover, you can relax and enjoy the Fashion Avenue view of the beautiful Armani Café. Fees and Opening Hours: it is free, and you can view the Fashion Avenue any time during mall opening hours.
10. Reel Cinemas
Are you tired and look for some relax after a long day? Well, on the second floor of the Dubai Mall you can enjoy a movie experience like never before in the world’s largest and most luxurious cineplex. Comprising of 26 screens, Reel Cinemas is managed by Emaar Entertainment and sets the ultimate standard for cinema experiences in the region. Opening Hours: Weekdays 10 a.m. – 12 a.m. Weekends 10 a.m. – 2 a.m. More info on Reel Cinemas.
11. Hysteria
Hysteria Haunted Attraction is a horror house located on the 2 floors of the Dubai Mall. If you’re brave and think you can handle extremely fearful experiences, Hysteria is the place for you: among special effects, fog lights and strobe light, be ready to face your darkest fears and deepest nightmares. Opening Hours: Saturday to Wednesday 10 a.m. – 12 a.m.; Thursday – Friday 10 a.m. – 1 a.m. Fees: for more information about Hysteria and tickets, click here.
12. KidZania
KidZania is a children’s theme Park located on level 2 next to the Cinema at the Dubai Mall next to Vr Park. With its 7,000 m2 scaled replica of a real city, kids between 4 and 16 years old, can experience a safe, unique and very realistic educational environment learning all about jobs, money and the real world while developing life skills. Fees: for more info and book your ticket, check on KidZania page. Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 10 a.m. – 10 p.m.; Thursday 10 a.m. – 11 p.m.; Friday to Saturday 9 a.m. – 11 p.m.
13. The Emirates A380 Experience
Have you ever dreamed about being a pilot? Well, now your dreams come true, and you can pilot the Emirates A380 Airbus. Test your abilities choosing your destination from thousands of busy airports and a range of different flight paths. The simulator is located on Level G, Village Atrium (Between Concierge Lounge and the iStyle retail shop). Check out the official page for more info and get your ticket here: you will receive a 10% discount to use at the Emirates Official Store located just in front of the A380 Airbus.
14. Dubai Opera
This beautiful building is situated next to the Dubai Mall, just a few minutes by foot. Dubai Opera is the first venue of its kind in the city and the structure can be transformed into 3 different modes: from a theatre into a concert hall and a ‘flat floor’ mode becoming a banquet or event hall. This seamless flexibility allows hosting at Dubai Opera a wide variety of events including theatre, opera, ballet, concerts, gala dinners, weddings, and Iftar. Fees and Opening Hours: the cheapest way to enter and discover the place is through a Guided Tour (around 40 AED) and it is possible to book it on Dubai Opera website or with online agencies such Viator, GetYourGuide or Musement. The price is higher if you are interested in attending a concert, theatre or event. Check on the official page for more information, prices and dates.
15. Downtown Eats Open-Air Cinema
Even not available all year because of the weather, this is a very cool way to spend the night after a long day at the Dubai Mall. Located just outside of the Dubai Mall on the Boulevard, the little outdoor cinema is well equipped with comfy bean bag chairs, projector screen and for those who want to eat, there are food trucks to satisfy their hunger. Fees: It is free! Opening Hours: Daily starting November 29th, 6 p.m., 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. For more info and to movie schedule, click here.
16. Food & Drinks
Take a break from your activities at Dubai Mall and experience fine dining at Dubai’s best restaurants and café among a wide range of food. The Mall offers flavours from all over the world, and you can choose what’s more suitable for you. Prices depend on your choice and start a few dollars for fast food. For more info and check all kind of offers, click here.
Need to Know
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1) When to go The best season to visit Dubai is from October to March when the heat doesn’t hit you so much, and you can enjoy pleasant weather. It is perfect for exploring the city, its attractions and have some relax on their beaches. From April until September the weather is sweltering (July and August are unbearable), and at the peak of summer, the temperature can reach even 45° Celsius. 2) Where to sleep The city has a very massive range of accommodations, and there are many good areas where you can book yours. It depends on your needs and budget. Click here and find out the best area where to sleep in Dubai. 3) Where to eat The food in Dubai is not a problem because you can find anything everywhere! There are tons of restaurants, cafes, bars, malls and so on around the city so you can choose according to your taste. In this big amount of eateries, our favourite restaurants are Fish Beach Taverna, the Shimmers and the Boardwalk. Check here the TripAdvisor restaurants list.
4) Transportation Dubai is served by Metro, tram, Buses and water taxis. Anyway, Dubai is extensive and reaching some of the main attractions catching the local transports is not that useful because it takes a long time. Click here to know more about local transportation. Dubai’s taxis are available everywhere at just about any time, day or night and they are cheap compared with other cities, so it is an excellent way to move around. If you prefer to rent a vehicle, click here to see the fares of a Rental car. You can also use the smart app Uber for your device and get your ride. Alternatively, if your holiday is short, we highly recommend to use the comfy Hop-on Hop-off Bus: there are 2 different companies, Big Bus Tour and CitySightseeing, offering different routes to visit the city in the best way possible and their packages are very convenient because they include discounts and free entrance attractions on their tickets. Check on Viator or GetYourGuide the deals and get yours. 5) Tours and Activities One of the best ways to plan your activities and journey being hassle-free is by using Online Travel Agencies. Booking once you are already at your destination or beforehand doesn’t matter: your activities are just at your click! You can schedule your excursions everywhere getting all info on your device and enjoy it. They offer daily tours/activities, days tours, single tickets, transfers and much more. Another exciting thing is that you can buy Combo Packages and save money for your attractions. We recommend you Viator by TripAdvisor, GetYourGuide, and Musement, three reliable companies we use during our trips around the world.  Check out our Travel Resources for the best companies to use for arranging your trip! Moreover, don’t forget your Travel Insurance!
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