Known as one of the biggest and best malls in the world is without a doubt going to be a stop on your trip to Dubai. In this post we’ll mention a few things you can do there on your next trip.
Shop
Shopping? At a mall? I know, I’m full of surprises. With over 1200 stores to choose from you will most definitely find what you are looking for. For those that aren’t too big on shopping or just like to go in and get what they want (like me), this may not be the best mall for that. I just get tired. I’m not sure what it is about malls, but they tire me out. However, the options here are endless. Whether you’re looking for luxury designer items or your standard retail stores (top tip: Middle Eastern Zara hits different, don’t you think?), whether it’s exclusive perfumes or stationery, there is literally nothing this mall does not have. The mall is divided into different sections with interactive maps everywhere to help you locate the store you are looking for. There’s even a souk area where you can buy the more traditional/authentic items or souvenirs, but be warned the prices here are of course a lot more than say in Bur Dubai. It is an artificial souk after all.
Eat
One thing I love about the Middle East is the food courts in malls. Now this probably exists in other parts of the world, but I’ve mainly noticed it here. I also am aware that some shopping centres in the UK (e.g. Westfield) have food courts, but in the Middle East, more or less EVERY mall has a food court. The Dubai Mall has more than one!!
There’s so much so that there is definitely going to be something for you, but here are my suggestions:
- CZN Burger – their classic is such a good burger!
- Al Baik – I haven’t tried this branch, but apparently not as good as their Saudi Arabia branches. Spicy chicken nuggets are the go to here. Can’t get this anywhere else other than Saudi Arabia, so why not?
- Jollibees – Filipino legends. Known for their fried chicken.
- Hafiz Mustafa – not tried this branch, but the desserts in the Istanbul branches are on fire!!!! The caramel milk cake is one of the best desserts I’ve had! Can’t get this anywhere else other than Turkey, so why not?
- PF Chang’s – dynamite shrimps. Need I say more?
- Cheesecake Factory – encyclopaedia of a menu and impressively everything equally good!
- Magnolia Bakery – their banana pudding has a cult following. Their first venture outside the US was here.
- Latea – for your bubble tea fix.
- Zam Zam Mandi – the only Mandi spot in Dubai mall. Get the madhbi – this is one of my favourite dishes in Dubai!
Aquarium
I mean which mall has a fully fledged aquarium bang in the middle of it? Not many that’s for sure. I remember the first time seeing this and it totally blew me away. Impressive! It’s one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world and it is sure to impress you too. Whether you decide to go in or just admire it from outside, it’s certainly a crowd pleaser.
VR Park
The world’s largest indoor virtual reality park with 30 exciting experiences on offer is bound to exhilarate you regardless of your age.
Olympic sized ice rink
I mean, why not?
The Dubai Fountain
Right outside the mall you’ll be able to witness this record breaking fountain. It’s a captivating and exhilarating experience. It’s free to watch and it happens every 30 minutes from 5:45pm to 11:30pm.
Burj Khalifa
The world’s tallest building. Not much needs to be said about this. You can access it directly from the mall.
Glass slide
Located in Address hotel next to the mall. This one is for the thrill seekers. Go on a fully transparent glass slide from the 53rd to 52nd floor overlooking downtown Dubai and the Burj Khalifa. Read this post for a detailed review on this place as well as other viewing experiences.
Waterfall
This wows all newcomers to the mall and you’ll see people taking selfies. It’s a nice sight to behold.
Pray
If you are halal exploring, you will be looking to pray when the time for prayer comes in. While shopping in the Dubai mall, time can go by really quickly. Thankfully, there’s prayer rooms, that are clean and spacious, scattered all around the mall. Almost as frequent as toilets!
Getting There:
Google Location Link: click here
