Dubai is well known for the enormous malls and eclectic shopping destinations on offer. The emirate is a shopaholic’s dream, with a multitude of retail options and attractions. Let’s take a quick tour of the best malls in Dubai and find out what makes each of them special.
TOP 10 BEST SHOPPING MALLS IN DUBAI
No matter where you are in the city, if you search for “shopping mall in Dubai” one of these malls is sure to show up!
1. The Dubai Mall
One of the biggest malls in the world and the largest mall in Dubai, this is one of the crowning glories in the remarkable portfolio of Emaar Properties. Widely considered the best mall in Dubai, this shopping centre features several flagship stores and a dedicated fashion avenue boasting high-fashion brands including Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and more.
Other stores in The Dubai Mall include GAP, Bloomingdales and Debenhams.
Apart from a slew of shopping and entertainment outlets, there are also some facts about The Dubai Mall that are enough to make anyone want to go here. For example, it has an Olympic size ice rink, more than 1200 stores and a parking lot that can accommodate up to 14,000 cars at a time!
But it’s not just the 1200+ stores and amazing facts about the place that makes the biggest mall in Dubai a great place to visit in the city. There are plenty of things to do in Dubai Mall besides shopping, including visiting the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, an old-fashioned Souk, Reel Cinemas and Kidzania.
The mall is also close to all the activities in Downtown Dubai, making it one of the most visited tourist attractions in the city. There are also several fine dining restaurants and popular international dining outlets including the Cheesecake Factory, Magnolia Bakery, Laduree and Five Guys. Here is an overview of Dubai Mall timings, contact and location:
- Location: Downtown Dubai
- Timings for all retailers: 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday to Saturday)
- Contact: 800-DUBAI MALL (800-38224-6255)
2. Mall of the Emirates
The Mall of the Emirates (MOE) is a natural pick for one of the best shopping malls in Dubai. Occupying more than 2 million sq.ft., MOE has been a hot shopping destination since it opened its doors to the public in 2005 in Al Barsha. Apart from its 600+ retail outlets, the mall also has over 100 restaurants and cafes. Additionally, MOE is also home to the UAE’s first indoor ski resort and park — Ski Dubai. Other attractions at the Mall of the Emirates include a Dreamscape VR experience, VOX Cinemas and the Magic Planet family entertainment centre.
Another popular attraction at MOE is the iconic Ski Dubai where Dubai residents have access to some winter fun all year round.
The MOE is home to several high-fashion outlets including Burberry, Jimmy Choo, Marks & Spencer and many more. There is a metro line directly to Mall of the Emirates and the Sheraton hotel, conveniently located within the same premises. Some of the popular restaurants in this mall in Dubai include Dean & Deluca, Texas De Brazil and Tribes.
- Location: Al Barsha, Sheikh Zayed Road Interchange Four
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday to Saturday)
- Timings of Carrefour: 09:00 am to 12:00 am
- Contact: 800-MOE MALL (800-663-6255)
3. Dubai Festival City Mall
A mall famous for its spectacular light shows, the Dubai Festival City Mall is next on our list of notable malls in Dubai. As the name implies, the mall is located in Dubai Festival City.
One of the highlights of this mall is the Robinsons department store, which offers a whole range of luxury brands. Other popular outlets here include Beverly Hills Polo Club, DKNY, GAP, Mango, Zara and anchor stores like Brands for Less, IKEA and Toys R Us. There are also a few cosy restaurants in Dubai Festival City such as Cheesecake Factory offering gorgeous views of the waterfront. It is also home to the Sugar Factory which features some of the most Insta-worthy desserts in Dubai.
As for entertainment at this mall in Dubai, there is Novo Cinemas and Festival City’s dancing fountain called ‘IMAGINE’, both of which are popular with visitors to the mall.
- Location: Dubai Festival City
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday to Saturday)
- Contact: 800-332
4. Ibn Battuta Mall
Known to be one of the worlds largest themed malls, Ibn Battuta Mall is the next mall on our list of top malls in Dubai. Located close to Discovery Gardens and Jebel Ali Village and managed by master developer Nakheel Properties, this single storey mall in Dubai pays homage to the travels of the famed explorer Ibn Battuta.
Easily accessible by the Ibn Battuta metro stop, this Dubai shopping mall is known for its unique architecture. It is divided into six courts based on the travels of the eponymous explorer: Andulasia, China, Egypt, Persia, India, Tunisia. These themed courts are just some of the attractions and activities in Ibn Battuta Mall.
Apart from entertainment options, the mall has plenty of F&B outlets and retail stores for visitors. For example, the restaurants in Ibn Battuta Mall include Pizza Express, India Palace, Yo! Sushi and more. For some retail therapy, shops in Ibn Battuta Mall — like H&M, Carter’s and The Body Shop — are also popular with visitors.
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali Village
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-390-9999
5. City Centre Mirdif
Part of the City Centre brand of malls by Majid Al Futtaim, this is a mammoth retail destination located in the family-friendly neighbourhood of Mirdif.
Popular stores in City Centre Mirdif include Hamleys, Decathlon, Pottery Barn, Crate & Barrell, Zara and Mango.
As a complete lifestyle destination, there are also several restaurants in Mirdif City Centre that make any visit worthwhile. Popular eateries at the mall include Gazebo, Gourmet Burger Kitchen, Zafran and more.
There are also a lot of other activities in City Centre Mirdif apart from shopping which includes Magic Planet, Little Explorers and iFly Dubai, a unique indoor skydiving experience.
- Location: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road – Mirdif
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday to Saturday)
- Contact: 800- Mall (22-6255)
6. City Centre Deira
Next on our list of best shopping malls in Dubai is another Majid Al Futtaim retail centre. City Centre Deira is one of the oldest malls in Dubai and still, retains a loyal fanbase. Like most other City Centre malls, this mall in Deira also has a Magic Planet to entertain younger visitors. The Deira City Centre metro station makes it extremely accessible to both tourists and residents.
Popular stores in City Centre Deira include Debenhams, Marks & Spencer, Zara and H&M. If you are feeling a little peckish, you can get a bite to eat at the food court or pop into Carluccio’s, Paul, Gazebo or any of the other restaurants. It has also got many discount shops such as Daiso, Miniso, Mumuso and many other discount shops making it one of the best places for cheap shopping in Dubai.
- Location: 8th Street – Port Saeed, Dubai
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday to Saturday)
- Contact: 800 CC MALL (22-6255)
7. BurJuman Centre
Another of the old Dubai favourites to make it on our list of top 10 malls in Dubai is the Burjuman Centre. Ideally located for the residents in the apartments in Bur Dubai, the mall is one of the best leisure spaces in the city.
There are plenty of activities at the BurJuman mall. Entertainment options like Magic Planet, high street brands such as Next, H&M and Nautica and luxury shopping outlets including Mont Blanc and Louis Vuitton makes this an ideal shopping mall in Dubai to check out with friends and family. There is also a VOX cinema in the Burjman mall for those who want to catch a movie. Some of the popular restaurants in Burjuman include Yo! Sushi, Jollibee, Nando’s and Dome Cafe.
- Location: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road – Al Mankhool, Dubai
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Saturday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (Thursday to Friday)
- Contact: +971-4-352-0222
8. Mercato Shopping Mall
One of the most stunning shopping malls in Dubai, Mercato mall literally translates to ‘market’ in Italian. With gorgeous renaissance style architecture, this mall is especially great for mall trawls and features a good selection of stores including Mango, Laura Ashley and Hallmark.
Aside from Mercato Mall shops, visitors can also enjoy a relaxed time at the restaurants here. You can get a bite to eat at the More Cafe, Hardees, The Living Room and more. If you are bringing kids along they can enjoy the games at Fun City. Pet lovers in Dubai should note that there is a pet shop on the basement level of the Mercato mall.
- Location: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1 – Dubai
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-344-4161
9. Dubai Marina Mall
With a constant stream of events and things to do in Marina Mall, an impressive lineup of high street brands and some gorgeous waterfront dining options, it’s easy to see why this shopping centre makes it on our list of best malls in Dubai.
Billabong, Monsoon, Cos, River Island, Pinko and H&M are some of the well-known brands in Dubai Marina Mall. Visitors will also love the fact that they can enjoy the waterfront views while having a sumptuous meal at Carluccio’s, Five Guys, Zafran or any of the other restaurants in Marina Mall. This mall in Dubai also offers visitors a more gourmet dining experience thanks to the restaurants in Pier 7.
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Marina
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 11:00 pm (Thursday to Saturday)
- Contact: +971-4-436-1020
10. Wafi Mall
Next on our list of best malls in Dubai is this Egyptian themed shopping centre, which has been in operation for over two decades. Featuring many local brands, the Wafi Mall is known for it’s light and sound show in the evenings and its mammoth Christmas tree decorations in December.
Popular stores in Wafi include Marks & Spencer, Matalan and more. Additionally, visitors can also enjoy dining at Biella, Bosporus Gourmet Restaurant, Paul Cafe and Wafi Gourmet.
- Location: Oud Metha Road, Dubai
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Saturday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday to Friday)
- Contact: +971-4-324-4213
Other Amazing malls in Dubai
While these are certainly the most famous shopping malls in Dubai, here are some of the other shopping destinations in the city you shouldn’t miss out on.
DUBAI OUTLET MALL
Dubai Outlet Mall is a favourite mall for bargain hunters. Shoppers will find over 1200 brands at Dubai Outlet Mall, from Adidas to Hush Puppies. Although there isn’t a cinema here, you’ll find a selection of F&B outlets to satisfy any cravings.
- Location: Dubai, Al Ain Road
- Timings: 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday to Friday) | 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Saturday to Wednesday)
- Contact: +971-4-436-79009
DRAGON MART 1 & 2
Known for being the largest trading centre for Chinese products outside mainland China, Dragon Mart has become a favourite with Dubai residents for its variety of products and excellent bargains. It’s not one of your typical Dubai malls, stretching for nearly 1.2 kilometres with hundreds of outlets selling Chinese products. From dedicated sections for furniture, household appliances, apparel, garden items, toys, paintings and more, this is one of the best malls in Dubai for shopping.
The mall’s popularity has led to an extension, known as Dragon Mart 2, which is a multi-storey shopping mall, with a cinema, hotel, supermarket, food courts and of course, more retail outlets that are perfect for budget shopping. Want to make the best of your first trip? Keep a few of our Dragon Mart shopping tips in mind before heading out. Located along Al Awir Road, Dragon Mart is close to the affordable residential area of International City.
- Location: International City, A Awir Road
- Timings: 09:00 am to 07:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-390-9999
TIMES SQUARE CENTRE
Times Square Centre may not be one of the most popular shopping malls in Dubai, but it has gained a loyal following for its warm and homely vibe, with a range of unique stores, entertainment activities and regular artisan markets. You’ll find Sharaf DG’s massive flagship store at Times Square Centre, as well as unique finds like Antika, which sells beautiful vintage Indian furniture and Creativa Middle East, which specialises in arts and crafts supplies.
For fun, head to the Adventure Zone where climbing walls and airparks will get your adrenaline pumping. Finally, head to the Chill Out Lounge, the first of its kind in the UAE, where you can have a delicious meal in sub-zero temperatures surrounded by ice sculptures!
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz, Dubai
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-341-8020
AL GHURAIR CENTRE
The oldest shopping mall in Dubai, Al Ghurair Centre opened in 1981 and still continues to be the mall of choice for many Dubai residents in Deira. The mall also underwent a massive refurbishment effort in 2013 and reopened with 150 more stores, entertainment centres, F&B outlets and other attractions.
There are also plenty of activities at the Al Ghurair Centre. Some of the popular stores in Al Ghurair Centre include all-time favourites like Marks & Spencer, Swarovski and Aldo. The presence of Carrefour and Spinneys ensure that visitors can stock up on essentials and groceries, while the newly opened Reel Cinemas will delight movie buffs.
- Location: Al Rigga Street, Deira
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday to Saturday)
- Contact: +971-4-205-5233
AL BARSHA MALL
If you live in Al Barsha, there are more options than just the famous Mall of the Emirates. Give the quaint and quiet Al Barsha Mall a try. It’s one of the cheap malls in Dubai for shopping, with a handy Union Cooperative Hypermarket that offers great deals and discounts. In addition to this, there’s a Gold’s Gym, Daiso, several abaya stores along with Cheeky Monkey’s and Kiddieville to keep the little ones busy.
- Location: Al Barsha, Al Asayel Street
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Saturday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 a, (Thursday and Friday)
- Contact: +971-800-8889
ARABIAN CENTER
This mid-sized mall may not be the most glamorous, but it’s got everything that visitors need under one roof. From furniture, apparel, jewellery to sportswear, Arabian Centre is home to popular stores like Homes R Us and Daiso. This is one of the shopping centres in Dubai that comes with a cinema, children’s play area and a massive hypermarket. The Arabian Center also offers plenty of services and has branches of the Amer Centre, Galadari and Emirates Driving Institutes.
- Location: Al Khawaneej Road, Al Mizhar
- Timings: Open every day with timings depending on days
- Contact: +971-4-527-7777
CITY CENTRE ME’AISEM
Easy to navigate and featuring your favourite brands, City Centre Me’aisem is another mall in Dubai worth checking out. This single-storey shopping destination is located in Dubai Production City and is also frequented by residents from Dubai Sports City, Motor City and Jumeirah Golf Estates. From Centrepoint, Shoexpress, The Body Shop and M.A.C, visitors will find a variety of luxury and affordable brands here. Other essentials like Carrefour and Mediclinic add to its charm while Magic Planet has the latest video games and thrilling rides for some family fun. Keep an eye out for offers and events happening at this Dubai shopping mall to make your shopping experience all the more rewarding.
- Location: Dubai Production City
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Wednesday) | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday to Saturday)
- Contact: 800 CC Mall (22-6255)
THE SPRINGS SOUK
Located next to Springs 7, Springs Souk Dubai is a chic community mall that is popular with the residents of neighbouring communities. Besides Carrefour Market, there’s a range of popular brands here. You can pick up affordable knick-knacks from Miniso, stylish handbags from Parfois or the latest read from Borders. Once you are done shopping, you can also dine at one of the many Springs Souk restaurants, or catch the latest blockbuster at Reel Cinemas.
- Location: Springs 7, Al Afnan Street
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (Sunday to Saturday)
- Contact: +971-800-36227
THE OUTLET VILLAGE
Looking for the best malls in Dubai for luxury shopping? The Outlet Village Dubai isn’t just one of the top shopping destinations in the city, it’s also a treat to look at. Featuring medieval Tuscan-style architecture, this Dubai shopping mall is designed like an old European marketplace. But don’t be fooled: you’ll find high-end brands here, from DKNY, Coach, Armani, Lacoste, Roberto Cavalli and more, all at discounted prices!
This sprawling outlet mall has fashion, accessories, sportswear and perfume stores too. Additionally, there are a few restaurants like Urban Seafood and PF Chang’s for when you want to refuel.
- Location: Jebel Ali
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday and Friday)
- Contact: +971-4-317-3999
OASIS MALL
The Oasis Mall by Landmark Group is another notable mall in Dubai. Located along Sheikh Zayed Road, Oasis Mall is a convenient shopping destination for those living in the areas of Al Quoz and Al Safa. If you’re on the hunt for stylish, affordable homeware, you can pop into furniture stores like Home Box and Home Centre. Those looking to revamp their wardrobes can head to Centrepoint or Max while Nishat Linen is perfect for some trendy Pakistani ethnic wear. Fun City will keep the younger visitors entertained and the food court is great for when you can’t decide on what to eat!
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Quoz 1
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | 10:00 am to 12:00 am (Thursday and Friday)
- Contact: +971-4-515-4000
CITYLAND MALL
Cityland Mall is located next to Global Village Dubai, and while visitors can shop at Carrefour and a few other stores, the mall is yet to fully open. Once complete though, the nature-inspired Cityland Mall will feature a central park with various themed open-air gardens with streams and bridges. Visitors can also expect a fun water park for kids, amphitheatres and seasonal entertainment!
- Location: Wadi Al Safa 4 (beside Global Village) E311
- Timings: 08:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Contact: +971-4-341-8583
Century Mall
Next on our list of famous malls in Dubai is the Century Mall. The Dubai shopping mall is located in the Al Mamzar area next to the Al Shahab Club. Managed by the Al Safeer Group of Companies, Century Mall is home to 75 speciality stores across a whopping 150,000 sq.ft of retail space.
Offering the latest in mobile accessories, fashion, lifestyle, home furnishings, electronics, jewellery, watches and more, the Century Mall has it all. Plan to visit soon? Check out the mall’s more popular outlets like Giordano, Kapda, Carrefour and more.
Visitors can find the metro link on the 1st floor above Carrefour in the MOE.
- Location: Al Wuhaida Street, Hor Al Anz East, Dubai
- Timings: 09:00 am to 12:00 am
- Contact: +971-4-296-6188 | +971-4-296-6337
Palm Strip Mall
With its alfresco cafes, an impressive array of stores and art galleries, the Palm Strip Mall fits perfectly within the Jumeirah lifestyle. Located near the Jumeirah Mosque under the shade of palm trees, the aptly named Palm Strip Mall is a California-inspired retail space. One of the best malls in Jumeirah, the shopping hub is a hit with nearby residents.
The strip mall features two floors of retail spaces, promenade searing with select outdoor units, roadside and basement parking.
- Location: Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1
- Timings: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | 02:00 pm to 10:00 pm (Friday)
- Contact: +971-4-346-1462
Want more options? Take a look below at some of the other good malls in Dubai you may want to visit:
- City Centre Al Barsha
- Sunset Mall
- Galleria Mall
- The Ranches Souk
UPCOMING MALLS IN DUBAI TO WATCH OUT FOR
Dubai residents can expect some fantastic malls to open in the city soon! These shopping malls in Dubai will have some stunning features, from water parks and outdoor concert areas to open-air gardens. Here are some of the upcoming shopping malls in Dubai that we’re waiting for.
DUBAI HILLS MALL
Situated off Al Khail Road, Dubai Hills Mall is one of the highly anticipated upcoming malls in Dubai. This retail destination will be home to more than 650 stores and F&B outlets, offering residents of Dubai Hills Estate and neighbouring communities endless shopping and dining options. It will also have a hypermarket, cineplex and family entertainment options, making sure there’s never a boring moment when you’re at Dubai Hills Mall.
- Expected Opening Date: September 2021
MEYDAN ONE MALL
Meydan One Mall is an upcoming shopping mall in Dubai that will boast endless entertainment options for visitors. This massive shopping and entertainment venue is expected to have everything from record-breaking ski slopes, a 21-screen cinema, dancing fountains, crystal lagoons and retractable skylights. And that’s not including over 550 retail outlets and nearly 200 F&B outlets, all designed to provide an unforgettable experience for tourists and residents alike.
- Expected Opening Date: End of 2021
As you can see, Dubai residents are spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping, dining and entertainment options! If you want to add a few other activities to your shopping trips, check out a more comprehensive list of all the things to do in Dubai.
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