Shopping Malls in Dubai: The Ultimate Guide
Shopping Malls in Dubai: The Ultimate Guide
There is no denying that the retail sector has been changing rapidly over the past few years. With the advent of e-commerce, new business models and shopping trends have emerged. In response, many traditional brick-and-mortar retailers are also trying to adapt to the digital age, updating their physical stores with digital features such as interactive screens, dynamic lighting, and virtual fitting rooms, among others.
This trend is especially prevalent in the UAE which boasts some of the most popular malls in the world. Although there are dozens of smaller shopping centers throughout all seven emirates, there are 13 exceptional malls in Dubai alone. If you’re planning a trip to Dubai soon (or even if you’ve already been), here is everything you need to know about shopping malls in Dubai:
What to Expect When Visiting the Malls in Dubai?
Even though Dubai is a relatively safe place to visit, you should always keep safety in mind when visiting the city’s shopping malls. In an effort to protect themselves against acts of violence, the malls have security guards and metal detectors at the entrance. You may also notice that some of the entries are behind a wall or a closed door, which helps to protect the entrance from sand storms. There is usually plenty of available parking but expect to pay extra for it. To ensure you don’t get stuck in a traffic jam, check the current traffic situation before leaving. Don’t forget to bring cash along as many of the malls don’t accept credit cards.
- Arabian Centre (Dhabi Centre)
The Doha Centre is one of the oldest shopping malls in Dubai. Located in the heart of the city’s business district, it is home to over 275 retail and service outlets (mostly luxury brands). Originally built in 1970, the Centre was significantly renovated in 2007 and re-opened as the Arabian Centre. It is a great place to visit when you want to get a feelor the traditional Dubai architecture. The Centre has two floors and is surrounded by a series of walkways, making it easy to get around, even with strollers and wheelchairs. It also has several elevators and escalators.
- The Beach Shop Mall and Hotel
The Beach Shop Mall and Hotel is located on Jumeirah Beach in the Dubai Marina district. Although it is just a small mall with a hotel next door, it is one of the most popular destinations in Dubai for tourists. It is well-known for the huge number of luxury stores that line its corridors, including the likes of Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Hermès, Prada, Chanel, Burberry and many others. For those who want more than just shopping, there is a wide selection of restaurants, cafes and a small outdoor swimming pool. The Beach Shop Mall is open daily from 10 am to midnight.
- Dubai Mall
Dubai’s biggest mall, Dubai Mall, is the most visited place in the city. This amazing shopping and entertainment complex has everything from indoor Ski Dubai to Madame Tussauds. There are over 1,200 stores, restaurants and attractions in the Dubai Mall. It also has the largest indoor aquarium in the world! If you love luxury, Dubai Mall is the place to go. You’ll find all of your favourite luxury brands here. There are many free attractions as well, including the aquarium and the Dubai Fountain show. The Dubai Mall is open daily.
- Dafah Center
The Dafah Center is one of the largest malls in Dubai. It is located in the Al Barsha area, close to the Dubai International Airport. In terms of size, Dafah Center is second only to the Dubai Mall. The mall itself spans a massive 6,500 m² and has about 1,000 retail outlets. Dafah Center is also home to one of the largest aquariums in Dubai (the Dubai Aquarium and Dolphinarium). The Dafah Center is open daily from 9 am to 1 am.
- Desert Sands Resort & Spa Shopping Mall
Desert Sands is a large resort and convention center located on the outskirts of Dubai. It is most famous for its large shopping mall, Desert Sands Resort & Spa Shopping Mall, which is the largest shopping complex in the city. There are around 350 retail outlets in the Desert Sands Resort & Spa Shopping Mall, including an aquarium, a butterfly garden and an artificial beach. Desert Sands is open daily from 10 am to 12 am
- Dubai Marina (Marina Mall)
Marina Mall is one of the most popular malls in Dubai Marina, a popular residential area and tourist destination. It is also the largest mall in Dubai Marina with around 400 retail and dining outlets. Marina Mall is home to a wide range of brands, from high-end luxury to regional and local brands. The Marina Mall is open daily from 10 am to midnight.
- Emara Centre
Emara Centre lies in the heart of Dubai’s business district and is just a stone’s throw away from the Dubai Mall. The complex is home to around 400 retail and dining outlets. Emara Centre is open daily from 10 am to 12 am.
- Arabian Nights Shopping Centre
Arabian Nights is a large shopping centre located in the Dubai Creek area. It is one of the city’s oldest and most traditional shopping complexes. There are around 300 retail and dining outlets in Arabian Nights. The centre is especially famous for its wide selection of gold and silver shops, both of which are unique to Dubai. Arabian Nights is open daily from 9 am to 10 pm.
- Festival Marina Mall (Festival and FoSM)
The Festival Marina Mall is a large shopping complex in Dubai Marina. It is a popular tourist destination and one of the largest malls in Dubai. The mall is home to over 1,200 retail and dining outlets. The Festival Marina Mall is open daily from 10 am to 12 am, while the adjacent FoSM (Festival Mall Souq) is open daily from 8 am to 1 am.
- Ibn Battuta Mall
Ibn Battuta Mall is one of the newest and largest malls in Dubai. It is located in the Dubai Creek area and is home to over 1,000 retail and dining outlets. Ibn Battuta Mall is the largest shopping complex in Dubai and the second largest in the world (after the Dubai Mall). The mall is open daily from 10 am to 12 am.
Also read: Renting vs Owning a Home in Dubai
Conclusion
Shopping is one of the most popular activities among tourists visiting Dubai. The city has dozens of famous malls where you can shop for souvenirs, clothing, electronics and much more. If you are planning a trip to Dubai and want to visit the best shopping malls in Dubai, make sure to bookmark this article.