An Introduction to the Magnificent Dubai Mall
The Allure of Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is already remarkable just for being the “world’s largest shopping center”. What’s more, within the mall, there are the world’s largest aquarium, the world’s largest musical fountain, and currently, the world’s tallest building. It can be said to combine four of the world’s greatest features. For those who dislike the hot outdoor weather in Dubai and yearn to experience the luxurious Dubai surrounded by fashionable boutiques, Dubai Mall is an absolute must – visit. It truly reflects Dubai’s unyielding spirit of always striving for the best.
Getting to Dubai Mall
Address: Dubai Mall, Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Opening Hours: 10:00 – 22:00 from Sunday to Wednesday, 10:00 – 24:00 from Thursday to Saturday. Official Website. Precautions for Visiting: Avoid wearing off – shoulder and knee – exposing clothes. Kissing, public displays of affection, smoking, carrying pets, and skateboarding are prohibited. You can take the Dubai Metro to ‘Dubai Mall Station / Burj Khalifa Station’. After getting off, follow the mall signs and walk through the covered indoor skybridge for about 10 minutes to reach the mall.
The Fascinating Attractions in Dubai Mall
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: A Submarine World
As soon as we arrived at Dubai Mall, we were immediately attracted by the huge aquarium. The ‘Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo’ on the first floor of Dubai Mall is the world’s largest indoor aquarium. You can enjoy the underwater creatures for free outside the aquarium. However, if you want to enter and explore, you need to purchase a ticket. We had bought a more cost – effective combination ticket of the Burj Khalifa observation deck and the Dubai Underwater Zoo online in advance, so we visited the aquarium before going to the Burj Khalifa. Once inside, it’s highly recommended to walk through the 48 – meter – long underwater tunnel. Here, you can enjoy 140 species of fish and more than 300 sharks in a 270 – degree tunnel. With 33,000 aquatic creatures in the entire aquarium, it’s truly an eye – opener, especially with the large number and size of sharks. The underwater tunnel is also a popular Instagram – worthy spot for many international influencers. There’s also another floor in the Dubai Aquarium where you can take a transparent – glass tour boat to admire the underwater animals from an overhead perspective. On the way back, we even encountered enthusiastic divers.
The Burj Khalifa: A Tower Reaching for the Skies
After leaving the Dubai Aquarium, we headed to the ‘Burj Khalifa’ above Dubai Mall. It is one of the must – visit attractions in Dubai and still holds the title of the world’s tallest building in 2024. The exterior of this Dubai landmark was the very building that Tom Cruise climbed in the movie ‘Mission: Impossible – Ghost Protocol’. Originally named ‘Dubai Tower’, its construction started in 2002. Due to the 2009 financial crisis and Dubai’s excessive debt, the construction was halted. It was only with the financial support of the President of the UAE, Khalifa, that it was completed in 2010 and thus renamed ‘Burj Khalifa’. The Burj Khalifa’s observation deck offers a visually stunning 360 – degree panorama of Dubai, from the modern buildings in the new district, the Dubai Fountain, all the way to the desert scenery and traditional houses in the distance. It presents a unique flavor of a desert country, quite different from the bustling urban landscapes of ordinary cities.
Shopping in Dubai Mall: A World of Luxury and Tradition
After seeing the various world – class attractions in Dubai Mall, we casually strolled around the mall. Dubai Mall is so large that it’s easy to get lost, considering there are as many as 1,200 stores. Despite its size, it’s a great place to shop. One might think the Middle East is a conservative region, but a visit to Dubai Mall reveals otherwise. Watching Islamic women in black robes, headscarves, and veils making big purchases at Burberry, LV, and Chanel, buying trendy and fashionable luxury accessories, carrying multiple bags, one can’t help but be amazed at the wealth of this oil – rich country and wonder what stylish outfits they might be wearing under those black robes. There are about 70 fashion and luxury stores in Dubai Mall. Shopping in Dubai is tax – free. However, the luxury goods here are not necessarily cheaper than in Europe, as the luxurious interior decoration of the mall seems to overshadow the products themselves. On the ground floor of Dubai Mall, there’s a large area called ‘The Souk’, which is an Arabian – style open – air market with over 20 small shops. It’s like a high – end version of a bazaar, with shops selling jewels, diamonds, etc. ‘The Souk’ is extremely beautiful and photogenic, especially for those who love the mosque – style environment.
Dining in Dubai Mall: A Gastronomic Global Tour
Dubai Mall is renowned for gathering famous restaurants from all over the world. Before you’ve traveled the globe, you can sample global cuisines right here in Dubai Mall. From Greece, Japan, the US, France to Italy, all kinds of cuisines are available. Even well – known establishments like %Arabica and Angelina that we’ve visited in other countries can be found here. I’ve visited Dubai Mall four times, and each time, there are changes in the restaurants. ‘The Cheesecake Factory’, an old – fashioned high – end American restaurant, has replaced the previously loved rainforest – themed restaurant. It’s always crowded in the US, and it’s no different in Dubai. It mainly sells appetizers, pizzas, pastas, seafood, steaks, sandwiches, and other American dishes. However, I’m not particularly interested in American cuisine, so I skipped it. %Arabica is a familiar name, the famous Japanese latte – art champion coffee from Kyoto. If you miss Japanese – style coffee, just come and get a cup. ‘SHAKE SHACK’, the famous American hamburger joint, also has a branch in Dubai Mall. For those craving Asian food, there are also many Hong Kong – style and Chinese restaurants. ‘Soy Chinese Restaurant’ is one of the better ones I’ve tried. If you don’t want a big meal and just want a simple bite, the food court on the L2 floor of Dubai Mall is recommended. It has various Western fast – food restaurants like Hardees and Burger King, and you can also get Pad Thai. In 2023, a large ‘Chinatown’ opened in a corner of Dubai Mall. With its strong Chinese flavor, it attracts many people for photo – ops. However, in reality, it’s a food court for Chinese cuisine. There were many Chinese people there, but I found the Lanzhou beef noodles I chose rather disappointing.
Entertainment Facilities in Dubai Mall: Fun for All Ages
What I love most about Dubai Mall, besides its food offerings, is its state – of – the – art entertainment facilities. The indoor ice – skating rink is an ideal place for children and beginners to learn skating. For thrill – seekers who love haunted houses, the haunted house in Dubai offers a brand – new experience with its grand and luxurious Dubai – style settings. Cosplay enthusiasts can also change into exotic costumes and take salon – style photos here. For VR enthusiasts like me, the VR Park in Dubai is highly recommended. It’s no less exciting than the VR experiences in Tokyo. The VR Park sells single – entry tickets as well as combo tickets for multiple games. If you’re not sure how many facilities you want to play, you can take a tour first and then decide. It’s also advisable to buy discounted online tickets on – site to avoid long queues. There are over 25 VR virtual reality games in the VR Park, including common ones like shooting, high – altitude experiences, and racing. You can also play ‘Beat Saber’, skiing, space exploration, and a unique Dubai – themed ‘Dune Bash’, which gives you a sense of driving a 4WD to explore the Dubai desert. However, I suggest that those who don’t get carsick might find the real – life version more thrilling. For parents who hope their children can have a more comprehensive career experience at a young age and explore their interests subconsciously, the international chain of large – scale children’s career experience park ‘KidZania’ is a great choice. With branches in Bangkok, Singapore, and Seoul, it’s also available in Dubai. Children can experience about 70 different careers such as doctors, pilots, journalists, firefighters, and models through various realistic facilities and props in the park’s simulated career environment. They can discover their dream careers through real – life economic and social transactions.
The Dubai Fountain: A Spectacular Water and Light Show
When night falls, the most crowded attraction in Dubai Mall is undoubtedly ‘The Dubai Fountain’. The fountain music show, with water jets reaching up to 150 meters (equivalent to 50 floors), dances to the music with the combination of light effects. Using traditional Arabic music in line with the local flavor and against the backdrop of Dubai’s ultra – luxurious skyscrapers, watching the water dance in a desert country is a truly unique experience. The water show times are from 13:00 – 13:30 and 18:00 – 23:00 from Saturday to Thursday, and from 13:30 – 14:00 and 18:00 – 23:00 on Friday.
