Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world, is a global shopping and entertainment destination located in the heart of Downtown Dubai. Spanning over 1.1 million square meters, it boasts more than 1,200 retail stores, luxury boutiques, and world-class attractions. Home to the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink, and the stunning indoor waterfall, the mall offers an unparalleled experience for visitors. With its extravagant design, diverse dining options, and exclusive fashion brands, this mall is a paradise for shoppers and tourists alike.
Quick Details About The Largest Shopping Mall In The World
Location: Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Opening Date: November 4, 2008
Dimensions: 1,124,000 square meters (12.1 million sq ft)
Elevation: Approximately 3 meters (9.8 ft) above sea level
Timings: 10 AM – 12 AM (Sunday–Thursday), 10 AM – 1 AM (Friday–Saturday)
Sculpted By: Emaar Properties
Entry Fee: N/A (charges apply for attractions inside)
Location
Photo: Ravi Dwivedi / Wikimedia Commons
Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world, is strategically located in Downtown Dubai, next to the iconic Burj Khalifa. Positioned along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Boulevard, it enjoys prime accessibility from major roads and public transport, including the Dubai Metro. Its central location makes it a key attraction for tourists and residents, offering breathtaking views, luxury shopping, and world-class entertainment in the heart of the UAE.
How To Reach Dubai Mall
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By Road: Take Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and exit at Financial Centre Road for direct access. Taxis and ride-hailing services are widely available.
By Rail: The Dubai Metro Red Line stops at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station, with a pedestrian walkway leading to the mall.
By Sea: The Dubai Water Canal offers water taxi services near the mall.
Places To Visit In The Largest Shopping Mall In The World: Dubai Mall
Here is a list of all the must-visit places inside the largest shopping mall in the world, the Dubai mall:
1. Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
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Located inside Dubai Mall, the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. It features a 10-million-liter tank housing over 33,000 aquatic creatures, including sharks, rays, and exotic fish. Visitors can walk through a 48-meter-long tunnel for a 270-degree underwater view. The Underwater Zoo offers close-up encounters with crocodiles, penguins, and otters, making it a must-visit attraction for families and marine life enthusiasts.
Entry Fee: Starting from AED 169 / ₹ 3982 per person
2. Dubai Ice Rink
Photo: Gautham Pillai / Wikimedia Commons
The Dubai Ice Rink is an Olympic-sized skating rink located on the ground floor of Dubai Mall. It offers public skating sessions, skating lessons, and disco nights with dazzling lights and music. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the rink provides an exhilarating experience. The cool ambiance makes it a perfect escape from Dubai’s heat.
Entry Fee: Starting from AED 90 / ₹2120 per session
3. VR Park
Photo: Tima Miroshnichenko / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
For thrill-seekers, VR Park Dubai offers an exciting world of virtual reality and augmented reality experiences. Spread over 7,000 square meters, this indoor attraction features more than 25 immersive games, including dystopian adventures, space exploration, and horror simulations. Popular attractions include Burj Drop, The Raft, and Dubai Drone, where visitors can experience thrilling scenarios in a hyper-realistic environment.
Entry Fee: Pay-per-ride starts from AED 15 / ₹ 353 , while an unlimited pass is available from AED 200 / ₹ 4712
4. KidZania Dubai
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KidZania Dubai is a unique interactive city for children aged 4 to 16 years inside Dubai Mall. This miniature city allows kids to role-play over 40 professions, including doctors, firefighters, pilots, and chefs, in a realistic setting. With its kid-friendly economy, children earn and spend KidZos (KidZania currency) while learning valuable life skills.
Entry Fee: Starts from AED 195 / ₹ 4594 for kids and AED 75 / ₹1767 for adults
5. Hysteria
Photo: Misteruae / Wikimedia Commons
For those who love horror and adrenaline-pumping thrills, Hysteria at Dubai Mall is a haunted attraction like no other. This haunted house features dark corridors, eerie effects, and live actors, creating a spine-chilling experience. The storyline revolves around a family searching for their lost children, leading visitors through a terrifying adventure with sudden scares.
Entry Fee: Starts from AED 100 / ₹2356 per person
Places To Visit Near Dubai Mall
While visiting Dubai Mall, here is a list of all the must-visit places nearby that you should visit:
1. Burj Khalifa
Standing at 828 meters, Burj Khalifa is the tallest building in the world and an unmissable attraction near Dubai Mall. Visitors can experience breathtaking views from At the Top observation decks on the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors. The tower also houses luxury restaurants like Atmosphere, stunning LED light shows, and an immersive Burj Khalifa Park.
Entry Fee: Starts from AED 169 (for levels 124 & 125)
Distance From Dubai Mall: 1 km
2. Dubai Fountain
Photo: Jimmy Chan / Pexels / Image For Representation Only
Located at the foot of Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest choreographed fountain system, offering a mesmerizing water, light, and music show. With jets shooting water up to 150 meters high, the fountain dances to global tunes, creating a breathtaking visual experience. Visitors can enjoy the show from the promenade, Dubai Mall Boardwalk, or a boat ride on Burj Lake.
Distance From Dubai Mall: 650 metres
3. Dubai Opera
Photo: Gabriel Varaljay / Unsplash / Image For Representation Only
A short walk from Dubai Mall, Dubai Opera is a world-class performing arts center shaped like a traditional dhow. It hosts Broadway musicals, concerts, ballet, and comedy shows, making it a cultural hotspot. The venue transforms into a banquet hall and event space, offering a 360-degree view of Downtown Dubai. Visitors can also take guided behind-the-scenes tours to explore its architecture, history, and technological innovations. It’s a must-visit for culture and art lovers.
Entry Fee: Starts from AED 250 / ₹ 5,890 (varies by event)
Distance From Dubai Mall: 1.1 km
4. Museum Of The Future
Photo: Saaremees / Wikimedia Commons
The Museum of the Future is an architectural marvel with a futuristic torus-shaped design, showcasing cutting-edge innovations, artificial intelligence, and space exploration. Visitors can experience interactive exhibits on robotics, sustainability, and future life. The museum’s immersive floors transport visitors into future worlds, making it one of Dubai’s most unique attractions.
Entry Fee: AED 149 / ₹ 3510 per person
Distance From Dubai Mall: 6 km
Where To Stay
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Visitors to Dubai Mall have plenty of accommodation options, ranging from luxury hotels to budget stays. Address Dubai Mall offers direct mall access and stunning Burj Khalifa views. Other nearby choices include Armani Hotel, Palace Downtown, and Rove Downtown, catering to various budgets. Staying in Downtown Dubai provides easy access to the mall, Dubai Fountain, and Burj Khalifa, ensuring a comfortable and convenient stay.
Where To Eat
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Dubai Mall is a food lover’s paradise, with over 200 dining options. For fine dining, visit Social House, Eataly, or The Cheesecake Factory. Fast food lovers can enjoy Shake Shack, McDonald’s, or KFC. The food court offers global cuisines, while waterfront restaurants like Logma provide stunning views. Whether craving Middle Eastern, Asian, or Italian dishes, Dubai Mall has endless options for every budget.
Best Time To Visit
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The best time to visit Dubai Mall is during weekdays in the morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds. Evenings and weekends tend to be busier due to shopping, dining, and fountain shows. For a full experience, visit from 4 PM – 10 PM, enjoying both shopping and attractions like the Dubai Fountain Show. Winter months (November – March) offer pleasant weather for outdoor attractions.
Other Factors To Consider
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Tips For Travellers
- Dress Code: Dubai Mall follows a modest dress code; avoid overly revealing outfits.
- Currency & Payments: Most shops accept credit/debit cards, but carrying some AED cash is useful.
- Walking Distance: The mall is huge; wear comfortable shoes for long walks.
- Parking & Transport: Ample parking, but it gets crowded; Metro and taxis are good alternatives.
- Peak Hours: Avoid weekends and evenings for a smoother experience.
- Shopping Festivals: Visit during Dubai Shopping Festival (January-February) for great discounts
Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the world, is a must-visit destination offering luxury shopping, world-class dining, and exciting attractions. Whether you’re exploring the Dubai Aquarium, watching the Dubai Fountain show, or indulging in retail therapy, there’s something for everyone. Plan your visit hassle-free with TripXL for the best deals on hotels, activities, and transport. Book your Dubai Mall experience today with TripXL!
Cover Photo: EditQ / Wikimedia Commons