Welcome to the United Arab Emirates, where malls aren’t just rows upon rows of shops, but gateways to aquariums, cinemas, world-class restaurants, hotels and even a full-size ski slope (with real snow, of course). From luxury brands to local outlets and bargain deals, there’s something to suit everyone at the UAE’s malls, which are the perfect place to spend an afternoon.
Malls are a big draw for tourists and local families alike, especially during the intense heat of the summer months. Stalls and souk areas in malls welcome some haggling to find the right price, but this doesn’t extend to stores, where the price tag is final! We’ve got everything you need to know about the UAE’s top malls and where to find them.
1. Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
One of the best-known malls in the country, thanks in no small part to the full-size ski slope complete with natural snow and even penguins (the cute little birds also do meet and greets).
Outside of the ski-slope, you’ll find the adjacent Kempinski Hotel, which does a decent breakfast overlooking the slopes – rooms also have views of the snow. There are a number of other hotels (a Sheraton and a Hilton among others), as well as five floors of shops and entertainment.
Stores range from high-street brands like Gap and Mango to jewellery stores, homeware brands and a large Carrefour hypermarket. Catch a flick at Vox Cinema or knock over a few pins with the kids at the onsite bowling alley. If you’ve never been to a mall in the UAE before, this is a great place to start.
2. Dubai Mall, Dubai
A less-crowded (and slightly higher-end) option than Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall is a sprawling beast that features an aquarium smack bang in the middle of the storefronts and an ice-skating rink popular with children and adults alike (you’ll find people showing off their backwards-skating skills here at the weekend). However, one of the mall’s biggest draws is the impressive Dubai Fountains, outside of the main entrance. Set to music, the giant fountains ‘dance’ on a schedule, shooting water up to 500ft in the air to the delight of the assembled crowds (it can get pretty busy at peak times).
Next to the fountains, you’ll find the tallest building in the world – the Burj Khalifa. Take a break from shopping and catch the elevator to the top for an unbeatable view of Dubai. There are more than 1,200 stores at Dubai Mall, including Bloomingdale’s, Galeries Lafayette and Souk Al Bahar, an entire area of the mall that is a dedicated souk complete with more traditional outlets.
3. Marina Mall, Dubai
The baby sister of Dubai Mall, Marina Mall is located (unsurprisingly) by the Dubai Marina, overlooking the clear blue waters and docked boats of the inlet. A great option for families, given it is usually free of crowds, here you’ll find an indoor soft play centre that smaller kids will love, as well as a cinema that provides entertainment for bigger kids (and adults). Daredevils flock to this mall thanks to the Dubai Marina Zipline, which is the world’s longest urban zipline and sets off from Level P.
You’ll find the usual high-street brands here when it comes to shopping, as well as a number of eateries (large in number but mostly limited to fast food fare).
4. Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi
Possibly one of the most family friendly malls in the UAE, Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi (on Yas Island) features a number of family-friendly entertainment options, from the Leo & Loona Park to a Kidz Factory, KidZania and an e-gaming area for older kids (and adults). When you’re done with those, there’s a cinema, a roller skating rink and the world’s largest indoor skydiving flight chamber.
It’s also the home of Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, where you’ll find the world’s fastest rollercoaster and Ferrari driving experiences (which can be hair-raising, depending on your driving skills). Aside from the adrenaline-pumping activities, there are a number of eateries from steak favourite Entrecote Café De Paris (the secret sauce is still legendary) to basic Italian Vapiano. Oh…and there’s shopping. Pick up everything from books and electronics to fashion and even grab furniture from the onsite IKEA.
5. Dalma Mall, Abu Dhabi
Shopping is king at Dalma Mall, where everything from Arabic fashion to high-street brands, accessories, kids clothes and an outdoor adventure retailer can be found. Outside of shops, you’ll find a go-karting track, cinema, roller rink and several different versions of kids’ soft play centres on offer.
Take a break from the shopping at one of the mall’s restaurants where food options range from Indian to Texas BBQ and McDonalds, and everything in between.
6. Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai
Souk Madinat is part mall, part souk and part waterside tourist spot. The covered winding alleys feature traditional Arabic souvenirs from jewellery and rugs to beautifully decorated lamps. You’ll also find local garments and handmade products, as well as the usual souvenirs you can pick up at most souks (plastic models of local landmarks and keychains, anyone?). The souk has been created to elicit an old-world feel (despite being very much a new build), and it’s a fun place to explore; not least because you can get a small abra boat around the waterways of the market. It’s also a great spot to sit and grab a drink, people watch or eat at one of the myriad restaurants available.
