In arguably, Dubai is a shopper’s paradise. The emirate has seen an immense increase in retail outlets and shopping complexes popping up throughout the city in the last decade. The city also has an interesting assortment of shopping arenas right from traditional Dubai Souks to the sophisticated mega shopping malls. However, when someone mentions shopping in Dubai, the first name that conjures up in your mind is Dubai Mall – a name synonymous with the ultimate shopping experience in Dubai. However, Dubai Mall is an attraction that doesn’t limit itself to shopping experience exclusively. There are commendable reasons why locals and visitors both love to spend time inside this colossal Dubai shopping complex. Here’s why Dubai Mall should be a part of your Dubai travel plan.
- Shopping of course!
Dubai Mall is the place you have to visit for an incredible shopping experience. Dubai Mall is one of the most comprehensive malls in the Emirate. It is also tagged as the world’s largest mall by land area. So, one can fathom how many retail outlets this impressive mall comprises. A little over 1200 retail stores that showcase a plethora of merchandises and luxury brands from around the world. You can shop for electronics, perfumes, fashion accessories, apparels, jewellery, home furnishing, kids toys and collectibles. The Fashion Avenue is an exclusive chic arena devoted to around 70 signature stores curating the best-assorted merchandises from world-leading stores such as Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s. The mall is a delight for shopaholics during Dubai Shopping Festival as a majority of retail shops offer slashed prices and irresistible discounts. Dubai Mall is the ultimate ‘shop-till-you-drop’ attraction in the UAE.
- Interior décor fused with art and creativity
Dubai Mall is huge! It wouldn’t be a surprise if you find yourself baffled by its sheer splendour. The interiors in the mall will make you marvel at the artistic creativity used to enhance the beauty of the mall. At a certain point, you may even get lost while exploring this expansive mall. The main highlight of Dubai Mall is the incredible ‘Human Waterfall’ that cascades from Level 4 to the ground level. The mall is accentuated by many permanent creative elements like Marc Quinn’s iconic Orchid sculpture that are a delight to view. The mall invites artists from around the world to showcase their talent and entertain the crowds from time to time.
- A fun experience for kids
Apart from shopping outlets, Dubai Mall is home to some wonderful recreational experiences for families. The mall offers a plethora of activities that children can enjoy when they get bored tagging along with grownups to shops and outlets. Kids can have a great time at KidZania - a mini-city designed especially for children. Here they can step into the shoes of a grown-up, take part in real-life jobs as role-plays and earn play money. It is a great place for kids to have fun along with some education on how the real world works. Dubai Mall also has an Olympic sized skating field – Dubai Ice Rink for kids and grownups to hone their skating skills. There is also Trampo Extreme, Carousal Kids Play area and Ekart Zabeel go-karting experience to keep children entertained at Dubai Mall. - Scrumptious food scene
Check out the eclectic food scene at Dubai Mall. This fascinating mall has around 200 dining options in form of an assortment of restaurants, cafes and waterfront dining outlets. The gastronomy comprises of American cuisine, European and Mediterranean delights, Indian dishes, Asian epicureanism and the Middle Eastern cuisine. Whether you are craving for a quick bite, a freshly brewed Arabian coffee or a sumptuous brunch or dinner, you will relish a memorable culinary experience at Dubai Mall.
- A surreal virtual experience
Step away from reality and escape into the virtual realm at VR Park. Situated at Level 2 in Dubai Mall, VR Park is the first-of-its-kind park to open in the Middle East. There are around 18 virtually simulated and augmented reality games and experiences that you can play solo or enjoy multi-player experience along with friends and family. The experiences offered in a virtual reality vary in themes such as horror, leisure and thriller. Kids can also join in on simple gaming experiences along with grownups and enjoy some fun time in a virtual world.
- Impressive Aquatic Experience
Watch thousands of exotic marine creatures swim nonchalantly at one of the most breathtaking aquariums in the world. The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is cocooned within Dubai Mall and is one of the most popular things to see in Dubai. Teeming with sharks, rays, turtles and vibrant fishes, you can get a glimpse into the magical ocean realm. If you are up for it, you can also gear up for snorkelling and scuba diving sessions. Dubai Mall is one of the few places in the world where you can enjoy an indoor scuba diving session. - The location, the view, the extravagance!
Dubai Mall is an attraction that you will probably never miss visiting on a Dubai holiday. One of the main reason is that the mall is strategically located at Dubai Downtown flanked by charismatic Dubai Fountain and the iconic symbol of modern Dubai – Burj Khalifa. Every Dubai holiday plan by default includes a visit to the tallest building in the world and being in the vicinity, you will be tempted to get a glimpse inside one of the most extravagant malls in the world. The evening experience at Dubai Downtown and the illuminated view of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain from this mall is worthwhile as it leaves a lasting impact even after the trip is complete.
Conclusion
Out of over 65 shopping malls in Dubai, Dubai Mall hands down beats each one of them when it comes to a comprehensive shopping and extravagant recreational experience. This mall is a destination in itself and comprises of activities and attractions that offer you a blissful retail therapy and a complete entertainment experience. Inside the Dubai Mall, it is assured that there won't be a single dull moment to encounter. There are so many things to see and do that time flies by and you might end up spending an entire day at this Dubai attraction.