complete guide to Dubai mall: Best Attraction and activities 2024
Last updated on October 14th, 2024 at 11:31 am
The Dubai Mall is a must-see for anyone who goes to Dubai, and it’s a great place to spend 6 to 8 hours of layover in Dubai.
This fantastic mall is the biggest in the world. It is 12 million square feet, the size of 200 soccer fields, and has more than 1,200 shops and 200+ restaurants.
But The Dubai Mall is not ‘just a mall.’ It has Some of the most popular attractions in the city, like the Dubai Fountains, the At The Top of Burj Khalifa Observatory, the Dubai Aquarium, and so much more. So a trip to Dubai is not complete without visiting the Dubai Mall.
Because the mall is like a small city on its own, it’s a good idea to make a plan and a rough “itinerary” of what you want to do during your visit to do all the best things in the mall. Of course, you can’t see everything the mall offers in one day, but planning ahead will help you do the most important things if you can only go once.
This article will tell you everything you need to know about The Dubai Mall. It will tell you about the most famous locations, shops, and restaurants, as well as essential details like what to wear, where it is, and how to get there. This will help you decide what to do in The Dubai Mall.
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01 Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
One of the largest indoor aquarium in the world. It has more than 140 marine species, like Tiger Sharks and Stingrays. You can see the aquarium from the mall for free, and it is a spectacle to see.
But if you want to see the animals up close, you can go to the aquarium’s 48-meter-long tunnel. The tank lets you see the fish up close in a 180-degree panoramic view, which you can’t do anywhere else. Which is a unique experience
You can also visit the underwater zoo. It has three zones: the Rainforest, the Rocky Shore Area, and the UAE Night Creatures. The zoo has a lot of fascinating animals, like the huge King Croc.
Dubai Aquarium Location
Ground & Level 2, The Dubai Mall – Dubai.
Dubai Aquarium Timing
Monday – Thursday: 10.00 AM – 12.00 AM ( midnight)
Friday – Sunday: 10.00 AM – 01.00 AM (midnight)
Last entry 45 minutes before closing time.
Best time to visit Dubai Aquarium
Visit the aquarium at the opening time at weekdays to avoid the crowds, and also, you can take stunning images, especially in the tunnel, without other people interfering in the pictures.
Or visit late at night, after 9:00 PM ( remember to arrive 45 minutes before closing time).
Time needed to look around the Dubai Aquarium
If you’re travelling to the aquarium solo or with your partner and you’re only to watch the animals and walk through the tunnel, then one hour should be sufficient for your visit.
However, if you’re bringing your children along or interested in exploring the exciting activities at the aquarium, it’s best to set aside 2 to 3 hours for your visit.
This will allow you to fully immerse yourself in the aquarium’s fun and educational experiences.
Dubai Aquarium Ticket Price
Basic ticket price
Monday – Thursday: 199 AED
Friday – Sunday: 209 AED
Children under 2 year of age is free
There are several ticket prices available according to the add-on packages.
Important Tips when visiting Dubai Aquarium
01. Avoid using flash while taking photos. It could alarm the animals.
02. If you plan to participate in an activity, arrive at least 10 minutes before the specified time.
03. Explore the animal interactions, such as shark and penguin encounters, and enjoy a variety of aquatic adventures with additional upgrades, such as scuba diving, shark walking, and more.
02 Dubai Dancing Fountain
The Dubai Dancing Fountain show, one of the world’s most famous fountain shows, offers an unforgettable experience.
The water jets, which shoot 150 metres into the air and are synchronised with the lights and music, provide a fountain display with 6,000 lights and 22,000 gallons of water.
The fountain dances to famous music and songs such as Ed Sheeran, Michael Jackson, and Lady Gaga.
The fountain display is held every half hour from 6 p.m. till midnight.
Location
Outside the Dubai mall, near the Burj Khalifa
Timing
Daily after 06.00 PM till Midnight
Time needed to look around
30 Minutes
Ticket Price
Free
03. Infinity Des Lumieres
In contrast to other art galleries in the emirate, Infinity Des Lumieres is not conventionally exhibiting art. Instead, this gallery provides a fully immersive experience for visitors using high-tech projectors and speakers.
Location
Level 2 Opposite Galerie Lafayette
Timing
Monday – Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Friday – Sunday: 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Last entry one hour before closing time
Time needed to look around
One hour and 15 minutes.
Ticket Price
Adults (18+ years) : 150 AED
Children ( 3 – 17 years ): 90 AED
Children under 3 years free
04. Play DXB
The world’s largest indoor VR park (previously known as VR park). Play DXB contains over 30 fascinating game zones suitable for children, teens, and adults. This thrilling park has something for everyone, from entertaining arcades and top VR games to carousel rides and ball pits, making it one of The Dubai Mall’s most enjoyable things to do.
Timing
Daily 10.00 AM – 12.00 AM (midnight)
Time needed to look around
2 – 3 Hours
Contact
+971 800 382246255
Ticket Price
Play DXB is free to enter, however each ride has a cost based on its specific price
05. Ice Skating ring
Dubai Mall offers an excellent activity to beat the heat by ice skating, whether you’re a skilled skater or a novice. The mall’s Olympic-sized ice rink is sure to impress you.
You can rent all the necessary skating equipment at the place, including skates and warm layers. You can showcase your skating skills on the ice or take a lesson to improve them.
Timing
Daily: 10.00 AM – 12.00 Midnight
Best time to visit
Weekdays at morning time and late in the evening time
Time needed to look around
60 – 90 minutes
Contact
+971 800 382246255
Ticket Price
110AED
06. KidZania Dubai
Kidzania is a miniature city located inside The Dubai Mall, providing children between the ages of 4 and 16 with an immersive adult life experience.
By participating in various professions and roles, kids can earn “Kidzos” for their efforts, which they can then spend at the city’s shopping complex. In addition, the highly-trained supervisors ensure that children are safe and well-cared for during their visit. Kidzania is an incredibly thrilling and engaging activity for children and toddlers at The Dubai Mall.
Best time to visit
If you have 2-3 children and want them to have a free and carefree time without other children, visiting Kidzania during the early weekday mornings is best.
However, if you have only one child and want them to socialize and play with other kids, visiting on weekends between 2:00 PM to 7:00 PM is advisable.
Timing
Daily: 10.00 AM – 11.00 PM
Last entry 10.00 PM
Time needed to look around
01-03 hours
Ticket Price
Economy 04 -16 years: 195 AED
Premium 04 – 16 years: 260 AED
Adult 17 years and above 80 AED
Children 02 – 03 years : 110 AED
Children under 02 years: Free
07. Ekart Zabeel
Ekart Zabeel is an exceptional indoor electric go-karting destination situated in the recently constructed Zabeel extension of The Dubai Mall. With cutting-edge technology and modern equipment, this attraction offers an exhilarating and enjoyable go-karting experience suitable for all ages.
Timing
Monday – Thursday: 10.00 AM – 11.00 PM
Friday – Sunday: 10.00 AM – 12.00 AM midnight
Time needed to look around
One Hour
Contact
+971 800 382246255
Ticket Price
95 AED
Important Tips
Drivers must be at least 14 years old, 140cm tall and weigh less than 120 kg.
08. Dubai Dino
Located at the heart of the Souk in the mall’s ground floor, the Dubai Dino is a unique permanent exhibit that spans 24 meters long and towers 7 meters high. It’s a popular attraction among children, showcasing a 155-million-year-old dinosaur from the late Jurassic era, which starkly contrasts its contemporary surroundings within this desert mall. You can marvel at this prehistoric creature and its impressive presence.
09. The Human water Fall
The breathtaking sculpture is an icon of beauty and a true gem for Instagram enthusiasts.
It extends over two massive cylindrical walls, with a diameter of 30 meters and a height of 24 meters, stretching across three floors of the Dubai Mall.
This impressive display is one of the mall’s most captivating attractions, depicting the UAE’s history.
Pearl diving was the principal means of earning a livelihood in Dubai and Abu Dhabi in the past, and the sculpture’s design pays homage to this rich heritage.
10. Emirates A380 experience
Get ready for an exhilarating adventure and put your piloting skills to the test as you take the controls of the world’s largest passenger aircraft in the cutting-edge flight simulator located at Dubai Mall.
You can select from thousands of bustling airports and various flight paths to reach your destination. Compete against your loved ones and challenge your abilities in the cockpit! Get set to experience the excitement of flying like a pro.
Ticket Price
15 minutes – 160 AED
30 minutes – 300 AED
60 minutes – 575 AED
Important Tips
children under the age of 9 cannot use the simulator
(they will not be able to reach down to the pedals)
11. Hysteria
Prepare to enter through the doors of a haunted mansion with dark lights and spooky features that can paralyse you with fear.
Make your way through the 15 rooms of terrifying and horrible sights. But if you are happy screaming to the top of your lungs and getting adrenaline in your veins, don’t miss out on Hysteria.
Timing
Monday – Friday : 10.00 AM – 11.00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 10.00 AM -12.00 AM (midnight)
Ticket Price
105 AED
Important Tips
Recommended for 16 years+
Time needed to look around
You can stay as much as you want, but most visitors last up to 10 minutes due to the nature of this place.
12. Watch movies
One of the biggest movie theatres in the Middle East is at Dubai Mall. It’s a great place to spend a few hours out of the heat. You can find almost any modern movie experience here, from Dine-in to 4D, ScreenX to Platinum Suites.
13. Visit Burj Khalifa
The world’s longest building, Burj Khalifa, is next to the Dubai Mall, which has access to the world’s highest observatory on the building’s 124th, 125th, and 148th floors. So, if you want to see the city as you’ve never seen it before, you should go to the At The Top Observatory in Burj Khalifa.
Timing
The Burj Khalifa is open daily because there are hotels, offices and private apartments.
But the viewing decks are only available at certain times.
They are open every day of the week from 8:30 a.m. to 12 a.m. (midnight).
The last entrance is 40 minutes before the place closes.
Best time to visit
Visit the viewing deck about an hour before sunset. So you can witness the breathtaking sunset view over Dubai from the world’s tallest building.
Tickets are often more expensive during this time, but the extra cost is definitely worth it, and it will be a wonderful lifetime experience for you.
Time needed to look around
Most visitors will remain for about 1-2 hours.
Contact
+971 4 888 8124
Ticket Price
Prices will change based on what day, time, and floor viewing decks you want to visit.
14. Eden Gallery
Since it opened in 1997, Eden Gallery has become one of the best art galleries in the world. It now has locations in many of the world’s major cities.
The Dubai version of Eden Gallery is at the top of cutting-edge contemporary art with a lively and colourful collection of works by world-famous contemporary artists.
15. Zabeel sport district
If you want to play your favourite sports with your friends near the Dubai Mall, go to the rooftop of the Dubai Mall to Zabeel Sports District. Badminton, cricket, basketball, volleyball, and padel tennis are all played at this multi-sport venue.
16. The Souq
The souk is part of the largest Dubai mall and looks very different from the modern Dubai Mall.
The mall’s corridor is themed to resemble a traditional souk like the one in old Dubai.
The place is very calm and not very much crowded. The shops here primarily sell jewellery and perfumes.
Note: This is not the famous Dubai gold souq
17.Visit souq al bahar
Souq Al Bahar is connected to Dubai Mall via a footbridge underneath the Apple store on the lower ground of Dubai Mall. Here you can find boutique shopping experiences with more than 100 stores offering various products.
In addition to shopping, visitors can indulge in culinary delights at various eateries and cafes, including the renowned Time Out Market. With 17 different restaurants serving an eclectic mix of global cuisines, ranging from traditional Emirati dishes to Indian, Asian, European, and American flavours, there’s something for everyone.
Important tips about Dubai mall
01. Free Hi speed Wifi available for all visitors
02. You can easily walk around and find the important places in the mall using the Digital map.
03. Separate washrooms and prayer rooms are available for all male and female guests.
04. If you want to avoid walking in this huge mall, a buggy service is available.
05. If you are travelling with children, visiting the mall during the morning hours is advisable when it is less busy and quieter. Additionally, the attractions are typically less crowded during this time.
06. On the other hand, it’s best to avoid going in the evenings, particularly on weekends and holidays, when the mall tends to be more crowded.
