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What's special about them? Shopping centres in Dubai are found in every district of the city. Moreover, most of them are within walking distance from accommodation, which is a significant advantage, considering the hot climate.
What else to pay attention to? The range of goods in these shopping centres is quite wide. And thanks to the low import duties in the United Arab Emirates, prices for many goods are relatively affordable.
One of the most famous and popular shopping malls, Dubai Mall, is a favourite place for tourists and locals. It is not only the largest shopping centre in the city, but in the world as well!
Its area equals 50 football fields and houses stores of luxury brands such as Bloomingdale's, Galeries Lafayette, and Level Shoes are located. You can find everything your heart desires there!
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A whole day passes there unnoticed, as time can be spent shopping, strolling and viewing impressive installations that have already become real attractions. It is definitely worth seeing the waterfall with “pearl divers”, the hall with suspended flowers, the open-air green garden and many other memorable places.
Those who prefer to spend time actively will also enjoy Dubai Mall. It houses one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world — Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. Its waters are home to a tiger sand shark, huge stingrays and a toothy crocodile. A walk through the aquarium will be an excellent addition to shopping and will leave lasting impressions.
Dubai Mall is located among skyscrapers in the prestigious Downtown district. It is also where the Burj Khalifa tower, the tallest building in the world, is located. After shopping you can go up to the observation deck of the tower, the entrance to which is located in the shopping centre.
In the evening, you should definitely see the famous Dancing Fountains show next to Dubai Mall. This amazing spectacle will be a memorable end to the day.
The total area of the Mall of the Emirates shopping centre is an impressive 604,000 square metres, of which shops occupy 223,000 square metres.
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Opened in 2005, this multi-level complex has become home to 630 global brands, including furniture and electronics stores, as well as department stores and outlets. You can find the widest selection of shoes, books, souvenirs, alcohol and other products there, making it an ideal place for shopping in Dubai.
The project of the mall was carefully thought out and developed by the American firm F+A Architects. For the convenience of guests, the complex includes hotels of the international Kempinski Hotel chain and the five-star Sheraton Dubai hotel, as well as the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East — Ski Dubai.
It is thanks to Ski Dubai that the centre attracts many visitors, and according to some data, about 750 thousand people visit Mall of the Emirates weekly.
No less fascinating is the architecture of the mall: glass dome ceilings, detailed arches and walls form a unique elegant atmosphere.
For those who are not into skiing, the centre offers a snow park with ice and even a cave. There you can play snowballs, make a snowman or just watch the royal penguins that live in a specially created environment.
If winter-themed entertainment is not for you, be sure to visit Magic Planet, one of the best family entertainment centres. It offers modern video games, arcade machines, trampoline jumping, bowling and much more, creating an exciting experience for children and their parents.
Mall of the Emirates is located in the southern part of Dubai (you can navigate by the giant skyscrapers in the new areas of the city). The complex has a convenient exit to Sheikh Zayed Highway and a transport interchange, which significantly simplifies access to it.
It is easy to get to the mall by public transport, for example, by metro. Also, free shuttle buses run from many hotels to the shopping mall, information about the schedule of which can be clarified with the administrator of your hotel.
Dubai Marina Mall shopping centre, according to reviews, is one of the best. This is a unique place for shopping and relaxation, successfully combining the style and traditions of Dubai with the atmosphere of an embankment.
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Despite its strategic location in the elite Marina district, this shopping centre has found a way to the hearts of both locals and numerous tourists thanks to the cosiness and comfort it offers to all its guests.
For the comfort of visitors, there is a large car park that can accommodate up to 2,000 cars. The mall houses 140 shops, 21 restaurants and cafés, as well as mobile phone salons, currency exchange points, the Njoi gaming area, Waitrose supermarket, Reel Cinemas with six halls, and bowling. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the complex, which greatly facilitates shopping.
At the entrance, the shopping centre welcomes its visitors with numerous fountains, which are especially liked by children. And on the second floor, a children's train circulates, which brings incredible experiences to little visitors.
Dubai Marina Mall has many brand boutiques. If you want to save money and purchase goods inexpensively, it is better to visit the shopping centre during the sales period, from August 28 to September 2, when special events are held and large discounts on various goods are provided.
In addition, you can purchase an Emaar gift card, which gives the right to discounts from 10 to 15% on goods, food and cinema tickets. The card is valid for one year.
Located near a wonderful embankment with yachts that can be rented, Dubai Marina Mall allows you to enjoy the beach, shopping and evening entertainment.
The address of Marina Mall: Exit 32 directly off Sheikh Zayed Road. You can also get there by metro (the closest stations are Jumeirah Lake Towers and DAMAC Properties Metro Station), and by tram (Dubai Marina Mall stop).
Over the 13 years of its existence, Ibn Battuta Mall has turned into a cultural site, which is often called a museum by the people. This unique complex not only offers impressive shopping opportunities but also an amazing concept associated with the name of the great Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta.
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He explored many countries, including India, Egypt, Tunisia, Persia, China and Andalusia. These regions formed the basis of the mall's design, which makes it particularly attractive to lovers of history and culture.
The fascinating journey through Ibn Battuta Mall begins with the Chinese Court. Red and golden hues dominate there, attracting attention with their magnificence and brightness. The main art object is a 25-metre junk boat, an exact copy of the one on which Ibn Battuta himself travelled. This is a wonderful creation that will not leave any visitor indifferent.
Next is the Indian Court, where the central place is occupied by a massive 8-metre figure of an elephant with a water clock on its back. The carving adorning the walls fascinates with its beauty and detail, transferring you to the atmosphere of ancient India and allowing you to feel the excitement of travelling.
The Persian Court has a fairytale feel to it, with a magnificent dome painted by talented artists. You should definitely look up to appreciate the beauty of this work of art. This section is especially popular among tourists who appreciate exquisite design and artistic mastery.
The Egyptian Court transports you to the atmosphere of medieval Cairo. The great and mighty city of the East comes alive there right before your eyes thanks to the authentic design. Visitors can feel like part of history, walking among the majestic columns and studying ancient artefacts.
The Tunisian Court is represented by a triangular hall with blue sky and white clouds, creating a feeling of serenity and peace. The pavilions of the section are dedicated to the significant discoveries of the scientist al-Jazari, which adds an educational element to the tour of the mall.
Last but not least, the Andalusian Court attracts visitors with exhibits such as a flying machine and the Lion Fountain. These exhibits impress with their uniqueness and historical significance, making a trip to the mall even more memorable.
Besides aesthetic impressions, Ibn Battuta Mall offers about 270 shops, where everyone, regardless of their preferences, will find something to their liking.
The goods on offer are mid-priced, but during holidays and festivals, sales with big discounts often take place in this “museum”. This makes it one of the best places for shopping in Dubai, especially for those looking for great deals.
Like other major shopping centres in Dubai, Ibn Battuta Mall offers a variety of entertainment areas. There are five of them in the mall, and most of them are aimed at children. You can find numerous attractions there that will provide you with a unique experience, leaving a lasting impression on both children and adults.
The complex is located on Sheikh Zayed Highway between the fifth and sixth interchanges, about 30 minutes' drive away from the city centre.
Dubai Festival City is a large-scale shopping centre in Dubai, great for both shopping and entertainment. It is located in a new district, which was created specifically for tourists and offers everything necessary for a pleasant pastime. The shopping centre is located in the very heart of the city, surrounded by skyscrapers and luxurious villas, near the airport.
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Dubai Festival City is the central point of this district, attracting visitors with shops of elite brands, signature restaurants, entertainment venues and evening shows.
The main pride of this place is the presence of industry leaders, such as Carolina Herrera and IKEA. A huge number of brands will satisfy the needs of even the most demanding shoppers.
The shopping centre has an extensive food court. It includes about 90 catering establishments: from small eateries and cosy cafes to luxurious restaurants. Various cuisines of the world are represented there, so everyone will be able to find their favourite dishes.
Dubai Festival City also features Novo Cinemas and the Stay and Play children's entertainment centre, which makes it an ideal place for family recreation. The unforgettable IMAGINE show, which takes place on the shore of Festival Bay, fascinates with a play of lights, water and lasers every evening.
Dubai Festival City regularly becomes a venue for various seasonal events, festivals and concerts. The large spaces make it easy to accommodate a stage and invite thousands of people to attend.
The complex is located inside an artificial canal. After shopping, you can go for a boat ride and admire the shopping centre and the surrounding territory from outside.
Dubai Festival City is located in the centre of the district of the same name. It is easy to get there from other parts of the city as well: buses No. 24, 44, 53, 64A stop at the Dubai Festival City, IKEA, and Dubai Festival City, Marks & Spencer 1 stops.
For shopping in Dubai, the districts of Deira, Al Maktoum, Bur Dubai, as well as such streets asAl Sabkha, Naif, Al Fahidi and Al Karama are excellent. Al Rigga Road is also popular.
The best time for shopping in Dubai is during the winter Shopping Festival. During this period, leading retailers offer discounts of up to 90%. It is especially advantageous to buy branded items, as their usual cost often depends on the dollar exchange rate.
First of all, it is the price-quality ratio of goods. The prices in Dubai shopping centres are often lower than in other countries, despite the high quality of products.
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In addition, in shopping centres you can hide from the exhausting heat that reigns in the Emirates from May to September. Thanks to the constantly working air conditioners, there is always a comfortable temperature there. The malls offer not only shopping but also a variety of entertainment.
Observing the rules of behaviour will help you avoid trouble. Here are a few recommendations: it is better to wear modest clothing; refrain from public displays of affection (for example, holding hands); pets are not allowed in the shopping centres; smoking is allowed only in specially designated areas; consuming alcohol is strictly prohibited.
Dubai is a modern and dynamically developing resort in the United Arab Emirates, where everyone can find something to do: from viewing grandiose attractions and dining in an elite restaurant to relaxing in unique water parks and entertainment complexes. There really is everything there.
However, shopping is also an interesting pastime. Shopping centres in Dubai offer not only a huge selection of goods but also many entertainment options. Visiting at least one of them is a great way to spend time with benefit and pleasure.
Article header image source: Creative Family / shutterstock.com
