The Dubai Mall

مول دبي

One of the world's largest shopping malls with over 1,200 stores, an aquarium, ice rink, and cinema, located at the base of Burj Khalifa. It combines shopping, entertainment, and dining in a climate-controlled environment ideal for the Dubai heat.

Things to do

• Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo — Walk through a 48-meter-long acrylic tunnel surrounded by thousands of marine animals including sawfish, groupers, and rays in one of the world's largest acrylic panels.
• Burj Khalifa Observation Decks — Take the elevator to the 124th and 125th floor observation decks of the world's tallest building for panoramic views of Dubai and the Arabian Gulf.
• Swarovski Crystal Wonderland — Explore an immersive digital art experience featuring thousands of Swarovski crystals and interactive installations across multiple themed rooms.
• SkateXpress Ice Rink — Skate on a full Olympic-size indoor ice rink located in the mall, offering lessons for beginners and recreational skating sessions.
• Boutique Shopping on Fashion Avenue — Browse over 1,200 stores ranging from high-end luxury brands like Louis Vuitton and Gucci to popular international retailers and local Emirati designers.
• VOX Cinemas — Watch the latest Hollywood blockbusters and Bollywood films in state-of-the-art theatres including IMAX and premium seating options.

Food to try

• Shawarma — Experience this Middle Eastern staple with marinated meat carved from a rotating spit and wrapped in flatbread with tahini, hummus, and pickled vegetables.
• Hummus & Tabbouleh — Sample creamy chickpea dip drizzled with olive oil and a fresh parsley salad with bulgur wheat, lemon juice, and tomatoes at traditional Lebanese outlets.
• Luqaimat — Try these bite-sized UAE fried dough balls drizzled with date syrup, a popular local dessert and Ramadan treat sold at various food outlets in the mall.
• Biryani — Enjoy fragrant basmati rice cooked with tender meat or seafood, aromatic spices, and caramelized onions at Indian restaurants throughout the mall.
• Mezze Platter — Assemble a selection of small Middle Eastern dishes including falafel, baba ganoush, kibbeh, and fresh flatbread for a light, shareable meal.

Local customs & good to know

• Dress Modestly — While the mall is modern and cosmopolitan, it's respectful to avoid very revealing clothing, especially during Ramadan and when visiting nearby mosques.
• Prayer Facilities Available — The mall provides dedicated prayer rooms (musalla) for Muslim visitors on multiple floors, with ablution facilities, to accommodate the five daily prayers.
• Ramadan Observances — During Ramadan, many restaurants close during fasting hours (dawn to sunset), dining areas may be curtained, and the mall operates with adjusted timings—plan accordingly.
• Friday Family Day — Fridays are the Islamic holy day and traditionally a family leisure day in the UAE, making the mall especially crowded with extended families shopping and dining together.