The best shopping malls in Dubai are much more than places to buy things. Many have an indoor ski slope, an aquarium, a canal, an indoor skydiving tunnel or a fountain show, and most are air-conditioned, easy to reach by metro or taxi and open until late at night. With dozens of malls to choose from, the question is not where to shop but which mall fits your trip. This guide ranks 17 of the best by style and budget, explains what each one is known for and helps you plan a day without wasting time between malls.
Which Is the Best Mall in Dubai?
For a first visit, choose the Dubai Mall. For luxury plus something different, choose Mall of the Emirates. For families and waterfront dining, choose Dubai Festival City Mall. For budget shopping, choose City Centre Deira or the Dubai Outlet Mall. If you have only one afternoon, pick the mall that is closest to your hotel and has a metro station, because getting between malls can take longer than shopping.
Dubai Shopping Malls at a Glance
- Best overall: Dubai Mall
- Best for luxury: Dubai Mall’s Fashion Avenue, Mall of the Emirates and Wafi City
- Best for families: Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Festival City Mall and City Centre Mirdif
- Best for bargains: City Centre Deira and the Dubai Outlet Mall
- Best outdoors: City Walk, The Beach and the Pointe
- Typical hours: around 10 am to 10 pm or midnight, often later on weekends
- Entry: free everywhere, with separate tickets for attractions
The Biggest and Best-Known Malls in Dubai
1. The Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai is the city’s most famous mall, with more than 1,200 stores, an aquarium, an ice rink, KidZania and the free fountain show outside. It was visited by about 105 million people in 2023. Read our full guide to the Dubai Mall.
2. Mall of the Emirates
Mall of the Emirates, on Sheikh Zayed Road in Al Barsha, opened in 2005 and is best known for Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski resort in the Middle East. It has around 630 stores, a Fashion Dome for designer labels, a 14-screen cinema, the Magic Planet playzone and a community theatre, and it connects directly to the Red Line metro. A major renovation has been announced, so expect new stores and building work in places.
3. Dubai Festival City Mall
Dubai Festival City Mall sits on the Creek waterfront and has more than 500 brands, along with a large IKEA. It is known for the IMAGINE water-and-light show and for terraces with water views, which suit relaxed family outings. There is no direct metro station, so a taxi or car is the easier way to get there.
4. Ibn Battuta Mall
Ibn Battuta Mall is one of the world’s largest themed malls, with six courts inspired by the regions the 14th-century traveller visited, including China, India, Egypt and Andalusia. It has more than 270 stores, so it is a good choice for a relaxed stroll with mid-range shopping, and the Ibn Battuta metro station is nearby.
5. City Centre Deira
City Centre Deira opened in 1995 and was Dubai’s first large mixed-use mall. It has more than 300 stores, Magic Planet for children and good metro access on both the Red and Green lines. Prices are generally moderate, which makes it a dependable choice for everyday shopping.
6. City Centre Mirdif
City Centre Mirdif is a large family mall in a residential district, with more than 400 stores and entertainment such as the iFly indoor skydiving tunnel. It is about 20 minutes from the centre by car, so it works best if you are staying nearby or want a family day out.
Best Dubai Malls for Luxury and Design
7. Wafi City
Wafi City is styled like an ancient Egyptian temple, and the pyramid-shaped glass roof makes it one of the most distinctive buildings in Dubai. It focuses on boutique luxury brands and has a quieter, less crowded feel than the large malls. It is close to Dubai Healthcare City station on the Green Line.
8. BurJuman
BurJuman is one of Dubai’s oldest malls and still has a strong mix of premium and contemporary brands, including Saks Fifth Avenue. It sits on the Red and Green lines, which makes it very easy to reach.
9. Dubai Hills Mall
Dubai Hills Mall is one of the newest large malls and sits inside the Dubai Hills Estate community. It has a modern, upscale feel, a VOX cinema and the SuperPark activity centre, which makes it popular with families.
10. Nakheel Mall
Nakheel Mall on Palm Jumeirah is a smaller, multi-level mall with a cinema, restaurants and links to The View observation deck at The Palm Tower. It is a convenient stop if you are visiting the Palm.
Best Open-Air and Waterfront Shopping in Dubai
11. City Walk
City Walk is an open-air district between Downtown and Jumeirah with tree-lined streets, boutiques, restaurants and views of the Burj Khalifa. It is at its best in the cooler months and in the evening.
12. Dubai Marina Mall
Dubai Marina Mall faces the marina and mixes high-street fashion with waterfront cafes. It is a good place for a casual afternoon, and the Dubai Tram stops nearby.
13. The Beach at JBR
The Beach is an open-air promenade across from Jumeirah Beach Residence, with shops, restaurants and beach access, so you can combine shopping with a swim or a sunset walk.
14. The Pointe
The Pointe on Palm Jumeirah is more of a waterfront dining and promenade destination than a classic mall, with a fountain show and views of Atlantis The Palm. It suits an evening out.
Best Budget and Outlet Shopping in Dubai
15. Dubai Outlet Mall
Dubai Outlet Mall is the place for discounted labels, but it is outside the city, so allow time to travel. See our guide to the Dubai Outlet Mall.
16. Mercato Shopping Mall
Mercato on Jumeirah Beach Road is an Italian-styled mid-range mall with a supermarket, cafes and a cinema. Our guide to the Mercato Shopping Mall explains what to expect.
17. Al Ghurair Centre
Al Ghurair Centre in Deira is one of the oldest malls in Dubai and is known for fabrics and local brands, so it is a good stop if you also plan to explore the old city. For markets, see our guide to the traditional souks in Dubai and the Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
Which Mall Should You Choose?
- If you want one famous mall: Dubai Mall
- If you want shopping and an unusual attraction: Mall of the Emirates for Ski Dubai or Dubai Mall for the aquarium
- If you want a relaxed waterfront day: Dubai Festival City Mall or Dubai Marina Mall
- If you want bargains: Dubai Outlet Mall or City Centre Deira
- If you want a quiet luxury visit: Wafi City
- If you want an evening outdoors: City Walk or The Pointe
How Much Does Shopping in Dubai Cost?
Dubai has options at every price, from budget chains at City Centre to haute couture on Fashion Avenue. Entry to malls is free, and parking is usually free at many malls, but attractions such as ski slopes, aquariums and indoor skydiving have separate tickets. Prices at luxury boutiques are similar to other global cities, while outlets and sales can be significantly cheaper. Many retailers take part in the tourist VAT refund scheme, so ask at the till and keep your receipts.
Best Time to Shop in Dubai
- Best season for sales: the Dubai Shopping Festival, usually from December to January, and the summer promotions
- Quietest times: weekday mornings and early afternoons
- Busiest times: evenings, weekends and public holidays
- Summer: an ideal time to visit malls, since they are cool and open late
- Ramadan: hours change, with shops often busiest after sunset
How to Plan Your Mall Day
If you have 2 hours
Choose the mall closest to your hotel and focus on one attraction, such as the aquarium at the Dubai Mall or Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates.
If you have half a day
Combine one big mall with a nearby sight. For example, visit the Dubai Mall in the afternoon and stay for the fountain show. See our guides to the Dubai Aquarium and the Dubai Fountain.
If you have a full shopping day
Start at a luxury mall in the morning, have lunch at a waterfront cafe, and finish with an outlet or an evening stroll at City Walk. Do not try to visit more than two malls in a day. For views of the city from above, read our guide to the Burj Khalifa.
Practical Tips
- Use the metro where you can, because several malls have direct station access.
- Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered in public areas.
- Carry a light jacket, since malls are strongly air-conditioned.
- Check opening hours, particularly on Fridays and during Ramadan.
- Compare prices, because international brands can cost less in outlets or during sales.
- Keep your receipts and passport if you plan to claim a VAT refund.
Shopping Malls in Dubai: Frequently Asked Questions
What is the biggest mall in Dubai?
The Dubai Mall is the largest and most visited mall in Dubai.
Which Dubai mall has an indoor ski slope?
Mall of the Emirates is home to Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort.
Which mall is best for families in Dubai?
Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai Festival City Mall, City Centre Mirdif and Mall of the Emirates are popular family choices.
Where is the best place for bargains in Dubai?
The Dubai Outlet Mall and City Centre Deira offer some of the best value.
Are Dubai malls open late?
Yes. Most malls stay open until around 10 pm or midnight, and some stay open later on weekends.
Can tourists get a VAT refund in Dubai?
Yes, at participating retailers. Ask for a refund form at the till and keep your receipts.
Is there a dress code in Dubai malls?
Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered. Beachwear is not appropriate in malls.
Final Thoughts
Dubai’s malls are a destination in their own right, so choose by what you want to do rather than by size alone. Pick one headline mall, add one smaller or outdoor option, and leave time for a meal or a show. For more ideas, see our full guide to the Dubai Mall.
