If you like shopping, Dubai is where it’s at. From the world-class mega malls to the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), there is so much on offer for pretty much everyone.
Here are the best places to take a day trip to when you’re next visiting or passing through Dubai in the Emirates.
Dubai Mall – The world’s fifth largest mall and dubbed the best mall of 2017
Having recently celebrated its 10 year anniversary the Dubai Mall is the most-visited lifestyle destination in the world, having welcomed over 80 million annual visitors in the past four years. Dubai Mall has everything from clothing to shoes, souvenirs to entertainment and food all under one massive roof. There is also an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink, and the awesome Dubai Aquarium. Not to mention the 1000-plus retailers, which include high-street favourites such as Topshop, Zara and COS, and department stores Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette. Luxury labels find their home in Fashion Avenue – a glossy section dedicated to high-end designers, with the nearby Level Shoe District boasting 96,000 square feet of retail space and brands such as Nicholas Kirkwood, Saint Laurent Paris and Dior.
Mall of the Emirates – The world’s first shopping resort
Featuring 360 international brands across department stores, fashion, lifestyle, sports, electronics and home furnishing outlets, a Magic Planet family entertainment area, a 14-screen VOX Cinemas, the world-renowned Ski Dubai – the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort and snow park, the 500-seat capacity Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC) and more than 90 international dining and café options – there is something for everyone!
Ibn Battuta Mall – The world’s largest themed mall
Known for its exaggerated decor, Ibn Battuta Mall celebrates the adventures of the Moroccan traveller of the same name. Each section of mall is named after one of countries he docked at during his travels in the 12th century. Egypt, Persia and Andalusia Courts are among the destinations featured, each decorated in idiosyncratic style. Think elaborate tiling, a gigantic golden elephant, a high ceiling painted to resemble blue skies, and China’s lush outdoor tea gardens. The centrepiece is an eastern style ship rolling though a fountain, finishing off the mall’s over the top appeal, making it a fun filled destination for adults and children alike. Interior design aside, Ibn Battuta is a treasure trove of fashion, lifestyle and sporting shops.
Wafi Mall – Authentic Arabian shopping
Housed in a distinct pyramid-shaped tower, the iconic Wafi Mall specialises in quality Arabian goods, for an opulent shopping experience. A mall frequented by locals and Emiratis, visitors can immerse themselves in an authentic Arabic shopping experience with Middle Eastern fashion boutiques offering the latest in male traditional dress, and burqas and abayas, perfect for wearing to visit one of Dubai’s beautiful mosques.
Dubai Marina Mall – International fashion and dining
Sitting on the shores of the marina, Dubai Marina Mall offers a casual family shopping experience, with its variety of international retailers and an emphasis on affordable high-street fashion and beauty services in a relaxed atmosphere. There’s plenty of choice for lunch, all with outdoor al fresco seating along the water’s edge and multiple coffee shops beneath the high-ceiling of the Dome at the heart of the mall.
Dubai Outlet Mall – Designer bargain hunting
It might be a 30-minute or so drive from the CBD, but this the outlet mall is worth the trip for any dedicated bargain hunter. Here, sales run year-round, with plenty of bargains to be found from designer labels such as Diane von Furstenberg, Burberry and Marc Jacobs, homewares, electronics and perfumes. Prices are often slashed to 70% of the normal ticketed price.