Dubai is famous for making everyday activities exciting, and its malls are a great example. The best malls in Dubai offer much more than shopping. You’ll find luxury stores, dining, indoor entertainment, family attractions, and even waterfront views. Many visitors spend a whole day enjoying everything these best shopping malls in Dubai have to offer. Each top mall has its own unique vibe and experience.
This guide covers the top seven malls in Dubai, what makes each one special, nearby attractions, and hotels you can stay at.
Which Are the Best Malls in Dubai?
The best shopping malls in Dubai listed below were chosen for their size, variety, entertainment options, and suitability for spending a full day. Each one has something unique to offer.
At a glance:
- Dubai Mall
- Mall of the Emirates
- Dubai Hills Mall
- Ibn Battuta Mall
- Dubai Festival City Mall
- Mercato Shopping Mall
- City Walk Dubai
1. Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall is one of the largest malls in the world with a total internal floor area of 5.9 million sq ft and over 1,200 retail stores. It sits in Downtown Dubai on Financial Centre Road.
Key attractions inside:
- Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo: One of the world's largest suspended aquariums
- Dubai Ice Rink: Olympic-sized indoor rink open to the public
- Dubai Fountain: Located beside the mall and best viewed from the waterfront promenade.
The best hotels in Dubai near Dubai Mall include Address Downtown, Armani Hotel Dubai (inside Burj Khalifa), and Vida Downtown, all within walking distance.
- Access: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station, Red Line metro
Also Read: Check out our complete guide on Things to do at Dubai Mall.
2. Mall of the Emirates
Source credits: Mall of the Emirates
The Mall of the Emirates opened in September 2005, with its official inauguration in November 2005, and was developed by Majid Al Futtaim Group. It has 900+ retail outlets across 255,489 sq m of leasable space.
What sets it apart:
- Ski Dubai: The Middle East's first indoor ski resort and snow park; open to all skill levels
- Dubai Community Theatre and Arts Centre (DUCTAC): A 500-seat performing arts venue inside the mall
- Magic Planet: One of the largest indoor family entertainment centres in Dubai, inside the mall
- 100+ restaurants and cafés across four levels
This is one of the best malls in Dubai for families, with shopping, indoor entertainment, dining, and Ski Dubai all in one place.
- Access: Mall of the Emirates Metro Station, Red Line; bus routes 84, 93, F29, F30, F33
3. Dubai Hills Mall
Source credits: Dubai Hills Mall
Dubai Hills Mall opened in February 2022 and was built by Emaar Properties. With 750 stores and 2 million square feet of space, it’s one of the newest and most famous malls in Dubai.
Key highlights:
- VOX Cinemas: Multi-screen cinema complex inside the mall
- SuperPark: A large indoor adventure and entertainment park for all ages
- Wide dining selection across multiple cuisine types
- Location: Dubai Hills Estate, intersection of Al Khail Road and Umm Suqeim Street
- Metro access: No direct station; nearest options are Mall of the Emirates or Mashreq Station, both approximately 10 minutes by car
Also Read: Our detailed guide on Dubai Metro.
4. Ibn Battuta Mall
Source credits: Ibn Battuta Mall
Ibn Battuta Mall opened in April 2005 and is managed by Dubai Retail (formerly Nakheel Properties). At 521,000 sq m, it is recognised as the world's largest themed shopping mall.
What makes it unique:
The mall is divided into six courts, each inspired by a different region visited by 14th-century Moroccan scholar Ibn Battuta: China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia, and Andalusia. Each court has distinct architecture, ceilings, and decor.
- 275+ shops and 50+ restaurants across six themed courts
- Entertainment and family attractions across six themed courts
- Access: Ibn Battuta Metro Station, Red Line; direct platform access
Tribe Travel Tip: The mall's cinema closed in 2024; check the official Ibn Battuta Mall website for current entertainment options.
5. Dubai Festival City Mall
Source credits: Dubai Festival City Mall
Dubai Festival City Mall opened on 22 January 2007 and is owned by Al-Futtaim Real Estate. It covers 232,507 sq m of leasable space with 400+ stores, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Key draw:
- IMAGINE Show: A free waterfront multimedia show held at Festival Bay. Check the official Dubai Festival City Mall website for the latest daily show timings before your visit.
- Arrive 15 to 20 minutes early to secure a good spot along the Festival Bay waterfront
One of the best shopping malls in Dubai for an evening visit, particularly for families. Hotels within the complex include the InterContinental Dubai Festival City and Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City.
6. Mercato Shopping Mall
Source credits: Mercato Shopping Mall
Mercato Shopping Mall is in Jumeirah and is one of the most famous malls in Dubai. Its architecture is inspired by Italian Renaissance and European medieval styles, making it distinct from any other mall in Dubai.
- Approximately 100 stores; suited to a 2- to 3-hour visit rather than a full day
- A short walk from Jumeirah Beach and Jumeirah Mosque
- Good option if you are already spending time in the Jumeirah area
This is one of the best malls in Dubai if you want a quieter environment, perfect for pairing with a beach holiday or a relaxed afternoon in the area.
7. City Walk Dubai
Source credits: City Walk Dubai
City Walk Dubai is an open-air lifestyle area built by Meraas in the city centre. Shops, dining, and entertainment are spread out along walkable streets, giving it a very different feel from a traditional indoor mall.
Key attractions:
- Green Planet Dubai: A fully enclosed tropical biodome housing 3,000 species of plants and animals
- Boutique shopping, outdoor cafes, street art installations, and international dining create a relaxed open-air atmosphere throughout the district
City Walk Dubai is one of the best shopping malls in Dubai, a great choice if you prefer outdoor spaces to traditional malls. You can visit at your own pace, with dining, shopping, and attractions all spread out in a walkable open-air area.
What Can You Do After Visiting Dubai Malls?
Many famous malls in Dubai are near popular attractions, so it’s easy to plan a full day that includes both shopping and sightseeing.
Mall | Nearest Major Attraction | Travel Time from Mall |
Dubai Mall | Burj Khalifa (At the Top); Dubai Fountain show (free, post-sunset) | 5 to 10 min walk |
Mall of the Emirates | Kite Beach and Jumeirah Beach; Al Quoz Art District | 15 min by taxi |
Dubai Festival City Mall | Deira Creek Dhow Cruise; Deira Gold Souk (via Al Jaddaf Marine Station) | 20 min by taxi |
City Walk Dubai | Box Park (adjacent); DIFC Art District | 2 min walk; 10 min by taxi |
Ibn Battuta Mall | Dubai Marina and JBR waterfront | 15 min by taxi |
Dubai Hills Mall | Miracle Garden (seasonal); Al Barsha Park | 20 min by taxi |
You can spend a whole day in the Dubai Mall area, enjoying attractions in Downtown Dubai. City Walk Dubai also links to Boxpark, making it easy to extend your afternoon or evening out.
Most of these best malls in Dubai are close to famous landmarks, so you can easily mix shopping with sightseeing in one afternoon.
Which Are the Best Hotels in Dubai Near Dubai Mall?
Downtown Dubai, where Dubai Mall is located, has more premium hotels than any other mall area in the city. Most are within walking distance, and some even have direct access to the mall.
Best hotels in Dubai near Dubai Mall within walking distance:
- Address Downtown: Connected via a climate-controlled walkway to the mall; one of the closest options
- Armani Hotel Dubai: Located inside Burj Khalifa; within 10 minutes on foot of the mall entrance
- Vida Downtown: Directly across from the mall; suits those who want a modern, central stay
- Sofitel Dubai Downtown: A few minutes on foot; on Sheikh Zayed Road with easy mall access
For guests staying near the Mall of the Emirates, the Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates connects directly to the mall via an internal walkway. Al Barsha area hotels including Marriott Al Barsha and Centro Al Barsha are within 5 to 10 minutes' walk of the mall.
Staying at the best hotels in Dubai near Dubai Mall also means you’re close to the Burj Khalifa, Dubai Opera, and other Downtown attractions, all within easy walking distance.
Final Takeaway
The best malls in Dubai cover every style and scale. The Dubai Mall sets the benchmark. The best malls in Dubai offer something for everyone. The Dubai Mall is the biggest and has top attractions like the aquarium, ice rink, and Dubai Fountain. Ibn Battuta Mall stands out with its six themed courts. City Walk Dubai lets you shop and dine outdoors. Dubai Hills Mall is the newest large mall, while Mercato Shopping Mall in Jumeirah is perfect for a quiet afternoon near the beach.
If you’re planning a holiday to Dubai, Holiday Tribe can help you create a custom itinerary that includes the best shopping spots, top attractions, great hotels, and memorable experiences.
