Top 9 Things to Do at Dubai Mall Beyond Shopping

Dubai attracts tourists from all over the world with its wide range of attractions. Among them, Dubai Mall stands out as one of the city's most popular destinations. Spread across a vast area, it is home to numerous attractions and experiences under one roof, making it much more than just a shopping destination.

Whether you're visiting the mall for the first time or returning to explore more, it's easy to spend an entire day here without realising how quickly time passes. Beyond the endless shopping options, the mall offers a mix of entertainment, dining, and unique attractions that appeal to families, couples, and solo travellers alike. No matter your interests, there is always something new to discover around every corner.

In this guide, you will come across 9 of the best ways to spend your time at Dubai Mall and make the most of your visit beyond shopping.

1. See sharks at the Dubai Mall Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

You do not need a ticket to enjoy one of the best parts of the Dubai Mall Aquarium. Seeing this giant main tank is easy, as it is located on the ground floor of the mall. It holds around 10 million litres of water and is home to a wide variety of marine life. Just stand near the glass, and you will soon spot sharks and other fascinating sea creatures swimming right in front of you.

You can even walk through a clear tunnel with marine life all around you, then head up to the Underwater Zoo on Level 2 for penguins, otters and a giant crocodile.

There are around 33,000 animals living in the main tank. You can also add encounters like a glass-bottom boat ride or a cage snorkel.

Tribe Travel Tip: Go on a weekday morning. It is quietest right after the 10am opening.

2. Stand beneath the Dubai Mall waterfall

The Dubai Mall waterfall is one of those spots you will pass without planning to, and then stop anyway. It is often called the Human Waterfall because of the life-size diver statues that hang on two large round structures, made of fibreglass. It opened in early 2009 and was designed by the same firm behind the mall itself.

One quick note. This is not the same as the Dubai Fountain. The waterfall is the art piece inside the mall, while the fountain is the water show just outside it.

Tribe Travel Tip: For photos, the lower floors give you the full height in one shot.

3. Watch the Dubai Fountain show after dark

When you are done with all your mall activities, you can step outside and enjoy an immersive experience at the Dubai Fountain. It is one of the best free things to do near the Dubai Mall, and finding crowds gathered around the lake is quite common.

Here, water shows take place every evening at regular intervals and are completely free to watch. Water jets shoot high into the air in sync with music and lights, while the Burj Khalifa glows beautifully in the background.

Good spots to watch from:

• The waterfront promenade right by the lake
• A terrace table at one of the restaurants facing the water
• The bridge that links the mall to Souk Al Bahar

To get more information, read the full blog on the Dubai Fountain here.

Tribe Travel Tip: Grab a waterfront dinner table so you can catch a few shows back to back.

4. Skate at the Dubai Ice Rink

There is real ice waiting for you to enjoy inside the mall. Known as the Dubai Ice Rink, it is an Olympic-sized skating rink that offers a refreshing escape, especially when the heat outside is at its peak.

It runs open skating sessions throughout the day, and you can hire skates there if you do not have your own. These sessions are sold according to time slots, so you may check the schedules first before booking one.

5. Let Kids Take Charge at KidZania 

If you have children with you, KidZania is an easy win. It is a mini city built to their size, where kids try out real jobs like firefighter, doctor or pilot. They earn play money and learn while engaging with fun activities. This place is very appealing to children, and they rarely want to leave, so always keep a few hours in hand.

6. Try the rides at Play DXB

If you are looking for a spot that entertains older kids, teens, and even adults, then DXB is the place to be. With more than 30 rides and experiences available, you can simply choose whichever one appeals to you. Here, the experience is a blend of virtual reality and thrilling attractions.

Some rides can be a little fast and intense, while others are more relaxed and gentle. So, you have plenty of options and can easily choose a ride that matches your comfort level and interests.

Tribe Travel Tip: Look for combo or off-peak passes, and double-check what is on offer on the official site.

7. Catch a film at Reel Cinemas

The Dubai Mall never ceases to amaze, and it even has attractions that cater to movie lovers. The Reel Cinemas is right here. It is a large cinema with several screens, including some premium ones with comfy seats and food service.

It can be a great escape from the mall's busier attractions and a chance to enjoy a more relaxed experience. You can sit back, watch a movie, and spend a couple of hours comfortably while still enjoying one of the mall's attractions.

Tribe Travel Tip: Save it for the hottest part of the afternoon.

8. Wander the Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue for the views

People think of Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue as only for luxury shopping, but you do not have to buy a thing to enjoy it. The design here is very attractive. Enjoying this spot is very convenient, as crowds are thinner with lovely open-air dining terraces.

The great thing about that terrace is that it looks straight out over the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa, which makes it a great evening stroll.

Free things to enjoy here:

• The calm, quieter feel away from the main halls
• The terrace views of the fountain and tower
• Window views of some of the world's best-known brands

Tribe Travel Tip: Time your terrace walk to line up with a fountain show for enjoying spectacular water shows.

9. Eat with a view in Restaurants

Dining can be a pretty good way to get closer to the local culture by tasting a variety of delicious cuisines. With more than 200 food outlets in Dubai Mall restaurants, you will have plenty of options to choose from. Depending on your appetite, you can pick any restaurant that suits your taste.

If you are looking for a special meal with beautiful views, that is also possible here. On the other hand, if you just want a quick bite or a coffee break, there are plenty of cafés to choose from as well.

Conclusion

These nine experiences allow you to spend your time in a much more captivating way than simply shopping at the Dubai Mall. You may not even realise how quickly time passes as you wander around and explore everything the mall has to offer. With the aquarium, the waterfall, the fountain and activities like eating meals, you surely would find your entire day worthwhile.

If you are planning your Dubai holiday and want help slotting it all together, the advisors at Holiday Tribe are happy to sort the land side of your plans, at a pace that suits you.