the best shopping malls in Dubai

fashionistas can find world-famous brands. With an endless line of charming local shops, exclusive designer boutiques, cheap wholesale stores, and handicraft centers, the retail experience in Dubai can’t fail to impress.

And there’s more than just high-end goods going on. Shops in Dubai are interspersed with spas, cinemas, and high-end cafés and restaurants to ensure you still have the energy for the ultimate shopping spree. One thing for sure is that at the end of your visit to Dubai, you’ll hardly go home with more luggage than when you arrived.

Mall of the Emirates

Home to a ski slope, cinema complex, 560 shops, and pop-up concepts, a visit to the Mall of the Emirates is a must on any trip to Dubai. Shop, dine, and stroll beneath the glamorous Fashion Dome, with its wrought-iron ceiling reminiscent of European railways, at brands like Apple, Chanel, Burberry, and Missoni and luxury boutiques like Polo Ralph Lauren – just to name a few.

Entertainment at Mall of the Emirates

If you feel like a break from wandering the stores, check out any of the attractions available on site. The most popular spots for a session of fun include Ski Dubai, the incredible VR experience Dreamscape, and Magic Planet for the little ones.

There’s always something going on the ground floor, from fashion shows to interactive family activities. The flagship branch of VOX Cinemas is also located at the mall, if you want to catch the latest blockbusters in comfort and style.

Dining options to delight all tastes

Home to a ski slope, cinema complex, 560 shops, and pop-up concepts, a visit to the Mall of the Emirates is a must on any trip to Dubai. Shop, dine, and stroll beneath the glamorous Fashion Dome, with its wrought-iron ceiling reminiscent of European railways, at brands like Apple, Chanel, Burberry, and Missoni and luxury boutiques like Polo Ralph Lauren – just to name a few.

Entertainment at Mall of the Emirates

If you feel like a break from wandering the stores, check out any of the attractions available on site. The most popular spots for a session of fun include Ski Dubai, the incredible VR experience Dreamscape, and Magic Planet for the little ones.

There’s always something going on the ground floor, from fashion shows to interactive family activities. The flagship branch of VOX Cinemas is also located at the mall if you want to catch the latest blockbusters in comfort and style.

Dining options to delight all tastes

To keep yourself fueled throughout your retail and recreational adventure you can choose from the generous variety of dining outlets including Azkadenya for healthy Mediterranean fare, the ever-popular Din Tai Fung, and hip coffee shop Common Grounds.

Mall of the Emirates is also directly connected to the branches of Sheraton and Kempinski, giving the shopping center visitors access to upscale restaurants at both hotels, from Besh Turkish Kitchen to Olea.

Dragon Mart

Explore the gateway for Chinese products in Dubai

Step into one of the largest trading centers for Chinese products outside mainland China at Dragon Mart – you will be in awe at the number of products, and how low the prices are. Within this 150,000sqm dragon-shaped building you’ll find almost 4,000 shops selling both wholesale and retail items.

Products range from household appliances and furniture to textiles, clothes and shoes, but you never know what else you might find. Wandering past the eye-popping array of wares for sale, you’re sure to come away with something, even if it’s just a pretty teapot or an interesting lamp.

Things to do around the venue

You can also pop by next door to Dragon Mart 2 for more entertainment and dining fun. Even if you just come here for the experience, it’s fascinating to see a trading space that is the gateway to Chinese products into the region. It’s all easy on the wallet too.

Those looking for accommodation away from the city bustle find the nearby ibis Styles Dragon Mart Dubai Hotel an ideal spot, lending quick access to a retail-focused and family-friendly holiday.

Dubai Outlet Mall

A shopping hotspot with incredible bargains

Dubai Outlet Mall is the ultimate value shopping destination to grab a bargain. More than 1,200 premium international brands are available across 240 stores all loaded with discounts ranging between 30-90%.

You are sure to find some great deals from both designer and high street brands. On top of that, a variety of kids’ brands ensure there is something for the whole family. Keep the kids occupied and head to the children’s entertainment area if you need a break from shopping. You’ll find games at Chuck E Cheese, rides, entertainment, and play areas that cater to toddlers and older kids.

Dining options include a variety of food courts and restaurants, with over 20 selections. You’ll be deciding on more than just retail stores to visit. Getting here is easy too – there’s a shuttle bus that takes you straight to the mall from many different parts of Dubai.

A quaint mall with shops, services, and restaurants

Spread over two floors and over 4,500sqm, Beach Park Plaza is the place to head to when you want to visit a hair salon, spa, money exchange outlet or restaurant for dining with friends or family.

Located opposite Jumeirah Beach Park in Jumeirah 2, the mall is a convenient pit-stop after a morning or afternoon at the beach. Restaurants include Manga Sushi and Samad Al Iraqi.

For entertainment options, you have a computer gaming area as well as a world-class fitness center. If you just want to relax and get out of the sun for a bit, Beach Park Plaza has a wide range of different options to suit everyone.

City Centre Mirdif

Family entertainment, indoor skydiving, shopping, and more

One of the city’s busiest malls, most popular among families, City Centre Mirdif offers a huge range of activities including bowling, a climbing wall, a soccer circus, rides, and a gaming arcade.

You could spend all day at this easy-to-navigate mall. But if you do come for the retail offerings, you’ll find over 260 brands including Debenhams, Forever 21, and Pottery Barn to splurge on. With more than 430 stores, this is a giant hub for leisure, entertainment, dining, and shopping.

Things to do at City Centre Mirdif

Dubai’s malls have more to offer than just shopping and City Centre Mirdif offers proof of that. Go skydiving indoors at iFly Dubai, visit a 10-screen VOX Cinemas where you can catch the latest entertainment from around the world, or find all your essentials at the Carrefour hypermarket.

There are over 80 eateries to choose from too – grab a snack and specialty coffee at Arabica or Cupagahwa, plan an elegant meal at quality restaurants like Zafran or La Brioche and wash it all down with decadent treats from Godiva or Ben’s Cookies.

Nakheel Mall

Shopping, fun & more at the heart of the Palm

Nakheel Mall is a premium lifestyle, retail, dining and entertainment destination located at the heart of Palm Jumeirah. Accessible by Palm Monorail, road or on foot, the mall opened in late 2019 with more than 300 shops, restaurants and entertainment options.

Shopping highlights include the MODO department store, H&M, Waitrose supermarket, which join a range of recreational spaces such as the Trampo Extreme trampoline park, a Fabyland indoor playground and a 14-screen Vox Cinemas complex.

Tourist attractions at the mall

Anyone keen to indulge their appetite can choose from a range of rooftop fine dining restaurants, The Eatery food court or a number of cafés – all guaranteed to satisfy your coffee cravings. The mall also provides access to The View at The Palm. The public observatory sits at the top of The Palm Tower, providing unmatched vistas of the archipelago from 230m above sea level.

In 2021, St. Regis opened its doors on The Palm – directly connected to Nakheel Mall, the grand hotel consists of 290 rooms and suites along with a glamorous daylight ballroom, handcrafted restaurant concepts, luxurious spa and two infinity swimming pools.

The Dubai Mall Zabeel

There’s, even more, to explore at The Dubai Mall’s extension

The Dubai Mall Zabeel is an exciting expansion of the world’s largest shopping mall and leisure destination. Located adjacent to The Dubai Mall, the seven-story retail space is connected by an air-conditioned footbridge so visitors can explore the shopping complex, or simply make use of the 3,000 parking spaces.

With a capacity for 63 outlets, The Dubai Mall Zabeel presents a range of shops, restaurants, and family-friendly destinations that are entirely unique to the area. In addition to a huge Grandiose supermarket – which stocks a wide range of French brands – visitors can discover apparel from G-Shock, Project x Paris, Giulio Twist, and Neon Starfish.

There’s also plenty of fun as The Dubai Mall Zabeel is home to the Ekart Zabeel go-karting track, a Train gym, and a food court with less-than-ordinary options. Diners can grab quick (but delicious) sweets at Cereal Society, Indian delicacies at Zambar Express, and flavourful burgers at Side Kick.

The Dubai Mall

The world’s largest shopping, entertainment, and leisure destination

The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest destination for shopping, entertainment, and leisure, located next to the world’s tallest building, the Burj Khalifa. Featuring over 1,200 retail stores, two major department stores, and hundreds of food and beverage outlets, The Dubai Mall covers more than 1 million sqm – an area equivalent to 200 football pitches.

For lovers of high fashion, over 70 signature outlets beckon your attention, including retailers such as Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette, the first in the Middle East. For haute couture, head to Fashion Avenue where you can experience the latest collections from world-renowned designers and brands such as Versace, Burberry, and more.

What to do at Dubai’s biggest mall  

You can also find the finest gold jewelry in the Gold Souk as well as the latest in footwear at Level Shoes. The Dubai Mall is the ultimate family entertainment destination with The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink, the children’s ‘edutainment concept KidZania and a massive indoor cinema complex – just some of the ways to keep everyone busy.

Don’t miss the indoor fountain (one of the most photographed spots in the mall), or The Village, which features a retractable roof opened in the winter months to offer shoppers an outdoor experience. There is also direct access to the five-star Address Dubai Mall, ensuring a seamless shopping experience for hotel guests.

New experiences at the Zabeel extension

The destination has also grown even larger with the 2019 opening of Dubai Mall Zabeel, a significant expansion that welcomed a host of new lifestyle experiences, dining options, retail options, and 3,000 new parking spaces. The new Zabeel extension adds almost 15,000sqm of lifestyle space, with an incredible array of art on display – all linked by a fully air-conditioned link bridge from The Dubai Mall.

Galleria Mall

Shop, dine, and relax at Dubai’s luxurious Galleria Mall

The Galleria Mall offers boutique shopping in the heart of Jumeirah, with a secondary location in Al Barsha. Featuring shopping, dining and entertainment, the malls combine the bright and sunny vibe of the city with a trendy urban aesthetic.

This lush destination provides everything you need to refuel, socialise and relax during your stay in Dubai. With exquisite architecture, prestigious brands, luxurious facilities and a diverse collection of restaurants, Galleria Mall will surely impress the whole family.

There are plenty of options for everyone to enjoy, making this a winning destination mall. You’ll find the flagship Galleria Mall in the coveted neighbourhood of Jumeirah, just a short distance from the beach and City Walk.

Mercato Shopping Mall

Enjoy a charming, Italian-style ambiance at this compact mall

For a relaxing shopping experience, head to this Italian Renaissance-style mall with cobbled streets and pretty piazzas. With 130 retailers, it’s a manageable size and has a charming ambience. Shop at stores like Mango, Diesel and Massimo Dutti while soaking up the natural light from the glass atrium.

Locals love the Spinneys supermarket and there’s a VOX Cinemas branch and a Fun City for kids too. Need to refuel? Grab a coffee and pastry at an indoor street café like Paul or dine at one of the eateries such as the popular Shake Shack or ECCO Pizza & Pasta.

Make your Mercato visit a memorable outing

Virgin Megastore is an ideal stop-off for gifts and keepsakes, while much of the other outlets are reserved for fashion, footwear and accessories. This mall in Jumeirah is especially romantic at night with its glowing streetlights, perfect for enjoying quality time with family and loved ones.

Bored of taking the escalator? Enjoy a ride down the mall’s giant slide, from the first floor back to the ground level for some added fun.

Dubai Marina Mall

A family-friendly mall with the best Dubai Marina views

With a glorious waterfront location, over 130 outlets across four levels including promenade cafes and restaurants, Dubai Marina Mall is a small, airy and relaxed shopping mall. You’ll find a great mix of high-street chain stores like Reiss, Levi’s, Tommy Hilfiger, Nine West and Cos.

There is a great selection of affordable brands like Giordano, Miss Selfridge, Borders, New Look and Boots. This modern mall is particularly good for children. Families can enjoy Gymboree, Mamas & Papas, Mothercare, Adams Kids, Destination Maternity and Early Learning Centre.

What’s more, you’ll find waterfront eateries, a Waitrose supermarket and great entertainment at Reel Cinemas. If you’re staying at the Address Dubai Marina hotel, stroll through the direct walkway to reach the mall. After a great shopping escapade, go for a relaxing boat trip in the marina.

Your ultimate guide to Dubai’s souks

Hidden gems at Gold Souk

Fittingly for Dubai, ‘the city of gold’, the Gold Souk is a must-see for couples looking for a statement jewellery piece, or visitors hunting for that special memento from their time in Dubai. The wide passageways are alive with tradesmen and artists trained in the craft of designing jewellery, from bespoke pieces to alluring Arabic designs, with prices that aren’t set in stone.

Arguably the best place to purchase gold, Dubai’s Gold Souk is a place where all that glitters is gold! The beautiful jewellery on display would surely mesmerise you and convince you to make a purchase. There are hundreds of shops and vendors next to each other on the street selling premium quality gold. 18K, 20K, 21K, 22K, 24K are available as per requirement and are sold at the current market rate mentioned outside the stores. Shopkeepers tend to raise the price when they see a tourist so bargain all you can. While the gold would be sold on the market price, you’ll be able to haggle on the working charges. Keep in mind to not purchase from the vendors as they don’t follow all the legalities in selling goods. Even if you are not interested in buying gold, this Gold Souk in Dubai is a major tourist attraction to experience the liveliness of a gold market.

Food for thought at Spice Souk

Let your nose guide you to yet another fascinating souk in the city – Spice Souk. Located beside the Gold Souk, it is an ancient market filled with exotic and homegrown spices. You’ll be greeted by a rich palate of spices sourced from organic farmers and enthusiasts. Talk with the friendly vendors to know about the spice, where it originated and how you can use it to spice up your taste buds! Also, you will find several nuts, dried fruits, oils, and saffron being widely sold in the market. You can purchase the spices by weight or in packets. The vendors will surely lower the price if you buy in bulk. Not sure about love but the flavour is definitely in the air at Dubai’s Spice Souk.

Scents of tradition at Perfume Souk

Follow the road up from the Gold and Spice Souks, and you’ll find yourself in Deira’s Perfume Souk on Sikkat Al Khali Street. Dealing in everything scented, from pure perfume to essential oils, incense sticks and the exotic traditional oud, this trading spot has beautifully-fragranced options for all. Buy rich oils in bulk, stored in wholesale-sized flagons, or opt for the more portable ornate vials designed for those who like to dab perfume on their pulse points. It’s also the perfect place to have a personal fragrance created and bottled by experienced perfumers.

Fine silks at Textile Souk

On the Bur Dubai side of the Creek you’ll discover the colourful Textile Souk. A favourite haunt of the city’s in-demand tailors and emerging fashion designers, the souk’s vast array of shops are crowded with rolls of fabric, including fine silks, airy cottons, exotic weaves, and dazzling sari fabrics. Choose from your favourite materials and pop into one of the surrounding tailors to be measured for a dress, abaya (traditional womenswear), kandora (traditional menswear) or suit made to your design. Most can turn around orders in days.

Boutique buys at Souk Madinat

Nestled between the five-star Mina A’Salam and Al Qasr hotels, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is for those who want to skip the haggling, but enjoy the thrill of souk-style shopping. Wander the labyrinth of narrow lanes in search of fun souvenirs, fine art and sculptures. Pop into the many local and international design houses or enjoy a meal by the waterside. Complete your visit with a traditional abra ride and drink in the views of the beautiful Burj Al Arab in the distance.

Modern jewels at The Dubai Mall

Around the corner from rows of European jewelry stores is The Dubai Mall’s take on an Arabian-style souk, with more than 40 boutiques boasting fine jewelry, precious metals, and jaw-dropping gemstones. Modernized and on par with international standards, this is a vivacious shopping experience with the local craftsmen passionate about their art and Emirati heritage reflected in their intricate designs.

Shopping with a view at Souk Al Bahar

Just a short and scenic stroll over the footbridge that arches across Burj Lake at the base of Burj Khalifa, Souk Al Bahar is a modern take on a traditional Arabian marketplace. Here, you can stock up on dates, incense cones, jewelry, abayas, brass lamps, souvenirs, and even fresh Arabic pastries. Upstairs, with its wide-slung windows, is one of the best vantage points from which to enjoy a meal while watching the evening shows of The Dubai Fountain.