Dubai's malls are entertainment districts as much as retail — plan time, not just a shop list.

Inside The Dubai Mall

The list

  1. The Dubai Mall — 1,200+ stores, Aquarium, ice rink, Burj Khalifa walkway; fountain shows outside. Metro Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall.
  2. Mall of the Emirates — Ski Dubai, luxury wing, strong Metro link.
  3. Dubai Hills Mall — newer suburban family mall.
  4. City Centre Mirdif — east Dubai anchor with indoor leisure.
  5. Ibn Battuta Mall — six travel-themed courts; Metro Ibn Battuta.
  6. Festival City Mall — creek-side dining.
  7. Dubai Marina Mall — compact marina-front centre.
  8. Nakheel Mall — Palm Jumeirah trunk retail.
  9. Deira City Centre — classic Deira shopping.
  10. City Walk / Bluewaters — open-air City Walk plus Ain Dubai wheel on Bluewaters.
Fountain area at Dubai Mall

VAT is 5% on many goods; tourist VAT refund schemes apply with eligible receipts at departure (see Federal Tax Authority guidance).

Sources: Mall operator websites; Visit Dubai; Emaar fountain schedule.
Photos: Wikimedia Commons — Dubai Mall gallery (CC BY 2.0); The Dubai Fountain at dusk (CC BY-SA 3.0).
Dubai Story Desk — original guide, verified May 2026.