The big malls
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| The Dubai Mall | Dubai's biggest mall, with 1,200+ stores, Dubai Aquarium, an ice rink and restaurants on the Fountain; over 105 million visitors in 2025. | Downtown, next to Burj Khalifa, near a Metro station |
| Mall of the Emirates | Luxury brands and Ski Dubai, with a big expansion of new shops and entertainment due by late 2026. | Sheikh Zayed Road, Mall of the Emirates Metro station |
| Ibn Battuta Mall | Six courts styled on Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China, following the travels of Ibn Battuta. | Jebel Ali, on Sheikh Zayed Road |
| Dubai Hills Mall | A modern mall with brands, restaurants and an indoor family play park. | Dubai Hills |
| City Centre Mirdif and Deira | Family malls with big stores and play parks for children; City Centre Deira is one of Dubai's oldest big malls. | Mirdif and Deira |
| Dubai Festival City Mall | A Creek-side mall with waterfront restaurants and furniture and electronics stores. | Festival City |
Souqs and outlets
| Place | Why go | Before you go |
|---|---|---|
| Gold Souq and Spice Souq | Deira's traditional markets by the Creek, for gold, spices and perfume. | Deira, reached from Bur Dubai by abra |
| Souk Madinat Jumeirah | A traditional Arabian-style souq laced with waterways, overlooking Burj Al Arab. | Jumeirah |
| City Walk | An open-air shopping and dining street, loveliest on winter evenings. | Al Wasl |
| Al Seef | A Creek-side quarter styled on old Dubai: cafés, restaurants and small shops. | Bur Dubai |
| Dragon Mart | One of the biggest markets for Chinese goods outside China, at wholesale and retail prices. | International City |
| Outlet malls | Dubai Outlet Mall and The Outlet Village: well-known brands at reduced prices all year. | Al Ain Road, and Jebel Ali |
Tips before you go
- Dubai's big sales run in winter and summer, so check the dates before you travel.
- The Dubai Metro reaches The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta, faster than a taxi at rush hour.
- Malls stay open late at weekends, so keep the evenings for them and the mornings for outdoor sights.
Hotels in Dubai
Flights to Dubai
More places nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is the biggest mall in Dubai?
The Dubai Mall, with over 1,200 stores, Dubai Aquarium and an ice rink.
Where can I find discounted brands in Dubai?
At Dubai Outlet Mall on Al Ain Road and The Outlet Village in Jebel Ali.
What are Dubai's best-known traditional souqs?
The Gold and Spice Souqs in Deira, Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Al Seef on the Creek.
Planning your trip to the United Arab Emirates? Read Travel to the UAE from Saudi Arabia.
Last updated: October 2026. The information is for guidance only; ticket prices and opening hours are set by each attraction and may change, so check them on the official website before you go.