The 5 best shopping malls in Dubai
Dubai's famous malls are for far more than just shopping. They are an experience unto themselves. Hosting everything from the world's largest malls to the most eye-watering high fashion boutiques, this is a city of superlatives when it comes to purchasing. With over 90 different malls throughout the city, there's no surprise that shopping is something of a national hobby. Here we look at the best malls Dubai has to offer and why you shouldn't miss them on your next visit to Dubai.
1. The Dubai Mall
The number one spot is something of a no-brainer as this is the largest mall in the world. Boasting an aquarium, art spaces, an ice-skating rink, giant reconstructed dinosaur fossil and a number of prestigious department stores, this mall screams excess. Neighbouring the Dubai Fountain and Burj Khalifa, many will travel here simply as a tourist sightseeing destination. But there's so much to buy too. Over 1,300 retail spaces stretch over a massive interior space with beautiful decor and installations.
2. Mall of the Emirates
Home to some of the world's most luxurious fashion brands, the Mall of the Emirates is about as chic as it gets. What's more, the mall features an actual indoor ski slope for when retail therapy is just not exciting enough. Expect a world of lavish brands like Dior, Bulgari and Gucci with personal shoppers and hands-free bag collection.
3. Festival City Mall
Described as a city within a city, the Festival City Mall combines work, leisure and living with countless shopping areas and hotels. For visitors to the city, the mall's canal-side walk and abra rides across the creek area a must do. The evening brings light shows across a replica outdoor pirate ship which are a real hit with children and adults alike.
4. Mercato Mall
For a more relaxed but still no less opulent experience, the Mercato Mall is designed to mimic an Italian Renaissance village. Featuring many well-known global brands, visitors will find plenty of fantastic eateries and bakeries for a mid-retail sugar boost while they travel the faux 15th-century streets. More importantly, the mall is light and spacious with a much slower pace than its other behemoth brethren, offering a slice of the casual Italian café lifestyle in the heart of the UAE. As with many other of the UAE's malls, it is also very kid friendly with a family-oriented children's play area and entertainment centre called Fun City.
5. Box Park
One of the most minimalist suggestions on the list, Box Park is a Shoreditch-inspired urban mall featuring a number of youthful local clothing brands and accessories. The name is even stolen directly from the London-based Box Park. Located in a reconstructed container park, Box Park is a far more quirky alternative to the usual glitz and glamour. Although you'll still find some exuberant brands on offer, Urbanist will suit a younger audience with its pop-up shops and hipster vibe. From eclectic dining to street-side cafes, Box Park is a welcome change from the usual in the UAE.
If you are looking for luxury cars for rent in Dubai for visiting these fascinating malls, you will be spoilt for choice.
