Dubai is known for its enormous and comprehensive malls and is a shopper’s paradise for shopaholics. It is a dream destination for many and has much to offer. This emirate provides a great variety of retail options and attractions. Here are a few malls which are not much popular but you need to check what is unique in each of them.
Ibn Battuta Mall
It is located in the vicinity of Discovery Gardens and Jebel Ali village and is known to be one of the renowned themed malls in Dubai. If you are traveling by metro, the nearest metro station is Ibn Battuta station which is easily accessible to the mall. The mall is designed and planned according to the different countries where the famous explorer Ibn Battuta traveled. The architecture is not to be missed. It is divided into six courts based on the travels of the explorer. They are Andulasia, India, China, Persia, Egypt, and Tunisia. Each court has different vibes according to the themes of that particular country. I personally love this mall for its beautiful architecture and cultural stories. Carrefour Hypermarket is available in the mall. There are a number of brands available for shopping. To name a few, they are Mumuso, H&M, Centrepoint, Skechers, etc. There are paid play sections in the mall for the kids to enjoy. The food court offers a range of different cuisines to suit everyone’s tastebuds. My recommended eateries would be Nando’s, Absolute Barbecue, India Palace, Tony Roma’s, and Pizza Express.
My recommended timing would be to visit in the evening
Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Jebel Ali Village – Dubai
Contact: 8006254335
Festival City Mall
As the name suggests, this mall is located in the Dubai Festival City. It is a huge mall and most of the high-end brands and furniture stores are located in this mall. It is divided into two sections where there are clothing, fashion accessories, and restaurants on one side and most of the furniture stores on the other side. Also, there are a few stalls of abayas, baby clothing, and kids’ accessories outside the furniture stores to stroll around. Brands like Zara, GAP, Mango, Adidas, Aldo, Babyshop, Kiplings, and Borders are obtainable. On the other side of the mall, there is IKEA, Pan Emirates, and Royal Furniture. For entertainment purpose, there is Novo Cinemas and a fountain at the waterfront which happens every 30 minutes. It is a dancing light fountain show which starts at 6 pm in the evening and at 11 pm records the last show on the weekends. Fire flames, sparks, and laser lights with live music is a show which is definitely worth watching. I was in awe of this show and would be visiting again to enjoy the view. I suggest you visit The Cheesecake Factory for its gorgeous views of the waterfront or The Magnolia Bakery if you are a sweet tooth. Plenty of Turkish, Italian, Greek, and Irani restaurants are available at one’s disposal.
My recommended time would be to visit in the late afternoon.
Location: Crescent Dr – Dubai Festival City – Dubai
Contact: 800332
Dubai Marina Mall
Marina Mall is a wide four-story mall offering luxury and fashion brands. It is located in the heart of Marina and is very close to JBR Beach. It is quite accessible for tourists staying at the Address Dubai Marina as the mall is connected directly to this luxurious Hotel. It is also convenient for residents staying at the JBR. The interiors of the mall are spectacular and have a dome-shaped sparkling ceiling. A number of famous eatery options for dining at the waterfront with gorgeous views and a wide array of brands are available at the mall. High-street brands like Charles and Kieth, Steve Madden, Guess, Ted Baker, Balmain, Nike, and Adidas are within easy reach. My favorite joint is Carluccino’s(Italian cuisine) where I enjoyed the scrumptious filling meal while enjoying the waterfront view which seemed so magical. Other restaurants you should try are Salt for its juiciest beef burgers and Zafran for some authentic Mughlai cuisine. After all your shopping, time for some entertainment-a cinema is on the top floor with plenty of fast food chains like Pizza Hut, Mc Donalds, Baskin Robbins, and Doner & Gyros.
My recommended time to visit would be in the afternoon.
Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd – Dubai Marina – Dubai
Contact no: 044361020
Mercato Mall
L6ocated in one of the prime locations of Dubai(Jumeirah), this mall is not much popular but is worth visiting for its beautiful Renaissance style architecture and its cool and calm ambiance.
I felt like I am walking on the streets of Italy with so many cafes to choose from. You can grab a coffee from your favorite Starbucks or Paul cafe and wander in the mall. Innumerable fast food joints to grab a quick snack if you feel hungry. My recommended dining options would be Arabian Tea House and Gazebo if you are in for a Mughlai treat. Brands like Balmain, H&M, Zara Home, GAP, Adidas, and Nike are accessible. I had a lovely experience at the FUN CITY with my kid which is available on the first floor. Vox Cinema’ in the mall is at your rescue to keep you entertained with a bucket full of popcorn.
My recommended time would be to visit late evening.
Location: Jumeirah Beach Rd – Jumeirah – Jumeirah 1 – Dubai
Contact no: 043444161
Dubai Outlet Mall
Dubai outlet mall is located on the outskirt of Dubai and is on Al Ain Road. Outlet Mall as the name suggests is the perfect place for the best deals available on the best brands at this mall. I really liked that there are so many brands under one roof and such amazing deals with unbelievable discounts. It is great for bargain hunters. High-street brands like Adidas, Sun and Sand Sports, Nike, Woodland, Skechers, Superdry, Calvin Klien, Baby Shop, and Beverly Hills, are home to this mall. You will definitely find some jaw-dropping deals if you are on a shopping spree. Every Monday is a bargain Monday where the merchandise displays the original price of the product with its discounted rate outside the store creating a mega bargain market ambience in the mall. Grab a coffee from Tim Hortons or a Croissant sandwich from French Bakery while strolling in the mall. This should be on your list if you want to save a few bucks in your pocket.
My recommended time would be in the early afternoon on a Monday.
Location: Route 66 – Al Ain – Dubai Rd – Dubai Outlet Mall – Dubai
Contact No: 044234666