The 10 Best Malls in Dubai (2026)

Updated November 2026 · 10 picks

The best malls in Dubai in 2026 are The Dubai Mall for scale and attractions, Mall of the Emirates for Ski Dubai, Ibn Battuta for its themed courts, BurJuman for upscale shopping near the Metro and City Walk for an open-air street feel. Dubai Hills Mall and Dubai Festival City Mall are the best newer and waterfront options.

Malls in Dubai are social spaces as much as shops: they have cinemas, aquariums, ice rinks and cool air at 45°C outside. Most open late, around 10 PM or midnight, and are busiest on weekends and in the evening. Several are on the Metro Red Line, which saves a taxi fare. Dress modestly in malls, covering shoulders and knees. For markets and bargaining, see our best souks and markets in Dubai.

1. The Dubai Mall — Downtown Dubai

The city's largest mall, with the aquarium, ice rink and the Dubai Fountain outside.

$$$ Upmarket

The Dubai Mall is the biggest and busiest mall in Dubai, with hundreds of stores, the Dubai Aquarium, an ice rink and a large dining selection. The Dubai Fountain performs on the lake outside in the evenings.

It sits at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, so most visitors combine the two.

Good to know: Allow a full day. Use the covered walkway from the Metro station, or take a taxi to avoid the walk.

The Dubai Mall, Financial Center Road, Downtown Dubai, Dubai, UAE

Google Maps Website

2. Mall of the Emirates — Al Barsha

A huge mall with Ski Dubai inside and a Metro station next door.

$$$ Upmarket

Mall of the Emirates is a large mall with a mix of high-street and luxury brands, a cinema and Ski Dubai's indoor ski slope. It has its own Metro station.

The Kempinski hotel is connected to the mall, and there are many restaurants and cafes.

Good to know: The Metro Red Line station is next to the mall, so it is easy to reach from Downtown or the Marina.

Mall of the Emirates, Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha 1, Dubai, UAE

Google Maps Website

3. Ibn Battuta Mall — Jebel Ali

Six themed courts based on the travels of the medieval explorer.

$$ Mid-range

Ibn Battuta Mall is divided into six themed courts: China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and Andalusia, each modeled on the regions the 14th-century traveler visited. It is one of the more visually interesting malls in the city.

It sits near the Marina and has its own Metro station.

Good to know: Walk through all six courts for the architecture, then eat in the food court at the China end.

Ibn Battuta Mall, Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali Village, Dubai, UAE

Google Maps Website

4. BurJuman — Bur Dubai

An upscale central mall with direct Metro access.

$$$ Upmarket

BurJuman is a mall in Bur Dubai with luxury and mid-range brands, linked directly to the Metro. It is one of the older big malls in the city.

It works well for visitors staying in Bur Dubai or Karama who want shopping without a taxi.

Good to know: The Karama market for cheaper goods is a short walk or taxi ride away.

BurJuman, Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE

Google Maps Website

5. City Walk — Al Wasl

An open-air street of shops, restaurants and a cinema, with The Green Planet.

$$$ Upmarket

City Walk is an open-air shopping and dining district in Al Wasl, laid out like a city street, with restaurants, boutiques and a cinema. The Green Planet, an indoor tropical rainforest, is part of the district.

It is at its best in the cooler months, when you can sit outside.

Good to know: Visit in the evening between November and March for outdoor tables.

City Walk, Al Safa Street, Al Wasl, Dubai, UAE

Google Maps Website

6. Dubai Festival City Mall — Dubai Festival City

A waterfront mall with IKEA and a nightly water-and-light show.

$$ Mid-range

Dubai Festival City Mall is a large family mall on the Creek, with a wide range of shops and restaurants, and an IKEA. A waterfront promenade outside has restaurants with Creek views.

The Imagine water and light show runs on the promenade in the evenings.

Good to know: Check the website for show times, and eat at a waterfront restaurant outside.

Dubai Festival City Mall, Festival Boulevard, Dubai Festival City, Dubai, UAE

Google Maps Website

7. Wafi Mall — Umm Hurair

A pyramid-themed mall with boutiques and the Raffles hotel above.

$$$ Upmarket

Wafi Mall is part of Wafi City, built with an Egyptian-pyramid look and stained-glass domes. It has boutique and luxury brands and a cluster of restaurants.

The adjacent Khan Murjan market is an indoor souk-style space under the complex.

Good to know: Ask about Khan Murjan, the indoor souk beneath the mall, if you want an Arabian-style market.

Wafi Mall, Oud Metha Road, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, UAE

Google Maps Website

8. Dubai Hills Mall — Dubai Hills Estate

A newer mall with a large dining area, in a growing community.

$$ Mid-range

Dubai Hills Mall is a newer mall in the Dubai Hills Estate community, with a wide range of stores and a large number of restaurants. Its layout is more open than the older malls.

It is mostly used by residents, so it is quieter than The Dubai Mall.

Good to know: It is a drive from the center; pair it with a visit to the nearby golf and park areas.

Dubai Hills Mall, Al Khail Road, Dubai Hills Estate, Dubai, UAE

Google Maps Website

9. Dubai Outlet Mall — Al Ain Road

Discounted brands in a purpose-built outlet mall, a drive from the city.

$$ Mid-range

Dubai Outlet Mall is a discount shopping center on the Dubai–Al Ain road with discounted fashion, sports and home brands. It is a destination shopping trip rather than a casual stop.

Prices are usually below the city malls, especially during sales.

Good to know: Go on a weekday to avoid the crowds, and plan the drive in advance.

Dubai Outlet Mall, Dubai–Al Ain Road (E66), Dubai, UAE

Google Maps Website

10. Mercato Shopping Mall — Jumeirah 1

A small, Italianate community mall on the Jumeirah beach road.

$$ Mid-range

Mercato is a smaller mall on Jumeirah Beach Road, built in an Italian-Renaissance style. It has a good selection of restaurants and a cinema.

It is easier and quicker than the huge malls, and close to the Jumeirah beaches.

Good to know: Combine it with a beach visit at Jumeirah Open Beach, nearby.

Mercato Shopping Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, UAE

Google Maps Website

Frequently asked questions

What is the biggest mall in Dubai?

The Dubai Mall is the largest and the most visited, with the Dubai Aquarium, an ice rink, a huge fashion section and the Dubai Fountain outside. Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Festival City Mall are the other very large ones.

Which Dubai malls are on the Metro?

Mall of the Emirates, Ibn Battuta and BurJuman each have a Metro station on the Red Line, and Deira City Centre does too. The Dubai Mall is reached from the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station by a long covered walkway.

What time do Dubai malls open and close?

Most open at 10 AM and close at 10 PM or midnight, with later hours on Thursdays and Fridays. Many restaurants inside stay open later. Opening times change during Ramadan, so check each mall's website.

Are there outlet malls in Dubai?

Yes. Dubai Outlet Mall is on the Dubai–Al Ain road and sells discounted brands. It is a drive from the city center, so it suits a dedicated shopping trip.

When is the Dubai Shopping Festival?

It usually runs from the end of December into January, with discounts across the city's malls. Check the official dates each year.