By Things To Do In Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping malls and the most popular place to visit in Dubai. This must-see destination in Dubai offers hundreds of cafes and restaurants, over 1,200 stores, two large department stores, a cinema, and many famous attractions. Today, I’ll share the top 16 exciting things to do in Dubai Mall other than shopping, to help you create unforgettable memories with your loved ones.
16 Amazing Things To Do in Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall Location: Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Dubai Mall Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10 AM to 11 PM
Friday to Sunday: 10 AM to 12 AM
Dubai Mall Land Area: Plus 1 million Square feet
Parking: 14,000 plus
Google Rating: 4.7 (268K reviews)
Contact: +971 800 382246255
Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in Dubai, features over 70 luxurious fashion brand stores and some of the best restaurants offering delicious meals. From the Dubai Aquarium and Ice Skating Rink to the Dubai Fountain and the At the Top, Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall is one of the top places to visit in Dubai, making it the perfect spot for unforgettable memories.
While it’s impossible to explore all of its stunning features in one visit, let me share how you can spend an entire day discovering the most fun things to do at Dubai Mall, other than shopping.
1. Breakfast At Amaya
Address: The Waterfalls Side, Dubai Mall – 1st Floor – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM to 2 AM
Contact: +971 4 587 1000
Google Rating: 4.9 (2,361 Reviews)
I started my day by waking up early and heading to Dubai Mall for a luxurious breakfast. Amaya is located by the waterfalls side of the mall, offering a blend of Asian and Western breakfast dishes. Their artisanal pastries, tropical fruits, and hearty meals are made with locally sourced ingredients.
Amaya is known for its art, delicious cuisine, and stunning views of iconic skyscrapers like the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain. You can also order a variety of dishes, including premium steaks, truffle pizza, and more. The staff, food quality, and the presentation of each dish make the experience truly unique. After enjoying my meal for about an hour, I headed to the famous Dubai Aquarium.
There are many other restaurants, cafes, hotels, and sheesha bars inside Dubai Mall, such as Joe’s Café, Angelina Paris, L’ETO, Amaya, Table Otto, Common Grounds, and more, all offering delicious meals with stunning views. Some of the Dubai Mall restaurants with fountain views also provide al fresco dining, allowing you to enjoy the city lights.
2. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM to 10:15 PM
Contact: +971 800 382246255
Google Rating: 4.5 (68K Reviews)
After breakfast, I went to the second floor of Dubai Mall, following the signs for the Dubai Aquarium. This famous underwater zoo is a stunning attraction in Dubai Mall, home to over 140 aquatic species and 33,000 marine animals. It also boasts the world’s largest collection of sand tiger sharks.
The massive aquarium features a 10-million-liter tank, measuring 51 x 20 x 11 meters. Their 48-meter-long, 270-degree tunnel offers breathtaking views of marine life, including sharks, stingrays, and octopuses. I enjoyed their glass-bottom boat tour, complete with mermaid makeovers, and even had the chance to dive with sharks. It took me nearly two hours to fully explore this amazing place before heading to the next must-see spot in Dubai Mall.
Tickets can be purchased online or at the counter. Prices range from AED 199 on weekdays to AED 209 on weekends, with a premium tour priced at AED 299 per person.
3. The Human Waterfall
Address: 57VH+XPG – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: 24/7
Google Rating: 4.7 (33K Reviews)
The Human Waterfall, also known as the Dubai Mall Waterfall, is a stunning artwork located inside Dubai Mall. This iconic sculpture features two cylindrical walls, each 30 meters in diameter and reaching 24 meters high. The 24-meter-tall structure spans three floors and showcases fiberglass sculptures of divers.
The Dubai Mall Waterfall creates a breathtaking visual illusion while highlighting the UAE’s rich history of pearl diving. I spent about 10 to 15 minutes admiring this unique sculpture before heading to the famous Ice Rink. Best of all, there is no fee to view the Human Waterfall, and it is open during Dubai Mall’s hours.
4. Dubai Ice Rink
Address: Unit GF – 207 – Financial Center Rd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM to 12 AM
Google Rating: 4.5 (8K Reviews)
Contact: +971 800 382246255
One of the best things to do in Dubai Mall is ice skating. The ice rink is a lot of fun, with music played by a live DJ, making it a must-visit attraction. This Olympic-sized rink is perfect for skating with family and friends, and you can rent skates and other gear if you don’t have your own.
I booked my skating session in advance. The cost varies depending on when you visit, and you’ll need to pay extra for special safety gear or other add-ons if you don’t bring your own. I wasn’t able to play games like Broomball, but you can join in if you come with a group or friends. Although I’m not great at skating, I enjoyed the world-class skating experience for nearly an hour.
5. KidZania
Address: The Dubai Mall, Second level. Cinema Parking – Financial Center Rd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM to 10 PM
Google Rating: 4.3 (3.7K Reviews)
Contact: +971 4 448 5222
If you’re visiting with your family and have children, take them to KidZania, a super fun place for kids at Dubai Mall. This mini-city is designed for children aged 4 to 12, where they can play independently without a parent. This pretend town allows kids to play, work, and imagine they’re grown-ups for the day.
There are over 80 activities and more than 60 exciting options for kids to try, including pretend play, crafts, sports, and more. Upon arrival, kids receive 50 Kidzos, the town’s special currency, which they can earn by doing various jobs. They can use their Kidzos to play, work, and even shop. Kids can take on roles like firefighters, doctors, police officers, or other fun jobs. After working, they can spend their Kidzos on toys, treats, or even a special spa day.
Since I wasn’t with my family, I skipped the kids’ zone area. Tickets can be purchased online or at the counter. Children aged 4 to 16 years old pay 195 AED. For a special ticket with extra goodies, it costs 260 AED. Adults pay 80 AED, but they must accompany a child. Little kids aged 2 to 3 years old pay 110 AED, and babies under 1 year old can enter for free.
6. Aircraft Emirates A380 Simulator
Address: 57XH+4JC – Financial Center Rd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: Monday to Sunday: 12 PM to 10 PM
Google Rating: 4 (49 Reviews)
Contact: +971 4 325 3044
If you’ve ever wanted to become a pilot, the Emirates A380 experience in Dubai Mall is waiting for you to give it a try. After ice skating, I headed to the second floor near the Aquarium to try this exciting flight simulator. I bought a ticket for AED 128 for a short 15-minute flight and thoroughly enjoyed the experience of being a pilot.
The Emirates A380 Experience is a thrilling adventure that’s fun for everyone. You can choose from short or long flights, ranging from 15 to 60 minutes, flying over 12 famous cities like Paris, New York, and Hong Kong. Ticket prices start at AED 128 for a shorter flight and go up to AED 575 for a longer one.
7. Bosporus Turkish Cuisine
Address: The Dubai Mall Waterfront Entrance – 115 B – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: Monday to Sunday: 8 AM to 12:30 AM
Google Rating: 4.9 (13K Reviews)
Contact: +971 4 380 8090
It was lunchtime, so I decided to visit Bosporus Turkish Cuisine, located at the Dubai Mall Waterfront Entrance. This popular Turkish restaurant serves delicious, authentic food. Their menu offers a wide variety of traditional Turkish dishes, including kebabs, salads, and dips, with plenty of options for vegetarians and seafood lovers. I tried their Adana kebab, lamb chops, and grilled prawns, and I highly recommend trying these mouthwatering dishes.
If you have a larger budget or are dining with a group, their Prime Gold Menu and Al Fateh Breakfast are also great options.
8. Reel Cinema Dubai Mall
Address: Level 2, The Dubai Mall – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: Monday to Sunday: 10 AM to 2 AM
Google Rating: 4.4 (15.2K Reviews)
Contact: +971 800 382246255
After lunch at Bosporus Turkish Cuisine, I headed to Reel Cinema, one of the most luxurious outdoor cinemas in Dubai, located on level 2. This cinema offers a unique experience where you can watch movies from the comfort of your car. However multiple screens of this cinema are offering luxurious indoor seating areas to sit and enjoy your favorite shows.
It’s best to pre-book tickets here, and you can order popcorn, sandwiches, and more while enjoying the show. After an amazing two-hour movie, it was time to head to the famous haunted house, Hysteria, in Dubai Mall.
9. Hysteria
Address: Level 2, The Dubai Mall – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: Monday to Sunday: 11 AM to 11 PM
Google Rating: 4.5 (492 Reviews)
Contact: +971 52 223 0966
Hysteria is located just opposite Reel Cinema on level 2 of Dubai Mall. It is the first haunted attraction in Dubai, and I would say it’s not for the faint of heart. Its dark, spooky atmosphere, terrifying scenes, surprising jump scares, and creepy creatures will give you goosebumps.
Add this thrilling haunted attraction to your list of things to do in Dubai Mall. Hysteria also features seasonal-themed rooms and experiences, like Halloween specials. You must be 16 or older to enter. Afterward, I headed to the terrace area for dinner, where I enjoyed the famous Burj Khalifa light show and the Dubai Fountain.
10. The Dubai Fountains
Address: Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: Monday to Sunday: 6 PM to 11 PM
Google Rating: 4.8 (101K Reviews)
Contact: +971 4 888 8888
The Dubai Fountain, located on the 30-acre Burj Lake is the tallest performing fountain in the world. The fountains shoot as high as 140 meters into the air offering a magical experience.
The colorful jets are synchronized to music, creating a mesmerizing show. This stunning 30-minute display filled me with positive vibes and energy. For me, the Dubai Fountain is one of the city’s most beloved attractions.
11. Burj Khalifa Light Show
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: Thursday to Saturday: 7:45 PM to 10:45 PM (Every 30 minutes)
The Burj Khalifa light show is a stunning display of lights and colors on the tower’s exterior. The show features beautiful patterns, shapes, and designs, all set to music and sound effects.
Although it only lasts 3 to 5 minutes, the dazzling display of lasers and lights will leave you in awe. It was Saturday night when I visited Dubai Mall, so the crowd was large, but thankfully, the Dubai Mall Terrace was relatively quiet then.
12. Play DXB
Address: Level 2, Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10 AM to 11 PM
Friday to Sunday: 10 AM to 12 AM
Google Rating: 4.3 (3.7K Reviews)
Contact: +971 800 38224 6255
Play DXB, formerly known as VR Park, is a huge indoor play area with over 30 exciting games and activities for all ages. I love classic arcade and virtual reality games.
Entry is free, but playing any game will cost you. Each activity at Play DXB starts at AED 15. As a game lover, I spent a lot of time here enjoying several VR adventure games before heading to the famous Burj Khalifa.
13. At The Top, Burj Khalifa
Address: Burj Khalifa – Blvd Dubai Unit LG – 089 – Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: Monday to Thursday: 8 AM to 12 AM
Google Rating: 4.3 (3.7K Reviews)
Contact: +971 4 888 8124
Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building, offers breathtaking views of the city. There are two observation areas at the top, the first on the 124th and 125th floors, and the second premium one on the 148th floor. I opted to purchase an online ticket and took a high-speed elevator to the 124th floor.
The stunning 360-degree views of the city from the top left me in awe. You can stay as long as you like, enjoying the spectacular views of the city lights. However, as it was getting late, I decided to head back to my hotel. I explored a few more interesting things to do in Dubai Mall, and I hope you’ll enjoy them too.
14. Dubai Dino
Address: Ground Floor – The Dubai Mall – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10 AM to 11 PM
Friday to Sunday: 10 AM to 12 AM
Google Rating: 4.6 (530 Reviews)
Contact: +971 800 382246255
During my visit to Dubai Mall, I discovered a dinosaur skeleton located in the Grand Atrium. This incredible 155-million-year-old skeleton is known as the Dubai Dino. It stands 7.6 meters high and stretches 24.4 meters long, taking you back millions of years.
The Dubai Dino offers an unforgettable experience, perfect for visitors of all ages, especially kids. Best of all, there is no fee to see this massive skeleton, so you can take your time and enjoy the history.
15. Souk Al Bahar
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10 AM to 11 PM
Friday to Sunday: 10 AM to 12 AM
Google Rating: 4.5 (13K Reviews)
Contact: +971 4 362 7011
Souk Al Bahar, also known as the Market of the Sailor, can easily be accessed through Dubai Mall. This modern marketplace offers shopping, entertainment, a variety of dining options, and stunning views of the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
I enjoyed dinner at Maison De Curry while watching the beautiful Dubai Fountain Show and the city lights. From the Sushi Platter, Truffle Fries, and T-Bone to Rogan Josh and Crab Curry, all their dishes are worth trying. Souk Al Bahar features a waterfront promenade with 20 shops and nearly 17 restaurants. You can stroll through the narrow streets and find traditional goods like clothes, crafts, perfumes, and other items that reflect Dubai’s rich culture.
16. Dubai Opera
Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai – Dubai – United Arab Emirates
Working Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10 AM to 9 PM
Google Rating: 4.7 (8.1K Reviews)
Contact: +971 4 440 8888
Dubai Opera, located just a short walk from Dubai Mall, is famous for its cultural entertainment. Visiting this world-class venue for live shows and arts is one of the best things to do near Dubai Mall. It hosts a wide range of performances throughout the year. When you visit Dubai Mall, make sure to set aside some time to explore this must-visit attraction in Dubai.
The venue’s layout can be adjusted to suit different events, and it can hold up to 2,000 guests. You can also enjoy stunning views of the Burj Khalifa from its lobby, as well as its impressive design, which is inspired by traditional Arabian boats.
How To Reach Dubai Mall?
Dubai Mall is located in Downtown Dubai, and I easily reached it early in the day from my hotel. There are various transportation options to help you get here.
- Taxi or Uber: You can use Careem or Uber to book a ride to Dubai Mall.
- Car: There are multiple parking lots available, but you’ll need to pay a parking fee based on the duration of your stay.
- Bus: You can take a bus on Route 27 from Deira Gold Souk or Route 29 from Ghubaiba bus station. Buses arrive at these stations every 15 minutes.
- Metro: To reach Dubai Mall by metro, take the Red Line to the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station, and then walk through the air-conditioned bridge for about 10 minutes.
- Coach: The free Dubai Mall Coach service is available from various locations around the city.
Parking Charges For Dubai Mall
The parking charges at Dubai Mall are managed by Salik and are automatically deducted from your Salik account. These charges depend on how long you park at the mall.
From Monday to Thursday, parking is free for up to 4 hours. After that, you’ll be charged between AED 40 and AED 1000, depending on the duration of your stay. From Friday to Sunday, parking is also free for up to 4 hours, with charges ranging from AED 80 to AED 1000 thereafter.
If you’re renting a car, the rental company will have already registered the vehicle with Salik. You’ll need to pay the parking charges and any tolls when you return the car.
Summary
Dubai Mall is more than just a shopping mall, it’s a hub of entertainment, offering high-quality restaurants with breathtaking views, the largest aquarium in Dubai, ice skating, and much more.
Whenever you plan a visit to Dubai, be sure to check out these top attractions in Dubai Mall. These amazing experiences will turn your day into a memorable one with your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is Dubai Mall Entry Free?
The entry at Dubai Mall is totally free.
What Activities Can We Do In Dubai Mall?
There are so many fun things to do in Dubai Mall like take a glance at the stunning Burj Khalifa, explore the virtual world at Play DXB, and enjoy the marine life at Underwater Zoo.
What’s Inside The Dubai Mall?
Dubai Mall offers exciting attractions, including an Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink, a huge cinema complex with many screens, Kidzania, the amazing Dubai Aquarium, and the Dubai Mall Waterfalls.
What Are The Top Attractions In Dubai Mall?
Dubai Fountain, Dubai Ice Rink, Reel Cinemas, KidZania, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Dubai Dino, Dubai Mall Waterfalls, and the Emirates A380 Simulator are some of the most visited places and top attractions in Dubai Mall.
What Are Dubai Mall’s Opening Hours?
Dubai Mall timing from Monday to Thursday is 10 AM to 11 PM, while from Friday to Sunday, it is 10 AM to 12 AM.