Malls in Dubai With The Best Shopping Experiences

The Dubai Mall, also known as the home of the Dubai shopping festival, is one of the world's largest shopping malls with an area of over 500,000 square meters! With a large walk-through aquarium, a world-class ic rink, 14,000 parking spaces and more exciting experiences for shoppers, the mall was voted the best shopping experience in the world by Grazia Magazine in 2010.

Number of stores: 1200+
Total shopping floor area‎: ‎502,000 sq.m

The Mall of the Emirates, located in the Al Barsha area of West Dubai, is a shopping mall frequented by both tourists and residents of UAE. It is a one-stop-shop destination that has earned it the epithet of being the "World’s first shopping resort." It has also been named as the “World's Leading New Shopping Mall”. The Mall of the Emirates is home to a magnificent family leisure centre housing Ski Dubai, an indoor ski resort and Snow Park, the first of its kind in the Middle East.

Number of stores: 630
Total shopping floor area‎: 255,500 sq.m

Situated on Sheikh Zayed Road, Ibn Battuta Mall is a huge shopping complex named after a great explorer, Ibn Battuta. Narrating the journey of the famous 14th-century explorer, the mall is divided into six country-themed courts, Persian Court being the most popular one which is enveloped by a hand-painted dome. Apart from the shops, there are 50 restaurants and eateries, a 21-screen cinema, a trampoline park and a bowling alley.

Number of stores: 400
Total shopping floor area‎: 521,000 sq.m

If Burjuman is one of the premier malls in Dubai, then DCC, as we call it, is the first proper shopping mall in the city. It is located in Deira, a prime and one of the oldest region. DCC still bustles and is easily one of the busiest malls during the weekends. Home to many brands and the electronic giant Sharaf DG, it also houses the VOX movie theatre, Magic Planet, and a bowling city.

Number of stores: 370
Total shopping floor area‎: 120,000 sq.m

Burj Dubai is practically the hub of Dubai, so it is only convenient that this mall is strategically located here. Talking about convenience, it is easily accessible by the metro, bus and of course taxis. It is connected by both, red and green, metro lines. One of the premier malls in Dubai, Burjuman has recently undergone a renovation and now caters to all your needs, and has more brands than ever. With roughly two floors dedicated to restaurants and cafes, it is ideal for the ones with a healthy appetite. It has the nation's only Saks Fifth Avenue centre.

Number of stores: 320
Total shopping floor area‎: 93,000 sq.m

MCC is relatively newer than the lot. Located in the sophisticated locality of Mirdif, this new mall has already become quite popular with the residents as it houses some of the most iconic and affordable brands. The mall has something suitable for all kinds of budget, and when the mall has sales, the entire city comes here to shop. Most importantly, the entire mall is eco-friendly. MCC offers varied entertainment choices, such as IFly which is an indoor skydiving centre, Sky Trail and Climbing Wall, Little Explorers which is primarily for kids, Soccer Circus Dubai, AquaPlay, Vox Cinemas and Magic Planet.

Number of stores: 450
Total shopping floor area‎: 550,000 sq.m

Though DFC has most of the popular brands, is still comparatively quiet. It has the largest Aldo store in the world, one of the largest IKEA stores in the region, an exclusive Ferrari store, a bowling centre, the famous New York restaurant Serendipity, the only Mint Velvet store to exist outside the U.K, and the only Hard Rock Café in the country. The best part about DFC is that it faces the historic creek. During the cooler months, a daily mini 'fair' is also held in front of the creek with lots of games and small stalls of food, accessories, and souvenirs. DFC also has an incredible Laser show in the evenings.

Number of stores: 250

Unlike others, this mall is not situated in the city, but in the outskirts of Dubai. Perhaps this is why it is relatively less crowded. However, this hidden treasure is one of the favourites among the residents' thanks to the sale it provides. The 'Outlet' themed mall, offers Warehouse/ Factory sale and always has 40%-90% off any time of the year. Sale season is a big deal at this mall, and you'll see the entire city flocking to the mall during the sale season, as it ensures unbelievable discount on all the major fashion brands, perfume brands, sports brands and many others. Housing more than 200 stores, various eateries, and a play area, it also has the largest Chuck-E-Cheese in the country.

Number of stores: 240

Dubai is famous not just for its deserts, adventure parks and resorts, but for its many shopping hubs as well. Dubai's famous gold souk happens to be the world's largest gold market! Situated in Deira, this golden souk is the most famous and highly visited tourist spot in Dubai because of its excellent quality and designs of gold. Gold Souk is restocked with at least 10 tons of gold daily.

Number of stores: 350

WAFI is a shopping mall located within the Egyptian themed Wafi City Complex of Dubai. It showcases a distinct style of design over its hundreds of stores and boutique shops offering the visitors an excellent shopping experience. The Wafi Mall is spread over 5 levels with designated areas marked for shopping, entertainment and leisure activities. The Arabian Souk located underground is an area that attracts immense attention with Cleopatra’s spa being one of the top draws here.

Number of stores: 250

Opened in 2003, Century Mall is a famous neighbourhood mall in Al Mamzar area, Dubai. Built over two floors and has shops that sell Arabian attire, perfume, accessories and electronics along with being home to excellent coffee shops, a hypermarket, some pharmacies and an activities/play area for children.

Number of stores: 75

The Dragon Mall in Dubai, better known as the Dragon Mart, is the largest trading hub for Chinese products outside mainland China since 2004. The 1.2 kilometre-long, dragon-shaped mall offers a stock of Chinese products at wholesale prices, housing thousands of distinctive stores in its arena. Comprising of Dragon Mart 1 and Dragon Mart 2, the extensive mall is one of the best places for shopping and dining in Dubai.

Number of stores: 4000
Total shopping floor area‎: 150,000 sq.m

Inspired by the deep-rooted Italian Renaissance with a unique Mediterranean atmosphere, stands the Mercato Shopping Mall in Jumeirah district, Dubai. The shopping cum entertainment centre has a tasteful design resembling Spain and France making the mall look like Italian market square. The designers who styled the mall with calm pastel shades have made Mercato the first eminent mall that captures a unique artwork of the European Renaissance worshipped by art lovers as well as tourists and locals.

Number of stores: 140
Total shopping floor area‎: 60,000 sq.m