Budget-Friendly Dubai Tour Guide: Explore Swanky and Expansive Dubai Mall

Going on a Dubai tour anytime soon? Your trip will be incomplete without checking out the biggest shopping mall in the world. Yes, you read it right! The Dubai Mall is one of the top Dubai tourist places that you should not miss by all means! Agreed, you may be intimidated by the sheer prospect of exploring a shopping destination with 1,200+ retail outlets and also the fact that it remains attached to the world’s tallest building in turn. The Burj Khalifa is the key landmark alongside the Dubai Mall while you can also check out the magnificent Dubai Aquarium in addition to the Olympic sized indoor Skating Rink, KidZania and a lot more! 

We can astutely say that the Dubai Mall is truly one of the famous places in Dubai. You can actually spend several days exploring this landmark if you have the time and inclination. However, imbibing absolutely everything that is on offer is just impossible within a day or two. Here are some key experiences or activities that will help you savour the best that the Dubai Mall has to offer. 

Exploration Guide- Fun Things To Do At Dubai Mall

The Burj Khalifa

One of the most famous places in Dubai, the Burj Khalifa is the world’s tallest building which is entered through the Lower Ground floor of the mall. The key attraction for any visitor will naturally be the observation deck at the very top. This is one of the best aspects that will make you ideally wish to book in advance. Ticket prices are higher offline, and you can get your preferred slot, especially if you want to view the sunset or sunrise with a breath-taking panorama. If you are coming to the Dubai Mall, then this is one activity that you should not miss by all means.

Dubai Aquarium + Underwater Zoo

One of the best Dubai tourist places, the Aquarium cum Underwater Zoo is already famous for being the world’s biggest suspended aquarium tank. It can hold a whopping 2.64 million gallons or 10 million litres of water with the biggest global acrylic viewing panel that you will ever find. This alone measures 8.3 metres, 75 centimetres and 32.88 metres by way of height, thickness and width respectively.

The aquarium is nestled at the heart of the Dubai Mall, and you will find innumerable stingrays and sharks amongst 140+species that are showcased to visitors. The zoo itself has several other experiences that you can enjoy with your family members including caged shark walks for thrilling experiences, encounters with crocodiles, ray encounters, shark dives and feeding sessions. You can still view the massive suspended aquarium tank without venturing inside if you do not wish to indulge in this adventure. You will require at least 2-3 hours depending on the activities that you choose.

Human Waterfall

The human waterfall is another attraction here and something that you will want to showcase on Instagram as well. This sculpture covers two huge cylindrical walls which are 30 metres and 24 metres by way of diameter and height, covering three floors of the Dubai Mall. It is arguably the most exciting feature of the entire shopping mall. You will need around 15 minutes to fully experience this landmark.

Ice Skating Rink

Can you believe that an Olympic sized ice skating rink exists and that too within the heart of the imposing Dubai Mall? It remains open for people of all ages and with varying ability levels. You can readily learn how to skate here while trained skaters may also showcase their poses with aplomb. You can rent all the necessary equipment for ice skating as well. Roughly an hour will be enough at the rink. 

One of the top Dubai tourist places for families with children. KidZania is a city within a city, covering 7,000 square metres and integrating more than 60 activities that children can enjoy. These include almost everything from logical thinking to role-playing and even sports, crafts and more. Children can also earn KidZoos or money earned by working and playing here in fun and engaging ways. This is ideal for children between 4 and 12 years of age. You will need at least 3-4 hours here.

Emirates A380 Simulator

You will have a blast at the Emirates A380 Simulator which is present on the second floor of the Dubai Mall. Ever thought about how it would feel, helming the biggest commercial aircraft in the world? This top-notch simulator is something that you will absolutely fall in love with, nestled right opposite the entrance to the Dubai Aquarium. You can truly enjoy instructed lessons over 30 minutes on landing this Aeroplan at 12 of the busiest airports in the whole world.

VR Park Dubai

This is a futuristic space that was earlier called the Sega Republic. The biggest virtual reality park in the whole world. Rides encompass several experiences including the highly popular Dubai Drone which will take you on a simulated roller coaster ride through popular landmarks of Dubai and other popular classics in the video game space. This attraction takes around 1.5-3 hours on average.

Dubai Dino

Dubai Dino is located centrally on the ground floor of the Dubai Mall and in the Souk Dome. This is 24 metres long and 7 metres high while being a major favourite for children and one of the permanent displays in the mall as well. The 155-million-year-old ancient dinosaur is from the late-Jurassic period and stands in major contrast to the otherwise sleek surroundings of the mall.

Hysteria

This is an exclusive haunted house that offers a wonderful experience where you can go exploring through a simulator akin to a mansion with 15 rooms. This extreme adventure experience is for those who seek adventure and thrills and lies at the Cinema section of the Dubai Mall on Level 2/P7 adjacent to the LEGO store. This is highly recommended for those above 16 years of age. You will need roughly half an hour here.

Reel Cinemas

This is one of the biggest cinemas that you will find in the entire Middle East. It is the ideal destination to spend a few hours relaxing and watching your favourite movies while escaping the scorching heat outside. You can find everything you wish including Platinum Suites, ScreenX, 4D, Dine-In and more.

Ekart Zabeel

There is a highly interesting attraction on the rooftop of the Dubai Mall Zabeel or the extension. This is go-karting and you will find several standard sessions across the tracks. Group racing sessions can also be organized here.

Dubai Fountains

One of the most famous Dubai tourist places is the Dubai Fountain show lies outside the Dubai Mall and at the foot of the Burj Khalifa. There are wonderfully choreographed performances taking place on a daily basis between 1 PM and 1.30 PM and again from 6.30 PM every evening and every 30 minutes till 12 AM. The show spans just 5 minutes although you should keep half an hour for venturing outdoors, finding the best place to watch and keeping an eye out for the Burj Khalifa light show.

Souk Al Bahar

Your experience continues even after you’ve started going outside the Dubai Mall on the lower ground floor. You will find a lovely bridge outside which goes over Burj Lake. Take this bridge and land up at the Dubai Souk al Bahar.

Dubai Mall Dining- Your Handy Guide

Your Dubai tour guide will help you find some of the best gourmet dining experiences in the Emirate. After all, the Dubai Mall has the biggest food court on the top floor. An added extension of dining outlets on the lower ground floor while you venture towards the Burj Khalifa. There are innumerable choices at hand although here are some worth checking out: 

The Cheesecake Factory

This has earned a global reputation for quality, and you will love the fabulous menu on offer.

Social House

Lying on the lower ground floor, you will find this wonderful dine den as you exit towards the Fountains or Souk al Bahar. They have a diverse menu on offer along with a wonderful family-friendly ambience.

TGI Fridays

This has a global menu with several familiar options that you will love gorging on.

Carluccios

Carluccios is a favourite Italian restaurant lying on the lower ground floor at the very heart of the Dubai Mall. The view is spectacular, to say the least.

Open Flame Kitchen

This is a premier restaurant located on the first floor and overlooks a stunning landscape with global dishes being served up to discerning patrons.

Tribes

A restaurant that will delight people who love eclectic food. This marvel lies on the third floor of the shopping mall, offering the most delicious flavours from across Africa. Of course, it has a splendid view.

Reaching the Dubai Mall

Since the Dubai Mall is one of the biggest Dubai tourist places, you will get directions easily on reaching the landmark. It is one of the towering landmarks in the centre of Downtown Dubai. 

You can reach via Metro since the Mall itself is linked to the Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa Metro station upon the Red Line. From the station to the Dubai Mall, you will be going through an air bridge which is fully air-conditioned and gets its own travellator. This is roughly 10 minutes of walking. You can take the bus on Route 27 from the Deira Gold Souk station and also Route 29 from the Ghubaiba station. Buses go to the Dubai Mall in 15-minute gaps. They cover the Grand Drive Entrance, tourist drop-off zone and lower ground floor. 

Take an Uber, Careem or taxi to the mall which also has several taxi boarding sections at places like Fashion Avenue and the entrance to the Cinema area. There is free covered parking along with numerous entrances to the car park. There is a complimentary coach service that runs from several places in the city, taking passengers to the Dubai Mall. These locations include the Palm Jumeirah, Dubai Marina, Port Rashid and JBR Ras Al Khaimah for cruise passengers and more.

Shopping At The Dubai Mall- What You Should Know

A seasoned Dubai tourist places for the mall will give you the list of a whopping 1,200+ retail stores and outlets in tandem with two big anchor outlets. Fashion Avenue is the most luxurious portion of the Dubai Mall that opened in the year 2018. This expansion drive now has stunning marble white floors and glistening walls along with opulent chandeliers and 80+ coveted boutique fashion brands that are famous globally. This offers a complete experience for luxury fashion buyers, offering everything from personal shoppers to other fun perks. 

You will find two of the biggest department stores in the UAE at the Dubai Mall, namely Bloomingdale’s. It is the leading store chain in USA and Galeries Lafayette which is a popular lifestyle retail chain in France. You will find fashion and other accessories along with homeware offerings at these stores. They are nestled on level two of the shopping mall.

Check out level shoes on the mall’s ground floor if you are someone who just loves indulging in footwear. The Souk is another portion that you should not miss and it lies on the ground floor. This area has been beautifully designed with 200 smaller retail outlets offering everything from jewellery and accessories to traditional Arab apparel, handicrafts and souvenirs among other attractions. 

Final Thoughts

The Dubai Mall offers more affordable shopping options on level one and the ground floor. This shopping destination offers a more rejuvenated experience with numerous retail stores and brands. You will find brands like Cartier, Chloe, Gucci, Bvlgari, Roberto Cavalli, Louis Vuitton, Dior, Tiffany & Co, Christian Louboutin, Rolex, Symphony, Chopard Boutique and La Perla at the Dubai Mall. A lot of fun is guaranteed!