23 Cool Things To Do at Dubai Mall

Looking for fun things to do at Dubai Mall? Oh, you’ll be spoiled for choice! Shopping, ice skating, and visiting theme parks are only a few of them. Check out the rest!  

Dubai Mall is the largest of its kind in the city, and one of the biggest malls in the entire world. While its over 1,200 retail stores are enough to keep you shopping all day, there’s so (so!) much more to enjoy at this mall.

Boasting the world’s largest suspended aquarium, all sorts of conventional and unconventional entertainment, and eateries to satisfy every craving, the Dubai Mall should absolutely be on your Dubai itinerary. Plus, you get easy access to some of Dubai’s most iconic landmarks.

Living in Dubai, I visited the Dubai Mall plenty of times, and yet I don’t think I’ve ever managed to see it. It’s so big that my partner and I used to come here to walk and get our steps in during the summer as it was too hot to be outside.

Even if we didn’t want to buy anything, it was great to just walk around and eat at one of the many eateries, or check out one of the attractions on this list. Even if you’re not a big mall enthusiast, visiting teh Dubai Mall is one of the best things to do in Dubai in my opinion.

Now, let’s check out all the fabulous things to do at Dubai Mall, so even if you get lost inside it, you still know where you’re headed!

Best Things To Do at Dubai Mall

Visit the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo 

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is home to over 33 thousand animals, which include hundreds of sharks of different species, rays, crocodiles (King Croc, one of the world’s largest crocodiles lives here), and penguins. 

The aquarium at Dubai Mall boasts a 10 million-liter tank to host that many animals, and a spectacular 48-meter tunnel that will make you feel like you’re actually inside the aquarium, without getting wet. It’s really a cool activity, and if you come early in the morning, you can manage to get the shot I got here above.

If you do want to get in the water, actually, you can! Certified divers can join the sharks in the depths, or else meet them by snorkeling in the safety of a cage, or gliding on a glass-bottom boat.

Parrots, spider crabs, jellyfish, and piranha are only a few of the other animals you’ll get to see during your visit. 

➤ The Aquarium and Burj Khalifa Combo Ticket allows you to visit both the world’s tallest tower, with access to levels 124 and 125, and the Dubai Aquarium on the same day. It’s perfect for those with little time in the city! ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday from 10 AM to 10 PM, Thursday to Saturday open until 12 AM 
Entrance Fee: AED 199 (54 USD)

Enjoy the Dubai Fountain Show

The world’s largest choreographed fountain system offers a stunning water performance every day since 6 PM, and you can’t miss it. The jets, which shoot 150 meters into the air, are synchronized with the lights and music, offering a fountain show like no other.

While many Arabic classics set the rhythm of the dancing, which starts every 30 minutes until midnight, you’ll also get to hear some contemporary tracks from Ed Sheeran, Michael Jackson, and even Lady Gaga. 

This dancing fountain in Dubai Mall is free to enjoy, so be sure to step outside the mall sometime after 6 PM to see it!

➤ You can go on a Lake Ride by Traditional Boat around Burj Lake, and enjoy the stunning Fountain Show from the water. This will allow you to see it from different perspectives, besides being a great experience on its own! ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Get to the top of Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa is the tallest tower in the world, and it features three observation decks on levels 124, 125, and 148, from where visitors can see incredible views of the city below and spot some landmarks. 

The city stretches over the Persian Gulf, where you’ll be able to see the World Islands and Palm Jumeirah. You’ll also get to learn about Dubai and some fun facts about the Burj Khalifa, as well as see augmented real-life images with the electronic telescope on level 124. 

Burj Khalifa is beside the Dubai Mall, and you can access it from the exit that leads to the fountain. It’s a great idea to combine the two!   

➤ This Burj Khalifa Entry Ticket includes access to levels 124 and 125, from where you’ll enjoy the 360-degree views of the city and spot Dubai’s landmarks with the telescopes. You’ll also get to ride the world’s fastest elevator to get there. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ Get the Burj Khalifa Tickets and Tour to enjoy a guided tour around the building, enjoying the views from the 124th, 125th, and 148th floors, access to the observation deck, and skip-the-line entrance. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

➤ To enjoy the views to the fullest, book a Burj Khalifa Lunch or Dinner on Rooftop. You’ll first visit the 124th floor to marvel at the views, and then indulge in a 3-course meal on the building’s 3rd floor. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 11 PM
Entrance Fee: From AED 159 (43 USD)

Explore Souk Al Bahar 

Souk Al Bahar offers yet more shopping opportunities, featuring around 100 boutiques and shops selling products that range from clothing to jewelry, books, handicrafts, and souvenirs.

You can also find a dining venue with multiple eateries and cafés, and the popular Time Out Market, where 17 different restaurants serve unique meals from all over the world, from traditional Emirati food to Indian, Asian, European, and American dishes. There’s also a vegan restaurant and a couple of bars.   

If you’re fancying a drink, this is the place to get it, as the restaurants located inside the mall don’t sell alcohol. 

Souk Al Bahar can be accessed through a footbridge that you’ll find on Dubai Mall’s Lower Ground Floor, underneath the Apple store. 

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 10 PM

Grab a Cup at These Cool Cafés

There are many cafes in Dubai Mall where you can stop for some caffeine to refuel. You’ll sure gonna need it in this enormous building! These are some of the coolest ones. 

▶️ % Arabica Dubai Mall is my favorite one of them all. The décor is simple and aesthetic, and the coffee is de-li-cious. Located on the ground floor (very close to the aquarium!) it makes for a great pit stop amidst all the shopping to relax and sip your favorite coffee drink. Get a slice of banana bread or a choc-chip cookie to go with it!

▶️ Secret Garden by L’Eto is an incredibly gorgeous café, where you’ll probably be more eager to take a thousand pictures than to drink your coffee. The garden-style décor and stylish furniture are very inviting, and you’ll get to enjoy a rainbow latte with beautifully decorated desserts. 

▶️ Two At Symphony is an elegant boutique café that serves delicate bakery items, comfort food, and a wide variety of specialty coffees and teas. If you want to have breakfast at Dubai Mall, this is the place. As a bonus, the food (and space) are very instagrammable! 

▶️ Walnut Grove is right in front of the Dubai Waterfall, offering great views and featuring a space with incredibly cool decoration and equal attention to detail in every dish. The coffee is hand-roasted and artisan, so you won’t find it anywhere else. 

▶️ Seattle’s Best Coffee has its own shop at the Dubai Mall, where you can get your favorite flavored drink or their distinctive blends, hot or cold, and a double choc muffin to go with it. 

If you’re in for the classics, you can find Starbucks, Dunkin’, and Costa Coffee in the mall.

Check Out the View from the Nike Store

If you’re a sports fanatic, you’ll already be visiting the huge Nike shop to see what they have in store. But if you’re not, head there anyway to be impressed by its size but, more importantly, to check out the outside view of Dubai Mall from its floor-to-ceiling windows.  

You’ll get incredible views of Burj Lake, as well as the Souk Al Bahar building in the front and the bridge that connects it to the mall. The unmistakable Dubai buildings stand in the background, and the sights are so astounding that the store has a seating area where you can sit to take a moment and enjoy them. 

Marvel at the Dubai Waterfall

The Dubai Waterfall is an artistic intervention of 24 meters long, and it’s frequently called the Human Waterfall because of the sculptures of men diving into the water that are placed all over the waterfall.

These represent the UAE’s past, as pearl diving was the primary source of livelihood back in the day, especially in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

The attraction in Dubai Mall is free to enjoy, and you can do so from any floor as it runs through all of them, although you may want to check out various angles to take the perfect picture!  

Escape Reality at VR Park Dubai 

VR Park is an incredibly large park where you’ll experience the best of virtual reality, from roller coasters that take you through the city’s landmarks in Dubai’s very heavy traffic to falling from the top of Burj Khalifa, dune bashing in the desert, and, of course, the old-times classic video games. 

The cutting-edge technology and high-quality equipment will make you forget you’re actually inside the mall, and completely transport you to the most thrilling and dangerous adventures…without the real danger part. 

Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 10 AM to 10 PM, Friday & Saturday 10 AM to 12 AM
Tickets Prices: From AED 200 (around 54 USD) 

Go Ice Skating at the Ice Rink

One of the best Dubai Mall activities to escape the heat is going ice skating. Regardless if you’re an experienced skater or have never tried it, Dubai Mall’s Olympic-size ice rink will live up to your expectations. 

You can rent the full skating gear on-site, from the skates to some warm layers, and show off your skills on the ice, take a lesson to sharpen them, and even dance to the sound of the DJ’s playlist on certain days!  

Opening Hours: Monday to Wednesday from 10 AM to 10 PM, Thursday to Sunday open until 12 AM
DJ Nights: Friday and Saturday from 6.15 PM 
Entrance Fee: AED 110 (30 USD) for General Admission

Catch a Movie at Reel Cinemas

No mall is a proper one without a cinema, and Dubai Mall knows it. That’s why here you’ll find Reel Cinemas, one of the biggest cinemas in the Middle East which offers the most over-the-top movie experiences, besides all the latest movie releases on its 26 screens.  

In some of the rooms, the comfy seats feature tables in front or at the side, so you can order your multiple-course dinner from the menu and be served while your eyes are already glued to the screen. Did you expect less from cinemas at Dubai Mall?!

As for the screen, ScreenX at Dubai Mall is the first in the country, and it covers three of the cinema walls and immerses you in the action; no more watching on the sidelines, now you’ll feel as though you’re actually part of the movie.

Not every feature is adapted to this screen, though, as it’s much more enjoyable with action or adventure movies. 

Play Grown-Ups in Kidzania Dubai (Kids only)

Among the preferred Dubai Mall children’s activities is Kidzania, an indoor city designed specifically for them, where kids will learn and play all day long, pretending to be doctors, bakers, and TV presenters, and try over 70 other professions. 

Kids will practice their teamwork skills with other children and learn about economy, calligraphy, and how to sanitize their hands as they have fun and play to be grown-ups, going grocery shopping, and exploring the different careers available to them.    

➤ The Kidzania Admission Ticket allows unlimited access to the attraction and all activities. Children will skip the ticket booth lines and enter Kidzania as soon as they arrive. ➥ BOOK IT HERE

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 10 PM. Last entry at 9 PM 
Entrance Fee: From AED 195 (53 USD) 

Meet a Dinosaur at the Dubai Dino Display

One of the most awe-striking Dubai Mall attractions is Dubai Dino, a 7-meter tall, 24-meter long dinosaur skeleton that dates back from the Jurassic period, around 150 million years old!  

The permanent display certainly contrasts the modern shops and facilities of the building, but it aligns with Dubai’s old-meets-new ideology, and it’s an impressive thing to see. 

You’ll get to see images of what the dinosaur allegedly looked like all those years (more like millennia) ago, and learn about it from the screens around the display. If you have kids, this is a must-visit!

The dinosaur is located on the ground level of the Mall, and it’s free to see. 

Go Shopping 

Well, duuuh! If you’re in the biggest mall ever, you are going to spend some time shopping, even if it’s window-shopping at some of the world’s most expensive and luxurious brand stores. 

But they are not the only shops in Dubai Mall. In fact, you’ll also find local retail stores selling clothes, home decor, or books at reasonable prices. If you fancy some gold jewelry or a new handbag by Gucci, though…well, the credit card better be ready! 

Some of the most gorgeous stores in Dubai Mall are Galeries Lafayette, The Cobbler, Bloomingdale’s, which also features a huge home decor floor, Kinokuniya Book Store (every bookworm’s paradise), and Nike Store. 

As for local stores to check out handicrafts and Emirati traditional items, head to Baruni for shoewear, Al Khazana for home furnishings and design, Bougessa for women’s clothes, and L’Afshar for sophisticated clutches and accessories. 

Get Scared out of your mind at Hysteria

Horror movie, scary-things fan? Perfect! If you’re not, move along, ‘cause things are about to get terrifying. 

Hysteria is a horror, haunted-house attraction that promises (and delivers) a hair-raising experience, and it has its own legend to go with it. 

As you embark on the journey through dark corridors and rooms, you’ll explore a manor in which two children mysteriously disappeared. Their broken-hearted parents believe you know something, and they will haunt you, follow you around the house and make you jump at every turn.

The different scenarios, scenes, and creatures that inhabit the 15 rooms will also surprise you (in a very scary way)!

Lights, special effects, and fog add to the atmosphere, and remember: this is not for the faint of heart. 

⚠️ This attraction is for people 16+ years old. 

Opening Hours: Saturday to Wednesday from 10 AM to 12 AM, Thursday & Friday open until 1 AM 
Entrance Fee: AED 100 (27 USD) 

 Become a Pilot at Emirates A380 Simulator 

Ever wondered what it’s like to fly a plane? Now you can know for sure, as the Emirates A380 simulator lets you take the pilot’s seat and play around with the controls as you take off Dubai Airport and make the journey to a city of your choice. 

You’ll also get to choose the time of day you want to fly and the weather conditions (fancy a little turbulence or storm?), and land your passengers safely after a 15, 30, or 60-minute flight. It’s one of the most thrilling activities in Dubai Mall for people of all ages. 

Opening Hours: Daily from 12 PM to 10 PM
Entrance Fee: AED 160 (44 USD) for 15 minutes, AED 300 (82 USD) for 30 minutes, and AED 575 (157 USD) for an hour at the time of writing. 

Step Into Art at Infinity Des Lumieres

Infinity Des Lumieres is an immersive experience of digital art that will blow your mind. The attraction places you right at the center of the exhibition, so that you’re fully immersed in the artwork that has been brought to life.

The exhibits showcase the work of great artists, including world-renowned Gaudi, Cezanne, Monet, aand Van Gogh. The experience combines music, lights, and the artist’s paintings moving around you, giving you a chance to examine them from up close like never before.

Exhibits about space, cultures and a futuristic, exclusive collection called Dubai Data are also featured at Infinity Des Lumieres.

Go Car Racing at Ekart Zabeel

As you probably noticed by now, there’s no shortage of fun activities to enjoy at Dubai Mall, and you still haven’t gone car racing! 

Ekart Zabeel features a great kart track where you’ll get to race your friends in a thrilling karting experience, suited up in the Ekart jumpsuit and driving like a professional. In fact, actual professionals, as well as complete amateurs will find this attraction enticing, as it offers both simple sessions and racing events. 

Sit behind the wheel, put your helmet on, and let the race begin! 

⚠️ Drivers have to be 14+ years old, and at least 140 centimeters tall to race. 

Opening Hours: Daily from 10 AM to 11 PM 
Entrance Fee: From AED 95 (26 USD)

Check Out The Souk

Souks are everywhere in the city, including at Dubai Mall. The Souk is a section of the mall that reminisces of the traditional souks in Dubai, showcasing an old-looking facade and emulating the local markets.

It contrasts the modern look of the rest of the mall, although you’ll still find contemporary shops and facilities. Make sure to visit it especially if you don’t have time to check out the real souks – although I highly recommend that you do!

Have Lunch (or dinner) at These Restaurants

As you would expect in Dubai’s largest mall, there are plenty of places to eat. Whether you’re craving a hearty meal or a sweet treat, and pretty much everything in between, you’ll find a restaurant serving it at Dubai Mall.

The only thing to bear in mind is that alcohol is not served inside the mall. You’ll have to enjoy your lunch with a glass of water or juice, and if you’re in the mood for a beer, get it later somewhere else. Now, find out which restaurant you’ll be stopping by during your visit.

▶️ One of the best places to eat in Dubai Mall is Tribes, an African-inspired restaurant that specializes in meat dishes, and offers indoor and outdoor seating areas from where you’ll enjoy great views of Dubai. 

▶️ For Lebanese cuisine you should check out Bebabel, which also faces Burj Lake and offers incredible views, along with traditional dishes and appetizers. 

▶️ For authentic Emirati dishes, the best food is on Dubai Mall’s third floor, at Logma. Soups, salads, sandwiches, and appetizers are some of the options you’ll have, as well as typical breakfast platter and Khaleeji meals. 

▶️ Looking for something quick and cheap? No worries. Dubai Mall also features a gigantic food court with all sorts of fast-food restaurants and eateries, so you will be spoiled for choice.

See the Dubai Creek Tower’s Replica

The Dubai Creek Tower is in the race to become the tallest tower in the world, surpassing Burj Khalifa by, it is estimated, a couple of hundred meters. 

The Tower is still under development, and its exact height has not been revealed yet, but it promises to be not only incredibly tall but gorgeous. And while it’s not yet possible to marvel at the real building, you can do so at Dubai Mall’s Grand Atrium, where you’ll find a replica that depicts all of its splendor. 

I bet that after finding the replica, one of the prettiest things to see in Dubai Mall, you’ll start planning your next trip to Dubai because you won’t want to miss the real thing!

Jump at Trampo Extreme 

Another fabulous attraction for children is Trampo Extreme, a playground with plenty of adrenaline-packed activities that range from trying out trampoline flips to playing dodgeball, climbing walls, diving in a foam pit, and showing off their basketball skills. 

Trampo Extreme offers a safe environment where kids from 3 years old will be able to have tons of fun and run around until they’re tired (or their time is up). 

Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday from 10 AM to 10 PM, Friday & Saturday open until 11 PM
Entrance Fee: From AED 100 per hour

Eden Gallery 

Eden Gallery occupies 10 thousand square feet of the mall, showcasing a spectacular curation of contemporary art pieces from all over the world; one of the best attractions in Dubai Mall for art lovers! 

Located in the luxury area of the mall, this world-leading art gallery aims to catch the eye of collectors and art enthusiasts, but even if you’re none of them, it doesn’t hurt to walk around a fantastic gallery and enjoy the work of so many different artists. 

If you’re into art but don’t have space on your walls (or bags!) keep an eye on the gallery, which is also developing NFTs with some of its most prominent artists. 

Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday from 10 AM to 12 AM, Thursday to Saturday open until 1 AM  

Play Pickleball at Zabeel Sports District

Located on the rooftop of Dubai Mall’s expansion, which is connected to the main building by a footbridge, is the Zabeel Sports District, a complex that offers several sports you can enjoy, all the while checking out the incredible views of the city as a background. 

The sports center features five paddle tennis courts, two volleyball and basketball courts, an indoor cricket pitch, and four badminton courts; remember to put on your sports shoes before heading to the mall! 

If you get thirsty or need some refueling, there’s a snack and juice stall in the complex. 

Opening Hours: Daily from 8 AM to 12 AM
Entrance Fee: From AED 100 (27 USD) per session

Things To Do Near Dubai Mall

If after your visit to Dubai Mall you’re still looking for things to do, there are great places to visit nearby. Check them out! 

▶️ Make sure to check out Sky Views Dubai to enjoy Dubai from above and slide down the glass slide from the 53rd floor. Thrilling!

▶️ Burj Park is one of the best places to visit near Dubai Mall. This park is actually a small island located in Burj Lake, and besides relaxing at the park or renting one of the water rides, you’ll find events, markets, food trucks, and concerts throughout the year. 

▶️ On the edge of Burj Park you can’t miss The Wings of Mexico, a fantastic sculpture that makes a great photo stop and that is named after its artist’s nationality. The sculpture represents and celebrates the potential of human beings, as well as their dreams and victories. 

▶️ The Green Planet is a vertical tropical rainforest, home to plenty of birds, reptiles, and lovely sloths, where you can live an immersive experience.

Get caught in a tropical thunderstorm, snorkel with piranhas, and discover the nocturnal animals when the night falls. This is truly one of the best attractions near Dubai Mall, and if you get hungry during your adventures, there’s even a cafe on-site where you can get refreshments. ➥ BUY YOUR TICKETS HERE

▶️ Finally, among the things to do around Dubai Mall, there’s also the Dubai Opera, housed in a building styled to resemble a dhow, the Emirate’s traditional sailing vessel.

The opera can be rearranged to become a conventional theater, a concert hall, a conference space, and even an area for exhibitions, and it hosts cultural events that range from drama to ballet, opera, and concerts.  

Things to do at Dubai Mall FAQ