
Dubai mall
The Dubai Mall, located next to the world’s tallest building Burj Khalifa in the United Arab Emirates, is a dream destination for shopping lovers. Spread over 12 million square feet, Dubai Mall is the second largest shopping mall in the world. Built over an area equal to about 50 football fields, this mall has about 1,200 shops, exclusive fashion houses, 20 luxury hotels, 22 cinema halls, large department stores and hundreds of restaurants. In addition, Dubai Mall has various entertainment activities including Dubai Aquarium, Underwater Zoo and Theme Park. And so this Dubai Mall is at the top of the tourists’ choice when visiting Dubai.
What to see and do in Dubai Mall
In addition to shopping, the Dubai Mall in the Arab Emirates has various events for entertainment. Inside the mall, Middle Eastern shops like 70s Bloomingdale’s, Galeries Lafayette attract tourists. There are various collections of world famous designers for the fashion conscious. Among them are all the famous brands like Versace, Burberry. Dubai Mall “Gold Souk” is famous for gold jewellery.
Also for family outings in Dubai Mall are The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, The Dubai Fountain with kid-friendly Kindazia, Ice Rink and more.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
The Dubai Aquarium, located under the Dubai Mall, is about 51 meters long, 20 meters deep and 11 meters high. The aquarium houses about 3,000 species of marine animals, including more than 400 sharks and rays. And the most important thing is that if you stay inside this mall, you can see the aquarium through the acrylic panel. But if you buy a ticket and enter through a 48 meter long tunnel, you get a chance to see this aquarium in a different way. Where you will see sharks, rays, octopuses and other marine animals moving around on the glass wall. And if you are very brave, you can dive into the 10 liter water tank and face the sand tiger shark.
Through the tunnel of this aquarium, you can go to the Under Water Zoo located on the second floor of the Dubai Mall. In about 40 marine houses you can see piranhas, penguins, crocodiles, large lizards, snakes, large eels and more. The small archer fish here and their method of hunting their own food are a special attraction for tourists. Also here you can do glass bottomed boat ride, cage snorkeling, shark dives and paddy diving.
Cost and schedule
The Dubai Aquarium & Zoo is open 7 days a week. The entrance fee to enter here is 55 dirhams. However, there is no entry fee for children below 3 years. Open Sunday to Wednesday 10am to 10pm and Thursday to Saturday 10am to midnight. And no one can enter here 30 minutes before closing time. There is also an opportunity to rotate through different packages.
The Dubai Fountain
The Dubai Fountain, located in front of the Dubai Mall in the whole city of Dubai, is very popular among tourists. Everyone loves to take pictures especially here. The choreography of this fountain is done in such a way that the fountain water seems to touch the sky. And along with this, starting from light-beat Arabic classics to Michael Jackson’s Thriller-style songs are always playing. There is a light illuminating show every 30 minutes from 6 pm which attracts many people.
You will also get a chance to skate in Olympic size ice at the Dubai Ice Rink. Again there is “Kindazia” for children to learn different things in pretend play. There is also an indoor cinema complex to watch movies with the whole family and Dubai Opera to watch Dubai’s various arts exhibitions. And at the top there is the Burj Khalifa observation deck from where you can see the wonderful view of the Burj Khalifa at a 370 degree angle from the top. It is especially beautiful in the evening. Another special place is the Village, where shopkeepers are allowed to buy and sell under the open roof above on winter days, which allows one to experience the outdoor environment and nature even while staying inside the Dubai Mall. In fact, Dubai Mall is not just shopping, but there are various things to keep yourself busy while walking around.
Travel tips
The price of things in Dubai Mall is a little higher so keep in mind that the cost will be higher when shopping.
Take a full day to explore the Dubai Mall thoroughly. Dubai Mall can’t be toured well in a short time.
Discounts are given in various shops here, but ask about the discount yourself while buying.
Many shops don’t offer discounts unless you ask. A visit to The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo will be convenient if you opt for a package.
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo have member ship card benefits.
If possible, getting this card will reduce the cost and also get discounts on other rides including the gift shop every time.
It is convenient to use the metro to travel in Dubai so it is better to buy a metro card first.