How to get to dubai mall

How to Get to the Dubai Mall using Public Transport

The Dubai Mall is not just any other regular mall – it’s one the world’s largest in terms of total area. The mall complex area measures more than 13 million square feet, that’s over 50 football fields!

Inside the Dubai Mall

Aside from having more than 1200 shops, it’s also home to massive attractions like the indoor theme park SEGA Republic and the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.

Right outside Dubai Mall stand the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain: the main stage for a spectacular light show held every night.

Dubai Aquarium from the top!

Visited by millions, the Dubai Mall is one of the key places in Downtown Dubai, a neighborhood that’s reportedly cost about 20 billion USD to build.

There is little wonder why the Dubai Mall is the most popular mall in Dubai and the UAE.

Here are the steps on how to get to the Dubai Mall by Train:

1. Go to the nearest Dubai Metro Station. Dubai Metro is the rapid transit rail network in Dubai. This train network is the fastest and most convenient transport to reach Dubai’s key attractions.

Dubai Metro Station

2. Take the train on the Red Line. The Red Line services the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station.

3. Get off Burj Khalifa Station/Dubai Mall Station.

4. From the Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station, you have a choice of getting on a feeder bus or walk to the mall area. If you decide to walk to the mall, you can take the Metro Link Bridge.

Walking the Metro Link Bridge to Dubai Mall

The Metro Link Bridge

The Metro Link Bridge is a covered walking tunnel, equipped with travellator machines.

This bridge is fully ventilated to make walking more comfortable. It is also especially designed with huge windows so that pedestrians can view Dubai’s sleek downtown while walking.

The Metro Link Bridge has the same operating hours as Dubai Mall:

Sunday to Wednesday – 10 am to 11 pm

Thursday to Saturday – 10 am to 12 am

Just follow the visible signs that will lead you to the Dubai Mall

Reminder

It is also important to take note of the hours of the operation for the Metro. The operation time for Dubai Metro on Fridays is shorter.

Hours of operation for Dubai Metro:

Saturday to Thursday 6:00 am to 11:00 pm, Friday 2:00 pm to midnight.

During Ramadan (Holy Month) Saturday to Thursday – 6:00 am to midnight, Friday – 2:00 to midnight.

Getting to the Dubai Mall By Bus

Take note that the buses arrive at the bus stations every 15 minutes approximately.

The Dubai Mall Location, Getting There & Planning Your Day

July 8, 2018 / Dubai

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Dubai may be famous for its many malls, but the largest of them all is The Dubai Mall. With over 1,200 shops, 200 restaurants, an aquarium, an ice rink and a cinema, you’ll do plenty of exploring once you’re inside of it, so you don’t want to worry about getting lost on the way. We’ve put together an easy guide to explain how to get to The Dubai Mall and how to plan your day, so all you have to worry about is your wish list.

The Location

The Dubai Mall’s location is perfect for first-timers in the city because it’s right in the heart of Downtown Dubai. The mall itself is arguably the area’s most popular attraction, but it’s surrounded by some close runners up, such as the Burj Khalifa – the tallest building in the world.

Getting There

Save yourself time and effort by simply ordering an Uber on your phone. There are multiple dedicated drop-off zones at the mall, so you can choose the one most convenient for you – meaning all your energy can be saved for your shopping.

Ready, Set, Shop!

Whatever you’re looking for, The Dubai Mall probably has it. There’s no way you can visit every store on offer, so it’s worth checking out the Store Directory beforehand to decide where you want to go. There are electronic and homeware stores, toy shops and the famous Fashion Avenue, to which a brand new expansion was just added. You may also wish to use The Dubai Mall app (available for iOS and Android), which has a store directory and includes step-by-step directions to each store location, ideal for any shopping trip.

Break for Lunch

Make sure you rest and refuel during the day with a stop at one of the mall’s many food and drink outlets. Try American favorites such as Chilli’s, British restaurants like London Fish and Chips, Italian, Chinese, French and more. If you’ve still got room afterwards, there are also plenty of dessert places to try such as The Cheesecake Factory or Magnolia Bakery.

Extra Activities

It’s unlikely you’re going to run out of shops to visit while you’re in The Dubai Mall, but if you decide to take a break from retail therapy, there are plenty of other ways to stay entertained. Check out the mind-blowing displays at the Dubai Fountain, let your inner ice skater awake at the ice rink or dive into the Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

Getting Home

Tired out after a long, hard day of shopping? Make it easy for yourself and order an Uber. Thanks to the dedicated Uber pick-up zones, you don’t need to worry about getting confused by all the exits (or lugging all your bags around). Simply choose the one closest to you and your driver will meet you there.

With your transport taken care of, all that’s left to decide is which shops to visit first.

How to get from Dubai Airport to Dubai Mall

One of the easiest short stopover destinations for first-time visitors to Dubai is to visit the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa, in the area of the city known as Downtown Dubai.

But how exactly do you get between Dubai International Airport (DXB) and the city’s most popular and well-known attractions, the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa?

There is no “city centre” as such to Dubai, but the Downtown Dubai area is probably as close as you’ll get. Here we’ll explain:

Public Transport Options from Dubai Airport to Dubai Mall

There are Metro train, bus and taxi options to get from Dubai Airport to Downtown Dubai.

Dubai Airport DXB to Dubai Mall by Metro

The easiest public transport option for visitors to the centre of Dubai’s shopping and entertainment district in Downtown Dubai is by Metro.

Dubai Airport Bus to Dubai Mall

There is little difference in cost to take the Bus instead of the Metro, but with traffic and stops, the journey is likely to take you at least twice as long and involve at least one change. Buses in Dubai are cashless so you need a Nol card from within the airport terminal before you board.

Note the bus does not go directly to Downtown Dubai but can take you to the main Al Ghubaiaba Bus Station, this is where many of the country’s Intercity buses depart from (You can learn more about connecting from Dubai to Abu Dhabi by bus here).

DXB to Dubai Mall by Taxi

RTA Taxis are readily available in front of the terminals at DXB. You should expect a standard taxi, taken from terminal 3 to Dubai Mall to cost approximately 40 to 55AED and the journey to take 15 to 25 minutes, depending on traffic.

Note leaving from Dubai Airport there is automatically a 25 AED flagfall added. The cost thereafter is 1.96 AED per kilometre.

There is a choice at the airport of a standard taxi, premium taxi or ladies’ taxi.

NB if you jump in a Premium Taxi from DXB, they are nicer cars but charge you for the privilege an extra 1 AED per kilometre! Careful staff don’t sweet-talk you into spending more “for only 1AED more!!”

What is there to do in Dubai’s Downtown Area?

The most obvious answers are to visit the Dubai Mall and the Burj Khalifa – but the answer goes much deeper than this as there are just so many things to do!

On a sh ort stopover from Dubai Airport, you will really need to narrow it down to a couple of favourite activities – many you can enjoy for free, others you will need to pay for and preferably pre-book.

What time is Dubai Mall Open?

If your Dubai Airport stopover is in the wee hours of the morning (many, many flights land between midnight and 5:00 AM!) then you may be better keeping within DXB for a lounge and entertainment, you can learn about all the things to do in Dubai Airport here.

Stopover Passengers Note! If your stopover with Emirates is greater than 10 hours, you may be able to avail a FREE hotel room with Emirates Dubai Connect. We explain exactly how the Dubai Connect service works here.

Alternatives to Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai on a stopover

If you only have limited time to get out and get some fresh air during a Dubai Stopover, why not also try:

If you’d prefer to get some shut-eye or simply have a refreshing swim and a rest during your Dubai stopover, you could try one of these conveniently located Dubai airport hotels.

HOW TO SEE DUBAI MALL – THINGS TO DO + TRAVEL TIPS

TIPS FOR VISITING DUBAI MALL

Dubai Mall: A quick guide gives you an overview of what to expect at the biggest mall in the world.

If you like records, you will love Dubai, and if you love shopping, you will adore the Dubai Mall. As a regular Dubai visitor, I often visit Dubai Mall – even if I am not shopping a lot, but there is just so much to do around it and in it. Find out more about the biggest shopping mall in Dubai. Or well, actually the biggest one in the world.

I f you like shopping as well as the hustle and bustle, you will love Dubai Mall. It is not only the biggest mall in the world but also the most visited. But even if you prefer quieter places, the mall is still worth a stop (as there are some of the main Dubai attractions located next to and inside the mall).

Dubai Mall is different from any other mall in the world. Nothing can be compared to it. I do not mean it because of its sheer size. There is always something new at Dubai Mall. New art, new attractions, new events take place.

With more than 1200 stores, an extensive food court, and many beauty salons on four levels, this “guide” gives you a quick overview of the mall.

BACKGROUND INFO ON DUBAI MALL

The mall opened in 2009 and still growing and plans to expand and become even bigger. It is open seven days a week from 10 a.m. until 11 p.m. or midnight, so you have plenty of time to spend discovering the area. I was surprised it opened more than 11 years ago because it still looks so new, and t he whole mall is spotlessly clean.

DUBAI MALL LOCATION

ADDRESS: Financial Center Street, along Sheikh Zayed Road and next to Burj Khalifa in Dubai (United Arab Emirates)

HOW TO GET THERE BY METRO: The nearest metro station is the Burj Khalifa/The Dubai Mall station. It is then another 1km walk (by using the Metro Link Bridge) from there. Alternatively, you can take a bus from The Dubai Mall Station and get out just in front of Dubai Mall.

HOW TO GET THERE BY BUS: There are two buses that service The Dubai Mall: Route 27 from the Deira Gold Souk station and Route 29 from Ghubaiba bus station and stops at the Lower Ground Floor of The Dubai Mall.

HOW TO GET THERE BY CAR: It is impossible to miss – just head towards Burj Khalifa, the highest building in the world.

From Dubai Center: Take the first interchange and proceed through Financial Centre Road (formerly Doha Street), and then you will see the approach road to The Dubai Mall on the right-hand side.

From Abu Dhabi: Take the exit to Financial Centre Road (formerly Doha Street) from the first interchange.

Follow the signs to the carpark. There are more than 14,000 undercover spaces available (free parking).

HOW TO GET THERE BY SHUTTLE BUSES: If you stay in a bigger hotel in Dubai, there might be a shuttle bus to and from Dubai Mall. Ask the hotel and use the free offer.

HOW TO GET THERE BY TAXI/UBER: Every taxi/Uber driver will be very familiar with bringing you to Dubai Mall safely.

HOW TO GET THERE BY SIGHTSEEING BUSES: All hop-on and hop-off buses stop here.

OPENING HOURS AT DUBAI MALL

For shops, these are the opening hours.

These are the opening hours for restaurants and the food court.

The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is by far the largest shopping mall in Dubai. It is home to over 1,000 stores and restaurants. It also offers a number of tourist attractions including an ice rink, an aquarium, and a multiplex cinema.

The mall is situated at the Downtown Dubai, a massive development that also includes the world’s tallest building, numerous hotels, plus residential apartments and villas. The Souk Al Bahar is also here and offers more shopping and dining options.

The mall boasts four levels; Level LG (lower ground), Level G (ground), Level 1 (first floor), and Level 2 (second floor). They are connected by both lifts and escalators.

Dubai Mall and Address Downtown

List of Stores

A complete list of stores at The Dubai Mall can be found below.

Anchor Stores

Large stores at the Dubai Mall include Bloomingdale’s, Galeries Lafayette, and Debenhams.

Bloomingdales

Galeries Lafayette is a luxury French department store. Departments include women’s fashion, men’s fashion, cosmetics and fragrances, jewellery and watches, and home interiors. With a floor area of 215,000 square feet, spread over three floors of the Dubai Mall, it is the largest department store in Dubai.

Women’s fashion is particularly impressive. Brands stocked include 7 For All Mankind, Armani Jeans, Cavalli Class, Hoss Intropia, Juicy Couture, Karen Millen, Manoush, Missoni, Pinko, Reiss, Sonia by Sonia Rykiel, Ted Baker, and True Religion.

Bloomingdale’s at the Dubai Mall is the US department store’s first international venture. There are two parts to the store; a 146,000 square foot main store with 3 storeys (Level G to Level 2) and a 54,000 square foot home store on Level LG.

Departments in the main store include beauty and fragrances, fine jewellery and watches, men’s and women’s footwear, plus men’s, women’s, and children’s fashion. The home store offers furniture, textiles, glassware, ceramics and decorative items.

Fashion Avenue

Fashion Avenue runs along the southern edge of the mall and is home to the largest collection of prestigious fashion retailers in Dubai. Over 70 stores occupy an area of over 44,000 square feet, spread over Level G and Level 1.

Aerial photo of the Dubai Mall

Stores on the ground floor include Jimmy Choo, Alexander McQueen, Christian Louboutin, Valentino, Burberry, Tom Ford, Louis Vuitton, Gucci, Chanel, and Dior.

Shops on Level 1 include Paul & Shark, Agent Provocateur, Moschino, Elie Saab, and Karl Lagerfeld.

Hugo Boss

Grand Atrium

The Grand Atrium is home to a number of luxury jewellers and watchmakers. Stores here include Cartier, Bvlgari, Chopard, Patek Philippe, Rolex, Breguet, Hermes, and Tiffany & Co.

Supermarket

Most malls in Dubai boast a supermarket and the one here is Waitrose. The 55,000 square foot store is situated on Level LG and is the UK supermarket chain’s first international store. Its product range includes fresh fish and meat, fruit and vegetables, cheese, frozen produce, bread and pastries, and household products.

The Watefall

Other Shops

Kinokuniya is a huge bookstore on Level 2 of the mall. It moved from a larger location in 2017 but is still the biggest bookstore in the UAE. Departments include English magazines, literature, travel, history, computers, business and management, children, hobbies and craft, food and drink, Arabic books, foreign languages, art and design, comics, and performing arts.

The Virgin Megastore is the best place in the mall to buy music CDs, DVDs and Blu-ray Disks, and books. The store also stocks a good range of electronic products including games consoles (Nintendo Switch, PS4, Xbox 360 etc.) and games, mobile phones, and MacBooks. Tickets for many concerts and events in Dubai can also be purchased here.

Hamleys, the world-famous toy retailer, opened their first store in the UAE at the Dubai Mall. The 32,000 square foot store stocks a huge range of premium toys, gifts and gadgets. It also offers regular workshops and activities, plus events where children can meet their favourite cartoon characters. The store is located on Level 2, near KidZania.

Restaurants and Food Courts

Restaurants, cafes, and fast food outlets at The Dubai Mall are listed below.

The Dubai Mall offers a massive selection of restaurants and food and drink outlets. None of the restaurants in the Dubai Mall are licensed. Restaurants serving alcohol can be found in the Souk al Bahar or in the hotels in Downtown Dubai.

Most of the sit-down restaurants are situated on the southern side of the mall. Many have views of the Burj Khalifa Lake and the Dubai Fountain.

There are two main food courts at the Dubai Mall; one on Level 2 and the other on Level LG.

The food court on Level 2 is the largest. It is convenient for those visiting attractions such as the Reel Cinema or KidZania.

Armani Caffe

Attractions

In addition to a huge selection of shops, the Dubai Mall is also home to some of Dubai’s top tourist attractions.

Dubai Ice Rink

The Dubai Ice Rink is the biggest ice skating rink in the city. Public skating sessions are held every day of the week. Evening disco sessions are also offered.

At The Top – Burj Khalifa Observation Deck

The Burj Khalifa, located right next to the mall, is currently the tallest building in the world. Visitors wishing to take a trip to its observation deck begin their journey in the Dubai Mall.

KidZania

KidZania is a children’s edutainment theme park on Level 2 of the Dubai Mall. It offers youngsters the opportunity to experience adult life through role play in a mini-city with streets, shops, restaurants and other businesses.

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

The Dubai Aquarium is one of the largest indoor aquariums in the world and is home to more than 30,000 aquatic animals. Much of the aquarium can be seen for free from the mall. Paying visitors get to walk through the aquarium tunnel and see additional species in the zoo.

Dubai Aquarium

Dubai Fountain

The Dubai Fountain is the world’s largest musical fountain and the city’s most popular free tourist attraction. Performances are held every day. It’s located on the Burj Khalifa Lake, right outside the Dubai Mall.

Reel Cinemas

This 26-screen multiplex cinema is the biggest in Dubai. It offers a variety of movie experiences.

The Waterfall

The Waterfall is an impressive work of art, traversing all levels of the mall.

VR Park

VR Park is an indoor entertainment centre offering around 20 interactive augmented reality and virtual reality experiences.

Entry is free. Participants pay for games individually or can purchase multi-game passes.

It is situated on Level 2 of the Dubai Mall, next to Reel Cinemas.

The area was previously home to SEGA Republic.

Hysteria

Hysteria is a haunted house experience of Level 2 of the Dubai Mall.

Opening Times

All the shops and attractions at the Dubai Mall are open 7 days a week.

Current opening times for the stores are 10 am until midnight.

Evening performances of the Dubai Fountain start at 6 pm and run every half hour until 11 pm. There are also afternoon shows at 1 pm and 1.30 pm (Fridays 1.30 pm and 2 pm).

Facilities

Information desks are located throughout the mall and offer maps of the Dubai Mall and store listings. Facilities and services include toilets, free WiFi, baby changing rooms, prayer rooms, plus wheelchair and stroller hire.

Getting There & Directions

Taxis

Every taxi driver in Dubai will know how to get to the Dubai Mall. Departing by taxi is easy. The main taxi rank is situated on the ground floor close to the Waitrose supermarket. There’s always a huge line of taxis waiting to pick up passengers. There’s no need to book.

Car

Visitors arriving by car should leave Sheikh Zayed Road at Interchange 1 and take Financial Centre Road (previously Doha Street) to the Dubai Mall. It is clearly signposted.

The mall boasts spaces for over 14,000 vehicles in three multi-storey car parks; Grand Parking, Fashion Parking, and Cinema Parking.

The mall is extremely large so it is best to park near the intended destination:

Valet parking and car washing services are available.

Metro

The nearest Metro station is Burj Khalifa Dubai Mall. It is a Red Line station.

It’s a fair distance from the station to the mall. The Metro Link Bridge opened in 2012 and connects the station directly to the mall. It’s enclosed and fully air-conditioned and features airport-style travellators. Walking the ½ mile walkway take around 10 minutes.

Those not wishing to walk, can take a feeder bus from the Metro station to the mall.

Bus

Bus service 27 goes to the Dubai Mall and departs from the Gold Souq Bus Station in Deira.

Bus service 29 from Al Ghubaiba Bus Station also goes to the mall.

Hotels

Hotels near the Dubai Mall include The Armani Hotel Dubai, Address Downtown, Manzil Downtown Dubai, The Address Dubai Mall, The Palace Downtown Dubai, Vida Downtown Dubai, The Address Boulevard Dubai, and Rove Downtown Dubai.

Map showing location of The Dubai Mall.

Click here for a detailed map showing all points of interest.

Details

Address
Downtown Dubai
Dubai
United Arab Emirates

Photo Credit: Karolis Kavolelis, JohnKruger, Alpha Spotting/Shutterstock