CityBuddy
The Dubai Mall
Best time to visit
Late afternoon to early evening offers cooler temperatures and the best Dubai Fountain shows at sunset. Weekdays outside school holidays are much quieter than weekend evenings.
Budget tips
Entry to the mall is free, though paid attractions like Dubai Aquarium and Burj Khalifa observation decks have separate fees; catch the free Dubai Fountain shows along the promenade. Consider combo attraction passes such as Go City or Dubai Explorer and book aquarium or Burj Khalifa time slots in advance for lower rates.
Recommended for
Families, Shopaholics, Foodies, Photography enthusiasts
Plan your visit
3-5 hours
About
Quick facts: The mall houses an awe-inspiring aquarium that feels like walking through an underwater tunnel surrounded by thousands of marine creatures. Visitors often get mesmerized by the dancing fountain show outside, where water jets choreograph with music and lights in a spectacular display.
Highlights: The indoor ice rink inside features an Olympic-sized 60 by 30 meters surface where you can watch local hockey leagues play or join a public skating session with music and colorful lights. The mall also houses one of the largest aquariums in the world, boasting over 33,000 aquatic animals and a 270-degree walkthrough tunnel offering surreal underwater views.
Insider tips
- Wear comfortable shoes and light layers, the mall covers many floors and indoor conditions vary near entrances.
- Best photo spots are the Dubai Fountain promenade at sunset, inside the Aquarium tunnel, and the Souk Al Bahar bridge for framing Burj Khalifa.
- Use Dubai Metro to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station and take the air-conditioned link bridge to avoid traffic, parking fills fast on weekend evenings.
- Book timed tickets for the aquarium and Burj Khalifa online to skip long queues, and avoid Friday and Saturday evenings when crowds peak.
Book a FREE walking tour in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The best way to experience a city with a local tour guide.
Tip: We strongly recommend a free walking tour on your first day to get to know the city with a local guide. They usually cover all main attractions and you can ask for personal recommendations based on your interests for the next days. Book early as spaces fill up fast!
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