Dubai Mall
More than 1,200 shops, the Dubai Aquarium and the Dubai Fountain at the foot of the Burj Khalifa, 14 km from the port.
At a glance
Dubai Mall welcomes more than 100 million visitors a year, the most visited retail destination in the world.
Dubai Mall, opened by Emaar in 2008 in Downtown Dubai, is one of the largest shopping centres in the world: more than 1,200 shops, two department stores (Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale's), over 200 restaurants and cafés and a long list of attractions. The Fashion Avenue wing gathers the luxury brands, and the adjoining Souk Al Bahar, an Arabesque-style market, looks onto the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
Even without shopping it is worth a visit: the giant tank of the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo can be seen from the mall corridors, the souk area keeps a 155-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton, and the lake promenade outside is the best place to watch the fountain shows.
For cruise passengers it is the easiest outing in Dubai. It lies about 14 km by road from the Mina Rashid cruise terminal, terminal shuttles serve it, and it is air-conditioned, which matters from May to October. It combines naturally with the Burj Khalifa observation decks, whose entrance is inside the mall.
Official websiteGetting there from the port
4 optionsYour day in port
Example: call from 08:00 to 18:00, all aboard at 17:30.
- 09:30To DowntownShuttle or taxi from the terminal to Dubai Mall, to arrive as it opens at 10:00.
- 10:00AquariumThe main tank from the ground floor or, with a ticket, the tunnel and the Underwater Zoo.
- 11:30The souk and Fashion AvenueDubai Dino in the souk area and a walk through the luxury wing.
- 12:45Lunch by the lakeLunch on a terrace facing the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
- 13:30Fountain and Souk Al BaharWatch an afternoon show (check the timetable) and cross to Souk Al Bahar.
- 15:15Back to the shipShuttle or taxi back to the terminal, on board by about 16:00.
What to see
- 1Dubai Aquarium and Underwater ZooOne of the largest suspended aquariums in the world, with more than 400 sharks and rays and a walk-through tunnel (ticket required).
- 2Dubai FountainThe choreographed fountain on the Burj Khalifa Lake, with shows set to music, free from the promenade.
- 3Fashion AvenueThe luxury wing, with more than 150 high-end shops and restaurants.
- 4Souk Al BaharAn Arabesque-style market next to the mall with more than 100 shops and views of the Burj Khalifa.
- 5Dubai DinoA 155-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton displayed in the souk area.
- 6Dubai Ice Rink and KidZaniaAn ice rink and a role-play city for children aged 2 to 16.
Tips for cruise passengers
- Opening hoursShops open from 10:00 to 23:00 Monday to Thursday and until midnight Friday to Sunday; restaurants stay open an hour longer.
- Use the mapWith more than 1,200 shops it is easy to get lost; download the mall app or use the interactive map and agree a meeting point.
- Aquarium from outsideThe main tank is visible free of charge from the ground floor; the tunnel and the zoo upstairs need a ticket (open 10:00 to 22:00).
- Free wifi and servicesThe mall has free wifi and eight guest service desks.
Accessibility & families
The mall is step-free, with lifts between levels and a direct footbridge from the metro station, so it is fully accessible for wheelchairs and strollers. Children have many attractions, including the aquarium, the ice rink and KidZania.
In pictures
