Dubai Mall

Entry into the Dubai Mall is free. However, some attractions inside require separate tickets or bookings:

Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo

Holding over 33,000 marine animals, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is one of the biggest draws inside the Dubai Mall. It has a massive 10-million-litre tank. Visitors can walk through one of the world’s largest acrylic viewing panels and come face-to-face with tiger sharks, rays, piranhas, penguins, and playful otters. 

Dubai Ice Rink

For those who love ice and action, the Dubai Ice Rink offers an Olympic-sized skating arena. Whether you’re a beginner or a skilled skater, the rink provides lessons for all levels. This is a great place to spend quality time with friends and family. 

The ice rink also doubles as an event space, hosting concerts and special shows. 

VR Park

Want to have some thrill with technology? Then the VR Park in the Dubai Mall is a must-try. It is one of the world’s largest indoor virtual reality attractions that blends augmented reality with interactive games. 

From adrenaline-pumping adventures to family-friendly fun, it’s an immersive escape that transports you into entirely new worlds.

KidZania

KidZania is a great learning experience for children, which turns lessons into play with a full mini-city built to scale. This area is open to kids aged 4 to 16. Children can role-play more than 80 real-life professions, from doctors to pilots, while earning and spending their own currency called “kidZos.” 

This educational and fun experience is a favorite for families. 

Reel Cinemas

Movie lovers will definitely have a great time at Reel Cinemas, which boasts 26 screens, including luxury options with reclining seats and gourmet dining delivered to your seat. 

Whether you’re watching the latest Hollywood blockbuster or a regional movie, the experience here is all about comfort and style. 

Human Waterfalls

As you explore the mall, you will come across the spectacular Human Waterfalls. This is an architectural masterpiece that spans all four levels of the Dubai Mall. Beautifully crafted fiberglass sculptures of human divers, frozen in motion as if falling into the water below, add to the pouring sheets of water. 

This is one of the most photographed and mesmerizing spots in the area. 

Fashion Avenue 

Are you a fashion enthusiast? Then Fashion Avenue inside the Dubai Mall is a paradise of luxury for you. Spanning over 440,000 square feet, it brings together the world’s most prestigious brands under one roof. 

From Chanel, Dior, and Gucci to flagship boutiques like Saint Laurent and Rolex, you name it, they have it. The space itself is designed to reflect elegance and sophistication, with its grand interiors and hydraulic catwalks hosting glamorous fashion events year-round. 

How to Get to the Dubai Mall? 

• By Metro: Take the Red Line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. A climate-controlled walkway leads directly into the mall.
• By Bus: Bus routes 27, 29, and others stop at the mall.
• By Car/Taxi: Takes around 15–20 minutes from Dubai International Airport. Over 14,000 parking spaces are available.

Opening Hours

• Sunday to Thursday: 10 AM – 12 Midnight
• Friday & Saturday: 10 AM – 1 AM

Note: Timings may vary for certain attractions and restaurants. 

Best Time to Visit

• If you’re looking for some peaceful time away from the crowds, it is best to visit during the morning, starting from 10 am. 
• If you want to enjoy nightlife and attractions like the Dubai Fountain, it is best to visit in the evening. 
• If you want major sale offers, visit around January or February while the Dubai Shopping Festival is ongoing. 

Accessibility & Facilities

• Wheelchair accessibility with lifts, ramps, and wide pathways.
• Prayer rooms, baby-changing facilities, and guest services are available.
• Free Wi-Fi throughout the mall.

• Wear comfortable shoes, as the mall is massive and requires hours of walking.
• Dedicate at least half a day (or more) to exploring attractions and shops.
• During Ramadan, eateries are closed during daylight hours; food is available in designated areas.
• Book tickets for attractions like the Aquarium or KidZania online to save time.
• Photography is allowed, but some attractions may restrict it. Always ask before clicking.
• For the best shopping deals, visit during the Dubai Shopping Festival.

Burj Khalifa

Right next to the mall stands the iconic Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Visitors can ride the high-speed elevators to its “At the Top” observation decks on levels 124, 125, and 148 to enjoy breathtaking 360-degree views of Dubai’s skyline, desert, and the Arabian Gulf. 

Visit at night when the city is illuminated by shimmering city lights for a more magical experience. 

Dubai Fountain Show

Just outside the mall on the Burj Khalifa Lake, you can witness the Dubai Fountain Show. It is one of the largest choreographed fountain performances worldwide. Jets of water dance up to 150 meters high, synchronized with music and lights, creating a spectacular display that runs every evening. 

The best part? You can watch the show completely free of cost, but be prepared to meet huge crowds. 

Souk Al Bahar

Across the bridge from the Dubai Mall lies Souk Al Bahar. It is a traditional Arabian-style marketplace with a hint of modernity. Here, you’ll find boutique shops, artisanal handicrafts, and a wide variety of dining options. 

The waterfront setting offers incredible views of both Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, which is why it is a favorite spot for evening dinners. 

Dubai Opera 

A short walk from the mall, Dubai Opera is the cultural heart of the city. It is shaped like a traditional dhow (sailing vessel). The venue hosts an exciting calendar of events, including world-class concerts, opera performances, ballet, musicals, and comedy shows. 

If you want to experience the buzzing performance arts scene in Dubai, this is your go-to.

1. Do I need to pay to enter the Dubai Mall?

No, entering the Dubai Mall is free. There is no admission charge to walk around, shop, or dine. However, many of the attractions inside the mall (e.g., Aquarium, KidZania, VR Park, cinema screens) have separate ticket fees.

2. What are the Dubai Mall’s opening hours?

Dubai Mall is open every day. On weekdays (Monday to Thursday), it generally operates from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM, and on weekends (Friday to Sunday), the closing time is often extended until midnight. Hours can vary during public holidays or special events. 

3. How does parking at Dubai Mall work? Are there free hours, and what are the rates?

Yes, there is a new paid parking system that started on July 1, 2024, implemented in partnership with Salik. Certain parking zones –Grand Parking, Cinema Parking, and Fashion Parking- now charge fees after a free period. On weekdays, you get up to 4 free hours; on weekends, up to 6 free hours. After that, rates escalate with duration, potentially up to AED 1,000 for a full 24-hour stay. Zones like Zabeel and Fountain Views remain free.

4. Who is exempt from the parking fees at Dubai Mall?

People of Determination (individuals with disabilities), emergency vehicles, civil defense, police, and certain public service providers are exempt, provided they meet Salik’s exemption requirements.

5. Are pets allowed inside the Dubai Mall?

Pets are not allowed inside the Dubai Mall, except for service animals.