The Best Malls in Dubai (That Aren’t Just The Dubai Mall)

The Dubai Mall—huge, flashy, and full of tourists taking photos. It’s the obvious choice, and fair play, it is a bit of a spectacle. But if that’s the only mall on your list, you’re seriously missing out.

I love shopping, I love hanging out, I love eating—and yes, I even love getting my steps in. So where do we go? The residents, the ones who aren’t here on a five-day stopover with a selfie stick?

Stick around I am about to spill the beans and I’ve got a few favourites that might just surprise you.

 

🥇 Dubai Hills Mall 

This one’s my number one. Is it because it’s my local mall? Absolutely. Am I shamelessly biased? Without question. Do I care? Not even slightly.

Dubai Hills Mall isn’t trying to show off. No dancing fountains, no catwalks of influencers in 6-inch heels, and definitely no luxury stores judging your trainers. It’s just… easy. Calm (most days), convenient, and packed with your high-street favourites:
🖤 Zara, H&M, Mango, M&S, Stradivarius, American Eagle, Massimo Dutti—you know the gang.

Love a bargain? You’re in luck. Head straight to Centrepoint, Lefties, R&B, or even Max—basically Primark’s Middle Eastern cousins. And if you’re after something a little same-same-but-different, check out LIMÈ. It’s a Spanish brand that’s seriously giving Zara vibes, just with a slightly edgier twist.

 

🍽 Best Places To Eat in Dubai Hills Mall

Let’s be honest: shopping is cardio, and cardio earns carbs. Thankfully, this mall has no shortage of food places. Here’s where I eat and what I order when I want to feel full and happy:

• Bosnian Kebab

Like a big, warm hug from a Balkan grandma. Order this: The Bosnian Cevapi with somun bread and kajmak (creamy cheese). It’s ridiculously satisfying.

• Mitts & Tray

Trendy but relaxed, and the food’s actually good. Order this: The Wagyu burger or truffle pasta. They also do an amazing sweet potato side that you’ll dream about.

• Tribes

Big flavours, bold vibes. African fusion at its best. Order this: The Tribes Mixed Grill. It’s a meat lover’s dream with everything from boerewors to peri-peri chicken. Comes sizzling.

• Pincode by Kunal Kapur

Modern Indian with a twist. Chic interiors, chill vibes. Order this: Butter chicken and the biryani—both next-level. Add the amritsari kulcha and thank me later.

• Shvili

Georgian food that will ruin all other carbs for you. Order this: The Adjarian khachapuri (cheesy bread boat with a runny egg in the middle) and khinkali (juicy Georgian dumplings). Life-changing.

Whether you’re stopping mid-shop or coming just for dinner, trust me—you won’t go home hungry.

 

🎢 Not Just Shopping – There’s a Rollercoaster, People!

This mall has an indoor rollercoaster. Let me repeat that: A rollercoaster. Inside the mall.
And not just any rollercoaster—It’s the world’s fastest indoor roller coaster – Reaching speeds of up to 77 km/h (about 48 mph)

Pair that with a super sleek Roxy Cinema and a massive Adventure Park for the kids (or energetic adults), and you’ve got yourself a whole day out. You could literally spend hours here and not step foot inside a shop.

 

🚗 Parking Tip

Here’s a little insider tip that will save you from the nightmare of mall parking: Go for the upper levels. Everyone rushes for the ground floor spots, and that’s where the madness happens. Head upstairs, and you’ll almost always find a nice, quiet spot waiting for you. No one tells you this, but I’m doing it now.

 

Opening Hours:
🕙 Sun–Thurs: 10am–11pm | Fri–Sat: 10am–midnight
📍 Al Khail Road | 💻 dubaihillsmall.ae | ☎️ 04 448 5033

 

 

👜 Mall of the Emirates – The One I Cheat With Sometimes

Okay, I’ll admit it. Mall of the Emirates (MOE) is a bit extra, but it’s still one of those malls that’s too iconic to leave off the list. It’s bigger, flashier, and definitely fancier than Dubai Hills Mall, and I’ll bet you’ll find something you’ll love here—whether you want to splurge or just window-shop and pretend you’re richer than you actually are.

 

What to Shop For

Mall of the Emirates is the one you go to when you want options—and lots of them. High street? Sorted. Designer? Absolutely. Somewhere in the middle? They’ve got that too. Oh, and yes—there’s an actual ski slope inside. Only in Dubai, right?

You’ll find all your usual suspects like Zara, H&M, and Mango. But if you’re in the mood to spend a little (or a lot), you’ve got Golden Goose, Zimmermann, Maje, Maria Tash, Louis Vuitton, and Prada—and that’s just scratching the surface.

Feeling fancy but not too flashy? Hit up Debenhams, or the very curated THAT Concept Store and Harvey Nichols for a mix of everything stylish under one roof.

 

🍽 Where to Eat at Mall of the Emirates

• Din Tai Fung – A classic. The soup dumplings are non-negotiable.

• Hurricane’s Grill – Aussie steakhouse with properly good ribs and sticky wings. Come hungry.

• Emporio Armani Caffè – Basically like dining inside a Vogue shoot. The truffle pasta is worth the drama.

• Al Hallab – A great shout for Lebanese-Emirati dishes. Order the mix grill and the hummus with lamb. Trust me.

• Konjiki Hototogisu – A Tokyo-born ramen spot that hits the comfort food spot every time. Voted number one ramen in Dubai (by us!), this place definitely deserves a spot on your list. Check it out here!

 

❄️ Extra Bits That Make It Fun

• Ski Dubai – Penguins, snow, and ski jackets in August. Totally ridiculous. Totally brilliant.

• VOX Cinemas – Recliner seats and a break from the crowds. Bliss.

• Magic Planet + Bowling – Great for kids. Or for competitive grown-ups who don’t like losing. (Guilty).

 

🛠 Upcoming Improvements at Mall of the Emirates

Mall of the Emirates isn’t just resting on its laurels—it’s constantly evolving. The mall is set to receive some pretty exciting upgrades, including:

• 💸 AED 5 billion facelift – Yes I said 5 Billion!

• 🛍️ 100 new shops incoming – because clearly, 600 weren’t enough for our “just browsing” routine.

• 🧖‍♀️ Luxury wellness club + theatre – spa day followed by Shakespeare? Go on then.

• 🌿 Indoor-outdoor dining courtyard – fresh air and fresh falafel? Coming 2027.

• 🎥 World’s fanciest IMAX + four new attractions – When your cinema standards are as high as your heels.

 

📍 Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha
🕙 Open daily, 10am – midnight
📞 malloftheemirates.com | 800 663 6255

 

 

🦈 The Dubai Mall – The Big One (But Worth It)

If you’re in Dubai for more than a few days, you have to go to The Dubai Mall. It’s massive, flashy, and packed to the brim with tourists—and locals who have a strange love-hate relationship with it. It’s not somewhere I’d go on a Saturday afternoon if I can help it (because, frankly, it’s chaos), but you can’t leave without seeing it at least once.

 

🛍 Why Go

It’s one of the biggest malls in the world. Literally. With 1,200+ stores, it’s a paradise for both the fashion-obsessed and the “I-just-came-for-a-look” crowd.

Whether you’re after Alexander McQueen, Bershka, or Kate Spade, you’ll find it here. And if you love shoes (or just want to pretend you do), Level Shoes is like a museum of designer footwear. Try not to cry when you see the price tags.

 

🥘 My Favourite Tip: Time Out Market

Need a break from the chaos? Head over the bridge to Souk Al Bahar and check out Time Out Market—a bit more chilled and ideal for a foodie pit stop. Bonus: you can catch the fountains from here… well, normally. They’re on a little holiday until October 2025 (classic diva behaviour). You can read more about that here.

Faves:

• Pitfire Pizza – It’s hands-down the best pizza in Dubai. Don’t argue with me.
• Little Jun’s – Asian dishes with a cool Dubai twist.
• Pickl – Insanely good Chicken Burgers!

 

🍽 Where I Eat Inside The Mall

• Parker’s – Go for the Matilda cake. Thank me later.
• OFK – Fine Dining -Try the Truffle Rigatoni: A creamy, indulgent pasta that’s a crowd favourite.
• Café de Paris – Steak frites lovers, this one’s for you.
• Umm Sherif – Fancy Lebanese food with a cosy, nostalgic feel.
• Awani – Levantine food that’s actually filling and flavourful.
• New Shanghai – Xiao Long Bao that put Din Tai Fung to shame.
• Babel – Gorgeous interiors, decent food. Good for the ‘gram.
• Scalini’s + Cipriani – You’ve seen the names, now taste the vibe.
• China Town – Yes, there’s an actual China Town inside. Food stalls, neon signs, and a whole lot of food.

 

🎟 Things To Do (Other Than Shop)

• Dubai Aquarium – Sharks, rays, and very confused fish in a mall tank.
• KidZania – A mini city for your kids. (And a chance for you to sit down.)
• Reel Cinemas – Cool, quiet, and shows every film under the sun.
• Dubai Ice Rink – For when you want to pretend it’s winter for an hour.
• The Dubai Fountain – Shows every 30 minutes. Water dancing to Whitney Houston? Iconic.

Bonus Tip: If you around 6:30pm and book a table outside. The fountain shows start at 7pm and run every 30 minutes.

(The Fountains are closed for refurbishment but will reopen in October 2025)

📍 Downtown Dubai
🕙 Open daily, 10am – midnight
📞 thedubaimall.com | 800 DUBAI MALL

 

So there you have it—my mall manifesto.
Dubai Hills Mall will always be my number one, MOE is my go-to side fling, and The Dubai Mall? Well, she’s extra, but she’s fabulous.

Whether you’re shopping, skating, or just soaking up the AC, Dubai’s malls are basically adult playgrounds—and I, for one, am not complaining.

 

You may also be interested in reading;

Ain Dubai Review: Is It Worth the Hype?

Atlantis The Royal Cloud22 Rooftop Pool Review

Bubbalicious Brunch – The Roast Review