Joanna James
Dubai is the quintessential shopping destination, a place to which the world's best brands flock to present their wares on some of the best venues across the globe. Here are the best malls.
This is the world's largest 'theme mall' inspired by none other than world famous Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta. Enjoy a whirlwind shopping experience at this mall, boasting a total of six retail courts, waiting to be explored. Amongst many retail shops are anchor stores for Geant, Marks & Spencer, Debenhams, Decathlon and Sharaf DG. If you are staying at a Palm Jumeirah hotel, Dubai shopping is a breeze since many malls like this one are only minutes away; for instance, this mall is just 16 minutes from the DUKES DUBAI.
A part of the popular Dubai Outlet City, the Dubai Outlet Mall is made up of over 240 stores, which offer shoppers discounts between 30% to 90%. It's a pretty sweet deal when you look at all the high-end brands on offer such, Coach, Fred Perry, Adidas and Mango.
Located in the centre of Bur Dubai, this mall is where shopaholics can indulge and enjoy the best of retail therapy, scouting through a very satisfying collection of luxury fashion brands. Well worth making the trip, Bur Dubai is also the city's heritage centre, hence, you get two treats in one go; fabulous shopping and a chance to explore the UAE's history. Bur Juman goes beyond the concept of shopping to offer patrons a range of entertainment options; the latest addition being the 14 screen VOX Cinemas. Branded shops there include Louis Vuitton, H&M, Charles & Keith, Burberry and Bvlgari.
This is a shopping resort and the first of its kind in the world. The place offers a shocking 2.4 million square feet of shopping space to explore, boasting a total of 630 high-end brands. Head over to the mall's luxury wing and fashion dome for a display of the world's best fashion designs. Some of the brands on display include Kate Spade New York, DKNY, Forever 21, Boutique 1, Centrepoint and an Apple Store. One can visit the Mall of Emirates for more than shopping; take along the entire family and explore the Magic Planet theme park and have fun at the indoor ski resort – Ski Dubai, where you can interact with the penguins.
Saving the best for last the Dubai Mall is located in the downtown area. This is the world's most visited and also largest shopping mall, boasting a floor area of 5.9 million square feet. Flagship brands include Ralph Lauren, Chanel, Valentino, Gucci, Alexander Macqueen etc. In 2014 alone, the mall was visited by over 80 million visitors. Dubai Mall is also home to a huge aquarium and underwater zoo, boasting a 270-degree walk-through tunnel, which offers one the illusion of trekking through the ocean floor.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
