Best Shopping Malls in UAE 2025

The Dubai Mall: Where “Big” Feels Like an Understatement

I can’t start anywhere else. The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the UAE (and honestly, it’s one of the biggest in the world). If you’ve never been, picture this: over 1,200 stores, an ice rink big enough for Olympic dreams, and an aquarium that literally made my nephew squeal.

• Annual visitors: Over 80 million. Yes, your odds of bumping into someone from your hometown are high.
• Must-try: The Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. I once spent 45 minutes just staring at the sharks. No regrets.
• There’s a “Smart Directory” system now—touchscreens everywhere so you don’t end up lost for three hours (like I did in 2018; don’t ask).
• Cheap eats: Head to the food court. You can eat for under 30 AED if you know where to look. Shawarma and karak tea, anyone?

The thing about Dubai Mall is, it never stops evolving. This year, there’s a new pop-up art attraction every other month and the fountain shows have gone full-on “Las Vegas but cooler.” If you want a true “UAE shopping” experience, start here.

Mall of the Emirates: Ski, Shop, Repeat

I still remember my first time seeing actual snow inside Mall of the Emirates. I grew up in the desert. Snow was something I saw in cartoons, not next to a Prada store. Yet here you can ski, build snowmen, or just sip hot chocolate and watch people fall over (guilty pleasure of mine).

• Stores: 630+ (80 luxury, the rest a fantastic mix—think Zara one second, Rolex the next).
• Top feature: Ski Dubai. Yes, wear socks. I learned that one the hard way.
• Also has Magic Planet, cinemas, and probably the best coffee in the UAE at one of the hidden cafés near the Apple Store (it’s my secret spot—don’t tell everyone).
• Connected to hotels, so if you shop too much, just check in and nap.

2025 update: They’ve added more VR attractions, and there’s a foodie festival every quarter. I tried a Korean BBQ pop-up last month and left smelling like smoke and happiness.

Dubai Hills Mall: The New Family Favorite

This mall is pretty new (opened in 2022 but really found its groove in 2024). It’s huge, filled with sunlight, and has more “pocket parks” than I can count. I’d say it’s perfect for families, but honestly, I go alone just for the fresh vibes.

• 650+ shops and restaurants (yes, there’s a hypermarket—shout out to my fellow snack-lovers).
• Outdoor concert arena. Saw a local band here last spring. Crowd was tiny, energy was huge.
• Parking for 7,000+ cars—still, I always park at the far end and forget where I left my car.
• Central courtyard is a great spot for selfies (and people-watching, if you’re nosy like me).

If you want to avoid the Dubai Mall crowds but still want all the shopping action, this is your best bet. Plus, it feels greener and more chill—almost like a vacation from the city.

Dubai Festival City Mall: Laid-back, Scenic, and Yummy

Whenever visitors ask me for a mall with good food and better views, I send them to Dubai Festival City Mall. IKEA is here, so you can get cheap meatballs and pretend you’re shopping for a new life. But there’s more—like the “Market Island” food hall, which is now the largest in the Middle East.

• 400+ retailers, big anchors like Lulu Hypermarket and Marks & Spencer.
• Festival Bay: Waterfront walks and the IMAGINE fountain show (honestly, it’s magical—my mom cried watching it last winter).
• Special exhibits: In 2025, there’s a Lionel Messi pop-up and a K-Culture hub called Korea 360. My K-drama loving friends lost their minds over the merch.
• Best time to visit: Evenings, when the weather’s cooler and the lights are on.

I find the vibe here less intense than the mega-malls. You can wander, eat, and catch a show without getting overwhelmed.

Yas Mall (Abu Dhabi): The Capital’s Prize Mall

Okay, time to leave Dubai for a second. Yas Mall in Abu Dhabi is massive and modern—it’s right next to Ferrari World, so you can ride a rollercoaster and then shop for new shoes without ever leaving the island.

• 370+ shops, including a lot of international brands and some local gems.
• Huge cinema complex, plus a LEGO store that has drained my wallet more than once (blame my inner child).
• Plenty of budget-friendly options—there are cheap UAE malls out there, but Yas has deals if you time your visits with the big sales.

Trick: Sign up for their loyalty program. I got a free coffee and a discount on sneakers just last month. They’re pushing a lot of digital features and in-mall navigation tools now, which I wish every mall had.

Ibn Battuta Mall: Themed Shopping, World Traveler Style

If you love a theme, this one’s for you. Ibn Battuta Mall is divided into zones—China, India, Persia, and more—based on the travels of the famous explorer. It’s honestly gorgeous, and you can snap a selfie under a giant golden elephant, so yeah, it’s Instagram heaven.

• 270+ stores, a bowling alley, karaoke, and a trampoline park. You won’t get bored, trust me.
• Food here is surprisingly affordable, especially in the India Court. I found a samosa for 5 AED last week—still dreaming about it.
• Events: They go all-out for Ramadan and Christmas. Lights everywhere, music, free samples. I once got a free donut just for showing up in a Santa hat.

Cheap UAE Malls: Best Budget Shopping Spots

Let’s be real, not everyone wants to blow their whole paycheck at Chanel. Here’s where I go when I want deals, discounts, and a little chaos:

• Dragon Mart (Dubai): Absolute paradise for bargain hunters. It’s like a maze. I bought a phone cover for 8 AED. Still works.
• City Centre Deira: Classic, busy, and filled with affordable brands. Super easy on the metro. The food court here is underrated.
• Buraimi Souk (Al Ain): Not technically a mall, but if you want real cheap UAE shopping, this is where locals go for fabrics, shoes, and random treasures.
• Outlet Village (Dubai): Discounted designer brands—sometimes up to 70% off. I scored a pair of sneakers for half price last summer. Felt like a genius.

Shopping Trends in 2025: What’s New & Cool?

• Smart Directories & Digital Signage: More malls now have interactive screens so you can find anything—stores, bathrooms, even where you parked (thank you, technology).
• Green Initiatives: Dubai Hills Mall and others are adding more plants, skylights, and “green zones.” Feels cleaner, fresher, and honestly, less stressy.
• Pop-up Experiences: Limited-time art shows, food festivals, and K-pop merch booths. Every visit feels different—keeps me coming back.
• Late-Night Hours: Many malls stay open till midnight or later on weekends. Great if you’re a night owl or just want to stroll after dinner.
• Family Zones: Dedicated play areas are getting bigger and better (Magic Planet, trampoline parks, VR gaming). Even adults sneak in sometimes. Not saying I have, but…

And yes, everything is super Instagrammable now. There are more selfie walls than actual walls, it seems.

FAQ: Your UAE Mall Questions Answered

• Which mall is best for luxury shopping? Mall of the Emirates or The Dubai Mall. If you see a celebrity, don’t panic. Just pretend you belong.
• Where can I find the best food court? Dubai Festival City Mall’s Market Island is my pick for variety and value.
• Are malls open late? Most malls close at midnight on weekends. Some even later during festivals. Always double-check before you go, though!
• What’s the cheapest mall in UAE? Try Dragon Mart or City Centre Deira for bargains. Buraimi Souk for an old-school vibe.
• Is it easy to get to malls by metro? Yes, in Dubai at least. The metro is clean, fast, and drops you close to all the major malls. Bring a sweater—the AC is arctic.

Conclusion: My Honest Mall Advice for 2025

If you ask me—which people do, a lot—the UAE isn’t just about shopping, it’s about the whole experience. You’ll find fancy malls, cheap UAE malls, and everything in between. You can eat, play, nap, and even catch a concert without ever seeing daylight (not that you’d want to in July).

My tip? Pick a mall that fits your mood. Dubai Mall for “wow,” Mall of the Emirates for snow, Dubai Festival City for chill vibes, and Yas Mall if you’re in Abu Dhabi. And always, always wear comfy shoes. Your feet will thank you.