Following is a list of the main shopping centres in Dubai. Please note that most shopping centres have different opening times on a Friday.
Abraj CenterTel +971 4 221 1479Taxi Directions Deira Souk , Dubai Creek RdOpen 9.30am–2pm & 4.30–11pm. Fridays 10 am–12pm & 4.30pm–12pm
Abu Hail Shopping CentreTel +971 4 266 9600Taxi Directions Abu Hail Rd, next to Ramada Continental HotelOpen 9am–1 pm & 4.00 pm–10pm. Fridays 4pm–10pm
Al Bustan CentreTel +971 4 263 0000Taxi Directions Al Nahda Rd, 5 minutes away from the airportOpen 10am–11pm. Fridays 2pm–12pm
Al Dhiyafah CentreTel +971 4 345 4955Taxi Directions Al Dhiyafa Rd, opp Plaza HotelOpen 9am–1pm & 4pm–11pm. Fridays 4pm–11 pm
Al Futtaim CentreTel +971 4 222 2000Taxi Directions Salahaddin Rd, near Fish RoundaboutOpen 10am–10.30 pm
Al Ghurair CityTel +971 4 222 5222Taxi Directions Riqqa RoadOpen 10am–10 pm. Fridays 2pm–10pmFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide This 20-year-old mall (the oldest in Dubai) combines Arabic decor with modern design. Popular outlets include French Connection, Guess, Nine West, Virgin Cosmetics and Book Corner. The mall is a bit of a maze and spread over two floors, with corridors branching out at all angles, but it’s worth persevering: tucked in the alleyways are excellent speciality stores selling everything from Arabic jewellery and rugs to South African beauty products and children’s Italian dresses. There is also an eight-screen cineplex and numerous food and coffee outlets.
Al Hana CentreTel +971 4 398 1777Taxi Directions Next to Dubai Plaza HotelOpen 10am–1pm & 5pm–10pm. Fridays 5pm–10 pm
Al Khaleej CentreTel +971 4 355 5550Taxi Directions Opposite Ramada HotelOpen 10am–1.30 pm & 5pm–10pm. Fridays 5pm–11pm
Al Mamzar Shopping CenterTel +971 4 297 6666Taxi Directions Al Itihaad Rd. opp Dubai General Police HQOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 4pm–10pm
Al Manal CentreTel +971 4 227 7701Taxi Directions Baniyas Square & Al Maktoum St, opp. Naif SoukOpen 9.30am–1.30pm & 4.30pm–11.30pm. Fridays 4.30pm–11.30pm
Al Maydan Shopping CentreTel +971 4 295 5000Taxi Directions Nasser Square, next to Emirates International HospitalOpen 9am–1pm & 4pm–12pm. Fridays 4pm–12pm
Al Mulla PlazaTel +971 4 298 8999Taxi Directions Dubai-Sharjah Rd, opp. Dubai Police HQOpen 10am–1pm & 5pm–10.30pm. Fridays 5pm–10.30pmFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide Al Mulla Plaza is a bit of a Dubai landmark: you can see it from miles off. It’s one of the city’s older malls and houses dozens of local independent shops and stalls. Located on the Sharjah Road heading out of the city, in front of the Rashid Stadium, it’s home to a host of women’s fashion shops and jewellery stores. But by far the pick of the lot is Peshawar Furniture, an ‘antique’ furniture shop that has a huge selection of odd and very old-looking furniture.
Al Rais Shopping MallTel +971 4 352 7755Taxi Directions Opposite Ramada HotelOpen 10am–1pm & 4.30pm–10 pm. Fridays 4.30pm–10pm
Al Reef MallTel +971 4 224 2240Taxi Directions Salahadin Rd, next to Al Futtaim CentreOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 2pm–10pm
Beach CentreTel +971 4 344 9045Taxi Directions Jumeirah Beach RoadOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 4pm–10pm
Bin Sougat Shopping CentreTel +971 4 286 3000Taxi Directions Dubai Aiport RdOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 5pm–10pm
BurJuman CentreTel +971 4 352 0222Taxi Directions Trade Centre Roadwww.burjuman.comFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide The BurJuman is a classy affair, with plenty of exclusive outlets selling designer brands: Donna Karan, Christian Lacroix, Calvin Klein, Cartier, Tiffany and Louis Vuitton. A Dhs1.4 million extension has just been completed, expanding the BurJuman to four times its former size. New shops to look out for include Saks Fifth Avenue, Prada and Chanel. Electronics, home furnishings, perfume and cosmetic retailers can also be found.
Century MallTel +971 4 296 6188Taxi Directions Adjacent to Al Shabab Sport ClubOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 2pm–10pm
Dana Shopping CentreTel +971 4 227 9555Taxi Directions Al Maktoum StreetOpen 9.30am–1.30pm & 4.30pm–10pm. Fridays 4.30pm–10pm
Deira City CentreTel +971 4 295 1010Taxi Directions Opposite Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht ClubOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 2pm–10pmwww.deiracitycentre.com From Time Out Dubai City Guide The most popular mall in Dubai has more than 280 shops, two food courts, an entertainment centre and cinema multiplex spread over three floors. Chain stores include Debenhams, Ikea and high-street fashion names Top Shop and River Island, while giant hypermarket Carrefour dominates the first floor. But the mall also contains plenty of independent outlets trading in local artefacts, knickknacks and cut-price jewellery; try the Jewellery Court, Textile Court and themed mini-souk Arabian Treasures, selling carpets, antiques and gifts. Among the 30-plus eateries are Burger King, McDonald’s, Starbucks and Costa Coffee. There’s even an eight-lane bowling alley. Children can go wild in the sprawling amusement centre, Magic Planet. Note that parking here can become ridiculously congested at peak times, even though there are 4,000 spaces.
Dubai Shopping CenterTel +971 4 294 9992Taxi Directions Next to Deira City CentreOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 2pm–10pm
Dune CentreTel +971 4 345 5042Taxi Directions Al Dhiyafah StreetOpen 9am–1.30pm & 4pm–12pm. Fridays 4pm–12pmFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide This is the pink building opposite Al Diyafah Street’s many pavement cafes and restaurants. Shops are on the ground floor level only, with offices and a hospital above. Not too glam as Dubai shopping centres go, but there are some interesting and varied shops, including rent-a-frock Formal Wear and petrolhead favourite Motorcycle 3000. Saad Flowers in the forecourt sells a refreshing array of fresh flowers and bouquets.
Emirates Tower BoulevardTel +971 4 319 8999Taxi Directions Emirates Towers HotelOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 4pm–10pmFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide The Shopping Boulevard links the Emirates Hotel and Office towers, and is mapped out over two floors. As befits the location, this is a place for some serious, smart shopping. Designer-label boutiques Ð superstars Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent and leather accessory store Bottega Veneta Ð dominate the ground floor. Upstairs there’s anchor shop Villa Moda, housing top-notch designs from the likes of Prada, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney. For glamorous shoes and bags to accessorise, head to Jimmy Choo, before rounding off your spree with some seriously sexy lingerie from Janet Reger next door.
The GalleriaTel +971 4 209 6788Taxi Directions Adjoining Hyatt Regency HotelOpen 10am–9pm. Fridays 2pm–9pm
Hamarain CentreTel +971 4 262 1110Taxi Directions Adjacent to Marriott HotelOpen 10am–1.30pm & 4pm–10.30 pm. Fridays 4pm–10.30pmFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide This large mall near the clock tower in Deira is missed by most people out on a shopping binge but there’s plenty here to prise your hard-earned dirhams from your pocket. It’s a mix of the traditional and the cutting edge: retailers selling abayas sit next to chic fashion boutiques offering modern designer creations. Elsewhere, furniture shops offer mock antique chests, embroidered wall hangings and imported Asian knickknacks, while excitable stall owners try to offload the latest in mobile phones and consumer technology. Add the large selection of cheap eateries and you have one of the best malls in the area.
Holiday CentreTel +971 4 331 1113Taxi Directions Sheikh Zayed Rd, adjacent to Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza HotelOpen 10am–10 pmFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide Guests at the Crowne Plaza Hotel need only travel down a few steps to reach the two floors of shops and boutiques. Within are designer fashion outlets such as Rodeo Drive, a wonderful instrument retailer named The Music Chamber, Middle Eastern food and gift stores, sports shops, hair salons and an internet café. There’s a surprisingly big Choitrams on the first floor, a supermarket which is open all day every day from 8am-10pm. A spacious exhibition area hosts regular events.
Ibn Battuta Shopping MallTel +971 4 368 5888 / 882 1414Taxi Directions Sheikh Zayed Road, Interchange 5 & 6Open 9.30am–9.30pm. Fridays 12.30pm–10:30pmFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide Dubai’s most recent mall is a fair stretch out of town. Now the second largest in the UAE, it boasts five themed shopping zones with influences taken from Morocco, Egypt, Persia, India and China. Outlets include Next, Top Shop, Evisu and Fidel, while French hypermarket Géant offers groceries, textiles, fashion, electronics and household items.
The Inter-Continental PlazaTel +971 4 223 2279Taxi Directions Inter-Continental HotelOpen 10am–1pm & 4pm–10pm
Jumeirah CentreTel +971 4 349 9702Taxi Directions Jumeirah Beach RoadOpen 9am–9pm. Fridays 4pm–9pmFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide This small, attractive mall is very popular with Jumeirah residents. Benetton, Emirates Sport and Body Shop are located downstairs, while upstairs discounted designer fashions can be found at Blue Cactus and local handicrafts at Sunny Days. Textiles and Persian rugs are further highlights. Or just sit back with a coffee at La Brioche and soak up the quiet, calm surroundings.
Jumeirah PlazaTel +971 4 349 7111Taxi Directions Jumeirah Beach RoadOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 5pm–10pmFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide A small shopping centre with an eye-catching pink front. Stores include gift shop Susan Walpole and the excellent second-hand bookshop House of Prose. There are also a few craft and rug shops upstairs, plus a safe play area for children.
Karama Shopping CentreTel +971 4 337 4499Taxi Directions Karama AreaOpen 9.30am–1pm & 4.30pm–11pm. Fridays 4.30pm–11pm
Lamcy PlazaTel +971 4 335 9999Taxi Directions Close to the American HospitalOpen 10am–11 pmwww.lamcyplaza.comFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide Lamcy is not an especially good-looking mall – the decor is dated, the layout is confusing and the huge waterfall and replica Tower Bridge are tacky to say the least. Escalators connect the levels, but they’re well hidden, so finding your way round can be tiresome. However, if you’re looking for cheap ‘n’ cheerful goods, from footwear to home accessories, Lamcy is the place to go. High-street fashion outlets include Dorothy Perkins, Tammy and Jeffrey Rogers, while cut-price outlets encompass Shoemart, Fashion Factory and Mr Price. The feng shui shop on the ground floor, with its oriental knick-knacks, candles, wall hangings and Buddha statues, is also worth a visit. Lamcy is always full of shoppers taking advantage of the constant promotions, so be prepared for the crowds. If it all gets too much, the Pizza Hut and Mongolian BBQ should help to keep you going.
Lulu CentreTel +971 4 298 8880Taxi Directions Near to Al Ahli Club, Al GhusaisOpen 8am–12pm. Fridays 8am–12pm & 2.30pm–12am
LuLu VillageTel +971 4 254 4404Taxi Directions Near to Dubai Transport HubOpen 8am–12pm. Fridays 8am–12pm & 2.30pm–12am
Magrudys Shopping MallTel +971 4 344 4192Taxi Directions Jumeirah Beach RoadOpen 9am–9pm. Fridays 4.30pm–9pm
Mall of the EmiratesTel +971 4 409 9000Taxi Directions Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed RoadOpen 10am-10pmFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide Still under construction just off the Sheikh Zayed Road at the time of press, the completed Mall of the Emirates is set to be the biggest shopping centre on the planet. Thousands of top-name brands will be housed here, such as Harvey Nichols, Carrefour, and Debenhams, along with a plethora of leisure facilities, including the world’s biggest indoor ski slope.
Mazaya CentreTel +971 4 343 1092Taxi Directions Sheikh Zayed Road, Interchange 1Open 10am–10pm. Fridays 4.30pm–10pmFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide Massed foliage and a mildly alarming water sculpture go some way to cheering up the rather dark and gloomy interior of this mall. It’s a popular stop for Western expats because of the Homes R Us furnishings store and convenient Spinneys supermarket. Among the smaller outlets is Gulf Greetings, selling gifts and greetings cards; Intelligent Homes, purveyor of projector clocks and more toys for the high-tech and house-proud; and Crafters’ Home, a creative arts centre for adults and children alike. Covered parking to the rear of the mall is a bonus.
Mercato
Tel +971 4 344 4161Taxi Directions Jumeriah Beach Road, close to Dubai ZooOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 2pm–10pmwww.mercatoshoppingmall.com From Time Out Dubai City Guide When it comes to looks this brave new mall takes top prize, with its richly coloured walls, Venetian murals and numerous meandering passageways. While Spinneys supermarket caters for foodies, and Home Centre offers a range of furnishings, the mall has developed a reputation for innovative clothes stores. Make sure you check out the funky swimwear at Moda Brazil, the Sex and the City-style dresses at Fleurt and the cute, affordable shoes at PrettyFIT. You’ll also find Top Shop and Mango for mainstream trends and Massimo Dutti and Hugo Boss for the more mature shopper. Other stores worth visiting are funky home interiors shops Kas Australia and Living Zone, cosmetic outlets Areej and MAC, and a Virgin Megastore for all your music and DVD needs.
Mussalla Tower MallTel +971 4 397 4424Taxi Directions Bank Street, Bur DubaiOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 2pm–10pm
Oasis CentreTel +971 4 339 5111Taxi Directions Sheikh Zayed RoadOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 2pm–10pmFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide This glass-fronted, elongated mall is often overlooked because it’s located away from the hub of Dubai action, a ten-minute drive along Sheikh Zayed Road heading towards Jumeirah. Shops are spread over two floors, focussed around the Home Centre which stocks quality furniture and furnishings at affordable prices. The Lifestyles store is also good for bargain brand-name cosmetics, bath accessories and gift items, while other cheap outlets include fashion store Splash and sensible footwear shop Shoemart. There’s also a jungle-themed food court and free play area for children, plus Cyborg, a noisy, neon venue with a ten-pin bowling alley.
Palm StripTel +971 4 346 1462Taxi Directions Jumeirah Beach RoadOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 4pm–10pmFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide This small whitewashed mall is the only open-air shopping centre in Dubai. Downstairs is dominated by the monolithic Mango clothes store, Starbucks coffee shop and Japengo restaurant, while upstairs you’ll find CD shop Music Master and the N-Bar (nail bar). Other fashionable outlets include Karen Millen, Young Designers Emporium and Escada Sport. Because it’s an open-air mall there’s no dire piped music, but there is also no air-con, making it quite uncomfortable in the summer months.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Tel +971 4 366 8888Taxi Directions Madinat Jumeirah, close to Burj Al ArabOpen 10am–11pmwww.madinatjumeirah.com/shoppingFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide The City’s newest mall is also its most opulent. A massive site just past the Burj Al Arab at the end of Jumeirah Road, Madinat Jumeirah has been built to resemble a traditional Arabic marketplace. Fans of fashion, jewellery, antiques and art will all find their appetites sated by the high quality stores on offer, but tourists are plentiful and prices high. The Madinat Jumeirah really comes into its own with a massive selection of excellent bars and restaurants. Left Bank, BarZar and Trilogy have already become firm favourites with the city’s barflies.
Town CentreTel +971 4 344 4161 / 344 0111Taxi Directions Jumeirah Beach RoadOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 2pm–10pm
Twin TowersTel +971 4 224 9222Taxi Directions Beniyas Road, next to Intercontinental HotelOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 4pm–10pmFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide Aka The Mall on the Creek, this is an ideal refuge from the chaotic Deira traffic (assuming you can find a parking space). Luxury shopping is the flavour, with mostly men’s designer fashion labels on the ground floor. Other shops offer upmarket shoes, carpets and jewellery. There is a fabulous view of the Creek and its bustling wharf from the open-air terrace of the Apple Café & Restaurant among the third floor food outlets.
Villa ModaTel +971 4 330 4555Taxi Directions Emirates Towers HotelOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 4pm–10pm
The VillageTel +971 4 344 9514Taxi Directions Jumeriah Beach RoadOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 2pm–10pmFrom Time Out Dubai City Guide The Village is an avant-garde shopaholic’s dream. The shops are exclusive, international and unusual Ð particularly given Dubai’s penchant for the international chain store. Just as refreshing is the centre’s style – archways over water, plants, mosaics and fountains arranged in a higgledy-piggledy Mediterranean fashion. Highlights include the gift-wrapping masterpieces of Cadorim, the bread sculptures at Shakespeare and Co. and the South Pacific wonders at Irony. Hidden on the ground floor is a very practical Post Office.
Wafi Shopping MallTel +971 4 324 4555Taxi Directions Next to Grand Hyatt HotelOpen 10am–10pm. Fridays 4.30pm–10pmwww.wafi.com From Time Out Dubai City Guide Wafi is easy to spot, thanks to the three glass pyramids which surround it. A quiet, upmarket mall, it is spread over four floors. Modern and elegant in design, it competes with BurJuman on the chic label front. Chanel, Givenchy and Jaeger are just some of the international names that share floor space with regional designer labels. On the first floor are shops with more affordable price tags, such as Miss Sixty, Jumbo Electronics and shoe store Connexion. There’s a good range of coffee shops and restaurants, from the much-loved Indian eaterie, Asha’s, to the laid-back Elements café. There’s also the Lebanese delicatessen Goodies, which dishes out Arabic and continental cuisine to take away or enjoy on the terrace. A children’s entertainment centre, Encounter Zone, is on the third floor, and there are pizzas and burgers at the food court next door.
Warba CentreTel +971 4 266 6376Taxi Directions Abu Baker Siddque Rd, next to JW Marriott HotelOpen 10am–1pm & 5pm–10pm. Fridays 5pm–10pm
