Shop, play and dine at Dubai's best malls

There is something for every kind of visitor at one of the world's largest malls, including incredible family-focused attractions. Under one massive roof, you can find over 1,200 retailers here: explore high-street favourites like H&M and Zara, or department stores such as Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette. Meanwhile, luxury labels have found a home at the Fashion Avenue, a dedicated section at the mall that's popular with couture enthusiasts. For the best in footwear, visit the nearby Level Shoes store and splurge on classic Christian Louboutin, Fendi or Dior. That's not all – you can glide on ice at the Olympic-sized skating rink, or treat your kids to indoor thrills with aquatic friends at the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo.

Contact: +971 800 382 246 255

Popular restaurants: Eataly, Al Hallab Restaurant and Sweets and Parker’s

Haute architecture meets European-style street shopping at one of Dubai's most Instagrammable venues. Positioned between Downtown and Jumeirah Beach, City Walk offers sparkling views of the Burj Khalifa with a host of exciting retail experiences. Shoppers can find anything from trendy streetwear to edgy fashion boutiques. Splendid views of the bustling streets lit up to perfection, open squares and London-esque streets make for an eclectic vibe. Choose from several culinary concepts for a memorable dinner, grab tickets to a movie of your choice at the cinema, or delve into a range of other entertainment options for a fun-filled evening.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10am-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-12am

Contact: +971 4 590 5090

Popular restaurants: Farzi Café, Allo Beirut and Pickl

Set on the banks of the Dubai Creek, Dubai Festival City Mall is home to over 250 stores, including a massive IKEA furniture store. Afterwards, enjoy a pleasant stroll alongside the charming Canal Walk, or navigate to one of the waterfront restaurants on an abra. Don't forget to head to Festival Bay for the scintillating IMAGINE light, laser and fountain show in the evening. Featuring the latest entertainment technology, the record-breaking show boasts the largest water screen projection, and largest permanent projection mapping.

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am-10pm, Friday to Sunday 10am-12am

Contact: +971 800 332

Popular restaurants: Hard Rock Cafe, Paul Bakery & Restaurant and Oporto

Luxury beckons at the Mall of the Emirates, where a wide range of couture and street-style fashion awaits. Highlights include the tech-focused Apple boutique, department stores like Harvey Nichols, Marks & Spencer, and Debenhams, as well as the exclusive edit of designers at the ultra-chic Fashion Dome. After a long day of shopping, savour a bowl of Dubai's favourite dumplings at Din Tai Fung, or sip on a warm cup of coffee at hip café, Common Grounds. Alternatively, enjoy sloping down the ice-clad hills at Ski Dubai, Dubai's indoor skiing arena, or let the kids loose at Magic Planet.

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am-11pm, Friday to Sunday 10am-12am

Contact: +971 800 663 6255

Popular restaurants: Il Pastaio, Karam Beirut and Black Tap

True to its namesake, the Ibn Battuta Mall reflects a passion to explore. The six courts of the mall are inspired the famed Arab explorer Ibn Battuta's travels to Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China. Elaborate tiling, a gigantic golden elephant and high ceilings resembling blue skies are just some of the sights on offer. Interiors aside, the Ibn Battuta Mall is a treasure trove of fashion, lifestyle and sporting shops with regular in-store promotions and celebrations.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10am-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-12am

Contact: +971 800 625 4335

Popular restaurants: Gazebo, Nando’s and El Mondo Cafe

Sitting along the glittering marina, Dubai Marina Mall offers a casual family shopping experience. It houses a variety of international retailers with an emphasis on affordable high-street fashion and beauty services in a relaxed atmosphere. If you're keen to refuel, there are plenty of dining options with outdoor alfresco seating along the waterside. Wander next door to the attached Pier 7, featuring seven exciting dining concepts, each with breezy terrace seating to enjoy.

Opening Hours: Sunday to Wednesday 10am-10pm, Thursday to Saturday 10am-11pm

Contact: +971 4 436 1020

Popular restaurants: tashas, SALT and Carluccio’s

The City Centre Mirdif houses over 430 retail choices, including Debenhams and Centrepoint department stores. As one of Dubai's suburban malls, it also sets itself apart with inventive entertainment concepts such as the indoor skydiving hotspot iFly and edutainment for kids at Little Explorers – a big reason why its popular as one of the top malls in Dubai. There's also a 12-lane bowling alley, which is ideal for families that like to enjoy playtime together. You'll find a curated selection of beautiful styles from regional brands at United Designers and Yoshii Boutique.

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am-11pm, Friday to Sunday 10am-12am

Contact: +971 800 226 255

Popular restaurants: Bosporus Turkish Cuisine, Hitchki and Switch

One of the newest additions to Dubai's retail scene, Nakheel Mall sits proudly at the base of Palm Jumeirah. With five levels to explore, you'll definitely be kept busy at this community hangout. Pick up some top buys in any of the 350 shops, sample inventive Indian flavours at Trésind Studio, catch a 4D movie at VOX Cinemas, or take in the vistas from The View at The Palm. Little ones are well-catered for too. With a dedicated playroom featuring a LEGO city, supervised by fully-trained staff, you can shop with your mind at ease.

Opening Hours: Monday to Friday 10am-10pm, Saturday and Sunday 10am-12am

Contact: +971 800 625 4335

Popular restaurants: Trésind Studio, Soho Garden Palm Jumeirah and Common Grounds

Another new shopping destination, Festival Plaza offers everything you need under one roof. From fashion to home furnishings, it is the ultimate one-stop-shopping experience. Located in Jebel Ali, the mall is not only home to the largest IKEA store in the country, but also other popular brands such as Marks & Spencer and Borders. Dining options include much-loved chains like Indian restaurant Peppermill, Turkish meat haven Sultan Baba Iskander and Italian speciality spot Sapori.

Opening Hours: Monday to Thursday 10am-11pm, Friday to Sunday 10am-12am

Contact: +971 800 332

Popular restaurants: Sushi Library, Tony Roma’s and Famous Dave’s Bar-B-Que

The Dubai Hills Mall is located in a chic residential neighbourhood, surrounded by rolling green lawns and a popular park. The lifestyle hub is a welcome addition to the city's expansive shopping scene and residents and visitors alike can browse through all the latest trends at 600 outlets spread across two million square feet of space. Covering a mix of retail, dining and leisure, highlights include a hypermarket, a cineplex, anchor stores and four major family entertainment venues. Don't forget to ride the fastest indoor rollercoaster while here.

Opening Hours: Sunday to Thursday 10am-12am, Friday to Sunday 10am-1am

Contact: +971 4 448 5033

Popular restaurants: PINCODE, Mitts and Trays and Sushi Art