Dubai Mall Attractions: Aquarium, Ice Rink & Shopping Guide
This guide covers the best attractions in Dubai Mall, opening hours, ticket details, and insider tips to help you plan your perfect visit.
Why Dubai Mall is More Than Just Shopping
Dubai Mall Quick Facts
📍 Location: Downtown Dubai, next to Burj Khalifa.
🛍️ Stores: Over 1,200 retail outlets including top luxury brands.
🍴 Dining Options: 200+ cafes & restaurants.
🎢 Attractions: Aquarium, Ice Rink, VR Park, KidZania, Dubai Dino & more.
🚗 Parking: 14,000+ spaces with valet services.
That's an area equal to over 200 football pitches! The mall houses over 1,200 stores, offering everything from luxury brands to popular chains. Among them are flagship stores for brands such as Chanel, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, and the largest Adidas store in the world.
Top Attractions in Dubai Mall
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
One of the mall’s most famous attractions, the Dubai Aquarium is home to 33,000+ marine animals including sharks, stingrays, and colorful fish.
Main Tank: A 10-million-liter aquarium with a walkthrough tunnel for 270° views.
Underwater Zoo: Divided into ecological zones showcasing penguins, otters, and crocodiles.
Special Experiences: Shark diving, glass-bottom boat rides, and cage snorkeling.
👉 Tickets: Prices start from AED 199 ($55). Combo tickets with Burj Khalifa are also available.
VR Park
For thrill-seekers, VR Park offers virtual reality and augmented reality games. From roller coasters to escape rooms, it’s perfect for teens and young adults.
👉 Tickets: Prices start at AED 75 ($20).
Reel Cinemas
Catch the latest blockbusters in luxury cinema halls, including Dolby Cinema and Platinum Suites. Perfect for a relaxing evening after shopping.
Dubai Ice Rink
Cool off in the desert by visiting the Dubai Ice Rink, an Olympic-sized skating arena.
❄️ Public Skating Sessions: Open to beginners and pros.
🏒 Ice Hockey Games: Sometimes hosted for sports enthusiasts.
💃 Disco Sessions: Skating with music and lights for a party vibe.
👉 Tickets: From AED 95 ($26) including skate rentals.
KidZania Dubai
A family favorite, KidZania is an edutainment city where kids role-play real-life jobs like pilots, doctors, firefighters, and TV presenters.
🎓 Best for children aged 4–14.
👨👩👧 Parents can relax while kids enjoy immersive activities.
👉 Tickets: Around AED 185 ($50) for children.
The Dubai Fountain Show
Though technically outside the mall, the Dubai Fountain Show is a must-see. Located at the Dubai Mall Lake, it offers choreographed water, light, and music performances every evening.
⏰ Timings: Daily from 6 PM to 11 PM every 30 minutes.
💡 Best viewed from the Waterfront Promenade or a boat ride.
Dining in Dubai Mall
General Opening Hours: Daily from 8:30 AM to 11:00 PM.
Best Time to Visit:
🌅 Sunset (4:00–6:00 PM) – Ideal for stunning photos.
🌙 Evening (7:00–9:00 PM) – When Dubai lights up beautifully.
🌞 Morning (8:30–10:00 AM) – For smaller crowds.
👉 Visiting during weekdays is usually less crowded compared to weekends.
Shopping Guide – What Makes Dubai Mall Unique
Luxury Fashion & Designer Brands
Dubai Mall is home to Fashion Avenue, featuring over 200 luxury brands including Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, and Chanel.
Affordable Shopping Options
Beyond luxury, there are mid-range and high-street stores like Zara, H&M, and Sephora, making it suitable for every budget.
Souvenirs & Local Finds
Don’t miss Arabian-inspired souvenirs, perfumes, gold jewelry, and traditional handicrafts.
Practical Information for Visitors
Opening Hours:
Shops: 10 AM – 12 AM (weekdays), 10 AM – 1 AM (weekends).
Aquarium: 10 AM – 12 AM.
Ice Rink: 10 AM – 12 AM.
Getting There:
Metro: Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Station
(with an air-conditioned walkway).
Taxi: Widely available across Dubai.
Dubai Mall location
Why Dubai Mall is a Must for Every Tourist
Dubai Mall is not just a shopping hub — it’s an entertainment and lifestyle destination. Whether you want to shop luxury brands, dive with sharks, ice skate in the desert, or simply enjoy dining with fountain views, Dubai Mall offers it all under one roof.
For families, couples, and solo travelers, a visit here guarantees something unforgettable.
Tips for Visiting Dubai Mall
🕒 Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially on weekends.
🎟️ Book attraction tickets online to save time.
👟 Wear comfortable shoes – the mall is massive.
💡 Combine with Burj Khalifa visit since the entrance is directly from the mall.
📸 Don’t miss fountain show views from the waterfront restaurants.
Family-Friendly Activities
Many venues feature kids’ cooking workshops, face painting, and play areas so the whole family can enjoy the experience.
FAQs
Q1. How much are Burj Khalifa tickets?
Tickets range from AED 159 ($45) for standard entry to AED 499 ($135) for SKY premium.
Q2. How long should I plan for my visit?
Most visitors spend 1.5–2 hours exploring the decks and taking photos.
Q3. Can I buy tickets at the counter?
Yes, but online booking is recommended to avoid long waits.
Q4. Is Burj Khalifa kid-friendly?
Absolutely! Kids enjoy the elevators, telescopes, and aquarium combo tickets.
Q5. What’s the best time for photography?
Sunset is the most popular time, but mornings give you clearer skies.
Conclusion
If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, make sure to spend at least half a day at Dubai Mall. From the Dubai Aquarium & Ice Rink to shopping and dining experiences, this is one of the best things to do in Dubai for all ages.
With smart planning, advance ticket bookings, and a little time management, your Dubai Mall experience will be smooth, enjoyable, and truly memorable.
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Everything you need to know before booking our services......
Our standard desert safari includes hotel pick-up & drop-off, dune bashing, camel ride, sandboarding, BBQ dinner, live entertainment shows (belly dance, tanoura, fire show), and more.
Comfortable, light clothing is recommended. Avoid heavy shoes — sandals or sneakers are best. Bring a jacket during winter evenings.
Dune bashing is not recommended for infants, pregnant women, or people with back issues. However, a soft desert drive or private tour can be arranged upon request.
City tours include major attractions like Burj Khalifa (photo stop), Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah Mosque, Souks, and more. Abu Dhabi tours include Grand Mosque, Qasr Al Watan, and Emirates Palace and many more for other city tour
Half-day tours last around 4–5 hours; full-day tours are typically 8–9 hours, depending on the city and itinerary.
Yes, all our city tours are led by experienced, multilingual guides who provide informative commentary throughout the tour.
Absolutely! Private and customizable city tours are available based on your interests and schedule.
The yacht tour includes a luxury yacht cruise from Dubai Marina, soft drinks & water, music, and professional crew service. Optional extras include BBQ, swimming stops, and sunset cruises.
No, all our yachts come with a licensed captain and crew. You can just relax and enjoy the cruise.
Yes, you're welcome to bring your own food and non-alcoholic beverages. We also offer catering packages upon request.
We offer both private and shared yacht tour options. Private tours are ideal for birthdays, proposals, or group events.
No license is required. Our team provides safety instructions before your ride
Our Limousine Tour includes pickup in a stretch limo, sightseeing around Dubai's iconic landmarks, soft drinks, and a VIP ambiance perfect for birthdays, proposals, or special events.
Yes, all our city tours are led by experienced, multilingual guides who provide informative commentary throughout the tour.
You can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour for a full refund and 12 hours before you can get half money refund . Last-minute cancellations may be subject to a fee.
Yes, we offer custom packages and discounts for families, tour groups, and corporate events
You can book through our website, WhatsApp, or by calling us. We offer instant booking confirmation and secure payment options
We offer both private and shared tour options. Private tours are ideal for birthdays, proposals, or group events.