Best Malls in UAE for Shopping and Entertainment (2025)
The UAE is home to some of the world’s most iconic and immersive shopping destinations. But malls here aren’t just about retail, they are lifestyle hubs blending shopping, entertainment, dining, art, culture, and even adventure. Whether you’re looking to shop luxury brands, spend time with family, or just enjoy a weekend stroll in air-conditioned bliss, these malls offer something unforgettable.
Here’s a closer look at the top 8 malls in the UAE and what makes each of them a must-visit in 2025:
1. Dubai Hills Mall, Dubai
Location: Al Khail Road, Dubai
Ideal For: Families, adventure-seekers, and casual shoppers
Why It’s Unique:
Dubai Hills Mall is one of the newest and most innovative retail destinations in the UAE. What sets it apart is The Storm Coaster a record-breaking indoor rollercoaster built through the mall. The architecture is modern, the layout is walkable, and it’s surrounded by landscaped gardens, perfect for a post-shopping unwind.
Shopping Highlights: Zara, Pottery Barn, Eataly, and more.
Dining Scene: Indoor/outdoor restaurants like Akiba Dori and Pinkberry make it a social spot too.
2. Yas Mall, Abu Dhabi
Location: Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
Ideal For: Tourists, entertainment lovers, and families
Why It’s Unique:
Situated right next to Ferrari World, Yas Mall is more than a retail destination it’s a key part of Yas Island’s entertainment district. Inside, the mall offers an immersive digital LED art dome, interactive installations, and direct connectivity to theme parks, making it a day-long adventure.
Shopping Highlights: Apple Store, Tryano, Adidas, and Sephora
Dining Scene: Rainforest Café, Black Tap, and other themed restaurants
3. The Dubai Mall
Location: Downtown Dubai, near Burj Khalifa
Ideal For: First-time visitors, high-end shoppers, families
Why It’s Unique:
The Dubai Mall is the world’s most-visited retail and entertainment complex. Not only does it sit at the base of the Burj Khalifa, it also houses the Dubai Aquarium, an Olympic-sized Ice Rink, and a virtual reality zone. You can even enjoy the world-famous Dubai Fountain show just outside the doors.
Shopping Highlights: Over 1,200 stores including Galeries Lafayette, Chanel, and Nike.
Dining Scene: Over 150 eateries including Social House, PF Chang’s, and Dubai Mall Food Court.
4. Mall of the Emirates, Dubai
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Ideal For: Luxury shoppers, skiers, families
Why It’s Unique:
Famous for housing Ski Dubai, this mall offers a truly one-of-a-kind indoor winter experience in the middle of the desert. Along with luxury brands and entertainment options, it has a private Fashion Dome, a Magic Planet gaming zone, and multiple cinemas.
Shopping Highlights: Harvey Nichols, Prada, D&G, and more.
Dining Scene: A mix of fine dining and casual cafés like Dean & Deluca and Tribes.
5. Battuta Mall, Dubai
Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Jebel Ali
Ideal For: Cultural explorers, families, casual diners
Why It’s Unique:
Ibn Battuta Mall stands out with its themed design inspired by the travels of the legendary explorer Ibn Battuta. Each court (China, India, Egypt, Persia, Andalusia, and Tunisia) is designed with immersive architecture and storytelling. It feels like walking through a museum while shopping.
Shopping Highlights: H&M, Brands For Less, Sharaf DG, and local boutiques.
Dining Scene: Food court + sit-down options like Shakespeare and Co., and Yakitate.
6. City Centre Mirdif, Dubai
Location: Mirdif, Dubai
Ideal for: Local families, casual shoppers, weekend groups
Why it’s unique: A neighborhood favorite with a welcoming feel, featuring indoor trampoline parks and playgrounds designed for kids.
Shopping highlights: Centrepoint, Sun & Sand Sports, Max, lifestyle brands
Dining scene: Family-friendly venues like The Cheesecake Factory, PF Chang’s, Tintos
7. Marina Mall, Abu Dhabi
Location: Corniche Road, Abu Dhabi
Ideal for: Locals, families, scenic visitors
Why it’s unique: Offers waterfront relaxation with premier entertainment bowling alley, children’s playground, and a panoramic observatory tower.
Shopping highlights: A mix of UAE luxury and international chains
Dining scene: Waterfront outlets and cafés providing leafy Corniche views
8. City Centre Deira, Dubai
Location: Deira, Dubai
Ideal for: Budget-conscious shoppers, families, and quick visit crowds
Why it’s unique: One of Dubai’s pioneering malls with a vibrant community vibe, hosting regular events and in-mall entertainment.
Shopping highlights: Carrefour Hypermarket, Electronics, Home Centre, fashion boutiques
Dining scene: Foodcourt with diverse options, casual cafés, and quick bites
Why These Malls Should Be on Your 2025 Itinerary
These malls go far beyond shopping. They’re designed to be experiences offering relaxation, fun, adventure, and inspiration. Whether you’re a tourist exploring Dubai or Abu Dhabi or a resident looking for the perfect weekend escape, these malls are hubs of innovation, culture, and entertainment. In 2025, they will continue to redefine lifestyle destinations in the UAE.
