The World's Most Visited Destination Isn't a City — It's a Mall
Dubai Mall attracts over 80 million visitors a year — more than New York, Paris, or London. And while the shopping is undeniably impressive (1,200+ stores across 13 million square feet), the real draw is everything else.
This is a place where you can watch sharks swim past a 33-metre acrylic viewing panel, ice skate on an Olympic-sized rink, pilot a virtual reality fighter jet, and stand in front of an actual 155-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton — all before lunch.
Here are the 15 best non-shopping activities inside Dubai Mall that make it one of Dubai's essential experiences.
1. Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo
The centrepiece of Dubai Mall is its 10-million-litre aquarium tank, housing over 33,000 marine animals including 400+ sharks and rays. The main viewing panel (the world's largest single acrylic panel) is visible for free from the mall concourse.
For the full experience: Buy a ticket for the tunnel walkthrough (you'll be surrounded by sharks), the underwater zoo (three floors of marine habitats), and cage snorkelling or diving inside the main tank.
Tickets: AED 150–350 depending on package
2. Dubai Ice Rink
A full Olympic-sized ice skating rink inside a shopping mall in the desert. Whether you're a complete beginner clinging to the barrier or a confident skater showing off spins, the rink offers sessions throughout the day with skate hire included.
Disco sessions on weekend evenings add music, coloured lights, and a party atmosphere.
Tickets: AED 80–120
3. VR Park
One of the world's largest virtual reality parks, offering 30+ experiences across two floors. Highlights include "The Walking Dead: Outbreak" (survive a zombie apocalypse), "Dubai Drone" (fly a virtual drone through the city), and "Burj Drop" (a heart-stopping VR free-fall experience).
Tickets: AED 15–60 per experience, or AED 180 for unlimited access
4. KidZania
An interactive miniature city where children aged 2–16 can role-play adult jobs — from firefighter and surgeon to pilot and TV presenter. Each "job" takes 20–30 minutes and earns "KidZos" (pretend currency) that children can spend at the KidZania shops.
Kids absolutely love it. Parents love the 4+ hours of free time.
Tickets: AED 155–195
5. Dubai Dino
In the Grand Atrium, a 155-million-year-old, 24-metre-long Diplodocus longus skeleton stands assembled in its full glory. The specimen was discovered in Wyoming, USA, and is one of the most complete dinosaur skeletons ever found.
Cost: Free (it's in the open mall area)
6. Dubai Fountain View from the Terrace
Step outside to the Dubai Mall's waterfront terrace for the best views of the Dubai Fountain show. Performances run every 30 minutes from 6:00 PM, and the combination of the fountain, the Burj Khalifa, and the evening atmosphere is genuinely magical.
Cost: Free
7. Dubai Fountain Lake Ride (Abra)
For an even closer view, take a traditional abra boat ride on the Burj Khalifa Lake during the fountain show. You'll be metres from the dancing water jets — an intimate, sensory experience that feels nothing like watching from the shore.
Tickets: AED 65 per person (25-minute ride)
8. Reel Cinemas — Luxury Screen
Dubai Mall houses one of the largest cinema complexes in the region, including a Platinum Suite with reclining leather seats, personal butler service, blankets, and a gourmet menu delivered to your seat.
Tickets: AED 50 (standard) to AED 200 (Platinum Suite)
9. Hysteria
A walk-through haunted house experience with live actors, special effects, and genuinely jump-scare-worthy moments. Located on the lower ground floor. Not recommended for children under 15.
Tickets: AED 60
10. Art Galleries
Dubai Mall's Fashion Avenue hosts rotating art exhibitions from international and regional artists. The gallery spaces are free to enter and offer a welcome contrast to the commercial energy of the mall.
11. Fashion Avenue Fine Dining
The luxury wing of the mall is home to some of Dubai's best restaurants, including outlets by celebrity chefs. The ambiance is more five-star hotel than food court.
12. The Waterfall
A stunning four-storey art installation featuring two free-falling fibre-optic human figures. Located near the entrance to the aquarium, it's one of the most photographed spots in the mall.
13. Trampo Extreme
A trampoline park with interconnected trampolines, foam pits, basketball hoops, and dodgeball courts. A genuinely exhausting way to burn off excess energy — popular with teenagers and adults alike.
Tickets: AED 100–140 per hour
14. At the Top, Burj Khalifa (Direct Access)
Dubai Mall provides direct access to the Burj Khalifa observation decks. The entrance is on the lower ground floor, and the high-speed elevator whisks you to the 124th floor in just 60 seconds.
15. The Souk (Traditional Market)
The ground floor's Arabian-themed souk area recreates a traditional market atmosphere with jewellery, perfumes, silk, and handicraft shops in a beautifully designed setting.
Practical Visitor Info
- ●Getting there: Multiple metro stations (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall), taxis, buses, and parking (14,000 spaces)
- ●Opening hours: 10:00 AM – Midnight (Sun–Wed), 10:00 AM – 1:00 AM (Thu–Sat)
- ●Budget an entire day — seriously, you'll need it
- ●Wear comfortable shoes — the mall is over 1 km from end to end
Exploring Dubai's attractions? Browse our guided city tours that include Dubai Mall highlights, or contact us for a tailored itinerary.