The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall

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Posted 2013-01-31 by Lucy Grahamfollow
Mention the Middle East to international travellers, and mall shopping is not usually the first thing that comes to mind. But what any visitor to the city of Dubai soon realises is this city is not your typical Arab location.

Dubai Mall spruiks shopping as entertainment and has to be seen to be believed. On approach, traffic surges through the high rise metropolis that is modern day Dubai, including the famously vertical monster, Burj Khalifa.

Four levels house more than 1,200 retailers, including 57 shoe stores, 27 electronics and cameras stores, and 15 toy stores. You'll find Bloomingdales, Marks and Spencer, Galeries Lafayette, Brunetti, Gucci, Fendi, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Max Mara, Dolce and Gabbana, Sketchers, Armani and Osh Kosh. But never fear shoppers! There is a 22-page mall guide to help you get around including maps of each level.

On entering the massive complex, consumers are met with signs outlining the 'courtesy policy': Please wear respectful clothing (shoulders and knees should be covered) and no kissing or overt display of affection in the mall.

But it's not the shops that are Dubai Mall's most startling feature. One of the world's largest aquariums is here inside the complex, like one giant fish bowl right amongst the shops.
The facility boasts 'the largest viewing window on earth', some three levels high, and home to over 33,000 aquatic animals including stingrays and tiger sharks.

Most astonishing is the presence of an Olympic sized ice-skating rink, offering learn-to-skate programs, as well as figure skating events, hockey matches and ice-shows. There are even stores here selling snow and ski gear – never let the desert stand in your way folks!

You'll find a KidZania theme park, indoor waterfall, a section with a retractable roof, prayer rooms, and cinema complex. Dancing fountains outside do their choreographed sound and light routine at regular intervals.

Also worth a peek is Candylicious, one of 28 outlets dedicated to satisfying your sweet-tooth, which sells every flavour of jellybean you can imagine, and giant Chupa-Chups.

It is indeed salient to consider how quickly western development has come to dominate the landscape. This made most stark when one realises this city did not even have a bank until the late 1940s.

You should have no trouble finding a moment to pop into the Dubai Mall. Stores, attractions, food courts and restaurants open at 10am and continue on until midnight, or 1am.


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81128 - 2023-06-11 06:03:42

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