Mall of the Emirates Dubai: Complete Visitor Guide

The Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, which was opened in 2005, is a magnificent shopping and entertainment complex that occupies several floors and includes over 600 international brands, luxury labels, innumerable food options, and the famous Ski Dubai.  The Mall is currently enhancing its status with an AED 1.8B expansion (100+ stores, theatre upgrade).

The design elements of the mall are associated with classic beauty and modernity, thus giving it a great shopping atmosphere. Its Central Galleria links all the main parts and provides not only easy access but also a nice and attractive shopping experience. People stop by just to have a blast with the artificial snow, play video games, catch a good movie, have dinner at classy restaurants, get pampered with spa treatments, and absorb the luxury of branded retail all at one place that is so amazingly big.

Seasonal Tip: Plan your visit to coincide with the Dubai Shopping Festival (December–January) and Dubai Summer Surprises (June–August) to take advantage of large extensions of discounts, retail events, indoor entertainment promotions, and festival performances.

Fun Fact: Mall of the Emirates is the largest mall in the Middle East, where a complete indoor ski resort was built.

1. Ski Dubai – World-Famous Indoor Snow Park 

A snow-covered indoor area of almost 22,500 square metres, and the largest attraction in the shopping mall, is Ski Dubai, which introduces all sorts of fun activities for those who love to play in the snow. This very special location gives you: 

• Real snow every day of the year 
• Five ski slopes catering to different levels of skiing 
• Snowboarding and skiing lessons 
• Chairlift rides 
• The Snow Park area is for general enjoyment 
• Close encounters with King and Gentoo penguins through exclusive Penguin Encounter sessions or unique 'Lunch/Dinner with Penguins' packages. 

Hand in hand with skiing, this is one of a kind in Dubai and a must for both newbies and advanced skiers! 

2. Luxury Shopping at Fashion Dome 

With the Fashion Dome, exclusive top-notch labels and luxurious designers' boutiques are nocturnal. The impressively designed interior and the skylight shining on it, and the trendy luxury collections curate an extraordinarily sophisticated European-style shopping experience. 

Here you can find:

• Fashion houses 
• Pristine outlets 
• Luxurious accessories and jewels 
• High-end skincare and beauty brands 

The mall's luxurious wing attracts the fashionistas and luxury consumers, who are looking for nothing but the finest international collections. 

3. Magic Planet – Family Entertainment Zone 

Magic Planet is a heaven for the whole family, filled with arcade games, simulators, rides, bowling, toddlers’ attention and adventure zones. It is the largest indoor amusement park in the area, and it accommodates a wide range of activities for all age groups, including fun gaming and skill-based games. 

4. VOX Cinemas – Premium Movie Experience 

VOX Cinemas at Mall of the Emirates are equipped with: 

• IMAX with Laser
• 4DX technology, 
• THEATRE (luxury dining experience) and dedicated KIDS screens. 

For a premium experience, you can also enjoy the Distraction-Free screenings (18+ only). VoX Cinemas are a must-visit for those who have good taste in movies and are in search of the ultimate seating, the highest quality technology, and the most comfortable seat.

5. Global Restaurants - Dining

The Mall of the Emirates provides a large number of restaurants, ranging from bistros to fancy dining. The visitors are welcome to experience:

• Worldwide cuisines
• Arabian highlights
• Intercontinental fusion restaurants
• Sweet shops
• Upscale dining at its best

No matter if you just want something to nibble on or a complete meal, the mall has it all for you and your taste buds.

Location: Al Barsha, Dubai
Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM (may vary by day and season)
Suggested Duration: 4–6 hours

• Burj Al Arab
• Dubai Miracle Garden
• Jumeirah Beach
• Al Barsha Pond Park

These nearby highlights make it easy to combine your mall visit with other Dubai attractions.

Below is a closer look at the mall’s main offerings, crafted in the same style as the Ferrari World blog:

Ski Dubai – For Adventure Seekers

Ski Dubai is ideal for those who want to experience winter sports in a desert nation. Key highlights:

• Over 22,500 square meters of snow area
• Slope difficulty levels suitable for all
• Ski and snowboarding lessons available
• Snow Bullet zipline inside the snow park
• Penguins meet-and-greet sessions
• Winter-themed cafés

This is one of the most iconic activities for visitors looking for something unique in Dubai.

Shopping Zones – For Fashion Lovers

The mall features a mix of:

• Luxury Brands: Perfect for those seeking premium fashion, accessories, and jewellery.
• High-Street Fashion: A wide collection of international everyday brands.
• Department Stores: Offering everything from home goods to apparel.
• Beauty & Wellness Brands: Premium skincare, haircare, and cosmetics.

This makes it ideal for travellers who want both luxury and affordability in one place.

Family Attractions – Fun for All Ages

Families can enjoy:

Magic Planet: Arcade games, rides, simulators, and fun challenges.

Ski Dubai Snow Park: Suitable for children of all ages.

Kid-Friendly Restaurants: A wide variety of cuisines and kid-approved menus.

Dining Experiences – Global Cuisine & Gourmet Spots

From international flavours to gourmet dining:

• Italian
• Asian
• Mediterranean
• Indian
• American
• Dessert lounges

The dining scene at Mall of the Emirates is vast and diverse, offering both quick-service options and fine-dining establishments.

Read more: Top things to do in Dubai

Weekdays (Sunday to Thursday): Best for avoiding crowds, especially in the morning and early afternoon.

Weekends (Friday & Saturday): Expect heavier crowds.

Seasonal Recommendations

• Winter (Oct–Mar): Ideal for combining outdoor attractions with your mall visit.
• Summer (Apr–Sep): Best time for indoor activities like Ski Dubai, Magic Planet, and shopping.

• By Metro: Convenient access via the Mall of the Emirates Metro Station on the Red Line.
• By Taxi: Widely available across the city.
• By Car: Covered parking and valet services are available.

• Wear comfortable walking shoes — the mall is large.
• Carry a jacket if you plan to visit Ski Dubai.
• Book snow park or penguin activities in advance during busy seasons.
• Visit early in the day for a quieter experience.
• Explore the Fashion Dome for exclusive designer collections.
• Keep extra time for dining — restaurants can get busy.

If you need to buy luxury brands, eat haute cuisine, do winter sports in the desert or just have a good time with your family, then the Dubai Mall of the Emirates is the right place for you and will suit your needs. Its top-level attractions, varied entertaining spots, high-class shopping facilities and certain offerings like Ski Dubai make it one of the top Dubai places to visit. For an excellent and deep mix of shopping, thrills, and relaxation, just come to the only mall that is already famous — it is the iconic mall you just have to visit. When you are planning a Dubai trip in 2026, choose Pickyourtrail. Check out the top Dubai holiday packages and have a hassle-free trip experience.