Dubai has a lot to offer in its tourist repertoire, and shopping is among the best experiences you can have in the city. It is dotted with markets, boutiques, and luxury malls, and it even hosts regular shopping festivals. While every shopping mall in Dubai is equally fascinating, there’s one standout: Ibn Battuta Mall. It’s the largest themed shopping mall in the world, promising an unforgettable shopping experience.
Ibn Battuta Mall at a Glance
This mall has six sections representing different geographical zones of the world. So, what can you find at Ibn Battuta Mall? Zones showcasing China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia, and Andalusia. Each zone is designed to reflect the culture and architecture of its respective country. The mall boasts more than 270 shops, along with a cinema and various entertainment options. What does this mean for someone looking to have fun? A full day of shopping and adventure!
Shahroozporia, Ibn Battuta Mall Persian Court, CC BY-SA 3.0
Location
Ibn Battuta Mall is on Sheikh Zayed Road in the Jebel Ali area. You can easily get here from central Dubai and residential areas like Dubai Marina. Its strategic location means you’re never too far away from the city’s top attractions like the Palm Jumeirah.
Getting There
Thanks to its central location, getting to the mall is simple. The easiest way is to take the Dubai Metro, with the Ibn Battuta Metro Station located right beside the mall. If you decide to drive, that's easy too – the mall is just off Sheikh Zayed Road, which is one of the main highways in Dubai. The mall is also a popular landmark, so it's well connected by bus services. Ride-sharing apps such as Uber and Careem are also an option.
Accommodation Nearby
Being a top tourist attraction in a city that draws thousands of visitors, the mall has led to the development of many hotels and resorts in the area. This is Dubai, so even the budget options are a tad bit more expensive than your typical budget hotels; but a variety of budgets are catered to. You can also find a few hotel apartments near Ibn Battuta Mall, One such hotel is Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai.
Opening Hours
The mall is open all week. From Sunday to Thursday, it’s open from 10 AM to 10 PM. On Fridays and Saturdays, the hours are extended until midnight. This makes it easier to fit in a shopping trip during the week. On weekends, the extended hours give you more time to explore the mall after a day of other fun activities.
Parking
If you’re driving, you won’t have any trouble finding a parking spot here. The mall offers more than 4,000 parking spots, so you can find ample space even during a busy day. What’s more, parking is free, which is another plus for visitors. Living up to the definition of luxury, the mall also offers valet services.
Shops
Shopping is, of course, the main reason why you’d want to visit Ibn Battuta Mall, and there’s an abundance of it! The mall houses over 200 shops, so you can spend an entire day, if not two days, shopping here. Don't think you can only find high-end fashion; there’s affordable clothing too. Home goods are also a big draw.