---
node: spot_dubai_dubai_mall
type: spot
slug: dubai_mall
destination: dest_dubai
title: "Dubai Mall"
lead: "The Dubai Mall has about 1,200 shops and takes over 100 million visitors a year, which makes it the most visited building in the world. It also holds an aquarium, an ice rink and a waterfall running through three floors."
published: 2026-08-12
updated: 2026-08-12
image_file: spot_dubai_dubai_mall.jpg
image_source: "https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:081106_Dubai_Mall_-_souk.jpg"
image_author: "Diligent"
image_license: "Public domain"
---

## Overview

The mall opened in 2008 at the foot of the Burj Khalifa and functions as the city's town square: in a place where summer afternoons reach 45 degrees, the air-conditioned mall is where people walk, meet and take children. The aquarium tank holds ten million litres behind a 750-millimetre acrylic panel and can be seen from the walkway without a ticket. Shopping is only part of what happens here, and it is worth going even if you buy nothing.

## Highlights

The aquarium wall, the waterfall and the fountain terrace are all free. Souk Al Bahar next door is a smaller, quieter mall with the better fountain-facing restaurants. Go on a weekday; Friday and Saturday evenings are the busiest hours in the busiest building on earth.