Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nile Cappello
In many ways, the Dubai Mall serves as a microcosm for the city in which it helped to both modernize and popularize. It's opulent, expansive, and precision-planned, filled with art installations, welcoming lounge areas, and inventive food concepts, all alongside every high-end designer brand on earth. No, really, there are two separate Missoni stores (one technically M.Missoni), a Louis Vuitton department store, and an entire wing for luxury children's clothes.
But as with the city of Dubai itself, the largest mall in the world is many things at once — shops, restaurants, an ice rink, theme park, flight simulation, outdoor fountain, movie theater, aquarium, and dinosaur exhibit. It makes the Mall of America look like a suburban shopping center.
Look through the slideshow and open your mind (and wallet) to the Dubai Mall.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nile Cappello
First things first: the Dubai Mall is filled with a labyrinth of different wings, wings within the wings, theme park areas, and hidden passageways — OK that one may be an exaggeration, but the point is: you can easily get lost. Give yourself enough time to wander, but don't be afraid to consult a map — they're interactive (because Dubai) and in English.
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It's HUGE.
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The mall is 5.9 million square feet (and counting) and has four levels, a series of thematic districts (denim, electronics, shoes, home furnishings), and more than 12,000 retail outlets.
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There is a ton of art everywhere.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nile Cappello
Take your time, and make sure to look up — art is everywhere in the Dubai Mall. The various visual projects add a depth of design aesthetic and help the overwhelmingly massive space feel more accessible and navigable.
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Even the bathrooms are opulent.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nile Cappello
Because it's Dubai, even the mall bathrooms are an enjoyable experience. The women's restrooms on this floor (to the right in the photo) featured opulent sinks, vanity mirrors, and a full child's play area.
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There's an ice rink!
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Naturally, there is a full-size ice rink within the mall.
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And luxury clothes . . . for children.
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This was part of the aforementioned luxury children's clothes wing. Other brands represented include Armani Junior, Burberry Children, Diesel Kids, Fendi Kids, Dolce & Gabbana Kids, Ralph Lauren Kids, and Roberto Cavalli Junior.
. . . At what point is it acceptable to be jealous of a child's closet?
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Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nile Cappello
Of course, you'll need a baby Lamborghini backpack to go with the outfit from Baby Dior.
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The indoor fountain is a must see.
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Part waterfall, part art installation, part visual illusion, the indoor fountain sits at the southwest end of the mall. When it's hot outside, this is the ideal place to take a shopping breather — just grab afternoon tea or lunch at one of the restaurants with tables overlooking the spectacular atrium-style feature.
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The design is so unique.
Image Source: POPSUGAR Photography / Nile Cappello
The mall features an impressively balanced mix of classic Arabic design elements and modern amenities.
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The food courts are different than the ones in the States.
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The food courts and coffee shops don't have the same grab-and-go vibe as those in American malls — instead, they offer comfortable areas and welcome guests to stay a while.
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There's an indoor theme park.
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Kids (and adults) will flip their lids over the Sega Republic indoor theme park. Play arcade games, test your fear factor on the ropes course, stay steady through a laser maze, ride the roller coaster, try out an immersive VR experience, and scream your way down the giant slides (pictured), all within the mall.
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Anyone who says Dubai doesn't have culture clearly has never played the Stinky Feet water gun game at Sega Republic.
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And so many Instagram-worthy photo ops.
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The often-photographed umbrella walk is located in the denim district, near the taxi pickup, ice rink, and parking garage.
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The mall has a mix of American stores and completely unique places.
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Sure, the Dubai Mall has all the American staples, including Starbucks, CPK, and The Cheesecake Factory. But it also draws inventive concepts from abroad, including the Cereal Killer Cafe, where guests indulge in custom-paired cereal and flavored milk while sitting on children's beds.
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There's even things to see outside of the mall . . .
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Don't miss going outside and checking out the magnificent Dubai Fountain and an outdoor area simultaneously reminiscent of the Empire State Building, Bellagio Fountain, and Ponte Vecchio. Snap some pics with the Burj Khalifa in the background — or, if the weather is mild and humidity low — grab a table at one of the outdoor cafe patios.
