The Dubai Mall is anything but your typical mall. Not only does it house over 1,200 shops, a colossal aquarium, and an indoor theme park, but it also has the world’s tallest building as a next-door neighbour. Impressive.
Despite all of this, you’d be forgiven for having experienced that it’s-tooooo-big-for-shopping anxiety and heading to one of the smaller malls around the city. Until now, of course… Yup, it’s time to plan an action-packed adventure with these 11 awesome mall activities.
1. Slip down the region’s tallest slide
Move over kids, this one’s for the fun-loving adults! Sitting amidst Sega Republic’s 76,000 square-foot house of fun are two zippy slides that you have to check out. And if that’s not for you, you’ll find cutting-edge simulators, old school arcade games and more.
2. Play broomball on ice… at midnight
Yes.You.Can. Most know Dubai Mall’s Olympic-size ice rink for its buzzing atmosphere as skaters show off their speed and skill throughout the day. What people don’t know is that when the mall shuts down at night, the ice rink can light up for an ultimate game of broomball (think hockey on ice but with ice grips – instead of skates – on your feet.
3. Print 3D candy
Head over to the mall’s sweetest hotspot and witness the world’s first 3D gummy printer, which can print up to 20 different designs – including the Dubai skyline. The candy lasts for a year, but let’s be honest…
4. Play football on a FIFA-certified pitch
Way up on the mall’s 2nd floor (P7) is an all-singing-all-dancing football pitch called ‘Goal’. Open late and suitable for 10-15 year olds, its ‘Drop and Shop’ scheme means that kids can have a kick about while you shop ’til you drop in peace.
5. Meet King Croc!
Time to get up close and personal with the King Croc in Dubai’s Underwater Zoo. And if that’s not enough, while you’re there, make it your mission to traverse the tree-top walkway suspended above the super-sized fish tank.
6. Let your kids run a mini city
Alright guys, this one’s definitely for your kids… This edutainment park lets young minds think big. Whether your LO wants to try their hand at working at Maccy D’s or saving lives as an emergency doctor, KidZania let’s it happen.
7. Submerge yourself underwater with sharks
Because looking into the Dubai Aquarium just isn’t the same as jumping in with the sharks and stingrays. You may already know that if you have a certified PADI license, you can go diving in the giant fish tank, but did you know that anybody can cage snorkel? Time to come face-to-face with a Sand Tiger Shark.
8. Show off some tricks in the skatepark
Who knew that hidden on Level 2 of Dubai Mall is one of the city’s best kept skating secrets? Rage Skate Bowl is a hard spot to find for the uninitiated, but once you do, you can skate for free all day long.
9. Captain your own Airbus A380
Past all the shops and concessions is one of the most unexpected experiences… flying a plane! The Emirates A380 Experience puts you in the cockpit of the world’s largest plane for a 30-minute flight to one of 12 worldwide destinations. Head to The Village on Level G.
10. VIP your cinema trip
Forget your usual cinema trip, it’s time to tap into Platinum Cinema Suites. Gourmet treats and recliner seats? Ehh, yes please. Kick back and chill in front of the big screen while loving life in your comfy throne. Perfect for a date night or a treat to unwind after a hard week in work.
11. Drive an F1 Car
Head to the Ferrari Store on Level 1 (just next to the waterfall. Hidden inside, you’ll find a purpose-built F1 simulator sent straight from Maranello (the Ferrari F1 factory). It uses the same software as Ferrari racers train with. Jump into the seat and put the pedal to the floor. That’ll probably get you revved up for a trip to Yas Island’s Ferrari World.
