Mall of the Emirates

Area: Al Barsha, Dubai

An instant hit from the moment it opened, Mall of the Emirates is simply enormous. There’s a Cinestar cinema complex, an enormous games and arcade area complete with bowling alleys, and of course a mammoth array of shops. These include local favourites, as well as Borders, Debenhams, Zara and even Harvey Nichols. Brands including H&M and Phat Farm cater for the budget conscious, while Via Rodeo is packed with Versace, D&G, Ferragamo et al.

Ski Dubai at Mall of the Emirates

Then there’s the ultimate feature of Mall of the Emirates – Ski Dubai. No wonder Mall of the Emirates is Dubai’s favourite mall. Ski Dubai is one of the biggest tourist attractions in the UAE in itself, enabling visitors to choose between skiing, snowboarding, tobogganing or simply throwing snowballs in the snow park.

Where to eat at Mall of the Emirates

If all that shopping makes you hungry, there’s no shortage of places to eat at Mall of the Emirates. Try Apres – the ski-lodge type venue that’s great for a quick drink or a fondue. Near Ski Dubai there’s Sezzam, with its far-ranging international menu. The Butcher’s Shop is a great South African import – a must for fresh biltong or a fantastic steak.