Dubai is a city brimming with tourist hotspots and fun things to do. From desert safaris and dune bashing to skiing, skydiving and ziplining, there can never be a dull moment while you’re in the world’s fourth most visited destination. But for those of us who may be in a hurry and don’t want to spend time travelling from one place to another, there’s always the Dubai Mall.

A city within a city, Dubai Mall has not one or two but over a dozen world-class tourist attractions, giving ‘going to the mall’ a different dimension altogether. The world’s tallest tower, for one, is accessible through the mall, as are several other landmark destinations. The mall’s total internal floor area of 5.9 million square feet (55 hectares) makes it bigger than the smallest country (Vatican City, 44 hectares). Here are 15 top-rated places to visit and things to do in the city – without ever stepping out of the Dubai Mall!

1. Soak in a bird’s eye view of Dubai from the top of Burj Khalifa

The first stop on the list of attractions for anyone visiting Dubai has to be the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building and an architectural marvel. Standing taller than anything that man ever managed to build before it (or even after it, so far), the supertall skyscraper is one of the world’s most Instagrammed attractions.

Towering above all else, at over 828 metres (2,716.5 feet) and more than 160 storeys, the Burj Khalifa can be seen from a distance of 95km on a clear day. Interesting fact: Abu Dhabi’s Kizad (Khalifa Industrial Zone) is under 75km away, as a crow flies. An even more interesting fact: If you were to connect them with a straight line, RAK Hospital is exactly 95.02km from the tower. And Masafi Town is about 92km away.

So, the tower will be visible from Abu Dhabi, Dubai (of course), Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah – and even parts of Fujairah. That’s all the seven emirates of the UAE. And then there are parts of Oman from where it can be seen on a clear day (and from a vantage point). In a straight line, for instance, the Hatta Oman border crossing is 63km from the tower.

2. Make a song-and-dance sequence next to the Dubai Fountain

The next (logical) stop would be The Dubai Fountain. It wraps the Burj Khalifa, so you will just need to climb down the tower and go through the Dubai Mall to take a look at it (you can also view it from within the tower, of course). It was the world’s largest dancing fountain until that crown was snatched away by the city’s Palm Fountain (more about that later). At over 900 feet in length (274 metres), it is situated on the 30-acre (121,400 m2) Burj Lake and performs to a selection of different melodies.

The musical Dubai Fountain comes to life every 30 minutes from 6pm, daily. There were physical distancing requirements in place at the time of writing this, so please allow yourself enough time to marvel at the illuminations of Dubai Mall Fountain Show, a captivating water, music and light spectacle in the heart of Dubai. The colourful, illuminated jets sways in time to a range of melodies, which will leave you spellbound. Powerful water jets are laid out strategically over an area the length of two football pitches. The fountain jets up to 22,000 gallons of water as high as 140m in the air at any one time.

3. Hop on for the Dubai Fountain boat ride

Sights, sound, sail! Set sail on a traditional abra (water taxi) for an ultimate 30-minute ride on the Burj Lake, home to one of the world’s largest performing fountains. The Dubai Fountain Lake Ride gives you front row seats to the best show in town. Jump aboard the traditional wooden boat and cruise past some of the city’s most iconic monuments, including the Burj Khalifa, Souk Al Bahar, and Palace.

• 

• 

• 

You may have seen it all, but it’s different when you admire the city’s stunning skyline from the best seats in town. You can hire a boat-for-one Board a boat with up to 6 people and watch the show from the best seats.

The boats leave 15 minutes before the shows start, allowing enough time for you to decide on the ideal position to park the boat (or keep floating) to enjoy the show. The earlier you go in the evening, the less crowded it will be although the show is best viewed after the sky turns dark. With the recent opening of the Burj Lake extension complete with a floating garden, there are also daytime boating options available, including solo boats, children’s boating and family kayaking.

4. Walk the talk on the Dubai Fountain Boardwalk

A floating platform located within The Dubai Fountain, The Boardwalk allows visitors to get closer than ever, giving a whole new perspective of the captivating performances. Guests can start their journey from Burj Park or Fountain promenade and stroll down the 272-metre boardwalk. The closest point puts you a mere nine metres away from the fountains – so expect to be splashed a little!

See over 6,000 lights and 25 colour projectors create a visual spectrum of over 1,000 different water expressions. Feel the rush of 85,000 litres of leaping water up close as the fountain performs to a range of different songs, from classical to contemporary Arabic and world music. Please note that, for safety reasons, children under the age of 4 are not permitted on the floating Dubai Fountain Boardwalk.

5. Enjoy a sea of marine life at the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo

Located within the Dubai Mall, Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo is home to thousands of aquatic animals, comprising over 140 species. The 10-million-litre Dubai Aquarium tank, located on the Ground Level of The Dubai Mall, is one of the largest suspended aquariums in the world. Over 400 Sharks and Rays live in the tank, including Sand Tiger Sharks, Giant Groupers, and a host of other marine species. A series of carefully designed experiences allows visitors to come face to face with the aquatic residents for memorable moments with friends and family.

There are several ways for visitors to experience the main aquarium tank, which measures 51 meters in length, 20 meters in width, and 11 meters in height. The 48-meter walk-through Tunnel provides 270-degree views from 11 meters below the surface of the tank. Visitors can go on a Glass-bottom boat ride, providing unique views of the tank from beneath their feet.

Those who want to experience a dip in the tank can opt for a Shark Encounter experience. And for the adventurous ones, a Shark Dive is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, bringing one within inches of a large variety of sharks and rays.

Continue your journey at the Underwater Zoo and learn more about what amazing creatures inhabit both our rivers and oceans. Located on Level Two above the Aquarium tank, Underwater Zoo leads one through three ecological Zones; Rainforest, Rocky Shore and Living Ocean. Watch out for these aquatic creatures at Underwater Zoo: Otters, Piranha, Lionfish, Giant Spider Crabs, Seahorses, Garden Eels, Archerfish, Water Rats, Paddlefish, Cichlids and many more amazing aquatic animals in 40 individual aquatic displays.

6. Chill out at the Dubai Ice Rink

Dubai Ice Rink is one of the key leisure attractions at The Dubai Mall. Located on the mall’s ground floor next to The Souk, the Olympic-sized rink has become a social hotspot, appealing to the entire spectrum of society. As well as skating for fun and the renowned figure skating academy courses, it offers several unmatched features – including ice hockey games and practices, dynamic and youthful events, a vibrant dancefloor feel, and unlimited fun for skating enthusiasts and visitors alike.

There’s never a better time to learn how to ice skate or build up your fundamental figure skating skills. The Rink accepts enrolments for its Academy & Skating School.

Classes are available for all ages (starting from 4 years old to 97+ years young) and abilities (whether you are already a pro on the ice or a complete skating novice). Dubai Ice Rink employs the latest technology to create and maintain the ice consistency and quality to the highest standards. Over 2,000 pairs of skates have been imported from a leading manufacturer in Italy to fit children and adults of all ages and sizes.

The Rink’s friendly and highly experienced coaches and marshals are always at hand to ensure customer safety. The Zamboni – special ice resurfacing machine – is deployed across the rink every couple of hours to provide top quality ice at all times. In addition to skating sessions and training programmes, Dubai Ice Rink has enhanced its lifestyle appeal with cool D.J. nights to add to the joy of wanting a trendy weekend vibe. The coolest events venue in the city, Dubai Ice Rink, also serves as an ideal setting for celebratory events or friendly gatherings. Getting here couldn’t be easier, whether arriving via the metro bridge link your own vehicle, taxi, or tour bus. We are on the ground floor, under the cinema, adjacent to the famous Waterfall Atrium.

7. Feel young standing next to the 155-million-year-old DubaiDino

It’s the Dubai Mall’s permanent Jurassic resident. The world’s largest mall is also a museum, hosting a 155-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton in the Souk Dome. DubaiDino, a long-necked, whip-tailed Amphicoelias brontodiplodocus is an almost complete dinosaur skeleton unearthed in Wyoming in 2008. The ancient lizard stands 7.6m tall and measures 24.4m long, filling up the better part of the exotic arched and dramatically lit atrium.

Even as the skeleton is almost complete with most of its bones intact, its tail bones were found broken. Legend has it that the DubaiDino either died in a tail fight or its tail was bitten off by a predator. DubaiDino herself (yep, she’s a female) was a vegetarian and the adult dinosaur’s bones were discovered in the sleeping position.

8. Jumpstart the joy at Trampo Extreme

A family entertainment park, one can leap into a great time at Trampo Extreme. For the young and the young-at-heart members of the family, the park offers a whole new level of active play attractions, perfect for challenging your siblings – or parents. The park has tons of trampolines, with a range of 16 different jump activities making it the perfect place to jump-start energy levels and get moving.

To top it all off, the fluorescent design and colour changing lighting give a different dimension to the park every minute. Jump, explore the Cave, Climb or Play, you can look forward to a thrilling new adventure every time you visit Trampo Extreme. Parents can choose to join in the fun or relax and refresh at the Recharge café by Limetree.

9. Get scared. Very scared. At Hysteria

For all the thrill-seekers, adrenaline junkies, horror movie fans or simply those who like to try new experiences; Hysteria is for you. Certainly not for the faint-hearted. Hysteria is an extreme fear experience. A haunted mansion with dimly lit rooms and dark corridors, Hysteria has all the makings of a hair-raising nightmare chilling enough to scare the living daylights out of anyone. How brave are you? The first haunted attraction of its kind in the region, Hysteria takes guests on a journey through their darkest nightmares and deepest fears.

The place comes with a scary tale, too. As the story goes, the family of this stately manor had their children mysteriously vanish during the middle of the night and the despairing parents roam the halls and rooms of this mansion trying to find who has taken their children. They believe you, one of the guests know where their children have gone. The parents seek revenge on each guest as they pass through the manor doors.

Beware as you may be taken by the family and be taunted by the spirits of the deceased children themselves. Be warned that the parents believe their children are still alive and have begun to suffer from hysteria.

The mansion consists of 15 rooms that you have to walk through. The experience lasts as long as you are able or would like to stay. Due to its nature, people do not stay for more than approximately 10 minutes, some less, some more. There is no time limit, though. You can stay as long as you need to enjoy the amazing set design and scary ambience. Located on the second floor of Dubai Mall (opposite Reel Cinemas and next to The Lego Store and Kidzania), Hysteria accepts no more than four guests at any given time to ensure full enjoyment of the experience (a group of six may be allowed at the discretion of the manager).

10. Tap to the beat of the future at the Dubai Creek Tower

The Dubai Mall’s Grand Atrium is now home to Dubai Creek Tower’s mega-replica. This centrepiece gives an impressive rendition of the under-construction tower’s architecture and grandeur. The waterfront development – jointly being developed by Emaar Properties and Dubai Holding – is expected to surpass the previous world’s tallest buildings such as the Tokyo Skytree (2,080 feet) and Burj Khalifa (2,722 feet) to become the tallest tower (3,045 feet) in the world.

While work on the actual tower was suspended at the height of the pandemic, visitors to Dubai Mall can enjoy the replica in its full splendour. A light and sound show is held daily at 5pm, 8pm and 11pm while there is an additional 3pm show over weekends.

11. Get beamed into the future at the VR Park

It’s the world’s largest VR park. The world’s largest mall wouldn’t have anything less, obviously. The multiplayer functionality adds oodles of fun for groups of friends and families.

Featuring exciting Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR), this unique theme park is a tech-powered version of the classic gaming arcade with 18 thrilling experiences and rides that utilize next-level technology in innovative and exciting ways.

Even if you’re not big on gaming, the park offers a sweet escape from the trappings of the real world into one where you can go on breathtaking adventures and visit extraordinary places.

12. Learn the ropes of life before life at KidZania

This one’s for children aged 2-16. Learning and entertainment combine perfectly in a 7,000 sq m scaled replica of a real city. KidZania is packed with more than 40 role-playing activities, where children can learn all about jobs, money and the real world while developing life skills. KidZania has children’s versions of a hospital, fire station, bank, radio and TV station, supermarket, pizzeria and more. And kids can find out what it’s like to work in all of them.

From television anchors reading the news to police officers performing detective work and chefs cooking up tasty food, role-playing activities will introduce them to different careers in a fun and interactive way. Just like adults in the real world, children earn money when they work here. With every job they perform, they’re paid in kidZos – the currency of KidZania – and can spend their money on items and activities throughout the city. Children may also open an account at the Central Bank of KidZania, or save their kidZos for future visits. Either way, it teaches them about money management and budgeting.

13. Take the pilot’s seat in an Emirates A380

Experience the thrill and challenge of piloting the world’s largest passenger aircraft when you buckle up, take the controls and soar in Emirates’ state-of-the-art flight simulator at Dubai Mall. Choose your destination from thousands of busy airports and select from a range of different flight paths. You will, of course, get help. There is a tablet at the side of the cockpit where a pilot provides you with verbal instructions. There will also be at least one member of staff there to assist you.

Test your abilities against your family and friends (only one person can fly at a time even as the cockpit can accommodate two people). Customise your flight – pick your preferred flight time and weather conditions, then watch on high-definition screens as you circle above the Eiffel Tower, soar over New York or approach Hong Kong’s incredible skyline by night. Note that children under the age of 9 cannot use the simulator (they will not be able to reach down to the pedals). Children aged 9 to 12 must be accompanied by an adult.

14. Get theatrical at the Dubai Opera

Technically, you’ll need to exit the Dubai Mall/Burj Khalifa complex to enter Dubai Opera but hey, what’s 0.2 miles between friends? The building is designed to resemble a dhow, a traditional sailing vessel, in which the ‘bow’ of the structure houses the opera’s main stage, orchestra and seating, while the elongated ‘hull’ has waiting areas, taxi drop-off areas, and parking. Dubai’s first purpose-built multi-format performing arts theatre, the 2,000-seat centre is located within The Opera District in Downtown Dubai.

Aside from Dubai Opera, the district, which faces Burj Khalifa and The Dubai Fountain, includes art galleries, museums, design studios, and other cultural venues. The area includes several hotels, a retail plaza, recreational spaces and residential towers. Developed by Emaar Properties to host a variety of performances and events, Dubai Opera also boasts a rooftop restaurant with views of the Burj Khalifa. The venue has a flat floor capacity of 1,800 m2 (19,000 sq ft). The floor can be converted into a traditional theatre, concert hall, banquet hall or exhibition space.

15. Zoom past the Burj Khalifa on an open-air track at EKart Zabeel

You didn’t think they’d waste the top floor of an entire city (a.k.a. Dubai Mall), did you? The sky’s the limit for thrill-seekers with an exhilarating experience awaiting them at EKart Zabeel, located on the rooftop of The Dubai Mall.

Zoom past the Burj Khalifa on the open-air track, where drivers can race against the clock and each other in eco-friendly electric karts. Whether you’re competing with your friends or family or using it for a team-building event, you’re guaranteed an adrenaline rush when you indulge in this ultimate driving experience with views of the Burj Khalifa.