Few shopping destinations in the world can compete with Dubai. The emirate is home to numerous shopping malls and it can be difficult to decide where to start. The malls are home to all the best local and international brands, selling everything from the newest gadgets to the latest fashions. Even if one is not planning on buying anything, the malls offer plenty of distractions and interesting things to do.

The Dubai Mall is probably the most well-known mall in Dubai, receiving around sixty five million visitors in 2012. It is the largest mall in the world and has well over six hundred shops. It is currently the most widely visited leisure and shopping destination in the world, receiving more visitors than landmarks such as Times Square or Central Park. The mall is home to the World’s Largest Acrylic Panel, which fronts the mall’s aquarium. The aquarium is a ‘must visit’ when at the mall. It also has an ice rink where visitors can skate or learn how to skate.

The Mall of the Emirates is another popular mall in Dubai. It is quite large and features nearly six hundred shops. In addition to the shops, the mall also has a large indoor snow park, where visitors can ski; an entertainment centre called Magic Planet, which has a roller coaster, a bowling alley and a number of rides; and a theatre.

One should also not miss the Ibn Battuta Mall, which is named after the famed Arab explorer. Other popular places to visit include the BurJuman Mall, which was built in 1991; Deira City Centre, which was formerly the largest mall in Dubai; Lamcy Plaza; Mercato Shopping Mall, which is situated in Jumeirah; and Wafi Mall.

Dubai, although not as big as Abu Dhabi, can still be difficult to explore unless one has accommodation in a central area. The Millennium & Copthorne Hotels Middle East has several UAE hotels in convenient locations. With a whole range of Middle East hotels they provide guests with an authentic Arab experience. Providing the warm hospitality that the Middle East is famous for, it is the ideal accommodation choice.

 

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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