Mall of the Emirates vs Dubai Mall: Best Day Out Pick
Mall of the Emirates offers ski slopes and boutique shopping while Dubai Mall delivers record scale and fountain shows. Which suits your day out in Dubai?
Size and Layout
Mall of the Emirates spans 2.4 million square feet with 520 stores. Dubai Mall covers 3.8 million square feet and lists over 1,200 outlets. Both malls run clear directional signage and offer free Wi-Fi throughout. Dubai Mall requires more walking time between zones, so plan your route on the RTA Dubai Metro app if you arrive by public transport.
Anchor Stores and Brands
Mall of the Emirates houses the largest Harvey Nichols outside London plus a strong line-up of mid-range labels such as Zara, H&M and Mango. Dubai Mall features flagship stores for Chanel, Louis Vuitton and Apple plus the largest branch of Debenhams in the region. Budget shoppers find more value in Mall of the Emirates; luxury collectors gravitate to Dubai Mall.
Family Attractions
Ski Dubai inside Mall of the Emirates offers 22,500 square metres of indoor snow with temperatures at minus 2 degrees. A two-hour ski pass costs 245 AED for adults and 210 AED for children in 2026. Dubai Mall houses the Dubai Aquarium with 10,000 marine animals and a 75-metre underwater tunnel. Adult entry starts at 140 AED. Both venues sell combined tickets that include access to adjacent ice rinks or 4D cinemas.
Food Courts and Dining
Mall of the Emirates lists 90 dining outlets ranging from Shake Shack to the Michelin-starred Ossiano at Atlantis The Palm (shuttle every 30 minutes). Dubai Mall houses 150 restaurants including the highest open-air venue, Atmosphere, on the 122nd floor of Burj Khalifa. Expect to pay 85-120 AED for a casual meal in either food court.
Getting There and Parking
Both malls connect directly to Dubai Metro Red Line stations. Mall of the Emirates sits at Mall of the Emirates station; Dubai Mall at Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. Parking is free for the first three hours at both sites and costs 20 AED per hour thereafter. RTA taxis drop passengers at dedicated mall entrances with no extra charge.
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Frequently asked questions
Which mall has cheaper parking?▾
Both offer three free hours; after that the rate is 20 AED per hour at each location.
Can I ski and visit the aquarium in one day?▾
Yes, but allow six hours minimum and book ski passes online in advance during peak season.
Is there a free shuttle between the two malls?▾
No direct shuttle exists. Use the Red Line metro or an RTA taxi for the 20-minute journey.
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