I Might Have Just Shopped ‘Till I Dropped at the Dubai Festival City Mall
Shopping and I go together like peanut butter and jelly. Thankfully, I live in Dubai where shopping is serious business. In fact, I’ve been to almost every mall in this city.
The Dubai Marina Mall, Burjuman Mall and the Dubai Outlet Mall – you name it and I’ve probably burned quite a few dirhams shopping in it.
But if you ask me if I have a favourite mall in Dubai, I’d tell you it’s the Dubai Festival City Mall without batting an eyelash. Want to find out why? Read this guide.
What is Dubai Festival City Mall known for?
Dubai Festival City Mall is most known for being located right by the majestic Dubai Creek where you get to enjoy spectacular views of the water in Festival Bay, its waterfront area.
The mall is also home to the only IKEA store in Dubai and more than 400 retail outlets, 90 restaurants covering every cuisine on the book and the famous 18-screen Novo Cinema.
During the annual Dubai Shopping Festival, the mall also holds one of the most spectacular fireworks shows in the city drawing in thousands of crowds to witness the show by the creek.
Best Time to Go
Dubai Festival City is open all year round. But if you’re looking for good deals, it’s best to check it out during the Dubai Shopping Festival, which runs from December to January every year.
During this time, most of the stores in the mall offer huge discounts, promos and freebies in participation of this annual festival.
Things to Know About Dubai Festival City Mall
Operating hours: Dubai Festival City Mall opens daily from 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM every Sunday to Thursday and until 12 midnight every Friday and Saturday. Its hypermarket opens earlier from 9:00 AM to midnight daily for your grocery needs and other attractions and stores may also have different timings.
Parking: The mall has a massive parking lot that can hold up to 13,000 vehicles at a time, and parking is also for free. If you’re visiting Ikea, you can also use a dedicated parking space for Ikea guests, so it’s easier to bring your goods to the car.
Washroom: There are several washrooms that you can use throughout the mall.
Dogs: While Dubai Festival City is a pet-friendly community, dogs are not allowed inside the mall except for service dogs.
How to Get Around
Trains: If you’re taking the Red Line, stop at the Emirates Metro Station and take a taxi to the mall. If you’re taking the Green Line, stop at the Creek Metro Station. From here, you can either take a water taxi or hop on the free shuttle bus to the mall.
Buses: RTA bus lines F58, 53, 64A, 55, 24 and 103 stop in Dubai Festival City. The nearest stop is the Festival Centre Station. From here, you can take a 15-minute walk to the mall or hop on a taxi if it’s too hot.
Taxis: You can hail a taxi from anywhere in Dubai to take you to Dubai Festival City Mall. You can also book a ride through Uber or Careem.
Car: If you’re driving your own car or renting one, you can take advantage of the free covered parking in the mall.
What to Do in Dubai Festival City Mall
Dubai Festival City Laser Show
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Website: https://www.dubaifestivalcity.com/enjoy/imagine/
Contact details: +971 800 332
I thought I already saw the best water show at the Dubai Fountain. But I was wrong because the air, water and fire show outside Dubai Festival City Mall made my jaw drop to the ground.
IMAGINE is an ambitious AED1.5 billion laser show that holds the Guinness World Record for the largest permanent projection mapping in the world and the largest water screen projection in the world.
To say that this show is spectacular would be an understatement because you’ll be treated with a multi-sensory experience seeing water, laser, lights and pyrotechnics all in harmony to the tune of music.
The laser show is held every night outside the mall at one-hour intervals, so make sure to stay in Dubai Festival City Mall until nighttime to witness this spectacle. I promise you won’t get over it for weeks.
Dubai Festival City Mall Cinema
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Website: https://uae.voxcinemas.com/cinemas/dubai-festival-city-mall
If you’re a movie fan like me, you have to treat yourself to at least one flick at the VOX Cinemas in Dubai Festival City Mall.
With 18 screens, you surely have a lot of options to choose from. What I love about this cinema is that you get to choose from three types of experiences depending on your budget. You have IMAX where you get to feel like you’re inside the movie with massive screens and sound systems.
You also have the Gold experience where you get to relax in fully plush leather seats with blankets and pillows and even your own waiter to serve you food and drinks from the theatre’s special menu.
And we’re not just talking about popcorn and hotdogs here because in the Gold theatre, you have the option to go for a full meal with a starter, main course and dessert.
Now if you’re taking your kids to their first movie, do it at the KIDS theatre, a special auditorium made for the little ones with its colourful seats and fun vibe.
Get the Kids Running at Fabyland
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Website: https://fabyland.ae/
Contact details: +971 4 288 1490
Are you bringing the kids along on your visit to Dubai Festival City Mall? Let them run wild and free at Fabyland, a massive indoor entertainment complex that both you and the little ones will surely enjoy.
I stepped inside this complex and felt like a kid again with its claw machines, arcade games, rides and everything that you can dream of in an entertainment centre.
It’s safe to say I spent a good few hours roaming around this massive place and I know you would too, so better come early.
Where to Eat in Dubai Festival City Mall
Al Fanar Restaurant and Cafe
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Address: Food Court and Waterfront – Ground Floor – Dubai Festival City Mall
Contact details: +971 232 9966
Pricing: $$
You can’t be in Dubai and not crave good Emirati food because believe me, it smells good and tastes even better. And when it comes to Emirati cuisine, Al Fanar Restaurant has always been on top of my list.
When you come here, prepare for a feast because in case you don’t know yet, Emirati food is about filling your stomach and heart to the brim. Get the classic Emirati breakfast tray because you’ll need all the energy for shopping.
The massive dishes featuring local ingredients and spices make this restaurant a must-visit whenever you’re in Dubai Festival City Mall.
Legendarium Fantastic Museum
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Address: Food Court and Waterfront – First Floor – Dubai Festival City Mall
Contact details: +971 581 773 121
Pricing: $$
I know what you’re thinking – why are you recommending eating at a museum? Well, that was exactly my thought when I first stumbled upon Legendarium at the Dubai Festival City Mall.
I had to find out what the buzz was about and my, I was blown away. The moment I stepped inside the museum cafe, I was thinking whether I came to the right place to feed my hunger.
But it was one of the best decisions I made because Legendarium is definitely legendary in every way. The 40-minute journey inside the museum will take you to seven-themed locations with delicious food waiting for you right at the end.
Osteria Mario
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Address: Food Court and Waterfront – First Floor – Dubai Festival City Mall
Contact details: +971 529 292088
Pricing: $$$
Good Italian food, a fun atmosphere and a playroom for the kids – oh, I love dining at Osteria Mario whenever I bring the family along.
This restaurant is a dream come true if you love Italian food because everything on its menu – from the thin crust pizza to its risotto with parmigiano – is absolutely divine.
And let’s not forget to take a moment for the tiramisu with dark chocolate curls. Okay, forgive me because I’m running back to the restaurant now.
Where to Shop in Dubai Festival City Mall
IKEA
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Website: https://www.ikea.com/ae/en/
Address: Dubai Festival City Mall
Contact details: +971 800 4532
Who doesn’t love IKEA? If you’re a DIY girl like me, you can’t miss a visit to IKEA in Dubai Festival City Mall, the Swedish brand’s only outlet in the city.
Whether it’s furniture, home decor and just little trinkets, I guarantee that you’ll go home with more than just one item at IKEA.
And while you’re at it, make sure to stop by their restaurant and enjoy IKEA’s famous Swedish meatballs.
Ahmed Seddiqi and Sons
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Website: https://www.seddiqi.com/
Address: Ground Floor – Dubai Festival City Mall
Contact details: +971 50 571 0414
I’m guilty of being obsessed with beautiful timepieces and Ahmed Seddiqi and Sons has always been my go-to when it comes to buying the best watches in Dubai Festival City Mall.
Being around since the 1950s, the store carries more than 50 luxury brands ranging from Rolex to Tudor and this is the store that you go to if you’re looking for unique and rare timepieces that you won’t find anywhere else.
Abdul Samadal Qurashi
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Website: https://ae.abdulsamadalqurashi.com/en/
Address: First Floor – Dubai Festival City Mall
Contact details: +971 04 232 9099
One thing I love about living in Dubai is that everything here smells so good and that’s because Emiratis are very specific with their fragrance.
And if there’s one store I go to for authentic Arabic fragrances, it’s definitely Abdul Samadal Qurashi. From perfumes to incense sticks and oud, oh the entire store smells so good that you will have a hard time choosing which fragrance to take home.
Where to Stay Near Dubai Festival City Mall
Crowne Plaza Hotel
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Website: https://www.ihg.com/crowneplaza/hotels/us/en/dubai/dubfc/hoteldetail
Address: Dubai Festival City
Contact details: +971 4 701 2222
Pricing: $$$
Crowne Plaza Hotel is the most luxurious hotel you can find near Dubai Festival City Mall with rooms overlooking the famous city skyline including the Burj Khalifa.
You’ll be spoiled from the moment you step inside the hotel with its world-class interiors and comfortable rooms. You even have the option to go for a bigger room with a spacious living area for the entire family.
Crowne Plaza Hotel also has several amenities including restaurants, pubs and a pool where you can cool down after exploring the city.
InterContinental Hotel Festival City
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Website: https://www.ihg.com/intercontinental/hotels/us/en/dubai/dxbhb/hoteldetail
Address: Dubai Festival City
Contact details: +971 4 701 1111
Pricing: $$$
I love luxury staycations and the InterContinental Hotel Festival City has always been a favourite.
This hotel is situated just far enough from the city centre so you can enjoy solitude with the views of the Dubai Creek and also near enough that you can get to Downtown Dubai within just 10 minutes.
Aside from its spacious and luxurious rooms that overlook the water, the hotel also has an iconic infinity pool, a world-renowned spa and a five-star restaurant where you can enjoy Michelin quality food.
Tips When Visiting Dubai Festival City Mall
Now that you have all the information that you need about Dubai Festival City Mall, here are some tips that will help make your visit more memorable:
If you want to get the most optimal parking spot, it’s best to drive to the mall right when it opens.
While there are no specific clothing requirements when visiting the mall, it’s still best to dress modestly as a sign of respect to local culture. Avoid wearing skimpy and revealing clothes for both men and women.
If you want a unique way to get to the mall, try going on an abra ride for only AED1, so you can cruise along the Dubai Creek and access the mall from the water.