Dubai Marina Mall Rescued Us in Our Last-Minute Shopping SOS
If you ask me, I’m the busiest person I know. Though, to be fair, I don’t hang out with sultans or presidents much (or at all). That’s why when it comes to shopping, I never had time for it. So much so, that my sister never let me hear the end of it.
But since she had another baby, she’s been way busier than I am. We didn’t keep in touch until I got a frantic call—she forgot to take her eldest shopping for school supplies, and school started in a week! But instead of scolding her, I just decided to be helpful.
I promised to join her for a last-minute shopping at Dubai Marina Mall since it’s got everything—stuff and sights! With a clear head, we knocked it out in no time and still had hours left to explore other shops and watch a movie! Here’s our handy travel guide.
What is Dubai Marina Mall known for?
Dubai Marina Mall is known for its picturesque waterfront setting and cozy shopping vibe. It offers high-end brands and boutiques, as well as tons of dining spots with great views of the marina promenade.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Dubai Marina Mall is as early as it opens—you’ll likely deal with smaller crowds and be the first in line for your favorite shops. Alternatively, others prefer going in the evening to enjoy a wonderful sunset meal.
Things to Know
How to Get Around
- Trains: Board the Dubai Metro Red Line and get off at Dubai Multi Commodities Centre (DMCC) or Dubai Marina Metro Station. Then, you may walk or use the tram.
- Buses: Take bus routes 8, 83, or 84 to stop near Dubai Marina Mall.
- Taxis: Easiest option here, we say! Cabs are readily accessible via ride-hailing apps or taxi stands near the mall.
- Car: Driving to the mall is also a breeze. You’ll reach it from Sheikh Zayed Road using Interchange 5 when coming from Dubai for the northeast end of the marina or Exit 29 for the southwest end.
Alternatively, you may drive to Dubai Marina via King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street along the coast.
Where to Shop in Dubai Marina Mall
Early Learning Centre
Media credit: elctoys
Website: https://www.elctoys.com/
Contact Details: +971 971 434 2642, [email protected]
Early Learning Centre (ELC) is a toy store that we believe would get most parents’ approval. From its name, we reckon you’ll get that most items are both engaging and educational.
The best toys that caught our eye are the musical keyboard and microphone set, sand modeling kits, and doctor’s kits. The way we see it, kids (and kids at heart) would love those!
Other than that, we appreciate that the toys are laid out and organized—there are different categories like age, gender, purpose, and so on! Even if you’re a first-time parent, we think it’s not overwhelming at all to shop here.
Brands For Less
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Website: http://www.brandsforless.com/
Location: Near the Food Court – Level 2
Contact Details: +971 4 228 5585
This one’s for the thrifty shoppers. Brands For Less offers a bunch of big names in fashion, home, decor, sportswear, accessories, toys, and the like—some of them even go up to 80% off! We think this is amazing for early gift shopping.
We also think you won’t easily get bored. For one, there are more than 3,000 international brands here, so we bet there’s always something new to see. Do note that it’s best to come here as the mall opens to avoid crowds and queues.
Waitrose
Media credit: waitrose
Website: http://waitrose.ae/
Contact Details: +971 4 434 2626
Open to trying new ingredients or snacks? Waitrose is a supermarket chain for fresh British produce, groceries, and baked goods. We love that every item here is certified Halal too!
Moreover, it has a market-style area with a broad range of exotic fruits and vegetables. It also includes store-brand items you wouldn’t find anywhere else! And if you’re lucky, you’ll find handy deals and discounts here every time.
Bateel Boutique
Media credit: bateelgourmet
Website: https://www.bateel.com/
Contact Details: +971 50 218 3528
Bateel Boutique is among the best stores around the mall for edible gifts. It’s got 100% organic gourmet dates—the only one in the world! For us, this is also a great way to introduce travelers to premium Arabian delicacies.
We also adore the packaging, like the Festive Collection and Luminous Festive Calendar with decadent chocolates—so unique and luxurious, in our opinion.
And if you forgot to buy something, don’t fret because this shop offers same-day deliveries for your convenience.
What to Do around Dubai Marina Mall
Catch a Movie
Media credit: reelcinemas
Website: http://www.reelcinemas.ae/
Location: Level 2
Contact Details: +971 4 449 1903, +971 800 38224 6255, [email protected]
Want a VIP treatment while watching your most-awaited flicks? Reel Cinemas in Dubai Marina Mall offers the latest movies with 6 screens and double reclining seats. It launched the first Doly Cinema in the Middle East, giving quality imaging and audio.
Still, we suggest getting a quick bite at the food court beforehand since non-outlet food and drinks aren’t allowed in the theater. This is located on the same floor right next to the cinema for easy access.
We recommend buying your tickets first thing too, so you don’t have to worry about snagging seats at the last minute. There are automated booking counters so you can skip the queue as well.
Let the Kids Jump Around
Media credit: jumpnfundxb
Website: http://jumpnfun.ae/
Location: Level 2
Contact Details: +971 58 124 4028, [email protected]
JUMP N FUN is an indoor soft play center providing a safe, stimulating play environment for kids aged 2 to 13. Its packages are the Ninja Course (starts at AED 45) and Ball Pit (starts at AED 80).
For us, the little ones might love the trampolines, climbing structures, and slides. We also appreciate that there’s a sitting area for parents and guardians to relax while keeping an eye on the kids.
And if you want, we suggest having your children’s birthday party here! You’ll get an hour at the play area, as well as games, prizes, kiddie meals, cake table setup, music, and more! It’s also fun for us that you may choose between a clown or a party host.
Dare to Zipline
Media credit: x_line
Website: https://xdubai.com/en/xline/experience
Location: Basement Parking
Contact Details: +971 56 507 6366, [email protected]
Are you among the adventurous sort? XLine Dubai Marina is the world’s longest urban zipline that we think can satisfy your need for speed. Being among the steepest and quickest ziplines globally, it offers a speed of 80 kilometers per hour!
We bet you’ll love the “Superman” harnesses too—participants lie belly-down unlike the traditional zipline. Then, you’ll get a thrilling bird’s eye view of the glamorous city, as well as the high-rise structures and 5-star yachts below you.
And with the GoPro cameras on your helmet, we love that zipliners can relive and share their action-packed memories with loved ones or online.
Hop on a Scenic Boat Ride
Media credit: seexsea
Website: http://www.seexsea.ae/
Location: Nearest to Pier 7 – behind Dubai Marina Mall
Contact Details: +971 50 607 2223, [email protected]
We believe the best part of the mall is the marina so why not explore the waterfront even further? See x Sea is a premier boat company that offers boat rides and yacht cruises from Dubai Marina and Dubai Creek Harbor to many other destinations.
This includes Atlantis, Burj Al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Fountain Bridge, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Ain Dubai, Royal Atlantis, Lagoon, and Jumeirah Beach. For us, this trip will give you a one-of-a-kind perspective of Dubai that’s money well spent.
Take a Stroll Along Dubai Marina Walk
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If you just want an evening stroll after a whole day of shopping, Dubai Marina Walk provides you with 7 kilometers of scenic path where you can wrap up your lovely date or family time.
When the weather is cooler, we say consider getting some exercise here too! You can bike or jog until you hit your goal for the day. Then later, you can refuel from one of the many cafes and eateries around—just be sure to sit near the sunset views!
Where to Eat in Dubai Marina Mall
EETEN Urban Kitchen
Media credit: eetenurban
Website: https://foodquest.ae/our-verticals/casual-dining/
Location: Level P
Contact Details: +971 4 392 8604, [email protected]
Pricing: $
Craving a fancy and hearty meal? EETEN Urban Kitchen is a modern restaurant cafe in Dubai Marina Mall with classic wooden decor, serving gourmet British beef and chicken.
We like fish and chips and truffle mac and cheese too! Plus, you can sweeten the deal with the soft serve ice cream—really takes away all the greasiness from your mains. Otherwise, there are veggie burgers and fruit cups for the health-conscious.
In addition, we appreciate that it’s open from breakfast until late so you can visit anytime. You can go for either indoor or outdoor sitting, but we prefer the latter for the best views.
Carluccio’s
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Website: http://www.carlucciosme.com/
Location: Level P
Contact Details: +971 56 412 4909, [email protected]
Pricing: $
Carluccio’s is an authentic Italian cafe deli offering pasta, handmade focaccia (flat-leavened oven-baked bread), and a kids’ menu.
We think families would love the homemade lasagna, as well as the Angus beef ribeye. We’re also in awe of the chocolate sphere dessert, where the chocolate ball with vanilla gelato would melt with the hot sauce—very appetizing to watch too, in our opinion.
And if anyone’s birthday is coming up, we say take advantage of this restaurant’s promo. Just ask the staff and you might get a dish and dessert for free!
BlinBerry
Media credit: blinberry_dubai
Website: https://dubai.blinberry.com/
Contact Details: +971 58 504 2219
Pricing: $
Those who wish they could eat nothing but breakfast food might love BlinBerry! It’s an affordable pancake restaurant in the mall where we feel sweets enthusiasts can be in their element.
Besides the fluffy pancakes, we like the crepes with different fillings. You may opt for a savory option like meat, fish, and veggies, as well as sweet choices like choco banana, cherry, and caramel brownie.
Just keep in mind that this is a cash-only spot. The staff doesn’t take reservations either, so it’s best to arrive as early as you can.
Tortilla
Media credit: tortillaarabia
Website: http://www.tortillaarabia.com/
Address: Food Court – Level 2
Contact Details: +971 4 554 5324, [email protected]
Pricing: $
We think any time is great for some delicious tacos, and Tortilla serves up classic ones inspired by San Francisco, California’s taquerias (Mexican taco restaurants)!
For us, it’s also amazing that there are a ton of authentic fillings and toppings here, such as chargrilled chicken, steak, and barbacoa (slow-cooked chuck roll beef).
And since this restaurant offers mainly finger foods, we find it convenient that you can easily grab the tacos for a nice takeaway. This seems fantastic for roaming the mall or snacking at home.
Where to Stay near Dubai Marina Mall
TAMANI Marina Hotel and Hotel Apartments
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Website: http://www.tamanimarina.ae/
Address: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St
Contact Details: +971 4 318 3888, [email protected]
Pricing: $$$
TAMANI Marina Hotel and Hotel Apartments is handy for commuters—this 5-star hotel is only a minute’s walk from the nearest tram stop! And if you feel like getting some exercise, it’s only 10 minutes on foot from Marina Walk’s upmarket shopping and cafes.
We appreciate that the rooms offer a relaxing vibe—not all options offer marina views, though. But if you want a fancy whirlpool tub, we suggest upgrading to a suite. It’s also great for us that there’s a female- and family-only floor for the guests’ comfort.
And if you still have a lot to explore on your itinerary, we reckon you’ll love the complimentary local area shuttle. There’s also a glamorous art deco restaurant and a cafe bar when you want a bite.
Rove Expo City
Media credit: rovehotels
Website: https://www.rovehotels.com/en/hotels/rove-expo-2020/
Address: Horizon Avenue
Contact Details: +971 4 879 2020, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Rove Expo City is a modern 3-star hotel that we think is worth considering. Located alongside the semi-outdoor event space Al Wasl Dome, it gives access to daily shows and live acts you might enjoy after shopping at Dubai Marina Mall.
Its hip, modern rooms feature the typical amenities. But if you want sofabeds or balconies with fantastic dome vistas, we recommend upgrading. The suites also provide living rooms if you need more space.
Another unique thing we like is the outdoor saltwater pool—we heard this is easier on your eyes and skin than your average chlorinated pool!
TIME Onyx Hotel Apartments
Media credit: time.onyx
Website: https://www.timehotels.com/time-onyx-hotel-apartment
Address: Al Qusais Industrial Area – Al Qusais Industrial Area 5
Contact Details: +971 4 604 2999, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
TIME Onyx Hotel Apartments is a chic 4-star accommodation in an industrial neighborhood. It’s 10 kilometers from Al Noor Island and 16 kilometers from the Dubai Dolphinarium if you fancy more activities after your retail therapy in Dubai Marina Mall.
The sleek studios offer kitchens, flat-screen TVs, and the internet. Just remember that only some of them come with balconies, so we suggest putting in a request ahead of time.
And if you’re craving lots of grub, we think you’ll enjoy the buffet restaurant and the chill cafe. There’s also a sauna and a steam room for extra relaxation if your feet hurt from all the strolling.
Emirates Stars
Media credit: emiratesstarsuae
Website: http://www.emiratesstarshotels.ae/
Address: Al Qusais – Al Nahda 2
Contact Details: +971 4 258 9888, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Emirates Stars is a casual 4-star hotel apartment with a curved glass façade that we believe gives it a cool and unique look.
Its 1- and 2-bedroom apartments have all the basics, as well as balconies offering amazing city views. All the rooms have living and dining areas, kitchens, and washers, which we think make them well-equipped for a comfy stay.
Another perk includes a free shuttle service to shopping malls, so we recommend making the most of that. Massage and babysitting services are available too, ideal for parents wishing to unwind.
Tips When Visiting Dubai Marina Mall
Now that you know the mall’s best spots, here are more tips to make this scenic shopping experience your best one yet:
- Dress for comfort. There’s going to be lots of walking around the mall, so we recommend wearing the comfiest shoes you have. Non-slip, please.
- Shop at smaller stores. Plenty of boutiques at the mall have lovely pieces you might not find anywhere else. We say give those a try this time!
- Dine with a view. Make the most of the marina views by opting for terrace seating at waterfront restaurants around. If you can, it’s best to book online and include this request in advance!
- Don’t skip a marina stroll. If you ate a lot at the mall, we think it’s smart to slowly walk along the marina promenade. This could aid your digestion while you take in gorgeous views!