The Sahara Centre in Dubai Got Us Into a Sale-Induced Chaos
When it comes to shopping, I often get what they call a sale-induced memory loss. One time, I was just supposed to buy someone a birthday gift. But an hour later, I walked out with a bunch of trinkets for myself—and I forgot the present!
So when my friends dragged me to the Sahara Centre in Dubai, it was tough. There are several discount stores and entertainment hubs that distracted me. Good thing, my friends never let me out of their sight. Here’s a fun travel guide from our shopping trip!
What is Sahara Centre known for?
Sahara Centre is known for offering discount stores for clothing, cosmetics, toys, perfumes, jewelry, and more. It’s also among the oldest malls in the region and is conveniently located near the Dubai-Sharjah border.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to the Sahara Centre is December to February or winter. This is when it’s cooler and more comfortable to shop around Dubai. It’s also best to arrive in the morning or early afternoon to avoid crowds and secure a nice parking slot.
Things to Know
Entry Fees: You don’t have to pay entry fees at Sahara Centre in Dubai.
Operating Hours: The mall is open daily from 10 am to 11 pm from Mondays to Thursdays and from 10 am to 12 am from Fridays to Saturdays.
Dress Code: As for most shopping malls in the city, male and female shoppers should respect the policies and wear something that covers both knees and shoulders.
Parking: We think getting a parking space would be a breeze with the MyPark App (available for Android and IOS). We recommend downloading this on your smartphone to ensure a slot before arriving.
Washroom: The mid-range mall offers restrooms on every floor, good for families and people of determination.
Dogs: Sahara Centre typically doesn’t allow pets inside. For us, it’s wise to look for alternatives, like a doggy daycare or pet boarding service ahead of time.
Gift Cards: You can purchase mall gift cards at the customer service counters. These are available in denominations of AED 50, 100, 200, and 500.
Lost & Found: Lost something valuable while on your shopping spree? We suggest reaching the mall’s client support hotline first: 971 6 5316611.
How to Get Around
Trains: The closest Dubai Metro station to Sahara Centre is the Stadium Metro Station on the Green Line. From there, we suggest taking a taxi or a bus for a short ride to the mall.
Buses: A couple of buses stop near the mall. For example, you may look for E307 or E307A bus lines to connect Dubai and Sharjah. Of course, we also recommend checking the RTA app for real-time bus routes and schedules.
Taxis: Hailing a cab is possible almost anywhere in the city. So if you want to spare yourself from parking issues, we bet this transport is the most convenient! You may also use apps like Careem and Uber for efficiency.
Car: Driving? From Dubai, just take Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) and Al Ittihad Road (E11) toward Sharjah. We think the mall is easy enough to navigate as it’s well-signposted. Also, apps like Google Maps or Waze can guide you directly to the entrance.
What to Do in Sahara Centre
Catch a Movie
Media credit: haidz_snipes
Website: http://www.novocinemas.com/
Location: Level 2
Contact Details: +971 6 531 6500, [email protected]
If you want to make the most of your time at Sahara Centre, we say watch a movie before anything else. Its movie theater Novo Cinemas is known for its spacious area, comfy chairs, and quality sound system.
You can get regular or VIP seating—the latter, if you want to amp up the experience. And while there are only 2 popcorn bucket sizes, you have many flavors to choose from.
Just remember that it’s strictly not allowed to bring outside food. So, we suggest eating right before or after you catch a nice flick.
Play With the Family at Adventureland
Media credit: adventurelanduae
Website: https://www.adventurelanduae.com/
Location: Level 1
Contact Details: +971 6 531 6363, [email protected]
Adventureland is among the largest indoor family entertainment hubs in Dubai and the Middle East. There are over 40 thrilling rides and attractions, as well as more than 170 exciting games.
And as much as these are amazing for kids, we believe the teens would appreciate them too, especially the zipline. In our view, boredom is out of reach here!
And if you visit on a weekday, the place would typically be less crowded. Still, we recommend booking in advance to ensure your slot and help you focus on the fun.
Where to Eat in Sahara Centre
Gazebo
Media credit: gazeborestaurant
Website: https://www.gazebo.ae/
Contact Details: +971 6 741 5189, [email protected]
Pricing: $
Want a flavorful and filling meal? Gazebo is a modern Indian restaurant serving traditional cuisine with recipes over 200 years old!
We recommend the saffron chicken curry and chicken biryani (mixed rice dish) for a classic start. As for dessert, we think the knafeh (layered pastry) cheesecake and coconut ice cream are a must-try too!
Plus, it’s handy for us that there’s a bell on every table so it would be easier to call the staff for orders and requests.
Chin Chin
Media credit: chinchinuae
Website: https://www.kitopi.com/
Location: Level 1
Contact Details: +971 800 24462446
Pricing: $
Searching for a quick, casual bite? Chin Chin is a Pan-Asian restaurant that can make you feel like traveling as you eat. There are plenty of options, but we suggest going for the cashew chicken, red curry, and fried rice for a good flavor variety.
And to end on a sweet note, our favorite delight is the classic mango sticky rice. Yet, we reckon this dessert can feel pretty heavy, though. In our opinion, it’s smart to stick to a light meal if you want to try this treat.
Where to Shop around Sahara Centre
Brands For Less
Media credit: brandsforless
Website: http://www.brandsforless.com/
Location: Level 1
Contact Details: +971 6 546 3277
If you like saving as you shop, we believe Brands For Less is among the Dubai discount stores to stop by. There are many occasions to explore the store, such as back-to-school, holiday, and gift shopping.
In our opinion, this shop also looks well-organized with clothing, shoes, and accessories. Pretty simple enough to navigate, we say. Just keep an eye out for the top discount items—some even go as high as 90% off!
Ajmal Perfumes
Media credit: ajmalperfumes
Website: https://en-ae.ajmal.com/
Location: Level 1
Contact Details: +971 6 530 0331, [email protected]
Need a scent upgrade? Ajmal Perfumes has top-notch Arabic scents we think are worth a sniff. It’s got a wide range of options, from affordable to luxurious options, so we bet there’s something for everyone.
We also love the exotic showroom, featuring sweet, dewy, musky, and heady items. But if you’re feeling overwhelmed, just ask the staff to recommend something cool.
Xpressions Style
Media credit: xpressionsstyle
Website: https://xpressions.ae/
Contact Details: +971 56 993 0281, [email protected]
Xpressions Style is a budget-friendly cosmetics store where you can refresh your beauty products. This shop is known for its occasional discounts for brands like Clinique, Guess, and Calvin Klein, which we think makes it a go-to for enthusiasts.
Because whether we like it or not, makeup and skincare eventually expire—and they do so fast! Of course, we think you should note which ones need a replacement before coming here—just to be efficient.
Where to Stay near Sahara Centre
Golden Sands Hotel & Residences
Media credit: goldensandshotel_sharjah
Website: https://www.goldensandshotelsharjah.com/
Address: 115 Al Nahda St – opposite Sahara Center – Al Nahda – Sharjah
Contact Details: +971 65 300 003, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Book Now
Golden Sands Hotel & Residences is a 4-star accommodation opposite the Sahara Centre in Dubai. And if you feel like getting some sun, this high-rise hotel is conveniently 8.6 km from Al Mamzar Beach Park—we appreciate the free shuttle too!
The contemporary rooms have kitchenettes and sitting areas, as well as free WiFi and flat-screen TVs. Should you want to cook for yourself, we like that the apartments have full kitchens and balconies. Kids 17 and under stay free with an adult as well!
And when you get hungry, there are many international dishes from its restaurant. It’s handy for us that massage treatments are offered—do note that this comes with a surcharge.
Boulevard City Suites
Website: https://boulevardcitysuites.ae-dubai.info/
Address: 8A St – Al Nahda – Al Nahda 2
Contact Details: +971 4 220 5000
Pricing: $$
Book Now
Boulevard City Suites is a 3-star hub in a residential area near the mall. If you like sightseeing, we think you’ll enjoy that this relaxed hotel is 4 km from Mamzar Beach and only a 12-minute walk from Al Nahda Pond Park.
As for the apartment rooms, we think they’re pretty cozy with their warm decor. You may opt for a 1- or 2-bedroom space with balconies overlooking the scenic city. Plus, there are TVs, Wi-Fi, and kitchenettes with washing machines.
Should you want to relax your back and feet, we recommend upgrading your apartment to get a sauna too. The hotel provides an outdoor pool and a chill dining spot as well.
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: $$
Book Now
Emirates Stars is a 4-star spot that we reckon is ideal for families. It offers 2 malls nearby, with the Sahara Centre and The Dubai Mall 7.5 and 20 km away respectively.
The 1- and 2-bedroom options seem casual and comfy. But what we appreciate most is the available massage and babysitting services—lovely for exhausted parents, we say.
On top of that, there’s a gym, a sauna, and a steam room, as well as a hot tub and 2 outdoor pools (1 for kids). And should you ever crave coffee or tea at any time of the day, we love that there’s a cafe open 24/7.
Tips When Visiting Sahara Centre
Now that you’re familiar with this popular mid-range mall, discover more nifty tricks to make your retail therapy more productive and satisfying:
Consider public transport.
If you don’t want to spend extra on parking fees, the Sahara Centre is accessible by public transport which can be pretty handy if you’re willing to commute.
Take advantage of the free Wi-Fi.
Looking for specific shops, checking for discounts, and updating your social media would be so much easier if you’re connected to a stable internet.
Use a VPN.
For extra security, we recommend connecting to a virtual private network while using public Wi-Fi. This way, you can protect sensitive info, especially when using banking apps or personal accounts.
Schedule casual breaks.
Shopping for the whole day can be as exhausting as other physical activities, so we encourage knowing when to pause or take a break. Stay hydrated or sit for a while now and then to avoid fatigue.