Guide to Shopping Malls in Dubai (2026)

Located in Downtown Dubai next to Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall is a leading destination among the top malls in Dubai, offering 1,200+ stores, dining, and entertainment, open daily with extended weekend hours.

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Published on Jan 1st 2026

Ultimate Guide to Shopping Malls in Dubai (2026): Directory, Deals & Entertainment 

Last Update Jan 2026

The 2026 Dubai Shopping Landscape: Beyond Retail

Dubai remains the global capital of retail, but in 2026, the focus has shifted from "buying" to "experiencing." Whether you are hunting for luxury couture at Fashion Avenue, looking for the best Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) deals, or exploring the new sustainable Villa Square Mall, MallFinder is your digital concierge.

Quick Links: Top Malls by Category

• Best for Luxury: Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates

• Best for Families: Dubai Hills Mall, City Centre Mirdif

• Best for Tech & Deals: Dubai Outlet Mall, City Centre Deira

• 2026 New Openings: Nad Al Sheba Mall, The Villa Square, Dubai Square (Preview)

1. The "Big Three": Iconic Dubai Shopping Destinations

The Dubai Mall: An Indoor City

As the largest mall in the world, the 2026 expansion has added over 240 new luxury retail and dining outlets.

• Must-See: The new AI-integrated Chinatown and the expanded Fashion Avenue.

• Top 2026 Tip: Visit the new Exhibition Centre for global pop-up fashion weeks.

• Best Parking: Cinema Parking (P3) for direct access to top-tier dining.

Mall of the Emirates (MoE): Luxury & Leisure

MoE remains a favorite for its blend of high-end fashion and the world-famous Ski Dubai.

• Shops: Home to flagship stores for Apple, Harvey Nichols, and specialized luxury watch boutiques.

• Dining: The "Fashion Dome" offers 2026’s top-rated Michelin-star bistro concepts.

Dubai Hills Mall: The Lifestyle Hub

Quickly becoming the go-to for residents, this mall features the record-breaking The Storm Coaster.

• Why Visit: It’s less crowded than Downtown and features a massive 65,000 sq. ft. Geant Hypermarket.

2. New Malls Opening in 2026: The Next Generation

Dubai continues to grow with community-focused, sustainable shopping centers.

• Nad Al Sheba Mall: Opened in 2025/2026 with over 100 stores, including Spinneys and Union Coop, catering to the premium residential district.

• The Villa Square (Wadi Al Safa 5): A boutique, sustainable mall featuring energy-saving tech and wellness zones.

• Dubai Square: Keep an eye on the preview of this "Indoor City," set to be three times the size of Downtown Dubai, featuring a tech-forward "omnichannel" retail experience.

3. The 2026 Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) Guide

Dates: December 5, 2025 – January 11, 2026.DSF 2026 is bigger than ever. Expect:

• Daily Drone Shows: 1,000+ drones performing nightly at Bluewaters and The Beach JBR.

• 30-Day Sales: Up to 75% off at major retailers like H&M, Zara, and Level Shoes.

• e& MOTB (Market Outside The Box): The premier spot for homegrown brands and urban street food in D3.

4. Insider Shopping Tips for 2026

To maximize your experience, use these local "hacks":

• Tax-Free Shopping: Most malls offer a Planet Tax-Free kiosk. Keep your passport handy to claim back your 5% VAT at the airport.

• The "Metro Hack": Use the Dubai Metro for Dubai Mall, MoE, and Deira City Centre to avoid 2026’s peak-hour traffic.

• Smart Apps: Download the U by Emaar or Majid Al Futtaim SHARE apps to earn points on every dirham spent.

5. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is the best mall in Dubai for 2026?It depends on your goal. Dubai Mall is best for variety and sightseeing, while Dubai Hills Mall offers the best modern community experience.

Are Dubai malls open on holidays?Yes, most Dubai malls are open 365 days a year, with extended hours (until 1:00 AM) during Ramadan and Eid.

Which mall is best for budget shopping?Dubai Outlet Mall and The Outlet Village offer year-round discounts on designer brands.

Looking for a specific Mall or store in Dubai? 

[Search our A-Z Mall Directory on MallFinder.ae →]