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A ball at a mall
Malls are not just places to blow your life's savings. Krita Coelho finds out that there's more to the mall than meets the eye.
- By Krita Coelho
- Published: 23:01 June 25, 2009
- Image Credit:
Malls are not just places to blow your life's savings. Krita Coelho finds out that there's more to the mall than meets the eye.
Mall of the Emirates
Shop till you drop at its over 200 stores, enjoy a meal or cool off with a drink at its numerous restaurants and cafes. If you're a movie buff, enjoy a flick at the Cinestar multiplex. Mall of the Emirates also houses the world's first indoor ski centre, Ski Dubai. This summer, Ski Dubai is offering visitors a chance to win tickets to the premiere of the animated family movie, Ice Age 3: Dawn of the Dinosaurs. Those buying a 'Super Pass' will qualify for a scratch 'n win promotion. Prizes include free snow park passes and credit worth Dhs20 to use at Magic Planet, the gaming zone at the mall. Kempinski Hotel next door is an added attraction with its restaurants and bars. A souvenir shop also sells oriental and Arabian antiques. Thanks to Summer Surprises, there will be plenty of shows and programmes at the mall.
How: For more information call 04 409 9000.
Deira City Centre
This is a shopaholic's paradise. If you're looking for that special something, you're most likely to find it in one of the centre's numerous stores. Deira City Centre also contains several restaurants, cafes and a cinema. The mall also has a Carrefour for those looking to do some regular shopping. You won't tire of window-shopping at this mall. There's always something fancy to catch the eye. This mall would also attract gizmo lovers for its variety of products. There is a huge Arabian Treasures section for those looking for souvenirs. The Sofitel Hotel is attached to the mall, so tourists hoping to avoid Dubai's notorious traffic can check-in to the hotel and simply take a short walk to the mall to indulge in all their shopping needs.
How: For more information call 04 295 4545
Dubai Mall
Dubai Mall gives shoppers the feeling of being in a 'mall within a mall' thanks to the way it's floor plan has been set up. It pampers its fashion-conscious clientele with its Fashion Catwalk and Fashion Island. Jewellery lovers can explore the Gold Souq. An indoor theme park, an edu-tainment centre and a 22-screen multiplex promise to keep the kids happy. The Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Centre is the mall's main feature with over 33,000 marine animals on display. You can literally walk among the sharks and stingrays! The Aquarium and Underwater Zoo lets visitors slide into a huge tank and get up close and personal with the big fish.The ice rink can host up to 2,000 guests and is always a crowded affair. It offers skating lessons and even ice hockey games. It offers pairs of skates for visitors looking for a basic skating lesson.
How: For more information call 04 437 3200
Ibn Battuta Mall
The décor and architecture of Ibn Battuta represents six different countries in its shops, cafes, restaurants and exhibits. It's obvious that the numerous shops will attract the tourist, but other visitors will enjoy the mall's focus on astronomy, invention and literature. The House of Prose, a second-hand bookstore, is one example. Visitors must make sure they don't just window-shop and forget to pay attention to the the architecture within. Of course, that's easier said than done thanks to the many brands on offer. The mall has plenty of restaurants and cafes, as well as the all-important Carrefour. There's also a Grand Megaplex and an IMAX theatre. Don't miss the various shows being held during the Summer Surprises programme.
How: For more information call 04 362 1901
What you can do at a mall
Exercise: Given the size of Dubai's malls, take in all the different sights and sounds while walking around. This fun activity will also do wonders for your fitness level.
Window shop: Walk by your favourite stores and you're sure to spot a bargain. The good thing is that you don't have to buy anything.
Tune up: Download a playlist of upbeat songs and listen to them on your iPod while walking around the mall.
Eats and treats: Arrange to meet up with friends for coffee or snacks or if you have some spare cash and are looking to treat yourself, buy something that will make you happy from one of the many stores.
Make new friends: There are lots of people in malls poring over laptops, reading a book or simply walking around. As long as you're not invading someone's privacy, it may be an idea to strike up
a conversation.
Dream and plan: Use your time at the mall to plan a vacation or a celebration. Forget all the dreary demands of work and browse through the various sections.
Enjoy the view: Dubai malls are wonderfully decorated places. The store displays, the fountains and the ambience can be great fun.
Prizes: It's time for Dubai Summer Surprises and the malls are sure to have a number of contests. Try your luck and participate.
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