Dubai Festival City Mall Dubai
A vibrant waterfront mall offering spectacular shows, diverse shopping with great discounts, and a wide array of dining options.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the IMAGINE show
Dubai Festival City Mall Dubai
Best Time
Experience the IMAGINE show
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant waterfront mall offering spectacular shows, diverse shopping with great discounts, and a wide array of dining options.
"Don't miss the dazzling IMAGINE show and score amazing deals at outlet stores!"
🎯 Catch the IMAGINE Show
Don't miss the dazzling IMAGINE show on the waterfront promenade – it's a must-see!
🛍️ Outlet Shopping Deals
Explore brands with up to 90% off at stores like Brands for Less.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
IMAGINE Show
Waterfront promenade
A spectacular laser, light, and fountain show that transforms the waterfront into a magical spectacle.
+1
Legendarium Fantastic Museum
Inside the mall
An immersive museum experience offering a unique blend of art and technology for all ages.
IKEA
Adjacent to the mall
Explore Swedish design and find inspiration for your home, plus enjoy their famous shawarma.
Planning Your Visit
Dress Code Considerations
Navigating the Mall
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Catch the IMAGINE Show
Don't miss the dazzling IMAGINE show on the waterfront promenade – it's a must-see!
🛍️ Outlet Shopping Deals
Explore brands with up to 90% off at stores like Brands for Less. +1
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can be chaotic during events; check for designated areas or consider mall hours.
📱 Essential Dubai Apps
Download apps like Careem for transport and Talabat for food delivery to simplify your visit.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Catch the IMAGINE Show
Don't miss the dazzling IMAGINE show on the waterfront promenade – it's a must-see!
🛍️ Outlet Shopping Deals
Explore brands with up to 90% off at stores like Brands for Less. +1
🚗 Parking Availability
Parking can be chaotic during events; check for designated areas or consider mall hours.
📱 Essential Dubai Apps
Download apps like Careem for transport and Talabat for food delivery to simplify your visit.
🍽️ Waterfront Dining
Enjoy diverse dining options with beautiful views along the waterfront.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Dubai Festival City Mall is praised for its spectacular IMAGINE show and diverse shopping, including significant discounts at outlet stores. While some find parking challenging during events, the variety of dining options and family-friendly attractions make it a popular destination. +1
"It is one the biggest and bestest mall in the United Arab Emirates. Vast area for shopping and entertainment. Two hypermarkets are there for shopping grocery. Lulu and carrefour are them. Vox had a multiplex with Imax. Cornish area is so beautiful and well maintained. Water fountain and lasor show is a must watch item. Trip to festival city by rta water taxi will be a nice experience for all."
Tomy k Wilson
"Wow this is another busy mall reminded me of the dubai mall but this is a lot smaller in size but has too many shop outlets under one roof all i need from clothes to food to entertainers spred over four level from top to bottom so if you want to get your steps in belive me youll me doing more than 10k .kept me and my family busy avearage time spent here wa roughly upto 2 to 3 hours .and when women go shopping am always left outer pocket all the time ..the views outside was amazing has a little watter front to walk around with my misses while the kids were busy Inside the mall.tbe land of legendrium was totally amazing costly around 130 and per person (£35) reminded me of a fantasy world of Adam and even and all the evil creature one kind fantasise about. Looked very realistic .believe during sunset take a stroll along the path way surrounding the waterfront you will love it especially when it is lit up at night"
Kamina Daman
"Dubai Festival City Mall is a great spot to sit and relax, especially outside by the waterfront. The outdoor area is peaceful with plenty of seating, making it a nice place to unwind and enjoy the view.
Inside, the mall offers a wide variety of shops and dining options, catering to all kinds of needs. A major plus is the IKEA located within the mall — super convenient for home shopping.
Make sure to catch the fountain and light show in the evening — it's definitely a must-watch and adds a special touch to the visit.
Ideal for a laid-back weekend outing with shopping, food, and scenic views."
Arya Das
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach Dubai Festival City Mall via taxi, ride-sharing apps like Careem, or public transport. The mall is well-connected and easily accessible from various parts of Dubai.
The mall offers ample parking facilities. However, during peak times or special events, parking can become challenging. It's advisable to check the mall's official website or social media for any event-related parking advisories.
Yes, Dubai Festival City Mall is conveniently located near Dubai Creek Harbour and offers easy access to other parts of the city.
While specific metro lines might not directly serve the mall, you can use buses or a combination of metro and taxi. Ride-sharing apps are also a popular and convenient option.
The mall is quite large, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Familiarize yourself with the mall's layout using directories or mall maps available at information desks.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, there is no entry fee to access Dubai Festival City Mall. You only pay for purchases and experiences within the mall.
The mall typically opens from 10 AM to 10 PM on weekdays and extends to 12 AM on weekends. It's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours.
The IMAGINE show is generally free to watch from designated viewing areas along the waterfront. However, private bookings for customized messages can incur costs.
Dubai Festival City Mall frequently hosts special events, seasonal celebrations, and exhibitions. Check their social media or website for the latest event schedules.
Yes, it is possible to customize the IMAGINE show for special occasions, but this service comes with a significant cost, potentially ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Stores
The mall features a wide array of shops, including high-end fashion brands, high street retailers, electronics stores, home goods, and department stores. You can find popular brands like Nike, Adidas, Coach, and more. +1
Yes, Dubai Festival City Mall has stores offering significant discounts, with some brands offering up to 90% off. Brands for Less is a notable example. +1
IKEA is located adjacent to Dubai Festival City Mall and is a popular destination for home furnishings and decor.
Yes, Brands for Less is a legitimate outlet store. They offer genuine products from various brands, often from specific collections designed for outlet markets, which explains the lower prices.
Popular shops include IKEA, Brands for Less, and various international fashion and lifestyle brands. You can find a comprehensive directory on the mall's official website. +1
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
The mall boasts a diverse range of dining options, from casual cafes and fast-food outlets to fine-dining restaurants, many with waterfront views.
Yes, many restaurants along the waterfront promenade offer excellent views, especially during the IMAGINE show. The Belgian Beer Cafe is noted for its good views.
The IKEA cafe is surprisingly recommended for its shawarma, described as a 'banger' by visitors.
Yes, you can find various cake shops and bakeries within the mall offering sweet treats and custom cakes.
The mall has numerous family-friendly restaurants and food courts catering to various tastes, making it easy to find something for everyone.
📸 📸 Photography
The waterfront promenade, especially during the IMAGINE show, offers stunning photo opportunities. The mall's architecture and various art installations also make for great shots.
Yes, you are welcome to take photos and videos of the IMAGINE show to capture the magical experience.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, it's always respectful to avoid photographing individuals without their consent and to be mindful of any specific signage regarding photography in certain areas. +1
Evenings are ideal for photography, particularly to capture the vibrant atmosphere and the spectacular IMAGINE show.
The Legendarium Fantastic Museum offers unique, interactive exhibits that can lead to creative and memorable photographs.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Beyond the museum, the mall often hosts family-friendly events and activities, especially during holidays. The IMAGINE show is also a captivating spectacle that can entertain children of all ages.
+1 For a fun outing, consider a visit to IKEA, where kids can explore the play areas and the whole family can enjoy a meal. 🛍️ Budget-Conscious Shoppers
Don't overlook the food court and casual dining options for affordable meals. Even the IKEA cafe is noted for its budget-friendly and tasty shawarma.
couples
+1 Many restaurants offer a lovely ambiance for a dinner date, with some providing beautiful views of the Dubai skyline or the creek. Consider visiting the Legendarium Fantastic Museum for a unique and interactive date experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spectacle of IMAGINE
+1Visitors can enjoy the show from various vantage points along the waterfront promenade. While the show itself is free to watch, the mall also offers options for customized messages or dedications as part of the show for special occasions. However, this premium service comes with a significant price tag, potentially ranging from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000, depending on the complexity and timing.
To make the most of your IMAGINE experience, it's recommended to visit in the evening when the lights and projections are most vibrant. Arriving a bit early can help you secure a good viewing spot, especially on busier nights. The show typically runs multiple times throughout the evening, so check the mall's schedule for exact timings.
Shopping for Value: Outlet Deals and More
Stores like Brands for Less are a testament to this value proposition. While some might question the authenticity of heavily discounted items, it's important to understand that these outlets often carry specific collections or past-season items. This means you can still get genuine products from brands like Ralph Lauren, Nike, and Adidas, just not necessarily from the latest runway collections.
Beyond the dedicated discount stores, many other retailers within the mall also participate in seasonal sales and promotions. Keeping an eye on the mall's announcements or signing up for newsletters can help you stay informed about the best deals. Don't forget to explore the IKEA store, which, while not strictly an outlet, offers affordable and stylish home furnishings, and is even recommended for its surprisingly good shawarma.
Cultural Etiquette in Dubai
For men and women, this means avoiding overly revealing clothing such as very short shorts, skirts, or tops with plunging necklines or bare midriffs. While abayas and kandoras are traditional attire for Emiratis, visitors are not required to wear them, but showing respect for those who do is appreciated.
Beyond dress code, general politeness and respect go a long way. Being mindful of noise levels, especially during prayer times if applicable, and generally behaving courteously will ensure a smooth and enjoyable visit for everyone.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit