For travellers landing at Dubai International Airport, shopping is more than just a pastime; it’s an experience that blends luxury, culture, and convenience. Within minutes of the airport terminals, you’ll find some of Dubai’s most iconic malls, from the vast entertainment haven of The Dubai Mall to the community charm of Etihad Mall.
This guide takes you through the top malls near DXB, highlighting what makes each unique, whether you’re on a short layover or planning a day out in the city. It covers:
- Top shopping malls near Dubai International Airport
- Comparative overview of top malls near Dubai Airport
- Tips for visitors
- Key takeaways
- Frequently asked questions
Top shopping malls near Dubai International Airport
Finding the right mall near Dubai Airport depends on what you’re after: luxury fashion, quick grocery runs, or family-friendly entertainment. Here are the most notable shopping destinations close to the airport:
1. Deira City Centre
Located just minutes from the Airport, Deira City Centre is one of Dubai’s most accessible and established malls. It combines high-street fashion, dining, and entertainment under one roof, featuring brands such as H&M, Sephora, and Zara, alongside VOX Cinemas and Magic Planet.
Location
5 minutes from Terminal 1, Port Saeed, Dubai
2. Dubai Festival City Mall
Overlooking Dubai Creek and just 10 minutes from DXB, Dubai Festival City Mall is renowned for its waterfront promenade, IMAGINE light show, and flagship stores, including IKEA, Marks & Spencer, and Robinsons. The mall also features a direct connection to InterContinental and Crowne Plaza hotels, ideal for travellers.
Location
It’s located on Crescent Rd, Al Kheeran, Dubai Festival City
3. Etihad Mall
Etihad Mall combines traditional Arabian charm with modern retail convenience, offering a warm and community-focused shopping experience in the Muhaisnah area, just a short drive from Dubai International Airport.
The mall is known for its elegant interiors, family-friendly ambience, and a curated mix of fashion, lifestyle, and jewellery stores. Alongside international brands, you’ll find boutique shops and cafés in Eithad Mall that reflect the UAE’s cultural essence.
Location
It’s located on Al Khawaneej Rd, Muhaisanah, Dubai.
4. City Centre Mirdif
City Centre Mirdif is a family-friendly shopping and lifestyle destination located just 10–15 minutes from Dubai International Airport. Spanning over 196,000 square metres, it features more than 400 retail outlets, including global fashion brands, electronics, home décor, and beauty stores. The mall is also known for its wide range of entertainment options, from iFly Dubai, the region’s first indoor skydiving centre, to VOX Cinemas and Magic Planet.
Location
It’s located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd, Mirdif, Dubai.
Al Ghurair Centre
Al Ghurair Centre is one of Dubai’s oldest and most beloved shopping destinations, blending heritage with a touch of modern flair. Located in the heart of Deira, just minutes from Dubai International Airport, this mall offers a vibrant mix of retail stores, dining options, and entertainment venues.
From high-street fashion brands to authentic Arabic eateries and a bustling cinema complex, it captures the spirit of old Dubai while catering to contemporary tastes.
Location
It’s located on Al Rigga Rd, Deira, Dubai.
Comparative overview of top malls near Dubai Airport
| Mall | Distance from Airport | What to Explore |
| Deira City Centre | 5 minutes | High-street fashion, dining, and entertainment with brands like H&M, Sephora, and Zara; VOX Cinemas and Magic Planet for families. |
| Dubai Festival City Mall | 10 minutes | Waterfront promenade, IMAGINE light and fountain show, IKEA, Marks & Spencer, and direct hotel connections for travellers. |
| Etihad Mall | 12 minutes | Elegant interiors, local boutiques, jewellery stores, and cafés blend traditional Arabian charm with modern retail. |
| City Centre Mirdif | 10–15 minutes | Over 400 retail outlets, iFly indoor skydiving, VOX Cinemas, Magic Planet, and diverse dining in a family-friendly setting. |
| Al Ghurair Centre | 8 minutes | Old-meets-modern shopping vibe with fashion, Arabic eateries, and a cinema complex near Union Metro and Swissôtel Al Ghurair. |
Tips for visitors
After landing in Dubai International Airport, whether you’re on a short layover, running errands, or planning a full day of shopping, a few simple tips can make your mall visit smoother and more enjoyable:
- Check opening hours in advance – While most malls operate from 10 a.m., timings can vary on weekends, holidays, and during special events.
- Plan with traffic in consideration – Dubai’s roads can get busy, especially during peak hours. Allocate extra time if you’re catching a flight afterwards.
- Use convenient transport options – Most malls are easily accessible by taxi, Uber, or the metro. Some even have direct metro or hotel connections.
- Bring essentials for families – If travelling with kids, check for play zones, family lounges, and stroller rentals.
- Look for seasonal promotions – Malls like Dubai Festival City Mall and City Centre Mirdif often run sales or festive events, which can make shopping more rewarding.
- Prioritise quick stops if short on time – For grocery runs or quick errands, Etihad Mall is ideal due to its compact layout and local stores.
Key takeaways
Malls near Dubai International Airport cater to a wide range of travellers’ needs, from luxury shopping to family entertainment and quick convenience stops. Deira City Centre and City Centre Mirdif stand out for their variety and family-friendly attractions, while Dubai Festival City Mall adds the extra charm of waterfront dining and the IMAGINE light show.
For those seeking local flavour or a quieter shopping experience, Etihad Mall and Al Ghurair Centre provide a more community-oriented environment. Most malls are within a 5–15 minute drive of the airport, making them ideal for both layovers and short visits, so you can combine convenience with a memorable shopping experience.
Frequently asked questions
Deira City Centre is just 5 minutes away from DXB and offers the broadest range of shopping and dining options nearby.
Dubai Festival City Mall offers stunning waterfront views along with dining, entertainment and shopping options.
While DXB terminals have extensive duty-free shopping zones, there isn’t a full-scale mall inside. The nearest major ones are Deira City Centre and Dubai Festival City Mall.
City Centre Mirdif is particularly family-oriented, with dedicated kids’ zones, cinemas, and family dining.
