Ibn Battuta Mall
Ibn Battuta Mall
25.0445, 55.1203 A themed shopping centre divided into six courts after the countries visited by the medieval Arab explorer Ibn Battuta.
Description
Ibn Battuta Mall is one of Dubai's most unusual shopping centres: its architecture is devoted to the travels of the famous medieval explorer Ibn Battuta. The mall is split into six themed courts — China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and Andalusia — each with its own decor, patterns, fountains and painted domes, which turns shopping into a walk through the cultures of the Old World.
Alongside the shops, restaurants and food courts there is a cinema, entertainment zones and seasonal installations. The centre sits conveniently along Sheikh Zayed Road on the Jebel Ali side and connects to its own metro station, so it is popular both with residents of western Dubai and with visitors who come for the atmosphere rather than the shopping.
Tip: Look into the Persia and India courts for the most striking interiors and the painted dome — the mall's best photo spots.
Planning your visit
Best time
Any time; evenings and weekends are busier.
How much time to allow
2–4 hours.
Tickets & prices
Prices are approximate and depend on the slot and conditions — check when buying.
On the map
Interactive satellite map — zoom and pan to explore the place and its surroundings.
Good to know
How to get there
Frequently asked questions about Ibn Battuta Mall
What makes this mall different from others in Dubai?+
Its themed architecture: six courts styled after the countries the traveller Ibn Battuta visited, with domes, frescoes and fountains.
How do I get there without a car?+
The easiest way is the Red Line metro to Ibn Battuta station of the same name — there is a covered walkway straight into the centre.
How much is admission?+
Entry to the mall is free; only shopping, the cinema and entertainment are paid.
What's nearby
Nearby spots — easy to combine into one route.
Entertainment Ain Dubai
The tallest observation wheel in the world — 250 metres — on Bluewaters Island next to JBR.
Tip: An evening session gives the best view of the illuminated marina.
Entertainment Bluewaters Island
An artificial island next to JBR with the Ain Dubai wheel, restaurants, shops and a view of the marina.
Tip: You can walk to the island across the bridge from JBR — especially beautiful in the evening.
Beaches JBR / The Walk
The two-kilometre The Walk promenade and the city beach at Jumeirah Beach Residence next to Dubai Marina, with restaurants, shops and views of Bluewaters Island.
Tip: Combine a stroll along The Walk with The Beach at JBR — from there you get a clear view of Bluewaters Island and the Ain Dubai wheel.
Similar places
Infrastructure Dubai Metro
A modern driverless metro: the Red and Green lines link the airport, Downtown, Business Bay and Dubai Marina.
Tip: Buy a nol card — you cannot enter the metro without one, and a single card works on the metro, the tram and the buses.
Infrastructure Al Dhafra Air Base
A large military air base in the emirate of Abu Dhabi, south-west of the city of Abu Dhabi. Used by the UAE Air Force and a US contingent. It is a closed facility, not a tourist site.
Tip: The site is closed: you cannot go inside, you can only look at where it sits on the satellite map.
Infrastructure City Walk
A modern open-air pedestrian quarter and mall in the Al Safa area, with boutiques, restaurants and European-style street frontages.
Tip: Come in the evening: the lit façades, the fountains and the restaurant terraces only come alive after sunset.