The Dubai Mall: a first impression
Our first day in Dubai.
It didn’t start until noon, though, because we had to catch up on some sleep. After getting up comfortably, we first tried the rain shower and got ready in peace. We plan to take a look at the Dubai Mall first, since it is very close by. So we want to get an overview first. In addition, Marc urgently needs a bathing suit. His was unfortunately not to be found before the departure and we want to use the pool of the hotel finally.
Since we had read that short clothes or even off-the-shoulder tops are not seen with women gladly, I have decided for a floor-length summer dress with a vest. Since our hotel is located directly at the train station “Emirate Towers”, we went quasi from the air-conditioned hotel 2 steps over a small street into the also air-conditioned entrance to the train. Since the air-conditioned rooms are mostly very strongly cooled down, I was then nevertheless very glad about my thin jacket.
At the counter of the train station, we were recommended a card that resembles a credit card. If I understood correctly, you always load money onto this card. At the turnstiles — which, by the way, are at every entrance to the train tracks — you check in with this card. We assume that these scanners check whether there is still enough credit for the maximum distance. If this is not the case, it is displayed and you have to recharge the card first. When leaving the train station, you hold the card again at the scanner, go through a turnstile and the corresponding amount is automatically debited. Actually very simple and practical.
The way to the Dubai Mall
Directly behind the exit of the train station “Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall) there is already a sign with the inscription “Dubai Mall”. So you definitely can’t get lost. However, I had to realize that the way from the train station to the actual entrance of the Dubai Mall is still very long. Through a long, bright and of course air-conditioned corridor with moving walkways like at the airport, you are led directly to the mall, but it takes about 10 minutes. But since there is more than enough to see on the way — you can see the Burj Khalifa through the window, some impressive skyscrapers and much more all around — it is exciting. At least the first time.
When a few small stores can be seen on the left and right, we thought we had reached our destination. A Turkish store with colorful, unusual sweets caught our attention. Immediately we were approached by the sellers, handed little treats to try and I was teased by the ice cream seller. He held out a wafer with a scoop of ice cream and as soon as I grabbed it to take the ice cream, he quickly pulled it away again. The first few times it was still funny but he never stopped. Still, we bought a full box of goodies and a Turkish ice cream and finally moved on.
As we continued on our way, we were approached by other vendors every 2 seconds. From perfume, sweets, jewelry, Arabic robes, souvenirs and and. Everything is there and everyone wants to sell his stuff of course. We found it quite difficult to fend off the sales attempts. Although we always politely refused, the sellers did not let up, so that we simply went on in the end.
After we had fought our way through the small sales stores, we finally arrived at the mall.
The Dubai Mall
You can see directly that the Dubai Mall is huge. But in the meantime I have to say: the first impression is deceptive. The mall is much, much bigger than you can imagine. We first made a detour to the gigantic Nike store and bought a swimsuit for Marc. Next door there was a technology store where we bought 3 plug adapters for our room. Our plugs do not fit into the Arabic sockets.
The true extent and the enormous size of the mall became aware of us only gradually. Disoriented, we just started walking and did not leave our floor, so as not to completely lose the overview. And I have to admit, this mall has a lot to offer. I was already very impressed by the huge malls in Bangkok, but in comparison, the malls there are much smaller than the Dubai Mall.
Of course, there are numerous stores in all price ranges, cafes and restaurants and small stalls in between, as well as a large food court and a cinema. But not enough of that.
Aquarium, ice rink, amusement park, waterfalls and co.
There is also a small — or rather quite large — indoor amusement park. Here there is something for everyone. From a trampoline park to a colorful climbing house, a roller coaster, various slot machines with all kinds of games to a freefall tower to several chain carousels and even a bumper car. Everything is brightly lit with neon lights and enveloped by inviting party music. I’m pretty sure there’s a lot more to mention but there’s a complete sensory overload there and it’s hard to take it all in. This is definitely where we want to go again.
Right next to this theme park there is a kind of stand where the city of Dubai hangs down from the ceiling. This image is illuminated and alternates between the daytime view and an image of Dubai at night. Also very impressive.
As we continued to stroll around, we discovered a haunted house, two huge waterfalls, an ice skating rink and a simply gigantic aquarium. So slowly I get the feeling that simply the entire city is housed here in this mall. All this is already very impressive.
Although we’ve spent several hours in the mall, we haven’t come close to exploring everything. As mentioned before, we only stayed on the one floor and even there we didn’t see everything. We then grabbed a bite to eat in the food court and headed back to our hotel.
Our first evening in Dubai
We spent the evening unintentionally in the mall. Actually we wanted to go to a nice restaurant or bar. But since we didn’t know exactly where to go and didn’t find anything on the internet, we just went back to the mall.
Our idea was to just go out there and look for a place to eat in the surrounding streets. So we did it at least in Thailand and Malaysia always. Once we arrived at the mall, we wanted to take the exit in the direction of the Burj Khalifa. To find the exit was very complicated. We followed the signs but they did not always lead us to the right place.
After we had asked a few times, where it goes, we finally came out somehow. However, we were led outside also further and came so to the Dubai Fountain. There every evening a very impressive water play with suitable music takes place.
Dubai Fountain
Appropriately at the beginning of a show we were there, stood at the railing and enjoyed the really incredibly impressive water play of the fountains. This was adapted to the song “Skyfall”. Goosebumps feeling!
In addition to the impressive show, you also have a great view from there. The Burj Khalifa is directly in front of you and is also illuminated great. Around you can see other skyscrapers, which contribute to the colorful diversity of the city.
Shortly after the show was over, but you were already sent on by the security guards with luminous bats and whistles. Unfortunately, all in one direction. There was no way to go back and so we ended up back in the mall. That’s not where we really wanted to go.
Trying to get back we ended up in front of the Dubai Fountains again and watched another water feature. These are probably repeated every few minutes and the spectators are accordingly skillfully guided on a path there and also away again.
No way out of the mall
After we tried for some time to find a restaurant or a bar outside the track but could not get out of the mall, we finally decided to go back home.
Luckily there is an Indian restaurant right next to our hotel where we had a midnight snack before we went back to our room. So quickly the first day in Dubai was over. Then it was time to say good night again!
