Dubai Mall is massive and will require a full day to visit. If you know when it is open and closed, you can plan around the crowds, fountain shows and dinner. Timings are slightly different on the weekdays and weekends, so be sure to check before you leave.
Below are the current hours, what is open late, and the slowest times to walk around.
In this article 6 sections
Dubai Mall Opening Hours by Day
The mall opens at the same time every day and closes later on the weekend. The opening times listed on the official Dubai Mall website are as follows:
| Day | Opens | Closes |
|---|---|---|
| Monday to Thursday | 10:00 AM | 11:00 PM |
| Friday | 10:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Saturday | 10:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
| Sunday | 10:00 AM | 12:00 AM |
These are the mall hours, in general. Some shops, restaurants and attractions close earlier and some stay open later. Big brands usually follow the mall’s hours, and cafes and restaurants will often stay open after hours.
What’s Open Outside the Main Hours
Various locations within the mall operate at different hours. There are dedicated ticket desks at the Dubai Aquarium and ice rink, and the cinema shows films late into the evening. Restaurants that look out on the fountain are busy until the final show.
Here are some things to consider in advance:
- Cinema showtimes, which change every week.
- Aquarium and Underwater Zoo ticket slots.
- Restaurant booking times, especially on Fridays.
- Bank and service counters, which close earlier than the shops.
When people go to a movie, it is the parking that throws them. Our guide on Dubai Mall cinema parking has the fees and free hours.
Dubai Fountain and Mall Timing
The fountain is not in the mall so it operates on a different timetable. Most of the evening shows begin at 6:00 PM and run every half hour until 11:00 PM, and there are short afternoon shows as well. Times may vary on holidays, so check the board at the lake for exact times.
Arrive at the waterfront 20-30 minutes in advance if you want a good spot. The busiest nights are Friday and Saturday evenings and the first evening show at 6:00 PM is quieter.
Best Time to Visit the Dubai Mall
The quietest time of day is the morning on a weekday and you can walk through most of the mall without much of a crowd. The busiest hours are the weekends from late afternoon till around 9:00 PM, when there is a high turnout of people from restaurants and the fountain walkway.
On a Monday to Thursday, come early in the morning (after 10:00 AM) for a relaxed visit. When coming for dinner, be sure to reserve in time and come prepared for a crowd around the fountain! The sale periods and holidays are always busier, so allow for more time.
Holiday and Event Hours
Times may vary during Ramadan, Eid, the Dubai Shopping Festival and New Year’s Eve. The mall is open later at times of major events and sales. The timings of Ramadan generally change to accommodate the time of day, and there’s more going around after iftar.
Check the official Dubai Mall website a day before these dates. It’s easy to get there by metro, and our Dubai Metro timings guide lists the hours of Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall station.
Quick Planning Tips
Comfortable shoes are important as the walking accumulates quickly. Make sure to download the map of the mall prior to arriving as it can be easy to get lost. If you plan to park or take the metro, sort that out in advance, and watch the closing time if you want to eat before the stores close. A short plan will save a lot of time.
