First time at Dubai Mall: rules and information

Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping and entertainment centers in the world by total area. It has more than 1,200 retail outlets, including anchor department stores Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s, and spans about 1.2 million square meters. Galeries Lafayette at Dubai Mall was the brand’s first department store in the Middle East, while Bloomingdale’s Dubai, which opened in 2010, was Bloomingdale’s first international location. Dubai Mall now welcomes more than 100 million visitors annually, who come for shopping, dining, entertainment, and other attractions. If you’re carrying extra belongings, consider using one of the Dubai Mall storage points. These storage services let you store your bags so you can enjoy your visit without any hassle.

To help you navigate this massive mall, it’s a good idea to use the Dubai Mall app. The official app is available for iOS and Android and includes navigation tools, personalized content, current events, and real-time parking information. With such a large space, it can be useful for finding stores, restaurants, attractions, and services.

Dubai Mall Bag Policy

Types of Bags Allowed

Dubai Mall’s current public visitor information does not publish a general mall-wide size limit for personal bags or require visitors to use clear bags. Handbags, purses, shopping bags, daypacks, and other ordinary personal bags are not listed as prohibited simply because of their type.

Individual attractions, events, or venues inside Dubai Mall may apply their own security and bag requirements, so check the rules of a specific attraction if you plan to visit one.

Types of Bags Not Allowed

Dubai Mall does not currently publish a blanket rule stating that large suitcases, oversized backpacks, or other luggage are prohibited throughout the shopping areas solely because of their size.

However, visitors must follow UAE law, Dubai Mall’s safety policies, and any additional rules imposed by individual attractions or events. If you do not want to carry large luggage while shopping, Dubai Mall has its own luggage-storage services.

Dubai Mall Lockers

Dubai Mall does offer luggage-storage and locker services. Its official visitor services include a Concierge Lounge with porter services and lockers.

The mall also operates a Luggage Concierge in partnership with DUBZ, located on the Ground Floor, with access from P3 Fashion Parking. The storage area is monitored by 24-hour CCTV, and the counter operates during Dubai Mall’s operating hours.

Current published luggage-storage charges are AED 50 for one bag, AED 100 for two bags, AED 150 for three bags, AED 200 for four bags, and AED 250 for five to ten bags. For up to five small carry-ons or small shopping bags, the published charge is AED 25.

The DUBZ counter also offers airport check-in and baggage-delivery options for eligible travelers.

Dubai Mall additionally provides a free Shop and Drop service for qualifying shopping bags. Service desks are located at several points around the mall, including Fashion Avenue, Fashion Parking P3, near Dubai Ice Rink, and the Grand Atrium.

Dubai Mall Transportation

Getting to Dubai Mall is easy thanks to its Downtown Dubai location and several public and private transportation options. One popular way is by Dubai Metro. The Red Line serves Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall Metro Station, which is connected to the mall by the air-conditioned Metro Link Bridge. The bridge connects to Level 2 of Dubai Mall near Fashion Catwalk.

You can also use taxis or ride-sharing services like Uber or Careem. Dubai Mall has designated taxi and ride-hailing pickup and drop-off locations. Uber and Careem pickup points currently include Lower Ground near DU, P3 Cinema Parking, P4 Fashion Lobby, and P3 Zabeel Parking Taxi Stand.

For those who prefer buses, Dubai Mall’s current transport information lists routes 27, 28, 29, and F13. Route 27 connects from Deira Gold Souk Bus Station, route 28 from Oud Metha Bus Station, route 29 from Ghubaiba Bus Station, and F13 connects with the Dubai Mall Metro Station. The mall currently states that these services run approximately every 16 minutes, though schedules can change, so check current RTA information before travelling.

Dubai Mall Camera Policy

Dubai Mall’s public visitor information does not state a blanket ban on ordinary personal photography in the mall’s common areas. Visitors can generally take personal travel photos, but local privacy rules and any restrictions imposed by individual stores, attractions, or events should be respected.

UAE government guidance advises visitors not to photograph people without their permission. Be especially respectful when other visitors are identifiable in your photos or videos.

For commercial, advertising, media, or branding use involving Dubai Mall or other Emaar assets, prior approval from Emaar is required. Individual attractions within the mall may also have their own rules concerning cameras, video recording, and professional equipment.

Dubai Mall Food Policy

Dubai Mall offers a wide variety of dining options for different tastes and budgets. Its current public visitor policy does not state a blanket mall-wide ban on ordinary outside food and drinks.

However, individual attractions, restaurants, lounges, and other venues inside Dubai Mall may have their own rules. For example, some restricted-access facilities prohibit externally purchased food and beverages.

Inside Dubai Mall, there are more than 200 international dining experiences, ranging from cafés and fast food to full-service and fine-dining restaurants. Visitors can find cuisines including Middle Eastern, American, Indian, Italian, Japanese, French, Chinese, and many others.

Other Dubai Mall Rules & Information

Dubai Mall welcomes visitors from around the world, but its official courtesy policy asks guests to wear respectful clothing, with shoulders and knees covered.

The mall also asks visitors to avoid overt displays of affection that may attract public attention. The current courtesy policy does not specifically state that ordinary hand-holding is prohibited.

Smoking is restricted to designated areas, including the use of e-cigarettes. Do not smoke or vape outside those designated locations.

Dubai Mall is also officially a pet-free mall. Visitors should follow the mall’s general requirement for safe practices and comply with instructions from security and mall staff.

Tips for Visitors

Check Out the Official Website

Before you visit, check the official website of Dubai Mall. The website has current information on events, stores, restaurants, services, opening hours, parking, and transportation. You can also find maps and directories to help plan your visit.

Use a Map or App

Given how large Dubai Mall is, using a map or the Dubai Mall app can be very helpful. The official app is available for iOS and Android and can help you navigate the mall, find specific stores and restaurants, view current events, and check real-time parking information.

Leave Large Backpacks at Storage Points

Large backpacks and suitcases are not subject to a published blanket ban throughout Dubai Mall, but carrying them around such a large shopping center can be inconvenient.

Dubai Mall itself provides a Luggage Concierge, lockers, and other bag services. If you prefer another storage option, nearby Qeepl luggage storage points can also make your visit easier. You can book online and leave your luggage before exploring the mall. Qeepl storage costs 21.90AED per item per day, and luggage is protected by insurance coverage of 4,000AED. This can be especially useful if you are between your hotel and the airport or simply do not want to carry heavy bags while shopping.