The motto at this mall is 'Redefining Luxury’ and this massive center lives up to its promise. The largest shopping mall in the world incorporates 1300 stores including the first Galerie Lafayette and Bloomingdales in the Middle East. It covers 800 thousand square meters and sees eight million visitors per year.

One of the most commonly heard pieces of advice to visitors is that you should download the Dubai Mall app because it is so easy to become lost in this vast shopping capital.

Despite its vast size, very few people seem to have anything to say that is not complimentary following their visits. The mall is air-conditioned, spotlessly clean and brilliantly designed. The one suggestion to help improve your visit might be to store your luggage at a locker rental service so that you can enjoy your visit unencumbered.

Dubai Mall baggage policy

You're destined to do plenty of walking when you visit the sprawling Mall, so it's not a good idea to carry more than you need to. The mall offers a baggage concierge service, but this can get busy, resulting in long waits. Also, it can be expensive. Luckily, it's not hard to find convenient baggage storage near Dubai Mall where you can drop off your unneeded belongings for a reasonable price.

Let’s face it. Not every member of the family might be enthralled by the idea of an extended period of shopping and efforts to melt the credit card. The good news is the mall's creators have recognized this possibility and gone out of their way to offer a wider range of options than just a unique shopping experience.

The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo is one of the largest of its kind in the world. There you will be able to admire many of the ocean’s most unusual creatures, including sharks and rays.

There is also an Olympic-sized ice-skating rink that hosts regular performances. The Sega theme park or the Kidzania play zone will keep younger members of the family amused for hours, as will the 150-million-year-old dinosaur skeleton on display in the heart of The Souk.

For the slightly older kids or those that remain kids at heart, there is an Airbus A380 simulator where you can test your skills and potential as an airline pilot. 

Dubai Mall food policy

If you are worried about going hungry on your visit then you can put that fear to rest. You will have more than 120 restaurants to choose from, serving meals for every taste and budget and from every part of the world.

You may be happy sticking with burgers, pizzas, or familiar Mexican foods, but if you want to experience some local culinary delights lookout for shawarma, Al Harees, or ful meddomas to get that authentic middle eastern taste. All of these options, and many more, will be available to you, as well as refined gourmet dining options.

Dubai Mall camera policy

Cultural collisions don't come much more striking than this. Dubai Mall is a place where Western consumerism culture meets the traditional values of Islamic society, making Dubai Mall a culturally interesting phenomenon as well as a great place to shop. Plus, with all the attractions the Mall contains, you'll want to take lots of photos. You'll be welcome to, as long as those photos are for noncommercial use. But remember that the United Arab Emirates, for all its wealth and modernity, still holds onto some very traditional views. Personal modesty is of paramount importance, so make sure you don't take anybody's photo without their permission.

Dubai Mall rules

It is always good to remind ourselves that we have entered a different culture here, and behavior that might not garner a second thought in our home countries, could inadvertently cause offense in the United Arab Emirates.

• It is regarded as impolite to have your shoulders or knees uncovered.
• Dangerous behavior such as skateboarding running or cycling is forbidden.
• The mall is a no-smoking zone. There is a smoking center on the lower ground floor.
• Public acts of affection such as kissing or holding hands are regarded as unacceptable.
• There is a zero drugs policy throughout Dubai
• No Israeli goods are permitted.

Dubai Mall transport options

The Dubai metro will take you to Burj Khalifa station, from which you can walk to the mall through a glass-covered tunnel that is airconditioned.

Bus routes 27 and 29 both service the mall every fifteen minutes.

Finally, there is the option of a taxi. Though these are reasonably priced and drivers are legally obliged to stick to the amount showing on the meter, Dubai traffic can result in long travel times, especially during rush hours.

Dubai Mall lockers

Hauling bags through the mall will soon prove to be both challenging and restrictive to your outing. There are locker rental facilities very nearby and these will enable you to enjoy a far more pleasurable visit.

The best services are those that allow for online reservation, thus ensuring that there is a locker waiting for you when you arrive. Look out for a service that includes free insurance, no bag size restrictions, and security seals for your bags.