The Dubai Mall

Enormous mall and entertainment complex
Word to the wise: The Dubai Mall has some great boutiques. Check out Wrist, with its surreal selection of watches, or Noon, a UAE-born t-shirt shop employing funky, Arabic designs.

Noteworthy for: The Dubai Mall has the only international branch of Bloomingdale's, New York's famous department store. Hit the basement for a Magnolia Bakery cupcake.
In a town so full of malls, it’s difficult for a new one to stand out. The Dubai Mall was determined, though. Aside from being the largest mall in the city (it has over 1,200 shops and 165 restaurants), it also has some of the most unique brands and innovative entertainment options.

As every mall in Dubai has to have a gimmick, the Dubai Mall houses an Olympic-sized ice skating rink and a 10 million litre aquarium stuffed with over 33,000 marine animals. It is also home to The Reel Cinemas, the only place in Dubai that screens arthouse films.