The complete guide to Dubai Festival City Mall
Luxury takes on a whole new level in Dubai, a city known for its record-breaking entertainment and attractions. Among its premier destinations is Dubai Festival City Mall, a standout shopping venue which also features the spectacular IMAGINE show, luxury brands and acclaimed restaurants.
A Glimpse of Dubai Festival City Mall
Dubai Festival City Mall is a premier shopping and leisure destination nestled along the scenic Dubai Creek. Boasting over 400 retail outlets, it features a diverse mix of global fashion brands, including Zara, H&M, Marks & Spencer and luxury labels like Coach and DKNY.
Beyond shopping, the mall offers a vibrant dining scene with over 90 restaurants and cafés, many of which provide alfresco seating with stunning waterfront views. Entertainment options abound, from the 18-screen Novo Cinemas to the IMAGINE show — a record-breaking light, water and fire spectacle that dazzles visitors nightly.
Counted among the popular malls in Dubai, DFC Mall is also home to the UAE’s first IKEA, Carrefour and ACE Hardware.
Shopping at Dubai Festival City Mall
To give you a good idea of the wide variety of shops and brands in Festival City Mall Dubai, we have attempted to highlight some of the popular retailers for fashion, accessories and more.
DNKY
DKNY captures the vibrant essence of New York – bold, diverse, dynamic and authentic. It caters to everyday lifestyles across the globe, offering versatile fashion for work, weekends, casual wear and evening looks.
SAMSUNG
Searching for the newest mobiles, tablets, wearables or accessories? Samsung DFC is your go-to spot in Dubai for the latest Samsung tech. You can explore, try out and compare different smartphones, tablets, Galaxy Buds, smartwatches, S Pens, cases and much more, all in one place.
ADIDAS
At Adidas UAE, you’ll discover the latest in cutting-edge sportswear, footwear and accessories, including kids’ active and casual gear. Whether you’re into basketball, golf, running, volleyball or yoga, the Dubai showrooms have you covered. Visit Adidas Festival City today and gear up for your game.
Want to know more about Dubai Festival City Mall shops? Below are the categories that you can shop from!
- Accessories
- Anchors / Department Store
- Arabic Fashion
- Electronics & Computers
- Kiosks
- Eyewear
- General Services
- Health & Beauty
- Home Furnishing
- Hypermarket
- Jewellery
- Kids Fashion
- Lingerie & Swimwear
- Men’s Fashion
- Shoes / Handbags
- Specialty Shops
- Sporting Goods
- Stationery / Gifts / Books
- Toys & Hobbies
- Watches
- Women’s Fashion
Restaurants in DFC Mall
Dubai Festival City Mall is a top spot for foodies, offering a mix of cafés, casual eateries and upscale restaurants. From Chinese to Italian, the variety of cuisines is impressive. Most dining options are located along Festival Bay, where diners enjoy stunning waterfront views. It also houses Dubai’s only Hard Rock Cafe, a favourite for drinks and classic bar bites.
Osteria Mario
Osteria Mario makes family dining a joy for all. Savour authentic Italian flavours while the little ones enjoy a lively play area packed with games and activities.
PAUL
Stop by Paul at Dubai Festival City Mall and savour the charm of classic French dining. Everything is crafted using the finest ingredients, from artisanal bread to gourmet dishes.
Other than the few eateries mentioned here, several Dubai Festival City Mall restaurants are ready to serve you. There’s a new culinary sensation at the mall — TheMarket Island. Take a look below to know all about it!
The Market Island
Explore the newest dining hotspot in Dubai – The Market Island at Dubai Festival City Mall, the Middle East’s largest food hall. Covering 70,000 sq. ft. and seating over 3,500 guests, it brings together 50+ eateries, including 16 fresh concepts making their Dubai debut.
New must-tries include:
- Pasta Art: Authentic handmade pasta by expert Italian chefs.
- Nikkei Sushi: Japanese flavours by Chef Roberto Segura, known for La Barra.
- John Dory: Mediterranean seafood from Belarus with a coastal market vibe.
- Gelato Ado: Natural Italian gelato crafted with premium ingredients.
Fan favourites also return, with crowd-pleasers like Chef Eyad, Allo Beirut, Scarlet’s Bakery, Homer Lobster and Naughty Pizza offering everything from Lebanese street food to rich desserts.
Located on the ground floor’s northern end, The Market Island is your go-to for global and local flavours in one buzzing venue.
Entertainment at Dubai Festival City Mall
IMAGINE Show Dubai Festival City
IMAGINE at Dubai Festival City is a nightly show that blends light, water, and laser projections with uplifting music, creating an engaging experience for all ages. Taking place at Festival Bay after sunset, the show combines elements of science, technology and art. It’s also earned two Guinness World Records for its innovative production.
Fabyland
Step into a world of indoor fun at Fabyland, where kids of all ages can enjoy thrilling rides, arcade games and skill-based machines with exciting rewards. This is the place to be if you’re after action and entertainment. With its vibrant atmosphere, Fabyland brings energy and excitement to every visit.
Stay & Play
Let your kids enjoy their time while you take a well-earned break at Stay & Play, an indoor playground in Dubai. This spacious, secure play area allows children to socialise and have fun under the care of trained childcare staff. You can shop, dine or unwind knowing they’re in good hands.
Dhow Rides
Guests can take a traditional abra ride along the scenic Dubai Creek. It’s a relaxing way to enjoy the views while getting a glimpse of Emirati culture at Dubai Festival City Mall.
Bricobilandia
Bricobilandia is a miniature toy city built entirely from iconic plastic bricks. It features detailed buildings, cafés, police and fire stations, an amusement park with rides, a working railway, an airport and a fairy-tale zone for girls — all brought to life with hundreds of mini-figures.
The space showcases popular and rare sets, including large builds like Hogwarts Castle, the Eiffel Tower, the Taj Mahal and the Maersk Train. Many of these are too costly for individual families, but children can enjoy and play with them freely at Bricobilandia.
- One-hour single entry for AED 100
- Two-hour single entry for AED 150
- Three-hour single entry for AED 200
Cinema
VOX Cinemas brings an immersive movie experience with IMAX and 3D screenings for all age groups. Catch the latest Hollywood hits, from action to comedy and more!
The Bay by The Social
The Bay by Social at Dubai Festival City Mall offers a relaxed waterfront setting perfect for casual dining and unwinding. With stunning views of Dubai Creek and a laid-back vibe, it’s an ideal spot to catch up with friends or enjoy a peaceful moment by the water.4o
Other options for entertainment at Dubai Festival City Mall include:
- Hello Park
- Leo & Loona
- True Gamers
- BOUNCE-X
DFC Hotels
Dubai Festival City offers a range of luxury to mid-range hotels ideal for city explorers, business travellers or families on holiday. These hotels are conveniently located near Dubai Festival City Mall, making them a great base for your stay.
Guests can enjoy a comfortable and stylish experience with well-designed rooms and suites overlooking the waterfront or city skyline. The area also features award-winning dining options, including two venues by Michelin-starred Chef Pierre Gagnaire, along with top-tier spa facilities and easy access to Dubai International Airport and Downtown Dubai.
- Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City
- Holiday Inn & Suites Dubai Festival City
- InterContinental
- InterContinental Residence Suites
How to Reach the DFC Mall
You can reach Festival Mall City Dubai via:
- Dubai Metro: The nearest stations are Emirates Towers on the Red Line and Creek on the Green Line. From Emirates Station, you can take an RTA taxi to the mall. If you get off at Creek Station, opt for the free shuttle bus or enjoy a scenic water taxi ride to Dubai Festival City Mall.
- Bus: RTA buses F58, 53, 64A, 44, 24 and 103 all stop near the mall. The closest stop is Festival Centre Station, just a 15-minute walk from the mall.
- Abra: For a more scenic approach, hop on an abra across Dubai Creek. It’s a short walk to the mall from the nearest stop.
FAQ
Is there free Dubai Festival City Mall parking?
The mall offers free covered parking with space for over 13,000 vehicles. Multiple parking zones are also available. But, if you’re heading to IKEA, it’s best to use the dedicated parking area for IKEA visitors rather than the Cinema or Robinson’s parking zones.
What are Dubai Festival City Mall timings?
Dubai Festival City Mall opening hours are as follows:
- General Mall Timings: Monday – Thursday, 10:00 am to 10:00 pm | Friday – Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 am
- F&B, Foodcourt & Waterfront: Monday – Thursday, 10:00 am to 11:00 pm | Friday – Sunday, 10:00 am to 12:00 am
- IMAGINE Show Timings: Monday – Wednesday, 07:00 pm to 11:00 pm | Thursday – Sunday, 07:00 pm to 11:00 pm
- Hypermarket (Carrefour and LuLu): Monday – Thursday, 08:00 am to 12:00 am | Friday – Sunday, 08:00 am to 12:00 am
What is the Dubai Festival City Mall location?
This mall is located in the Dubai Festival City neighbourhood near Dubai Culture Village and Jaddaf, just across the Business Bay crossing. You can find help by following the DFCM map given below:
This wraps up our guide to Festival City Mall Dubai. If you are planning to visit the capital city and want to shop there, here’s our guide to the top malls in Abu Dhabi.
Featured Image Credit: DFCM Facebook Page
