The Traveling Taylors

We went to the Mall of Emirates expecting a shopping spree—and ended up watching people skiing, sipping lattes in an art gallery, and even hanging out with penguins. Yep, you read that right. This isn’t your average mall. If you’re planning a trip to Dubai, here are 10 unexpected and totally awesome things you can do at the Mall of Emirates (no shopping bags required).

1. Ski Indoors at Ski Dubai

🎿 Yep, it’s real snow inside a mall.
Ski Dubai is an indoor winter wonderland with real snow, ski slopes, a snow park, and even chair lifts. You can ski, snowboard, or just throw snowballs in -4°C temps—without leaving the desert. To skip the queue, you can book skip-the-line entry tickets to Ski Dubai.

Using the ultimate travel action camera like this is the best way to capture photos and videos of you skiing in Ski Dubai.

Pro Tip: Gear rental is included in your ticket, so no need to bring boots or jackets.

2. Meet Penguins in the Middle of the Desert

🐧 Ski Dubai is also home to real-life penguins.
Book an encounter to get up close with adorable Gentoo and King penguins in a chilled-out habitat.

Great for: Families, animal lovers, and anyone needing a break from the heat.

Many travelers stay warm when entering the penguin habitat with a quilted women’s jacket like this one that is the perfect travel layer.

3. Watch a Movie in Luxe Recliners

🎬 VOX Cinemas at Mall of Emirates isn’t your average theater.
Think gourmet snacks, plush reclining seats, and private lounges. Choose from VOX Gold, IMAX, or even kids’ theaters with jungle gyms.

Tip: Reserve tickets in advance for weekend showings—they sell out fast.

4. Eat at a Michelin-Approved Restaurant

🍽️ Mall dining goes way beyond food courts.
Try Din Tai Fung for world-famous dumplings or Aamara for a modern Middle Eastern twist. Want something fancy? Emporio Armani Caffè has elegance down to an art.

Fun Fact: Many top chefs test their Dubai menus in upscale malls like this one.

Trying new foods is part of your traveling experience, and a portable electric toothbrush and water flosser combo like this one can help keep your teeth clean after long days of dining out.

5. Try Indoor Skydiving at iFLY

🪂 OK, technically this is next door at City Centre Mirdif, but if you’re mall-hopping, it’s an epic experience.
Fly in a vertical wind tunnel that simulates a real free fall—no plane required. First-timers can book a first-time indoor skydiving experience with an instructor.

If you enjoy filming your travel experiences, a tiny wearable camera like this one is a great way to capture hands-free POV footage of you as you skydive at iFLY.

Bonus: It’s suitable for kids and first-timers!

6. Relax in a Luxury Spa

💆 Need a break from sightseeing?
The mall has multiple spas where you can unwind, from full-body massages to facials and nail services. SensAsia Urban Spa is a favorite for luxe treatments with a modern, minimalist vibe.

7. Snap Pics at the Digital Art Spaces

🖼️ Art meets tech in rotating digital exhibits throughout the mall.
You’ll find pop-up installations, seasonal displays, and even interactive LED tunnels that make for perfect IG moments.

Tip: Check the event calendar—displays change often and align with UAE festivals.

Snapping pics at the Digital Art Spaces leave a lasting memory, and many travelers love bringing an instant camera like this one to capture the digital exhibits throughout the mall and print photos on the spot.

8. Explore the Dubai Community Theatre & Arts Centre

🎭 A hidden cultural gem inside the mall.
This venue hosts live performances, workshops, art exhibits, and indie film nights. It’s a cool way to experience the arts in an unexpected setting.

9. Join a Cooking Class or Workshop

👩‍🍳 Some restaurants and culinary shops host workshops—from pasta-making to Arabic sweets.
It’s a fun, hands-on way to learn a new skill (and eat your creation afterward).

10. Ride the Dubai Metro—From Inside the Mall

🚇 The Mall of Emirates is directly connected to the Dubai Metro Red Line.
Not an activity on its own—but incredibly useful. You can explore other parts of the city without stepping into the heat. Many travelers use a moisturizing hand sanitizer gel like this that kills 99.99% of common germs when traveling on the metro.

Bonus: The metro offers awesome views of Sheikh Zayed Road as you ride.

Visiting the Mall of Emirates

Whether you’re looking to escape the heat, hang with penguins, or catch a five-star film, the Mall of Emirates delivers so much more than shopping. It’s a full-day experience that surprises in all the best ways—and yes, you might end up leaving with a new outfit too.

Have you been to the Mall of Emirates? What surprised you most? Let us know in the comments!