How to get the best out of your visit to Ibn Battuta, Dubai

As one of the biggest themed shopping malls in the world, this expansive space which is home to 270 stores and nearly fifty restaurants is a recreational and retail wonderland for the masses. From timing the visit to spending your time in a meaningful fashion, here are some tips on making the most of a day at this iconic mall.

1. Get a Head Start and Time the Visit

Ideally situated on Sheikh Zayed Road close to the Interchange 6 leading to Jebel Ali Village, the Ibn Battuta is conveniently located a mere 30 minutes away from the Dubai Airport. Open every day of the week, the best time to head to the mall is during the months from December to February when the Dubai Shopping Festival is in full swing. This period is ideal for budget shoppers as fantastic discounts are on offer in all of the mall's top shops. Those who intend to spend a day at Ibn Battuta Mall should ideally visit during the morning hours as the mall tends to get crowded as the day wears on. Weekdays are also better than weekends as local families flock to the venue in large numbers.

2. Shop till You Drop

As one of the biggest and finest malls not only in the UAE but the world at large, a vast majority of your time at the Ibn Battuta Mall should be spend shopping in its exclusive stores. Retailing globally renowned brands the likes of Tommy Hilfiger, MAC, Forever21 and Debenhams, visitors will find signature shops devoted to some of the biggest fashion and lifestyle brands on the planet. The massive range of products available at the mall includes cosmetics, footwear, toys, electronics and homewares while luggage and garments are other hot-pick items at the venue.

3. Wine and Dine

While the Ibn Battuta Mall is a popular retail hotspot, one should not be surprised to find that most locals and tourists head to the mall to grab a scrumptious meal. Home to more than fifty restaurants, diners will find delicacies belonging to Japanese, Greek, Indian, Italian, Turkish, Chinese, Middle Eastern, Mexican and continental cuisine. Some of the best restaurants at Ibn Battuta Mall include the India Palace while Carluccio's Italian restaurant is another favourite among frequent visitors. The Verdura Mediterranean Restaurant remains the best place to grab some local treats while Yo Sushi is a Japanese eatery par excellence. Other restaurants of note include the Zaferan Iranian Restaurant, The Kasap and the Shakespeare and Company cafe.

4. Play

Families who are visiting the Ibn Battuta Mall with their kids in tow will be happy to find that the mall has its own extensive children's play arena. Divided into different zones, kiddies can join various workshops, hop around on trampolines or visit the mall's Chuck E Cheese outlet to enjoy an array of fun and games. Visitors can also catch the latest Hollywood and Bollywood blockbusters at the 21 screen movie Cineplex at the mall which is fully equipped with 3D and 3DIMAX technologies. A restaurant and bar are also located in the mall's theatre section while those based at Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai or any other nearby locales due to promotional Dubai hotel offers will find that catching a movie is the best way to spend a night out in Dubai.

5. Hit the Spa

Those who are hankering for a foot massage or a relaxing facial after a day spent at the mall can step into the luxurious spa centre at the venue. Offering travellers and shoppers a plethora of beauty treatments the spa at Ibn Battuta Mall provides some much-needed rest for weary shopaholics and parents.