THINGS TO DO AT DUBAI SHOPS (OTHER THAN SHOPPING)
Dubai is such a fascinating city that even the shopping centres have more things to do in them than most cities around the world. During our recent trip to Dubai we kept squeezing in a few more hours at the shops (between activities) to try and explore it all. These are the top things to do at the Dubai shops that don't include shopping, eating or catching up for a coffee with friends.
1. Go Skiing or Snowboarding
Yep you read that right, but don't worry you don't have to pack any snow gear on your trip as it is all provided by Ski Dubai. Here you can either rent a snowboard or a set of skiis to go down the slopes. If neither are your cup of tea you can still go zorbing just play around in the snow, have a Penguin encounter or even zip line.
Ski Dubai at the Mall of the Emirates
Cost: $66AUD for 120 minutes or $99AUD for a full day pass
Skii Dubai
2. Go to A Theme Park
We couldn't believe our eyes when we casually strolled into what looked like a small arcade but instead saw a roller coaster high above us. Without going on any rides we still enjoyed a good half hour walking around looking at the rides and attractions and wondering how they fit it all in.
You can grab a power pass which will get you on just about every ride and before you know it everyone has done their clothes shopping and you have enjoyed an adrenaline filled afternoon.
Magic Planet at Mall of the Emirates and SEGA Republic at Dubai Mall
Cost: $33AUD for unlimited rides at Magic Planet (note: excludes some roller coasters)
Cost: $57 for power pass (13 rides) and $99 for platinum power pass (all rides) at SEGA Republic
Magic Planet Dubai
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3. Go to a Theatre Production
The Dubai Community Theatre is a great place to go to if you want to experience the local arts and theatre. There are plenty of shows that play throughout the year including dance shows, theatre productions, musicians and film screenings.
DUCTAC at The Mall of the Emirates
Cost: Varies with productions
4. See a a Real Dinosaur Skeleton
You don't need to go to a museum or even pay anything to see a real dinosaur skeleton of a Amphicoelias brontodiplodocus from the Jurassic era and measures 24 metres long and just over 7 metres hight. The bones were discovered in 2008 in the US and flown over to Dubai to be displayed in a shopping centre, just well because Dubai.
DubaiDino at the Dubai Mall
Cost: Free
Dinosaur at Dubai Mall
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5. Go Ice Skating
Another one of those weird but wonderful ice experiences in the middle of the desert is right next to your new favourite coffee shop. This olympic size rink is hard to miss and quite reasonably priced. So put down those designer handbags and put on some skates.
Dubai Ice Rink at Dubai Mall
Cost: $AUD20 for a hour and 45 minute session.
Dubai Mall Ice Rink
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6. Go To The Aquarium
Another one of those hard to miss attractions is the giant aquarium that takes up a large portion of a walkway. Even without going inside you can still have a great time as you watch the sharks, sting rays and the other thousands of different species swimming around.
If you are up for it you can pay to go inside the underwater zoo and even experience a shark cage dive or see the king croc.
Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo at Dubai Mall
Cost: Free outside but $23AUD for entry inside.
Dubai Aquarium Dubai Mall
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7. See the Watershow at Dubai Fountain
This spectacular light show is offered on a daily basis and evening shows every single day of the year and the best part is that it is completely free. Enjoy the worlds largest dancing fountain as you see water sprayed up to a 500 feet with the Burj Khalifa in as its backdrop.
You can also go on a boat ride for around $AUD22 each and get a front row seat for the show.
Cost: Free
Dubai Fountain Watershow
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8. Go Up The Tallest Building
Speaking of the Burj Khalifa, if this wasn't already on your bucket list it should be now. Go up the tallest tower in the world and look down over this concrete jungle in the desert. Make sure you book this experience months in advance as they sell out very quickly.
At the Top at the Dubai Mall
Cost: $AUD41 for early and evening hours and $66 for primetime (2pm-530pm)
Burj Khalifa
Which experience would you prefer to do over shopping?
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