This evening, I found myself wandering through the Dubai Mall, and I have to admit—I was completely enchanted. For those who haven’t yet experienced it, this isn’t just a shopping centre. It’s the world’s largest mall, and in 2012, it was the most-visited shopping and leisure destination on Earth, welcoming over 65 million visitors. To put that into perspective, it beats both New York City and Los Angeles combined at the time.

A Waterfall That Greets You

The moment I stepped inside, my attention was caught by the indoor waterfall, cascading down multiple stories. It’s one of those sights that makes you pause—partly because it’s beautiful, partly because you’re wondering how on earth someone decided this should be inside a mall. The sound of water against the backdrop of bustling shoppers created a strange, almost magical harmony.

There is a nice waterfall in the mall.

Meeting DubaiDino

As I meandered into the souk area, I came across a truly unexpected sight—a giant dinosaur. Named DubaiDino, this 24-meter-long Diplodocus longus looks straight out of a Jurassic Park scene. For a moment, I assumed it was a replica—but no, this fossil is real. Discovered in Wyoming in 2008, about 90% of its bones are intact, making it one of the rarest dinosaur fossils in the world. Standing there, staring up at a creature that lived 155 million years ago, I couldn’t help but marvel at the sheer improbability of seeing it in a shopping mall.

Swimming Among Fish (Without Getting Wet)

Next, I explored the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. For AED 120 (about $33), I entered a mesmerizing aquatic world. The main aquarium is huge, brimming with marine life, but the real adventure was the glass boat ride.

Wearing a life jacket and gliding over the water, I felt as though I was hovering above an underwater kingdom—a very Instagram-worthy kind of magic.

Sunset, Skyscrapers, and Choreographed Water

As the evening sun dipped behind the Burj Khalifa, I joined the crowd waiting for the Dubai Fountain. This isn’t just a fountain; it’s a show. Water shoots up to 500 feet, perfectly synchronized with music and light, and watching it, I couldn’t help but think: only in Dubai could a fountain have its own fan club.

Dinner at Souk Al Bahar

With all that walking, hunger was inevitable. I crossed over to Souk Al Bahar, an Arabesque-style market, and followed the delicious aromas to Sammach, a restaurant specializing in fish dishes.

I started with lemon soda with mint, a comforting lentil soup, and a selection of mezze. For the main course, I had Hammour Sayadieh, a Levantine dish with rice, caramelized onions, baked fish, and roasted pine nuts. Dining while watching the dancing fountain across the lake was a simple pleasure that felt anything but ordinary.

Thoughts on the Evening

Dubai Mall is far more than a place to shop—it’s a destination for wonder. Ancient fossils, immersive aquariums, towering skyscrapers, and exquisite cuisine—all under one roof. By the end of the evening, I realized that while many come here to shop, what truly lingers in memory are the experiences. And that, in a city known for grandeur, is exactly what Dubai Mall delivers—again and again.