Dubai Festival City Mall is a waterfront mega-mall on Dubai Creek, anchored by the IMAGINE light, water and fire show – one of Dubai's most popular free attractions. With 400+ retail outlets, a massive IKEA, the Middle East's largest Carrefour, Robinsons department store, a 12-screen NOVO Cinemas, the Festival Bay waterfront dining strip, ICE Rink, Bowling City and the Festival Live entertainment plaza, it's both a shopping destination and a major family entertainment hub.
Quick facts:
Duration full day · 400+ stores · IMAGINE show · Creek waterfront
Did you know?
The IMAGINE show at Dubai Festival City Mall holds the Guinness World Record for the largest permanent projection mapping show – combining water jets, fire, light and music every evening for free.
Best time to visit:
Late afternoons through evening for the IMAGINE show (typically every 30 minutes after 6 PM); weekday mornings are quietest for shopping.
Where to eat nearby:
Over 100 restaurants and cafés on-site, with the waterfront Festival Bay dining strip offering the best views of the IMAGINE show.
Tip:
The IMAGINE show is completely free – arrive 15 minutes before showtime to get the best waterfront seats facing the spectacular fire and water displays.
Dubai Festival City Mall
Dubai Festival City Mall is widely admired as a family-friendly destination, with the free IMAGINE light, water and fire show often singled out as one of Dubai's best free attractions, alongside the waterfront dining strip and solid retail mix.
The show draws crowds, so the prime waterfront spots and parking fill up around show times, and arriving a little early helps secure a good view. On balance most find it an easy, enjoyable outing.
What is the IMAGINE show?
A free nightly water, light, fire and music spectacular on Dubai Creek – the Guinness World Record holder for the largest permanent projection mapping show.
When does the IMAGINE show run?
Typically every 30 minutes from sunset until 11 PM – check the schedule at the mall as it varies seasonally.
What's inside the mall?
400+ retail stores, the Middle East's largest Carrefour, IKEA, Robinsons department store, a 12-screen NOVO Cinemas and dozens of restaurants on the waterfront promenade.
How do I get there?
By car with free parking; the upcoming Blue Line metro will eventually have a station here.
Where's the best spot to watch IMAGINE?
The waterfront Festival Bay dining promenade – many restaurants offer reserved viewing seats with their dinner service.