CONVERGENCE MAY-JUNE 2017

Ultra-Modern
Dubai
The largest city in United Arab Emirates (UAE), Dubai, presents
those who go there for shopping with grandiosity. Thus, if luxury
brands, large installations and bedazzling jewels excite you, be
prepared to splurge on a shopping spree at one of the world’s most
expensive cities.
The Dubai Mall
The world’s largest shopping mall by
total area, the Dubai Mall has more than
1,200 stores enough to satisfy any
shopaholic. Apart from being a shopping
mall, it houses an indoor aquarium which
showcases more than 300 species of
marine animals which includes sharks.
The mall also has a luxury hotel, SEGA
Republic indoor theme park which pays
homage to SEGA’s iconic Sonic the
Hedgehog, an edutainment outlet
named KidZania, ice skating rink which
also offers classes for those unfamiliar
with ice skating and of course, plenty of
the world’s biggest clothing, house ware,
electronics and accessories brands.
Mall Of The Emirates
Fancy observing penguins at the mall?
Well, head on over to the Mall Of The
Emirates which houses a troupe of
penguins who live within their very own
ice enclosure and make special public
appearances every now and then. That’s
not all, the mall is also known for Ski
Dubai, its indoor ski slope and snow
park wonderland which even has a Snow
Bullet zipline as high as 16-metres above
the skiers and slopes below. Come to
think of it, the mall’s motto is that
‘Shopping is just the beginning’ and it
really does walk the talk.
Wafi Mall
Influenced by many architectural styles
from Egyptian to Turkish, the mall is a
site worth visiting for its modern
interpretation of the Pharaohs with that
epic splendour conveyed through
exquisite stained glass, intricate mosaics,
carvings and sculptures. The mall is
located within a replica of an Egyptian
pyramid complex and houses plenty of
high-end fashion and lifestyle brands.
The Arabian market, Souk Khan Murjan,
sells amazing souvenirs and gifts from
the Arab world.
Old Souks
The lyrics from Disney’s ‘Arabian Nights’
is the perfect theme song to have should
you decide to head to the souks for
some spice, silk, gold or just plain
observation. How so? Well, the lyrics
say ‘Arabian nights, like Arabian days.
More often than not, are hotter than hot.
In a lot of good ways.’ So, be prepared
to wear loose clothing, get a start on the
art of haggling from a local or guide and
always be on your guard. Walk and waft
through the smells of cinnamon, cloves
and frankincense while shaking off the
temporary blindness caused by all the
shiny gold accessories and wares. Let
your hands go through the fabric and
you might just buy a pashmina shawl
or two.
Ibn Battuta Mall
Seeking inspiration from the 21-year-old
Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta, the mall
has six distinct courts that depict themes
associated to the explorer’s travel
adventures. This includes the countries
he explored which were Tunisia, Egypt,
Persia (now Iran) and China. His travels
have influenced the mall in design and
spirit as you’ll see in interior themes and
names of the courts.
Dubai Outlet Mall
The first 'value' concept mall in the
Middle East, it is home to over 1,200 of
the world’s top premium and luxury
labels in 240 stores. The mall is the
ultimate value-shopping destination
where you can snap up great bargains
on the majority of products available,
every single day. Dubai Outlet Mall also
offers a comprehensive and delicious
food and beverage selection at its food
court, standalone restaurants and cafes.
The mall is also home to a huge family
entertainment venue as well as a soft
kids play area for youngsters.
The waterfall at The Dubai Mall
Shopping for textile at souks
Spices galore!
Travel
Wafi Mall picture by Helge Høifødt
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