The Al-Futtaim Group owns Dubai Festival City, a sprawling urban retail paradise that offers world-class shopping, luxurious hotels, enthralling entertainment, and a vibrant lifestyle along one of Dubai’s iconic waterfronts. Dubai Festival City is a dynamic and integrated mega project offering various services and facilities for residents and visitors.
Dubai Festival City is a posh urban oasis with many living, working, and leisure options. The development features a massive shopping mall with over 400 outlets, including renowned fashion brands like Zara, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Nike, and Adidas. The mall also offers many dining options, including the famous waterfront dining on Festival Bay. Visitors can enjoy spectacular sunsets, light shows, cinemas, a trampoline park, and more at this convenient location near Dubai International Airport.
Dubai Festival City is the Middle East’s most significant mixed-use development, covering an area of 1,600 acres. The development is divided into three main components: the mall, the residences, and the hotels. The homes consist of luxurious communities that offer various living options, including apartments, townhouses, and villas. The hotels offer world-class accommodations, including the InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn hotels.
Overview of Dubai Festival City
The Al-Futtaim Group owns Dubai Festival City, a significant mixed-use development along the scenic 3.3-kilometer Dubai Creek. With its fully integrated mega-project, Dubai Festival City offers an unmatched lifestyle. This article will give an overview of Dubai Festival City, covering its location, accessibility, development, and ownership.
Location and Accessibility
Dubai Festival City is located in the north-central area of Dubai, United Arab Emirates, and is part of Sector 4. In addition to being easily accessible for both residents and visitors, Dubai Festival City offers a variety of residential communities, including villas, townhouses, and apartments, making it a desirable location for those seeking to live in a lively and dynamic area. The development is convenient to Dubai International Airport.
Development and Ownership
Dubai Festival City has been meticulously planned to provide residents and visitors with an extraordinary multipurpose marvel. The development includes Festival Bay, Dubai Festival City Mall, and the immersive laser, light, and fountain show IMAGINE Dubai. Al-Futtaim Group, a renowned regional real estate developer, owns it.
Dubai Festival City offers a unique lifestyle experience with world-class hotels, restaurants, and shopping opportunities. The development’s strategic location, accessibility, and ownership make it desirable for residents and visitors.
Dubai Festival City Mall
Dubai Festival City Mall is one of Dubai’s most prominent shopping destinations. It has over 400 outlets and a super-regional flagship mall in the Al-Futtaim Mall portfolio. It is located in the heart of Dubai and is easily accessible by car, taxi, or public transport.
Shopping Experience
The mall provides various shopping experiences, catering to all tastes and preferences. It houses renowned fashion brands like Zara, H&M, Marks & Spencer, Gap, and other popular stores like Carrefour and Lulu. Customers can also enjoy a variety of dining options, including iconic waterfront dining on Festival Bay.
Mall Timings and Information
The Dubai Festival City Mall is wheelchair accessible, has baby-changing facilities, and is open from 10 am to 10 pm Sunday through Wednesday and from 10 am to 12 am Thursday through Saturday. Free parking and valet parking are available for guests.
Key Retailers and Brands
Dubai Festival City Mall is home to UAE’s first IKEA and is known for its extensive international and local luxury brands collection. Some of the key retailers and brands include:
- Zara
- H&M
- Marks & Spencer
- Carrefour
- Lulu
- Robinsons
The mall offers entertainment options like an 18-screen movie theater, a chic bowling alley, and dining and shopping. Additionally, patrons can enjoy the world-renowned attraction IMAGINE, a live, two-time Guinness World Records visual and sensory extravaganza.
Dubai Festival City Mall is a must-visit location for those seeking a complete shopping and entertainment experience in Dubai.
Entertainment and Attractions
Dubai Festival City is a hub for entertainment and attractions, offering various activities for people of all ages. Here are some of the top attractions that visitors can enjoy:
IMAGINE Show
The IMAGINE show is a spectacular sensory experience that combines water, fire, and projection to create a stunning display of light and sound. It takes place every evening at Festival Bay, and visitors can enjoy it for free. The show times are 7:00 p.m., 8:00 p.m., and 9:00 p.m.
Fabyland
Fabyland is an indoor theme park offering thrilling activities for adults and children. Visitors can enjoy laser tag, rides, games, and more. Fabyland is a perfect place for families to spend quality time together.
Festival Bay
Festival Bay is a waterfront area offering a range of visitor activities. The bay is surrounded by restaurants and cafes, making it ideal for relaxing and enjoying the view. Visitors can enjoy the bay’s IMAGINE show, fireworks, and other events.
Dubai Festival City is a one-stop destination for entertainment and activities. Visitors can enjoy the stunning IMAGINE show, have fun at Fabyland, and relax at Festival Bay. Because there is so much to see and do there, it is a must-visit place for Dubai visitors.
Dining and Cuisine
With so many dining options, Dubai Festival City is an excellent place for foodies. Whether you are looking for a quick bite or a fancy meal, there is something for everyone.
Restaurants and Cafes
Dubai Festival City has some of the best restaurants and cafes in the city. Nando’s, for instance, is a popular fast-food chain that serves delicious peri-peri chicken. Pierre’s TT is another excellent option, offering a variety of fusion dishes that will satisfy your taste buds. The Bay by Social is a trendy restaurant that offers a unique dining experience with its stylish decor and international cuisine menu.
Food Court Options
If you’re looking for a more casual dining experience, the food court at Dubai Festival City is a great option. Here, you’ll find a variety of fast food chains and local eateries serving everything from burgers and fries to shawarma and falafel. Some of the popular options include McDonald’s, Subway, and KFC.
Specialty Dining
Dubai Festival City has various specialty dining options for those seeking something unique. If you’re in the mood for Italian cuisine, head to Trattoria Toscana, which offers a menu of classic pasta dishes and wood-fired pizzas. For a taste of the Middle East, Al Fanar is a great option, serving traditional Emirati cuisine in a cozy setting. If you’re looking for something more upscale, head to the InterContinental Dubai Festival City, which boasts a range of fine dining options.
Dubai Festival City is an excellent place for foodies to visit. Different dining options suit all tastes and price ranges, so you can find something to eat, whether you are craving fast food or something more elegant.
Accommodations and Hospitality
Hotels in Dubai Festival City
Dubai Festival City is home to some of the most luxurious hotels in Dubai. The InterContinental Dubai Festival City is among the best, providing visitors with an unforgettable experience and breathtaking city views. Spread across 36 stories, the hotel has 508 beautifully designed rooms, including 121 exquisite suites. It also offers easy access to the Dubai Festival City Mall, home to the renowned IMAGINE water, laser, light, fire extravaganza, and over 500 retail outlets. The Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City is another well-liked lodging option in Dubai Festival City. This nonsmoking hotel provides opulent lodging with unparalleled views of the skyline of Dubai. It has direct access to the Festival City Mall and an outdoor pool.
Stay & Play Packages
Dubai Festival City offers a variety of stay-and-play packages that allow guests to enjoy the best of both worlds. For example, InterContinental. With its exquisitely designed guest rooms and suites, award-winning dining establishments, and direct access to Dubai Festival City Mall, Hotel Festival City provides an unparalleled luxury experience. Additionally, visitors can enjoy a round of golf at the neighboring Al Badia Golf Club, which has breathtaking views of Dubai’s skyline.
Dubai Festival City offers various accommodation options to suit all budgets and preferences. Whether you’re looking for a luxurious stay at the InterContinental Dubai Festival City or a more affordable option at the Crowne Plaza Dubai Festival City, you will find the perfect hotel for your needs.
Events and Activities
Dubai Festival City is a center for events and entertainment. The city hosts various events throughout the year, making it a popular destination for tourists and locals.
Annual Events
Dubai Festival City is famous for its annual events, which draw large crowds worldwide. One of the most popular events is the Dubai Festival City Mall Light and Water Show, which features a spectacular display of lights, water, and music. You are free to attend the show, and it takes place every evening.
Another popular event is the Dubai Festival City Half Marathon, which attracts worldwide runners. The marathon occurs in December and offers runners a scenic route through the city.
Family Activities
Dubai Festival City is also an excellent destination for families. The city offers many family-friendly activities, including dhow rides along Dubai Creek. These vintage wooden boats provide a distinctive approach to the town and take in the breathtaking scenery. The Dubai Festival City Mall has various entertainment options for families with little children, such as an arcade, bowling alley, and movie theater. The city has several parks and playgrounds that offer kids an enjoyable and secure place to play. Anyone looking for an exciting and pleasant vacation getaway has to visit Dubai Festival City. There is something to enjoy for everyone in the city, whether you want to explore it or attend an event.
Shopping and Leisure Amenities
Dubai Festival City is a renowned shopping and leisure destination in Dubai, offering visitors a wide range of amenities. Here are some of the shopping and leisure amenities available:
IKEA
IKEA is a well-known furniture store located at Dubai Festival City Mall. IKEA is famous for its fashionable and reasonably priced accessories, furniture, and home decor. The store’s vast showroom, which offers a variety of mattresses, couches, cookware, lighting, and other furniture and home accents, is open for guests to explore. The store also has a restaurant that serves Swedish cuisine, including meatballs and salmon dishes, at reasonable prices.
Hypermarket
Dubai Festival City Mall also features a hypermarket, which offers a range of groceries, fresh produce, and household items. The hypermarket is a one-stop shop for all your daily needs, with a wide range of products available at affordable prices. Visitors can also find various international products, including Asian, European, and American food items. The hypermarket is open from 9 am to midnight, making it convenient for visitors to shop at any time of the day.
Dubai Festival City offers a unique shopping and leisure experience with visitor amenities. Whether you’re looking for furniture, groceries, or a place to relax and unwind, Dubai Festival City has something for everyone.
Educational Facilities
Schools and Institutes
Dubai Festival City offers various educational facilities for students of all ages and aspirations. The city boasts two renowned international schools, Deira International School (DIS) and Universal American School (UAS), catering to students from FS to Year 12.
Deira International School (DIS) is a British curriculum school in the Al-Futtaim Group. The school offers a world-class international education to over 1,700 students from over 80 nationalities. DIS values the diversity of cultures and provides a warm family atmosphere that supports every child’s personal and social development. The external examination results of DIS are notably higher than those of other regional schools.
Universal American School (UAS) provides a hybrid, parallel stream, mixed, co-educational US-International Baccalaureate education for around 1030 pupils between the ages of 4 and 18 years. The school offers hard, demanding instruction that equips students for success in a world that is changing quickly. UAS provides a safe and supportive environment that fosters every student’s intellectual, social, emotional, and physical growth.
In addition to these schools, Dubai Festival City has several institutes that offer courses in various fields. These institutes allow students to pursue their interests and enhance their skills. Some of the institutes in Dubai Festival City include the Emirates Aviation University, the Dubai Institute of Design and Innovation, and the Dubai Festival City Mall’s School of Retail.
Overall, Dubai Festival City’s educational facilities provide students with a high-quality education, preparing them for success in their future endeavors.
Transportation and Connectivity
Dubai Festival City is a well-connected destination with multiple transportation options. This section will cover the location’s proximity to the airport and the available public transport options.
Proximity to Airport
Dubai Festival City is located approximately 3.5 kilometers from Dubai International Airport. Because of its proximity, it is the perfect place for guests who like to stay close to the airport. Visitors can use public transportation or a taxi to reach their destination from the airport. Going from the airport to Dubai Festival City takes ten minutes by automobile.
Public Transport Options
Dubai Festival City is well connected to other parts of the city through public transport. Visitors can use the Dubai Metro, buses, or taxis to reach their destination. The most economical and convenient form of transportation is the Dubai Metro. The Creek Metro Station is the closest to Dubai Festival City, about two kilometers away. From there, travelers can go to their destination by bus or cab.
Buses are another convenient mode of transport to reach Dubai Festival City. Visitors can take buses 44, 53, or F08 to reach the destination. The bus stops at Dubai Festival City are located near the shopping mall, making it easy for visitors to access the destination.
In conclusion, Dubai Festival City is a well-connected destination with multiple transportation options available to visitors. Its proximity to Dubai International Airport makes it ideal for travelers who want to stay close to the airport. Visitors can use the Dubai Metro, buses, or taxis to reach their destination.
Visitor Information
Weekday and Weekend Visits
Dubai Festival City is open seven days a week, with slightly longer weekend hours. The mall is open from 10 am to 10 pm Monday through Thursday, from 10 am to 1 am Fridays and Saturdays, and from 10 am to 10 pm Sundays. Guests are advised to check the mall’s website in case the operating hours are altered.
Currency and Payments
Dubai’s official currency is the UAE dirham (AED). Tourists can exchange currency in banks, exchange offices, and lodging facilities. Most stores and eateries in Dubai Festival City take major credit cards, such as American Express, Mastercard, and Visa. ATMs are also available throughout the mall for cash withdrawals.
In conclusion, Dubai Festival City offers various dining, entertainment, and retail options. The mall is conveniently open seven days a week, with longer hours on weekends. Visitors are advised to bring local currency or use their credit cards for payments, as most shops and restaurants accept major credit cards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the operating hours for Dubai Festival City Mall?
Dubai Festival City Mall’s daily hours are 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 a.m. and noon. The easiest way to stay updated about operating hours during holidays or special events is to check the mall’s official website.
What are some of the significant shops located in Dubai Festival City Mall?
Dubai Festival City Mall offers visitors various shopping options, including over 350 stores. Some of the mall’s significant shops include Ikea Dubai, Marks & Spencer, and Robinsons Department Store.
Visitors can also visit luxury labels like Gucci, Prada, and Louis Vuitton, as well as various eateries and cafes.
How can one find Dubai Festival City on a map?
Dubai Festival City is located on the eastern bank of Dubai Creek. Visitors can easily find the location on a map by searching for “Dubai Festival City” or using the mall’s official address: Dubai Festival City, Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
What ways of getting to Dubai Festival City are there?
Visitors can reach Dubai Festival City by taking public transportation, such as buses and the metro. Alternatively, visitors can also use ride-hailing services or taxis. The mall also offers complimentary shuttle services to and from select hotels.
What events are scheduled to take place in Dubai Festival City shortly?
Dubai Festival City hosts various events throughout the year, including live music performances, cultural festivals, and sporting events. For information on forthcoming events, patrons can visit the mall’s official website or social media pages.
What year was Dubai Festival City officially opened?
Dubai Festival City was officially opened in 2007. Since then, it has become a popular destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment in Dubai.
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