Things to Do Near Mall of the Emirates Metro Station (Ski Dubai & More)
Mall of the Emirates Metro station drops you at the door of Ski Dubai, the mall, and the Kempinski hotel. Step off the Red Line, walk through a covered walkway, and you are inside one of the largest malls in Dubai, with real snow, more than 600 shops, and more than 80 places to eat. Ski Dubai alone can fill a morning, and the mall can fill the rest of the day, so this guide starts at the station and ends with a plan you can copy. This guide covers the station, the mall, and the walkable area around it, so you can plan a half day or a full day without a taxi. Hours and prices were checked 11 Nov 2026, and they change, so check the venue on the day you go.
How to get to Mall of the Emirates Metro station
Mall of the Emirates station is on the Red Line in Zone 2, and a covered walkway links it to the mall. The station sits between Equiti and InsuranceMarket, on Sheikh Zayed Road in Al Barsha 1, and its code is R32. From the platform, follow the signs for the mall, cross the walkway, and you are inside, out of the heat.
Take the Red Line towards Life Pharmacy or Expo 2020 from the airport or Downtown. Take it towards Centrepoint from the Marina or Expo City. Check the destination board before you board, because the Red Line splits into two southern branches after National Paints, one to Life Pharmacy and one to Expo 2020. Both branches stop at Mall of the Emirates, so either one works.
| From | Direction | Stops | Time, estimate |
|---|---|---|---|
| DXB Terminal 1 or 3 | Towards Life Pharmacy or Expo 2020 | About 19 | About 30 to 35 minutes |
| Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall | Towards Life Pharmacy or Expo 2020 | 6 | About 15 minutes |
| Union | Towards Life Pharmacy or Expo 2020 | About 13 | About 22 minutes |
| DMCC, Marina | Towards Centrepoint | 5 | About 13 minutes |
Times above are estimates of about 2 to 3 minutes a stop, plus waiting time. The fare depends on the zones you cross, and this station is in Zone 2. From Burj Khalifa / Dubai Mall station, also in Zone 2, the trip is a one-zone fare. Check your exact fare in our Metro Fare Calculator, first and last trains in our Dubai Metro Timings guide, and the station itself in our Mall of the Emirates Metro Station guide.
Ski Dubai: skiing and snowboarding
Ski Dubai is an indoor ski slope with real snow inside Mall of the Emirates. It covers 22,500 square metres, with five runs, a chairlift, and a snowboard halfpipe, all held at below freezing temperatures. It is the main reason most visitors come to this station, and it is worth booking in advance, because weekend slots fill up.
Ski Dubai is open Mon to Thu 10am to 11pm, Fri 10am to midnight, and Sat and Sun 9am to midnight, as checked 11 Nov 2026. The last ticket is sold at 9.30pm Mon to Thu and at 10.30pm Fri to Sun. Hours change on public holidays and during Ramadan, so check skidxb.com on the day you go.
| Slope pass | Price, checked Oct 2026 | What it includes |
|---|---|---|
| 2 hours, slope | From about AED 240 | Unlimited lifts for two hours, gear rental, locker |
| Full day, slope | From about AED 340 | Unlimited slope and lifts for the day, gear rental, locker |
Prices above are the most repeated figures from operator listings checked Oct 2026, and they move by season and by booking channel. Some sources quote AED 250 and AED 365, so check the booking page before you pay.
The slope suits competent skiers and snowboarders, not first timers. You need to be able to stop, turn, and ride a chairlift on your own. Gear rental is included: skis or a snowboard, boots, a jacket and trousers. Bring your own gloves if you have them, because gloves are often extra. If you have never skied, book a lesson or start in the Snow Park instead, as covered in the next section.
Allow two hours for a slope session plus changing time. The viewing area lets non-skiers watch from behind glass. If you are short on time, the two-hour pass is the better buy, because a full day only pays off if you plan several sessions.
Snow Park, penguins and lessons for beginners
Snow Park is the no-skill way to enjoy Ski Dubai, and penguins are the star of it. You do not need to ski. You walk into the snow in warm clothing, play on the rides, and watch the penguins, all in one ticket.
Snow Park entry is from about AED 185 to AED 190, as checked Oct 2026, with higher passes adding a chairlift ride, the Mountain Thriller ride, hot chocolate, and a locker. The park includes sledging, snow zorbing, a bobsled run, and the Snow Bullet zipline on the higher passes. Children aged 2 and up can enter, and the park suits ages 2 to 12 best.
The penguins are the part children remember. The daily Penguin March lets you watch the colony walk out in a line, and the Penguin Encounter is a 40-minute guided session at about AED 230, as checked Oct 2026, which you should book ahead. It is a separate ticket, not part of the basic Snow Park pass.
If you want to learn to ski, book a lesson before you book a slope pass. A first lesson covers how to stop, how to turn, and how to ride the lift. A 60-minute lesson is a good start, and a two-hour slope pass after it lets you practise. Book the lesson for the morning, when the slope is quieter.
Shopping in Mall of the Emirates
Mall of the Emirates has more than 600 shops across three levels, so plan your route before you start. The mall opened in 2005, and it is the second largest mall in Dubai after Dubai Mall. It mixes luxury brands, high street fashion, electronics, and a large Carrefour hypermarket.
- Luxury: Harvey Nichols is the anchor department store, with designer fashion, beauty, and homeware, plus luxury brands through the Fashion Dome.
- High street: Zara, H and M, Primark, and the Inditex brands sit on the main retail floors, with Primark opening in May 2026 as its third Dubai store.
- Electronics and home: the main floors carry the big electronics and home stores.
- Groceries: Carrefour is inside the mall, with fresh food, dates, and local products, and it keeps longer hours than most shops.
Allow at least 3 to 4 hours to see the mall properly, and a full day if you add Ski Dubai. The mall is open Mon to Thu 10am to 11pm and Fri to Sun 10am to midnight, as checked 11 Nov 2026. Arrive at opening time on weekends.
A note on building work: Majid Al Futtaim announced a AED 5 billion expansion in 2025, adding about 100 new stores, targeting completion by 2028. Some areas may be hoarded off, so check the mall directory on the day you go.
Where to eat inside the mall
Mall of the Emirates has more than 80 places to eat, from food courts to sit-down restaurants with a view of the snow. You can eat for a few dirhams at a food court counter, or book a table with a view of the slope, and both are inside the same building, so you never need to leave the mall to eat.
The two food courts are the fastest choice for a group with mixed tastes. The main food court has shawarma, pizza, burgers, Asian counters, and dessert stalls, with names such as Zaatar w Zeit and Shawafel. The second food court sits near Ski Dubai. You can be in and out in 20 minutes.
- The Cheesecake Factory: big portions and a long menu, best for a group.
- Din Tai Fung: dumplings and noodles, one of the most popular tables in the mall, so book ahead.
- P. F. Changs: Asian dishes, good for sharing plates with a group.
- Shake Shack: burgers and shakes, quick and reliable.
- Karam Beirut: Lebanese food with a view of the snow slope.
For coffee, try Paul Bakery, Tim Hortons, Starbucks, or Common Grounds. The slope view restaurants, such as Karam Beirut, cost more, but the view is the point: you watch skiers while you eat. Menus and prices change, so this guide names the place and the cuisine, not the price. Book a table for dinner at weekends.
VOX Cinemas and evening entertainment
VOX Cinemas at Mall of the Emirates is the flagship VOX in Dubai, with IMAX, 4DX, GOLD and Theatre by Rhodes. It sits on Level 2, with IMAX with Laser, 4DX moving seats, GOLD luxury seating, KIDS screens, and the Theatre by Rhodes dining cinema. It hosts premieres and fan screenings, so check the listings if a big film is opening while you are in town.
Book online to pick your seat, and arrive 15 minutes early, because IMAX and 4DX sell out at weekends. The cinema runs late shows past midnight, and the seasonal Snow Cinema lets you watch a film in the snow with a blanket and a heater. Ticket prices change by film and by screen type, so check VOX showtimes on the day.
One warning matters more than the film choice: the last Metro train leaves at midnight most nights, and at 1am on Friday night. A late show that ends after midnight leaves you with a taxi, not a train. Check the last train in our Dubai Metro Timings guide before you book a late show.
Magic Planet and family fun
Magic Planet on Level 2 is the mall’s big family entertainment centre, with arcade games, rides and bowling. It is one of the largest indoor family entertainment centres in Dubai, a short walk from Ski Dubai and VOX Cinemas.
- Arcade and simulators: more than 100 arcade and video games, racing simulators, and skill games.
- Rides: bumper cars, a carousel, a small coaster, and the RoboCoaster thrill ride, plus the XD Dark Ride.
- Yalla Bowling: a 12-lane bowling alley with digital scoring, good for a family or a group of friends.
- Soft play and trampoline: a soft play park for younger children, and the Gravity trampoline park for older children and teens.
Magic Planet works on a pay as you go card, which you top up at the desk, and each game or ride deducts credits. Entry to look around is free, but the games and rides are paid, so set a budget before you start. Allow 1 to 3 hours, and go in the morning for the quietest time. Hours and card prices change, so check Magic Planet on the day you go.
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates
Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates is a five-star hotel joined directly to the mall, with rooms that look onto the ski slope. It is the closest hotel to the station, about a five-minute walk through the mall, and it is the easiest base if Ski Dubai and shopping are the point of your stay.
The hotel has about 350 rooms and suites, and its Aspen Chalets overlook the indoor ski slope. Other rooms face the city or the pool, so do not book expecting a slope view unless you ask for it. Room rates change daily, so this guide gives no rate: check the Kempinski site for your dates.
- Aspen Cafe: international food and afternoon tea, good for a break between shops.
- Salero Tapas and Bodega: Spanish tapas and paella, best for a shared dinner.
- Olea: Levantine food, with mezze and grills to share.
- Vera Versilia: Italian food by the pool.
You do not need to stay at the hotel to eat there. The restaurants welcome non-resident guests, and advance booking is recommended for dinner. Book Salero for a shared dinner, or Aspen for afternoon tea. The Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel has Besh Turkish Kitchen and the rooftop OAnjo.
Al Barsha food outside the mall
Al Barsha outside the mall is one of the best value food areas in Dubai, with a restaurant on almost every street. Step out of the mall and into Al Barsha 1, and the prices drop, the portions stay big, and the choice runs from Lebanese to Pakistani, Chinese, Thai, and seafood. Most places are a short walk from the mall.
- Nom Nom Asia: Chinese, Thai, and Asian dishes, popular with residents for a quick dinner.
- Griller: grilled meats and kebabs, a local favourite for a filling meal.
- Mr Crab: seafood, with crab and sharing platters, best for a group.
- Spinzer: Pakistani and Indian food, with curries and grills at local prices.
- Foul W Hummus: Lebanese dishes, with foul, hummus, and breakfast plates.
Most of these places are in Al Barsha 1, within a 5 to 10 minute walk of the mall, but Al Barsha is a whole area, not a single street, and some restaurants need a short taxi ride. Go early, because the popular places fill up, and check the restaurant is still open on the day you go. Menus and prices change, so this guide names the place and the cuisine, not the price.
Al Barsha Pond Park and a free outdoor break
Al Barsha Pond Park is a free green break about 10 to 20 minutes on foot from the station. It sits in Al Barsha 2, near Al Barsha Mall, around a large pond with a 1.5 km rubberised jogging track, shaded trees, play areas, and fitness stations. It is the nearest free outdoor space to this station, and it is the best place to add fresh air to a mall day.
Walk, jog, or cycle the track around the pond, use the fitness stations, or let children use the play areas. The full loop takes about 30 to 45 minutes on foot. Bring water, and go early or late in the day, when the heat is lowest.
The walk from the station is reported as 10 to 15 minutes in some sources and 20 to 30 minutes in others, so a short taxi ride is the easier choice in summer. Do not walk in midday summer heat. The park is free to enter, and hours are reported as 8am to 11pm, but check on the day.
Day trips from this station: Marina, Palm and Miracle Garden
Mall of the Emirates station is a good base for the Marina, the Palm, and Dubai Miracle Garden in season. You do not need a taxi for the first two, and the garden is one bus ride away. Plan the mall for the morning, and the second stop for the afternoon.
Dubai Marina and JBR
Take the Red Line towards Centrepoint for 5 stops to DMCC, about 13 minutes, then change to the Dubai Tram towards Jumeirah Beach Residence. Allow about 30 minutes door to door. The Tram takes a nol fare.
Palm Jumeirah
Take the Red Line to Sobha Realty or DMCC, then the Tram to Palm Jumeirah station, then the Monorail onto the Palm. The Monorail is not on nol, so it needs its own ticket.
Check the Palm Monorail on the day. Sources conflict on whether the Monorail is running, so check palmmonorail.com before you travel, and do not rely on a Monorail fare quoted in any guide.
Dubai Miracle Garden, in season
Dubai Miracle Garden is open for Season 15 from 8 Oct 2026 to 31 May 2027, and it closes over the summer. Take RTA bus 105 from Mall of the Emirates station to the garden, or take a taxi. The garden is open 9am to 9pm daily. Adult tickets are about AED 100 plus VAT, child tickets about AED 80 plus VAT, so about AED 105 and AED 84 in total, as checked Oct 2026, with lower rates for UAE residents, and free entry for children under 3. Allow 2 to 3 hours.
Half day plan: Ski Dubai, lunch and shopping
A half day at Mall of the Emirates works best as ski first, lunch second, and shopping or cinema last. Ski in the morning, when the slope is quieter, eat while you are still in the mall, and shop or watch a film in the afternoon. The plan below starts at the Metro and ends at the Metro, with no taxi.
- 10am: arrive at Mall of the Emirates station, walk through the covered walkway, and head to Ski Dubai. Book a two-hour slope pass or a Snow Park ticket in advance.
- 10.15am to 12.15pm: ski, snowboard, or play in the Snow Park. Allow extra time for changing.
- 12.30pm: lunch in the mall. Pick a food court for speed, or Karam Beirut for a slope view.
- 1.30pm to 3.30pm: shop the main floors, starting with the shops on your list. Stop for coffee at Paul or Common Grounds.
- 3.30pm to 5.30pm: Magic Planet with children, or VOX Cinemas for a film.
- 5.30pm: walk back through the covered walkway to the station, and check the last train before you leave the mall.
| Item | Cost, checked 11 Nov 2026 |
|---|---|
| Metro, one zone, Silver | AED 3 each way |
| Ski Dubai, 2 hour slope pass | From about AED 240 |
| Snow Park entry, instead of the slope | From about AED 185 to AED 190 |
| Lunch, food court | About AED 30 to AED 60 per person |
The table above is a guide, not a fixed total. Ski Dubai prices move by season, so check skidxb.com on the day. If time runs short, drop the cinema and keep the ski and the lunch.
Practical tips: fares, timings and what to bring
Mall of the Emirates station is in Zone 2, so most trips from here cost a one-zone or two-zone fare. A one-zone trip costs AED 3 on Silver and AED 6 on Gold. A two-zone trip costs AED 5 on Silver and AED 10 on Gold. A QR single costs AED 6 for one zone and AED 8 for two zones in Regular class, plus an AED 2 fee per transaction. Fares were checked 11 Nov 2026. See our Metro Fares and NOL Hub for the full table.
Metro hours are Mon to Thu and Sat 5am to midnight, Fri 5am to 1am, and Sun 8am to midnight. Check the Dubai Metro Timings guide before a late film or dinner. There is no automatic daily fare cap on the RTA Nol Fares page. A day pass expires at midnight on the day you first use it.
- Wear warm layers for Ski Dubai, and bring gloves and warm socks. Gear rental is included, but gloves are often extra.
- Keep luggage light. The mall is easier on foot with a small bag.
- Buy your Ski Dubai ticket online, and buy your Metro ticket before you reach the gate.
- Go early on weekends. The mall and Ski Dubai get crowded by lunchtime.
- Save the station name on your phone, so you can find your way back to the right platform.
Frequently asked questions
The answers below use the same facts as the sections above, checked 11 Nov 2026.
Is Mall of the Emirates Metro station directly connected to the mall?
Yes, a covered, air-conditioned walkway links Mall of the Emirates station directly to the mall. Follow the signs for Mall of the Emirates from the platform, cross the walkway, and you are inside the mall in a few minutes, with no need to go outside in the heat. The same walkway takes you back to the station at the end of your visit, and it also links the station to the Kempinski hotel.
How much is a Ski Dubai ticket?
A two-hour slope pass is from about AED 240 and a full day slope pass is from about AED 340, as checked Oct 2026. Snow Park entry is from about AED 185 to AED 190, and the Penguin Encounter is about AED 230 for 40 minutes. Gear rental is included in the slope pass. Prices move by season and by booking channel, so check skidxb.com before you book, and book online to lock in your slot.
Can I ski at Ski Dubai if I have never skied before?
No, not on the main slope, which is for competent skiers and snowboarders who can stop, turn, and ride a chairlift alone. If you have never skied, start in the Snow Park, which needs no skill, or book a lesson first. A lesson covers the basics, and a slope pass after the lesson lets you practise what you learned.
How long should I allow for Mall of the Emirates?
Allow 3 to 4 hours for the mall alone, and a full day if you add Ski Dubai. A half day works as ski first, lunch second, and shopping or cinema last, as set out in the half day plan above. Arrive at opening time on weekends, because the mall gets crowded by lunchtime, and allow extra time for changing after Ski Dubai.
What is the Metro fare from Mall of the Emirates station?
It depends on the zones you cross. This station is in Zone 2, so a one-zone trip costs AED 3 on Silver and AED 6 on Gold, and a two-zone trip costs AED 5 on Silver and AED 10 on Gold, as checked 11 Nov 2026. A QR single costs AED 6 for one zone and AED 8 for two zones in Regular class, plus an AED 2 fee per transaction. Check the Fare Calculator for your exact trip.
Can I get to the Palm or the Marina from this station?
Yes, take the Red Line to DMCC, about 13 minutes, then the Dubai Tram to the Marina and JBR. For the Palm, take the Tram to Palm Jumeirah station, then the Monorail onto the Palm. The Monorail is not on nol, so it needs its own ticket, and you must check palmmonorail.com on the day, because sources conflict on whether it is running. Allow about 30 minutes to the Marina, including the change.
This guide was written 2026-11-11. Hours and prices were checked the same day. See also our Dubai Metro Timings guide.
