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Ibn Batuta Mall

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Overlander
Overlander
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4 out of 5
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Ibn Batuta Mall

  • December 2, 2005
  • Rated 4 of 5 by Overlander from Muscat, Oman
Ibn Batuta Mall

Ibn Batuta Mall, named for a legendary 14th-century Arab traveler, is (I think) the latest of a whole string of spectacular shopping malls that have sprung up all over Dubai. This kilometer-long complex encloses a series of "courts," each themed to reflect major destinations visited by the old traveler over the course of 29 eventful years. There is not a little Vegas in the overall concept and design; indeed, I suspect the local financier who first conceived of the place must have spent a whole lot of time on the Strip and especially at the Venetian. (See photos below)

The shops in the mall tend to be high-end: Gucci, Versace, Swarowski, and Patek Phillippe are all represented, though there are a few "anchor" department stores such as BHS (British Home Stores) that offer goods sought by the hoi-polloi. That said, to my mind it's more of a sight-seeing than a shopping experience.

In many ways, the best thing about the place is that it's a mecca for people-watching: you see people from absolutely everywhere and every economic class wandering about. Those with money, shop; those without, gawk at the opulence of the surroundings. All in all, it's a nifty place to visit if you've come to see the Burj Al-Arab and the beach.

As for those courts, they are decorated in Chinese, Indian, Persian, Tunisian, Egyptian and Andalucian styles. They've gone to the extent of commissioning an exact replica of the famous lion fountain from Spain's Alhambra Palace, not to mention a 10-meter elephant clock complete with howdah and mahout as well as a full-sized Chinese junk!

From journal Dubai: Hong Kong Wannabe

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