If you grew up in the UAE, you’ll remember the hype! Back when malls were just malls, Ibn Battuta Mall arrived and changed the game. A 1 km-long shopping destination themed like a world tour? I still remember being wide-eyed and giddy walking in for the first time. Strolling from Egypt to India to China, beneath the soft glow of lanterns and sky-painted ceilings. It looked like something straight out of a fairytale! Let’s also not forget the surreal feeling of trotting from country to country, all in one afternoon. It wasn’t just shopping – it was travelling, stargazing, and dreaming wide awake, all under one roof. Two whole decades of cultural immersion, quirky adventures, and weekend memories later, Ibn Battuta Mall is celebrating its milestone birthday (the big 2-0) the only way it knows how – big, bold, and full of wonder. And to mark the occasion? It’s giving you the chance to go from mall explorer to real-life globetrotter – with 20 FULLY PAID dream holidays up for grabs. Psst…did you know that you could win a trip by just doing what you already love? Yep, shopping!
Destination, Destination, Destination!
This isn’t your basic weekend escape. We’re talking four nights and five days of travel bliss, with curated itineraries to match. From April 21 to May 10, one lucky shopper every single day will win a trip to one of the countries that inspired Ibn Battuta’s legendary courts: China, India, or Egypt. That’s 20 lucky winners, jetting off to experience the cultures that brought the mall to life. You’ve walked through Ibn Battuta – now it’s your chance to be Ibn Battuta and fuel your wanderlust.
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Here’s How to Enter (Spoiler: It’s Super Easy)
All you need to do is shop at Ibn Battuta Mall during the promo period. Spend AED 200 or more and register at any information desk or with the friendly roaming promoters across the mall. And boom – you’re in the draw. The more you shop, the higher your chances of jetting off on that dream vacay.
Oh, and did we mention? Each entry also comes with a free 20th Anniversary cookie. A sweet treat for a sweet deal!
So, Where’s The Birthday Party?
I know that you’re thinking, what’s a birthday without a party? And that’s why Ibn Battuta is going all out by throwing an out-of-this-world birthday bash. On weekends from April 21 to May 10 (Friday to Sunday, 5 PM – 10 PM), the mall transforms into a vibrant cultural carnival – yup, something like a mini world expo right in the heart of Dubai. Think Chinese Face Changing performances, traditional Indian and Egyptian dances, and awe-inspiring performances representing Persia, Tunisia, and Andalusia.
A Legacy of Discovery, Now Celebrated
Ibn Battuta Mall is undoubtedly the world’s largest themed shopping mall, and a true Dubai icon. For 20 years, it’s been blending history, culture, and entertainment into a one-of-a-kind retail adventure. Inspired by the travels of the legendary Ibn Battuta, every court – from Egypt’s grand halls to China’s lantern-lit paths – immerses visitors in another world.
Fareed Abdelrahman, Managing Director of Retail Destinations at Dubai Holding Asset Management, puts it best: “Ibn Battuta Mall, a key asset within this portfolio, has been a pioneer in the region’s retail sector since 2005, offering one of the most iconic and experiential shopping environments. As we celebrate 20 years, our commitment remains centered on driving innovation and sustainable growth, while creating immersive experiences that celebrate culture, discovery and entertainment.”
Since its grand opening in 2005, Ibn Battuta Mall has welcomed over 211 million visitors, earning its place as a go-to spot for shopping, dining, and family fun. It’s also home to long-standing brands like Emirates NBD, Rivoli, Swarovski, Fitness First, and more – names that have journeyed with the mall since day one.
So whether you’re chasing deals, memories, or plane tickets, there’s never been a better time to visit Ibn Battuta Mall. Your dream destination? It might just be a shopping trip away!
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