THE DUBAI MALL
The Dubai Mall has its own man-less Metro stop. The long elevated, glass enclosed walk way in from the station enables many views of the Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. Standing even momentarily in the windowed sun looking up, one cannot image how the workers completed the job with no shade at that height and with the intense temperatures. An unexpected pleasure here is how beautiful the call to prayer sounds echoing through the passageway and into the atrium of the mall.
On entry is the Elephant Parade, a charming paper-mache elephant shop, each colorful creature has its own story conveyed in its design. For example, one had his foot blasted off by a ground mine, but wears a special boot created by his Rescuers. Offered in three different sizes, prices begin at about $30. A good Christmas gift, the purchase also supports elephant conservation.
Once inside, it's useful to study the map for a few minutes. In addition to the anchor tourist sites (the Aquarium, Skating Rink and Waterfall), there is the upper floor of kids wear and the middle section is essentially for men (electronics, telecommunications and other gadget stores). It should be noted that I was not impressed with the Middle Eastern version of Best Buy. I was looking for a replacement camera, and none of the multiple attendants could do anything more than wander through the aisles looking at the cameras that were out on stands, before concluding that they do not carry the one I was looking for.
The outer wings of the mall are literally a fashion walk. Bloomingdales does itself proud with a black and white checked entrance way marking its prominence. One actually has to walk through the store to get to the other half of the fashion walk.
So, where does a Fashionista from New York City shop when faced with 1000 stores in the largest Mall in the world?
The Galeries Lafayette for starters. The upmarket French department store offers its own brand as well as some more moderately priced new designers. It was good for prior purchases in Paris and Berlin, and it was here again in Dubai. Although its space in the Dubai Mall is not as spectacular as in Europe, its inner displays and wears do not disappoint. With the purchase of a plaid Karen Millen bodice came the discovery that the US dollar conversion rate was particularly good at the outset of November 2014. A conversion of 3.6 Dirham to 1 dollar would have estimated the purchase as $135, but the actual conversion came to $97.
As one can imagine, there is every conceivable store in the mall. All the expected low end American brands are present (H&M, Express, The Gap etc.), none worth perusing. And, moderately priced brands abound (i.e. DKNY, Kate Spade) but no sales were to be had. Relative to European brands, Amsterdam Couture was of some interest (in part because there is no All Saints in the mall). Also, Dune’s of London offered a mid-point ($130) pair of traditional pink patent leather pumps; for wearing with boyfriend jeans in the Spring. There were no finds relative to local brands. However, there were several lovely Indian and Middle Eastern couture boutiques worth a walk through, for the sheer enjoyment of the rare bejeweled garments.
But, the real show stopper was the Shoe District. In the lower level, hidden inside of the Souk, which is largely a set of fine jewelry stores, is the Shoe District. Upon discovery one can only exclaim, “how come I didn’t know about this?” A retrospective review of on line articles indicates that the District is run by an unknown management company as a concept store. It is aptly referred to as “Shoe Heaven”.
The Shoe District is easily 5 or 6 times the size of the shoe lounge at Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan and is just as magnificently appointed. This writer seriously debated dropping a Grand there. Seduced by United Nude, the potential purchases included a 3-D print plastic crystal pump with a removable black ankle strap, and a high heel gray boot with a ski boot like thick plastic wrap over a diamond print vinyl; fresh and funky. Coming to my sense, when the sales person suggested the vinyl may not be water proof, I settled for a $138 pair of multi-color beaded ethnic flat sandals from CB Fusion. I left without finishing the tour of the District for fear that the temptation would be too great.
So, where does a Fashionista from New York City shop in the Dubai Mall, the largest mall in the world? The Shoe District.
Online there are references to the mall fashion police who will put you out for showing your shoulders or knees. This traveler wore Maxi dresses with short jackets, and pajama paint rompers with slouchy blazers. But in the mall, there were many offenders, and no Guardians to be seen. The lack of patrolling was almost disappointing. One can go to any major city in the world and see badly dressed tourists.
The multi-plex cimema, arcade and skating rink are only worth seeing if one has kids. The aquarium is attractive and there is a respectable French bistro, Markette across from it, if one wants to sit and watch for a while. Or better yet, before readying to exit the mall, have a coffee at the Armani Café or Fauchoun Le Café in the middle of the Fashion Circle and admire the artful windows of the world’s best; Gucci, Dior, Channel, Fendi, Mosscino, Versace, Dolce and Gabanna, the intoxicating fashion parade goes on and on.
Out the side door, near what an American would call the food court (which here is a series of sprawling restaurants and booth and stands), and next to the entry to the elevators to the top of the Burj Khalifa are the Dubai Fountains. The UAE has made a lake (because after all an ocean front is not sufficient) with a promenade behind the largest mall and the tallest building in the world. At timed intervals the fountains with lights projected on them dance to romantic Arabian music. It truly is a dreamy show.
Although the building is right there, one cannot get to the Burj Khalifa from the promenade. But on that side of the mall, near the gorgeous waterfall with the silver diving men flying next to projections of the UAE flag, is the malls huge, highly efficient indoor taxi stand. In a matter of a few moments, the taxi’s whisk you away, down the lighted palm tree lined streets of Emaar Square.
Fall 2014