Wafi City | Dubai

Wafi City in Oud Metha is one of Dubai's most distinctive malls, designed around the look of ancient Egypt. Wafi Mall opened in 1991 and today holds more than 250 shops, restaurants and cafes. Giant pharaoh statues on sandstone facades, Egyptian columns and glass pyramids set the scene from the moment you arrive. Inside, the pyramid-shaped stained-glass skylights, decorated with scenes of mosques and landmarks from across the Islamic world, are the real showstoppers. Khan Murjan is a traditional souk of stone arches and lanterns, lined with stalls selling handicrafts, carpets, jewellery and spices, and its Middle Eastern restaurants and cafes draw a loyal crowd. Next door, the 18-storey pyramid of Raffles Dubai has become the complex's landmark. Wafi Mall is open Sunday to Thursday from 10 AM to 10 PM and Friday and Saturday from 10 AM to midnight, and entry is free. There are more than 2,500 covered parking spaces, and the nearest metro station is Dubai Healthcare City. Restaurants, the spa and the health club keep their own hours, so check the official website before you go.