In a relatively new urban-scape that lacks historical monuments and significant landmarks of architectural merit such as Dubai, the function of the mall becomes doubly important. Not only is it an environment for shopping, entertainment and social interaction, but it also becomes a landmark that lends a recognisable face to the topography of the city. This is also why themed malls work so well. They become comprehensive destinations of aesthetic appeal that tell a far more interesting story than a mere shopping spree.
Picture a North African marketplace beneath magnificent blue skies: A crashed vessel run aground on the shores of China's Calicut Harbour: Intricate hieroglyphic friezes adorning the walls of medieval Cairo. With all these features, you could be forgiven for thinking you'd stepped back in time.
Ibn Battuta Mall is perhaps the most remarkable addition to Dubai's retail landscape. Aside from offering new shopping and entertainment experiences, the mall captures the imagination of shoppers by transporting them back into a bygone era.
A mini lesson in history, Ibn Battuta emblemises a quintessentially Arabian heritage story. From Arabic wind towers, to Indian domes, the exhilarating theme of the mall is a testament to the life Ibn Battuta, a globetrotter who travelled the world nearly 700 years ago in search of knowledge and excitement. Setting off at 21, his journey covered almost 30 years, with his accounts recorded for time eternal in Ibn Juzay's book The Rihla.
Ibn Battuta Mall traces six elaborately themed courts - Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China. The six courts are designed to reflect the architecture of the region in the 14th century, providing a novel experience to visitors with their original design and style. Each of the themed destinations in the mall has a separate entrance and is connected in a continuous beat.
The distinctive architecture, 16-outlet Food Court, unique Restaurant Court, and huge 21- screen Megaplex, including the UAE's first IMAX theatre, have provided an attractive lure to the millions of visitors who have already poured through the mall's doors.
From global department stores, to small boutiques, Ibn Battuta Mall currently houses more than 275 tenancies, 50 of which are new brands to the UAE and many of whom are familiar international brands.
A major attraction is the 25- meter long Chinese Junk located in China Court, a replica of the ship that Ibn Battuta sailed across the Indian Ocean. Inside the ship, stateof- the-art technology has been used to create a 3D virtual aquarium in which visitors can observe marine life ranging from different schools of fish to Great White sharks.
Combining retail, entertainment, restaurants and family activities all within a uniquely themed environment that is designed to reflect the eclectic mix of various heritages and cosmopolitan lifestyle - Ibn Battuta Mall represents the very essence of Dubai.