Dubai Festival Plaza, UAE — Complete 2025 Guide

Dubai Festival Plaza isn’t just another shopping center on Sheikh Zayed Road — it’s one of Dubai’s most thoughtfully designed community malls, built for convenience, everyday living, and practical shopping. Since its opening in 2019, the mall has become the residential anchor for Jebel Ali Village, Al Furjan, Wasl Gate, Discovery Gardens, Dubai Marina, and the fast-growing neighborhoods surrounding Expo City Dubai and Dubai South.

Developed by Al-Futtaim Real Estate, Dubai Festival Plaza spans 648,000 sq. ft. and houses more than 120 stores and 40 dining outlets, including the largest IKEA in the UAE. With a focus on home furnishing, daily essentials, value shopping, wellness, and community programming, the mall fills an important niche: a lifestyle hub that people actually use every day, rather than a tourist attraction.

Its location along Sheikh Zayed Road (E11) makes it easily accessible, while the proximity to Energy Metro Station and various residential clusters gives Festival Plaza a steady flow of local shoppers. What makes this mall special is its human-friendly design — wide walkways, natural lighting, neighborhood-centric services, and dedicated spaces such as a community garden, free podcast studio, and family recreation zones.

If you’re moving into a new home, setting up your apartment, running weekly errands, or looking for a peaceful dining spot away from the city crowds, Dubai Festival Plaza is built around your lifestyle.

SHOPPING & ANCHOR STORES

Festival Plaza’s retail ecosystem revolves around home living, daily essentials, and value-focused brands — a perfect match for Dubai’s newer suburban communities.

⚡ Major Anchor Stores

IKEA – The Largest in the UAE

A landmark store within the mall, IKEA Festival Plaza includes:

• An international training hub
• 550-seat restaurant
• Smart lighting and home-planning stations
• A fully equipped warehouse
• The UAE’s first standalone IKEA Café

For new homeowners in Al Furjan or Wasl Gate, this IKEA is often the first stop after collecting house keys.

Lulu Hypermarket – Fresh Food & Everyday Essentials

The Lulu branch inside Festival Plaza is a community favorite because it’s less crowded, extremely organized, and carries:

• International groceries
• Organic produce
• Indian specialty items
• Fresh fish, meat, bakery, and ready-made meals

Affordable, spacious, and perfect for weekly shopping trips.

ACE Hardware – Home Improvement & Garden Center

ACE Festival Plaza includes:

• A garden center
• A hardware and DIY section
• Home accessories
• Café and decor area

Whether you’re fixing a shelf, upgrading your backyard, or buying tools, ACE completes the home-living ecosystem that Festival Plaza is known for.

Toys R Us

From LEGO and Hot Wheels to Barbie and board games, Toys R Us is a staple for families living in Jebel Ali or Dubai South.

Marks & Spencer

This two-level M&S store offers:

• Clothing for men, women, and children
• British household items
• Food hall
• M&S Café

A reliable choice for everyday fashion and premium snacks.

Popular Specialty Stores

Festival Plaza has a wide selection of value-friendly and lifestyle retailers, including:

• Daiso Japan – Everything from cleaning tools to crafts, starting at AED 7
• Mumuso – K-beauty, electronics, lifestyle goods
• Pan Emirates – Affordable furniture and home décor
• Kare – Contemporary home design
• Crate & Barrel – Modern furniture and accessories
• Jawhara Jewellery
• Damas – Fine jewelry and gold
• Volvo Studio Dubai
• Borders & Booktopia – Books, stationery, and educational supplies

If your lifestyle revolves around home décor, minimalism, or value shopping, Festival Plaza’s store mix is designed exactly for that.

DINING & CAFES

With over 40 restaurants, coffee shops, dessert spots, and a 500-seat food court, Dubai Festival Plaza offers a surprisingly diverse dining scene.

Notable Restaurants & Cafes

Sushi Library

A popular Japanese restaurant known for its cosy interiors and signature dishes like:

• Zebra Rolls
• Shifudo Ramen
• Calamari Rings

Perfect for casual lunches or quick sushi breaks.

Zaatar W Zeit

A staple Lebanese eatery offering manakeesh, wraps, and pizzas — ideal for family-friendly meals.

Denny’s

Famous for American comfort food:

• Pancakes
• Burgers
• Breakfast platters

Located opposite HealthHub Pharmacy.

Bhukkad Café

Indian street food with a modern twist — chaats, rolls, and quick snacks.

IKEA Restaurant & Bistro

Affordable meals with iconic Swedish favorites like meatballs, salmon dishes, and pastries.

Other Dining Options

Festival Plaza’s food court and restaurant lineup includes:

• Street Foods by Punjab Grill
• Asia Seven
• Jamaica Blue
• Tony Roma’s
• Hardees
• Cinnabon
• KFC
• Pizza Hut
• Dunkin’
• Baskin Robbins
• Tim Hortons
• Mia Mia Café

Whether you want a casual dining experience or a quick coffee during errands, the mall offers reliable variety.

ENTERTAINMENT, SPORTS & WELLNESS

Festival Plaza’s entertainment model focuses on active living, children’s enrichment, and community engagement.

Champs Sports Club – The Largest In-Mall Sports Facility in Dubai

Covering 42,000 sq. ft., Champs includes:

• A full gym
• 2.5 basketball courts
• Padel tennis court
• Cycling studio
• Multiple fitness rooms
• Healthy food bar

It’s the go-to fitness center for residents of Al Furjan and Jebel Ali Village.

Stay & Play

A supervised children’s play area offering:

• Soft play
• Creative activities
• Holiday workshops

Ideal for families who want safe and interactive entertainment.

Global Art, Rose Ballet, and Little Gym

These educational and artistic activity centers offer:

• Drawing classes
• Dance lessons
• Fitness and motor-skill activities for kids

Perfect for after-school enrichment.

The Chillout Zone

A casual recreation space with:

• Giant Jenga
• Chess
• Foosball
• Video games

Popular with teens and young adults.

The Plaza Pod — Festival Plaza Podcast Studio

A unique, free-to-use podcast room offering professional recording equipment:

• iPhone Pro 14 Max
• Tripods
• Wireless mic system
• Phottix lighting

All you need is your Emirates ID to book a session.

Festival Plaza’s dedication to creativity makes it one of the most community-oriented malls in Dubai.

SERVICES & FACILITIES

Festival Plaza isn’t just about shopping — it’s built for convenience and everyday functionality.

Key Amenities

• Prayer rooms
• Free Wi-Fi
• Valet parking
• Ample free parking
• Community book club
• Wheelchair access
• Baby changing rooms
• Customer service desks

Healthcare & Pharmacy Services

You’ll find several medical care options inside the mall:

• HealthHub Clinic – General medicine, pediatrics, dental
• Life Pharmacy
• Ayur Vaidya Spa & Wellness
• Plaza Community Pharmacy
• Lutetia Clinic

Perfect for quick consultations or prescriptions.

LOCATION, TRANSPORT & ACCESSIBILITY

Exact Location

Dubai Festival Plaza
Jebel Ali, Wasl Gate – Sheikh Zayed Road (E11)

Metro Access

The mall is 700 meters from Energy Metro Station (Red Line).
A short walk or quick ride makes it convenient for non-drivers.

Free Shuttle Buses

Festival Plaza operates free shuttles connecting key residential communities and nearby metro stations.

Parking

• Extensive free parking
• Dedicated family parking
• Valet service

FAQ SECTION

What are the opening hours of Dubai Festival Plaza?

• General Mall:
  Monday–Thursday: 10 AM – 10 PM
  Friday–Sunday: 10 AM – 12 AM
• Lulu Hypermarket:
  8 AM – 12 AM
• Restaurants:
  10 AM – 12 AM
• Champs Sports Club:
  6 AM – 11 PM on weekdays, 8 AM – 10 PM on weekends

What is special about Dubai Festival Plaza?

Its unique mix of home-focused retailers, the largest IKEA in the UAE, community programs, and convenient location make it an everyday lifestyle hub.

Are there entertainment options at Festival Plaza?

Yes — including Champs Sports Club, Stay & Play, Global Art, The Plaza Pod podcast studio, community events, and workshops.

Is it worth visiting if you live in Dubai Marina or JLT?

Absolutely. The mall offers quiet dining, practical shopping, and easy parking — a refreshing alternative to busier malls.

How far is Festival Plaza from Dubai Airport?

Approximately 35–40 minutes depending on traffic.

Which brands are cheaper in Dubai Festival Plaza?

IKEA, Daiso, Mumuso, and some Lulu Hypermarket imports tend to offer very competitive prices.

Is Dubai Festival City the same as Dubai Festival Plaza?

No —
Dubai Festival City Mall is near Dubai Creek.
Dubai Festival Plaza is in Jebel Ali.