BurJuman Mall at a Glance: Why It Still Matters in Modern Dubai
In a city known for record-breaking malls and futuristic retail experiences, BurJuman Mall stands apart—not because it is the biggest, but because it is one of the most historically influential shopping destinations in Dubai. Opened in 1991, BurJuman helped define modern retail culture in Bur Dubai long before Downtown Dubai or Dubai Marina existed as global landmarks.
Strategically located in Al Mankhool, Bur Dubai, directly above BurJuman Metro Station, the mall continues to serve as a vital lifestyle hub for residents, office workers, and travelers navigating Old Dubai’s commercial and cultural corridor. Its evolution mirrors Dubai’s urban growth—from a compact retail center to a 2.8 million sq ft mixed-use development integrating shopping, offices, residences, and hospitality.
As aboutdubai.online, a trusted Dubai travel and lifestyle resource, this guide explores BurJuman Mall not just as a shopping center—but as an urban landmark embedded in Dubai’s economic, transit, and cultural ecosystem.
A Brief History of BurJuman Mall: From Retail Pioneer to Urban Anchor

The Early Years (1991–2001)
BurJuman’s North Wing opened on 5 November 1991, making it one of Dubai’s earliest modern malls. At the time, it introduced:
- Air-conditioned retail promenades
- International fashion brands
- Structured mall parking
This marked a shift from traditional souks toward Western-style retail environments in Bur Dubai.
Expansion & Transformation (2002–2007)
In 2002, owner and developer Al Ghurair Group announced a AED 500 million expansion, reshaping BurJuman into a mixed-use complex:
- South Wing Mall (opened 2007)
- BurJuman Business Tower (30 storeys)
- BurJuman Residence, designed by Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF)
- Hotel apartments (later BurJuman Arjaan by Rotana)
By 2007, retail space expanded from 500,000 sq ft to 800,000 sq ft, positioning BurJuman as a premium shopping destination in Old Dubai.
Renovation & Modernization (2011–2014)
To remain competitive, BurJuman underwent major renovations:
- Addition of a fourth floor cinema complex
- Expanded family entertainment zone
- Food court doubled in size
- Direct connection to Pavilion Gardens in the South Wing
- Carrefour Hypermarket opened in August 2014 (5,780 sqm)
The total retail area was projected to reach 1 million sq ft, aligning the mall with contemporary retail standards.
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The Heart of Bur Dubai
Address:
Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Al Mankhool, Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE
BurJuman Mall sits at the intersection of:
- Residential neighborhoods (Al Mankhool, Al Karama)
- Commercial districts
- Heritage zones (Meena Bazaar, Al Fahidi Historical District)
This positioning makes it especially attractive for:
- Long-term residents
- Office professionals
- Budget-conscious travelers
- Medical tourists visiting nearby clinics
Metro Connectivity & RTA Integration
One of BurJuman’s defining advantages is its direct integration with BurJuman Metro Station, a major interchange for:
- Red Line
- Green Line
Formerly named Khalid Bin Al Waleed Station, it was officially renamed under Dubai RTA’s Naming Rights Initiative in 2012—reinforcing the mall’s role in Dubai’s transit-oriented development strategy.
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Mall Layout & Facilities: Designed for Everyday Convenience
BurJuman is structured around North and South Wings, unified through renovations that improved walkability and zoning.
Accessibility & Services
- Wheelchair-accessible entrances and restrooms
- Baby changing facilities
- Free Wi-Fi throughout the mall
- ATMs and currency exchange services
- NFC, debit, and credit card payments accepted
Parking
- Free parking for first 3 hours
- Additional 3 hours free for cinema guests
- Overnight parking prohibited
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Shopping at BurJuman Mall: From High-Street to Heritage Luxury
With 300+ retail stores, BurJuman offers a balanced retail mix rather than ultra-luxury exclusivity.
Fashion & Accessories
Popular brands include:
- H&M
- Max Fashion
- LC Waikiki
- Giordano
- Aldo
- Charles & Keith
- Steve Madden
- Victoria’s Secret
Jewelry and watch retailers cater to Dubai’s gold-buying culture, particularly appealing to visitors from South Asia and the GCC.
Electronics & Home
- Sharaf DG
- Emax
- Home Box
Supermarket Anchor
- Carrefour Hypermarket (North Wing)
A key draw for residents, offering groceries, electronics, and household essentials under one roof.
Dining Experience: Casual, International, and Family-Friendly
BurJuman houses 40+ restaurants and cafés, reflecting Dubai’s multicultural population.
Restaurants
- The Cheesecake Factory
- P.F. Chang’s
- Shake Shack
Cafés
- Paul Café
- Starbucks
- Tim Hortons
- Caribou Coffee
Food Court
Located on the upper level, the food court focuses on:
- Fast food
- Asian cuisine
- Middle Eastern staples
It is especially popular with families, students, and office workers from nearby commercial towers.
Entertainment & Community Spaces
Cinema & Family Entertainment
- Multiplex cinema (VOX Cinema access benefits)
- Magic Planet family entertainment center
- Arcade games and VR experiences
- Dedicated children’s play areas
Community Engagement
- B Hub community space
- Seasonal events (National Day, Ramadan, Eid, holiday activations)
These features help BurJuman function as a community mall, not just a retail venue.
Surrounding Developments: Living & Working Around BurJuman
BurJuman Business Tower
- 30-storey commercial tower
- One of the tallest buildings in Bur Dubai
- Houses corporate offices and professional services
BurJuman Residence
- 80 duplex apartments
- Townhouses and penthouses
- Gym, swimming pool, underground parking
Hospitality Evolution
- BurJuman Arjaan by Rotana (now closed)
- Redevelopment into BurJuman Vista, transitioning toward residential use—reflecting changing real estate demand in Bur Dubai.
Is BurJuman Mall Worth Visiting Today?
Yes—especially if you want a practical, authentic Dubai mall experience. While it may not compete with Dubai Mall in scale, BurJuman excels in:
- Accessibility
- Everyday shopping
- Cultural diversity
- Central location
It remains one of the most efficient malls in Dubai for residents and transit users.
Future Outlook: BurJuman’s Role in Old Dubai’s Revival
As Dubai invests in revitalizing historic districts and promoting 15-minute city concepts, BurJuman is positioned to:
- Serve transit-oriented communities
- Support mixed-use urban living
- Complement heritage tourism in Bur Dubai
Its continued upgrades ensure relevance in an evolving retail landscape.
FAQs
What is BurJuman Mall famous for?
BurJuman Mall is famous for being one of Dubai’s oldest modern shopping malls, its direct metro connectivity, and its role as a lifestyle hub in Bur Dubai.
What stores are in BurJuman Mall?
The mall features over 300 stores, including H&M, Max Fashion, Carrefour, Sharaf DG, Aldo, and Victoria’s Secret.
Is BurJuman Mall worth visiting?
Yes. It’s ideal for practical shopping, dining, and entertainment—especially if you’re staying in Bur Dubai or using the metro.
What is Dubai’s biggest shopping mall?
The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in Dubai and the world by total area.
Explore More with aboutdubai.online
For deeper insights into Dubai’s malls, neighborhoods, and lifestyle hubs, explore related guides on aboutdubai.online—your reliable guide for navigating Dubai’s urban landscape with clarity, context, and cultural depth.
