Wanderlust Tales : Dubai Diaries - The tales of IBN BATTUTA - Ibn Battuta Mall
DAY 3
At a stone's throw from the Discovery Garden - we set out to this nearest mall for a quick coffee and exploration.
It is the world's largest themed mall with more than 400 outlets in six courts representing a variety of culture that traveller Ibn Battuta experienced.
You can enjoy your shopping along with the sinking in the lessons of the rich history.
MARHABBA DUBAI
TIMING:
Sunday to Wednesday: 10 am to 10 pmThursday to Saturday: 10 am to midnight
HOW TO GET HERE:
The Ibn Battuta Mall is directly connected to the Ibn Battuta Metro Station.From the Discovery Garden, there are direct metro buses running from here to the Ibn Battuta Metro Station - takes about 5 minutes and charges are about 3 AED.
You can catch a cab which would charge a minimum fare for 12-14 AED for a distance of about 2 km or so.
ADDRESS:
Sheikh Zayed Road, The Gardens
Dubai
IBN BATTUTA MALL:
Take your shopping, dining and entertainment experience to a new level. There is a full-fledged food court with over 50 restaurants and coffee shops.
Fast food chains can be found near the Tunisia Court near Carrefour, and the sit-down ones are near the China Court.
It was here that I finally tried Tim Hortons, something which my friends who have been to Canada brag about. 😋
All the modern day clothing, shoes, perfume,optical brands can be found in the mall.
Ibn Battuta was an Arabian traveller and the mall covers his extraordinary adventure dating back from June 1335. He explored the lands of India, Persia, Tunisia, Egypt and Andalusia.
Fast food chains can be found near the Tunisia Court near Carrefour, and the sit-down ones are near the China Court.
It was here that I finally tried Tim Hortons, something which my friends who have been to Canada brag about. 😋All the modern day clothing, shoes, perfume,optical brands can be found in the mall.
Ibn Battuta was an Arabian traveller and the mall covers his extraordinary adventure dating back from June 1335. He explored the lands of India, Persia, Tunisia, Egypt and Andalusia.
The courts designed are a result of influence from his travelogue.
The Ibn Battuta Mall is an architecturally and traditional rich mall - it is divided into six courts. And each court represents a specific culture.
- India Court
- China Court
- Persian Court
- Egypt Court
- Tunisia Court
- Andalusia Court
PERSIA COURT
It is believed that during the time Persia was one of the greatest centres of learning and education. The enormous dome with mosaic work and the beautiful eye grossing chandelier keeps you just glued. Just look at the effort taken to build this.The gleaming heritage of Persia.
Wonder ceiling:
INDIA COURT
It has strong imprints from the Mughal architecture based in India during the 13th century. The Indo-Islamic architecture, majestic monuments and its immense wealth during the time is signified aptly.You can see the influences from the Taj Mahal, Red Fort and the Hawa Mahal in their central dome.
It truly depicts the rich heritage and culture of India.
The Elephant Clock is a marvellous piece - every hour, the wooden carved figures, dragons of the clock come alive and move together to tell the time. It was a medieval invention by Al-Jazari, a Muslim inventor and engineer.
CHINA COURT
It symbolizes Ibn Battuta's adventurous visit to China with ships, pirates and storm being enunciated. It is all about the Imperial majestic China with a coffered ceiling with Royal motifs symbolizing happiness and prosperity.The spacious halls decked with giant dragon medallions, white marble columns are reminiscent of the gates of historic Chinese cities.
At the centre is the most seaworthy vessel of its times - a Chinese Junk.
EGYPT COURT
It is all about vibrant pharaohs, pyramids and their scriptures.The walls are given a sandstone feel with carved hieroglyphics, papyrus columns.
TUNISIA COURT
Tunisia was Ibn Battuta's first port to be visited. It was also a great hub of learning with its majestic mosques and palaces.Whitewashed walls, blue doors, stained glass work, mosaic tiles speak of the Tunisian architectural work plus the Moroccan influence.
This was the last chapter of his travelogue. It was about of art, poetry, architecture, science and learning. The lofts halls, accentuates arcs, red stone, terracotta add to the Andalusia flavour.
And this court remained unexplored by me - that was a hell lot of walking exploring and walking, now my poor set of legs had given up. No more!😖😐
MORE PICTURES:
Souvenir:This gentleman had set up a table and chair and was promoting calligraphy - Arabic and English. You had to write your name and drop it in your box and he would present you with this beautiful souvenir.
Frame-worthy!😍
PERSIA COURT
INDIA COURT
CHINA COURT
Cheers to life!!
~Journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step! 😊
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