If you’re in Dubai and looking for a massive shopping experience just 25 minutes away, Safari Mall Sharjah deserves a spot on your list. Whether you want to explore the largest hypermarket in the UAE, browse a glittering Gold Souq, or simply enjoy a budget-friendly family outing, this mall has it all. This guide covers everything you need to know before you go.
Table of Contents
What is Safari Mall?
Safari Mall is the flagship retail destination of the Safari Group, located in the heart of Sharjah’s Muwaileh area. Spanning over 1.2 million square feet across a Basement, Ground Floor, and 2 upper levels, it is one of the largest shopping malls in the Northern Emirates. At its core sits the Safari Hypermarket — the largest hypermarket in the UAE — making it a one-stop destination for groceries, electronics, fashion, furniture, and much more.
For Dubai residents and tourists, it’s a surprisingly easy day trip that offers a very different vibe from the glam of Downtown Dubai malls.
Where is Safari Mall? How to Reach from Dubai
Safari Mall is located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), near Emirates Road, Muwaileh, Sharjah.
By Car: From Dubai, take the E311 (Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road) toward Sharjah. The drive from most Dubai areas takes roughly 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Reaching Muwaileh is straightforward, and the mall is well-signposted from the main road.
By Public Bus: If you prefer public transport, head to Al Nahda area in Dubai, which connects to Sharjah bus services. From there, buses run toward Muwaileh Sharjah. Make sure your Nol Card is topped up before you leave — the RTA Nol card works across Dubai routes, and Sharjah buses accept it too. Check our complete Dubai Transport Guide for updated route information.
Safari Mall Opening Hours & Timings 2025
| Day | Opening Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday – Thursday | 8:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| Friday – Saturday | 8:00 AM – 1:00 AM |
Note: Hours may vary on public holidays and during Ramadan. Individual restaurants and entertainment zones may have different timings.
Top Things to Do at Safari Mall
1. Safari Hypermarket — The UAE’s Largest
The main attraction is undeniably the Safari Hypermarket, and it lives up to the hype. With daily arrivals of fresh produce, an enormous textile section, electronics, household items, and imported goods from around the world, this is where locals come for serious shopping. Prices are generally more affordable compared to Dubai’s mainstream hypermarkets, which makes it especially popular with budget-conscious shoppers and families.
2. Gold Souq — A Mini Jewellery Bazaar
One of Safari Mall’s most unique features is its dedicated Gold Souq, which brings together over nine gold and jewellery stores under one roof. You’ll find renowned names like Kalyan Jewellers, Joyalukkas, and Suha Gold & Diamonds alongside silver and diamond shops. It feels like a traditional gold market but with the comfort of air conditioning and modern surroundings — a real gem (literally) that most tourists overlook.
3. Kids Fun House (Green Park)
Families with children will appreciate the Kids Fun House, also known as Green Park, an indoor play and activities zone that keeps little ones entertained for hours. It’s one of the key reasons Safari Mall has become a go-to family destination in the Northern Emirates.
4. Fashion & Clothing Stores
The mall houses a wide range of fashion stores catering to mid-range and budget shoppers. From everyday wear to occasion outfits, you’ll find options for men, women, and children. The Safari Department Store within the hypermarket also offers an extensive clothing and lifestyle section.
5. Food Court — 20+ Dining Options
Hungry after all that shopping? The food court offers more than 20 dining options, ranging from fast food chains to multi-cuisine restaurants serving South Asian, Middle Eastern, and international dishes. Whether you want a quick bite or a sit-down meal, you won’t be short of choices.
Parking at Safari Mall
Unlike many Dubai malls that have introduced paid parking systems, Safari Mall currently offers ample free parking across its expanded parking facilities. The lot is large enough to handle peak weekend crowds comfortably. The mall has recently upgraded its parking areas with better lighting and access lanes for smoother entry and exit. No Salik account or paid zones to worry about — just park and shop.
Safari Mall vs Dubai Mall — Which One Should You Visit?
| Feature | Safari Mall | Dubai Mall |
|---|---|---|
| Budget Shopping | ✅ Excellent | ❌ Expensive |
| Luxury Brands | ❌ Limited | ✅ 200+ luxury stores |
| Family Activities | ✅ Good (Kids Fun House) | ✅ World-class (Aquarium, Ice Rink) |
| Food Options | ✅ 20+ restaurants | ✅ 200+ restaurants |
| Parking | ✅ Free | ⚠️ Paid (4–6 hrs free) |
| Tourist Attractions | ❌ Mall-focused | ✅ Dubai Fountain, Burj Khalifa |
| Gold Shopping | ✅ Dedicated Gold Souq | ✅ Gold stores available |
Bottom line: If you want luxury entertainment and iconic Dubai landmarks, head to the Top 10 Must-Visit Attractions in Dubai. But if you’re after genuine value shopping, fresh groceries, and a local-feel day out, Safari Mall wins every time.
Tips for Visiting Safari Mall from Dubai
Here are a few insider tips to make your visit smoother:
Go on a weekday morning. Weekends can get extremely busy, especially in the hypermarket aisles. A Tuesday or Wednesday morning visit means calmer crowds and easier parking.
Carry some cash for the Gold Souq. While most stores accept cards, having cash can sometimes help you negotiate slightly better prices at the jewellery shops.
Pair it with the Dubai Shopping Festival. During the Dubai Shopping Festival, Safari Mall runs its own offers and promotions — it’s a great time to grab deals on electronics and fashion.
Arrive early if you want the freshest produce. The Safari Hypermarket receives fresh goods daily, and early shoppers get the best selection.
FAQs About Safari Mall
Is Safari Mall in Dubai or Sharjah?
Safari Mall is located in Sharjah, specifically in the Muwaileh Commercial Area near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. However, it’s easily accessible from Dubai in 20–30 minutes by car.
How do I reach Safari Mall from Dubai by bus?
From Dubai, head to the Al Nahda bus terminus and take a Sharjah bus toward Muwaileh. Make sure your transit card is active before you leave. Check our Dubai Transport Guide for updated route info.
Is parking free at Safari Mall?
Yes, Safari Mall offers free parking across its large parking facilities — no paid zones or Salik charges apply here.
What makes Safari Hypermarket special?
Safari Hypermarket is officially the largest hypermarket in the UAE, covering a massive retail floor with daily fresh arrivals, an enormous range of imported goods, textiles, electronics, and household items — all at competitive prices.
Final Thoughts
Safari Mall might not have the Burj Khalifa backdrop or an indoor aquarium, but it offers something equally valuable: an authentic, budget-friendly shopping experience that Dubai tourists rarely discover. From the UAE’s largest hypermarket to a glittering Gold Souq and family-friendly entertainment — it’s a day well spent. If you’re planning your Dubai itinerary, make room for this hidden gem just across the border.
Explore more of what the UAE has to offer with our full Dubai Attractions guide.
Hi! We’re the Travel Blog Dubai Team — passionate travelers who explore Dubai every day to bring you honest tips, best places to visit, budget ideas, and real experiences.Whether you’re planning your first trip or you live in the UAE, our guides help you discover the best of Dubai, hassle-free.
