The Ibn Battuta shopping mall claims to be the world’s largest themed shopping mall. It is named after the famed Moroccan traveller and scholar Ibn Battuta.

Over a 30-year period starting in 1325, Battuta toured extensively throughout the Islamic world and beyond, writing an odyssey called Rihla (The Journey).

The mall is divided into six themed courts reflecting the different regions Ibn Battuta visited – China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and Andalusia, with respective decor and architecture to match.

Dotted around the mall are various exhibits detailing Battuta’s travels and achievements. Sadly the majority of shoppers completely ignore these and focus entirely on the shops.

The mall management has certainly put in the effort to differentiate this mall from all the others in Dubai as the exhibits are nicely done.

The mall is built on one level and is a massive 1.3 kilometre long. If you walk from one end to the other you’ll probably be in need of some refreshment.

Adjacent to the mall is the Mövenpick Hotel whose cavernous interior contains eight restaurants for diners to choose from.

The Mövenpick Hotel looks very sleek and stylish and is designed and decorated to fit in with the mall’s concept. Another big plus to visit the Ibn Battuta Mall is that it’s easily accessible by the Metro train network.

This article first appeared in The Thrifty Traveller.