When Ibn Battuta Came To Dubai

Did Ibn Battuta come to Dubai? No, he didn't. However, as a famous 14th century Arab (Moroccan) traveler and adventurer, he is very much remembered in Dubai. Thus, our visit to Ibn Battuta Mall recently has not only answered some of my curiosity but most important of all, my kids - Along, Ain and Apit got to learn about this great Muslim explorer in an entertaining way.

Along, Ain and Apit were enjoying themselves at Ibn Battuta Mall - the only shopping mall where you can view historical icons, learn facts about Ibn Battuta the traveler, and combines education and entertainment under one roof. By coming here, our kids could, in a way, learn that Ibn Battuta was a man of great vision and strong Islamic values. It is the first ever shopping complex inspired by an individual's life six centuries after he embarked on his renowned journey.

Being the world's largest themed shopping mall, it consists of six themed courts namely, Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China – which are named after the six regions that Ibn Battuta explored. Each region is reflected in the architecture and theme of the mall’s six courts. These courts strongly project the historical and cultural richness of this Arabian icon’s life which, in a way, is hoped to give an inspiration to all those who visit.

We captured this at Egypt court. Magnificent, isn't it?

Laa...ni sapa pula ambil gambar Ayah, Ibu dan Apit dari belakang ni...??

Since it is a large and long mall, we didn't manage to explore all the six courts at one round...tiring. We missed China and Andalusia courts which are located at both ends of the mall. We will surely make another visit here next time.

Ain was crying that we didn't allow her to be in that Sky Dubai. We did promise Along, Ain and Apit that the next time we come here, we will be flying in that yellow hot air balloon.

Glad that there is a shopping mall here where we do not only get the entertainment (for me window shopping, of course...) but also education. Thus, one of the the mall's targets to provide edutainment seems to be right.