Shopping districts: Dubai Mall vs. Oxford Street, London
Quick Verdict
Dubai Mall excels in entertainment and parking, while Oxford Street offers a more diverse culinary scene and is known for its vibrant atmosphere.
- Dubai Mall offers a wider range of entertainment options compared to Oxford Street.
- Oxford Street has better access to a diverse culinary scene with more restaurants in close proximity.
- Both locations are highly accessible by public transport, but Dubai Mall provides significantly more parking spaces.
Key features – Side-by-Side
| Attribute | Dubai Mall | Oxford Street, London |
|---|---|---|
| Number of Stores & Brands | Over 1,200 stores (some sources state over 1,300, 1,400, or 1,500 retailers) | Over 300 shops, more than 90 flagship stores |
| Anchor Stores | Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale's | Selfridges, John Lewis & Partners, Marks & Spencer, and House of Fraser |
| Luxury Brand Presence | Over 200 luxury brands, including Gucci, Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Prada, Dior, and Cartier in Fashion Avenue | Oxford Street and nearby Bond Street are prime locations for luxury retailers. Bond Street is particularly known for luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Patek Philippe and Rolex. |
| Price Range of Products | From luxury to affordable options like H&M and Zara | Caters to a range of budgets, offering everything from affordable trends at Primark and H&M to mid-range and high-end fashion |
| Dining Options (Variety & Cuisine Types) | Over 200 international dining experiences, including restaurants, cafes, and fast food outlets with cuisines ranging from Arabic to Italian, Japanese, American, and Chinese | Diverse culinary scene with over 500 restaurants within a short walking distance. Options range from cafes and international eateries to British dining. Cuisine types include Japanese, Thai, and more |
| Entertainment Options | Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, Play DXB, Reel Cinemas, Dubai Fountain, Dubai Dino, KidZania, Dubai Ice Rink, VR Park Dubai, Hysteria | Theaters in the West End (Apollo Theatre, London Palladium, Dominion Theatre), museums (British Museum), and attractions like the Twist Museum |
| Accessibility & Transportation | 14,000 parking spaces, direct access via the Metro Link | Well-served by the London Underground with several stations: Oxford Circus, Bond Street, Marble Arch, and Tottenham Court Road. Bus routes are also plentiful. Parking is limited. |
| Average Foot Traffic/Crowd Levels | Most visited place on Earth, with 105 million visitors in 2023 | One of Europe's busiest shopping streets, attracting a high volume of daily visitors. It can get very crowded, especially on weekends and during peak hours. |
Overall Comparison
Stores: Dubai Mall wins; Dining: Oxford Street wins; Entertainment: Dubai Mall wins; Parking: Dubai Mall wins
Pros and Cons
Dubai Mall
Pros:
- Very high variety of stores and brands
- Sufficient options for different budgets
- Intuitive navigation with wide promenades and open atriums
- High quality and variety of dining options
- Worth visiting entertainment options like Dubai Aquarium and Ice Rink
- Highly accessible by both public transport and car
- Generally clean and well-maintained
- Helpful and friendly staff and customer service
- Regular special events and promotions
Cons:
- Very crowded during peak hours and weekends
Oxford Street, London
Pros:
- Wide variety of stores and brands
- Options for different budgets
- High quality and variety of dining options
- Highly accessible by public transport
- Vibrant and energetic atmosphere
- Special events and promotions, especially during Christmas
Cons:
- Limited parking
- Very crowded during peak hours and weekends
- Cleanliness and maintenance information not available
User Experiences and Feedback
Dubai Mall
What Users Love
- No highlights reported.
Common Complaints
- No major complaints reported.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
Oxford Street, London
What Users Love
- Wide variety of stores and brands available.
- Sufficient options for different budgets.
- High quality and variety of dining options.
- Highly accessible by public transport.
Common Complaints
- Can get very crowded, which may hinder navigation.
- Limited car access with very limited parking.
Value Perception
- No value feedback reported.
User Recommendations
- Oxford Street offers a very wide variety of stores and brands, ranging from high-street favorites to luxury retailers.
- There are options for different budgets, from affordable fashion at Primark to designer brands.
- The quality and variety of dining options are high, with a wide range of cuisines and dining experiences available.
- The location is highly accessible by public transport, with numerous tube stations and bus routes.
- John Lewis is known for good customer service.