Wafi City is an Egyptian themed shopping, dining and leisure destination on Oud Metha Road in Umm Hurair, Dubai, about ten minutes from Dubai International Airport and a short walk from Dubai Healthcare City Metro Station on the Green Line. Built around pyramids, obelisks and pharaoh statues, it brings together Wafi Mall with more than 250 shops and outlets, the underground Khan Murjan Souk, the AYA Universe immersive attraction, a VOX Cinemas multiplex with Magic Planet, two landmark hotels (Raffles Dubai and Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk), Cleopatra’s Spa and a mix of Arabic, Indian, Spanish and Thai restaurants. Entry is free, and it is calmer than Dubai’s mega malls, so it suits families, couples and first time visitors who want a relaxed half day out.
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Table of Contents
What is Wafi City?
Wafi opened in 1991, which makes it one of the oldest malls in Dubai. Over the years it grew into a full lifestyle district with the mall, hotels, residences, restaurants, the Pharaoh’s Club gym and a spa. The ancient Egypt theme runs everywhere: stained glass pyramids, hieroglyph style carvings, sandstone coloured walls and statues of pharaohs at the entrances. Visit Dubai describes Wafi City as an Egyptian themed destination offering much more than retail, with boutiques, a famous souk and fine dining under one roof.
Top things to do at Wafi City
Here are the highlights most visitors enjoy, from shopping to family fun.
- Explore Khan Murjan Souk: an underground souk inspired by a 14th century market, with around 150 shops selling lamps, carpets, jewellery, perfumes, textiles and handmade crafts from across the Arab world.
- Step into AYA Universe: a 40,000 square foot immersive attraction on Level One with 12 themed zones of light, sound and interactive art. Most visits take 60 to 90 minutes and it is fully indoors, so it works well in summer.
- Watch a film or play at Magic Planet: VOX Cinemas Wafi City is a 15 screen multiplex with KIDS, MAX and VIP screens plus a Samsung Onyx LED screen, joined to a Magic Planet with bumper cars, rides, arcade games and mini bowling.
- Shop the boutiques: browse fashion, watches, jewellery, home decor and gift stores without the crowds of larger malls.
- Photograph the architecture: the central courtyard, the pyramid rooftops and the pharaoh statues make some of the most unusual photo spots in Dubai.
- Relax and recharge: Cleopatra’s Spa and Wellness and the Pharaoh’s Club offer treatments, a gym and pools.
- Catch seasonal events: Wafi City hosts pop ups and festive markets through the year. Recent ones include a Christmas family wonderland, an anime merchandise pop up and a Ramadan market in the mall atrium, and Wafi Group has partnered with ALMAD on Wafi Anime 11, which plans anime, gaming and K Pop exhibitions at the complex. Wafi has also been known for its evening light and sound show in the cooler months, though it does not run all year and the schedule changes from season to season.
Timings for shops, restaurants and attractions may change, so plan a little flexibility into your day.
Where to eat at Wafi City
Wafi City is a strong food stop, with options that go well beyond a food court. These are the best known spots:
| Restaurant | Cuisine | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Khan Murjan Restaurant | Lebanese, Egyptian, Iranian, Moroccan and Gulf | Dinner in the open air marble courtyard of the souk |
| Asha’s | North Indian | Family dinners and celebrations |
| Seville’s | Spanish tapas | Evenings on the outdoor terrace |
| Thai Chi | Thai and Chinese | A relaxed lunch or dinner |
| Wafi Gourmet | Lebanese dishes and sweets | Quick bites and takeaway |
Popular restaurants fill up on weekend evenings, so it is worth reserving a table in advance.
Hotels and resorts at Wafi City
Two landmark hotels sit inside the complex. Raffles Dubai is the five star pyramid you can see from Sheikh Rashid Road, with roughly 250 rooms and suites, landscaped gardens, a spa and direct access to Khan Murjan Souk. Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk rises about 230 metres as a modern obelisk, with close to 500 rooms plus serviced apartments. For a more budget friendly stay close by, the Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai Hotel is only a short drive away.
White Sky Travel and Tourism can book hotels, flights and airport transfers for your Dubai trip, and you can spread the cost with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments for up to 12 months. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133 for a quote.
Wafi City opening hours and visitor information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Address | Oud Metha Road, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai |
| Mall hours | Sunday to Thursday 10am to 10pm, Friday and Saturday 10am to midnight |
| Entry | Free to enter the mall and souk |
| Nearest metro | Dubai Healthcare City Station (Green Line), around five minutes on foot |
| Parking | More than 2,500 covered parking spaces, with valet parking at the main entrances |
| Time needed | 3 to 4 hours for shopping, dining and photos, longer with AYA Universe or a spa booking |
Opening hours may change during Ramadan, public holidays and special events.
How to get to Wafi City
By metro, take the Green Line to Dubai Healthcare City Station and walk about five minutes to the mall. By taxi, Careem or Uber, ask for Wafi City on Oud Metha Road; the trip from Dubai International Airport takes about ten minutes in normal traffic. If you are driving, follow signs for Oud Metha Road from Sheikh Zayed Road or Sheikh Rashid Road and take the exit for Dubai Healthcare City.
Tips for a better visit
- Go in the late afternoon, when the light on the pyramids and carvings is best for photos.
- Visit between November and March if you want to enjoy the outdoor courtyard and terraces comfortably.
- Avoid weekday rush hours on Oud Metha Road, or use the metro to skip the traffic.
- Dress modestly in public areas out of respect for local culture.
- Join Wafi Rewards at a customer service desk to collect points when you shop and dine.
Places to visit near Wafi City
Wafi City sits in the heart of old Dubai, so it is easy to combine with other sights on the same day:
- Dubai Frame tickets take you up the giant golden frame in Zabeel Park for views of old and new Dubai.
- Dubai Creek Park and Children’s City are close by and great for families.
- Al Seef and the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood show the heritage side of Dubai along the Creek.
- Dubai Festival City is a short drive across the Creek for waterfront dining.
- For more ideas, see our list of Dubai’s must visit tourist attractions.
When a bigger mall suits you better
If you want hundreds of global brands, an aquarium and big attractions in one place, a larger mall on Sheikh Zayed Road or in Downtown Dubai may suit you better. Our guide to the top things to do in Dubai Mall is a good place to start. Many visitors happily do both: a busy day downtown and a calmer, more cultural afternoon at Wafi City.
Plan your Dubai trip with White Sky
Coming from abroad? Check the Dubai visit visa price and let our team handle your visa, flights, hotel and transfers in one place. You can also fly now and pay later with installment plans using Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit cards for up to 12 months. T&C apply and the final price is confirmed during booking. Reach us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
Related Articles
Keep planning your Dubai trip with these guides:
- Dubai’s Must Visit Tourist Attractions
- Visit and Book Dubai Frame Tickets
- Top Things to Do in Dubai Mall
- Burj Park Dubai: Things to See and Do
- Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai Hotel
- Dubai Visit Visa Price
- Fly Now, Pay Later: Travel on a Budget with Installment Plans
Frequently asked questions
What is Wafi City in Dubai?
Wafi City is an Egyptian themed lifestyle destination in Oud Metha, Dubai. It includes Wafi Mall with more than 250 shops and outlets, the underground Khan Murjan Souk, the AYA Universe immersive attraction, VOX Cinemas with Magic Planet, Raffles Dubai and Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk hotels, Cleopatra’s Spa and a range of restaurants.
Where is Wafi City located?
Wafi City is on Oud Metha Road, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai, next to Dubai Healthcare City and about ten minutes by car from Dubai International Airport.
What is the nearest metro station to Wafi City?
The nearest station is Dubai Healthcare City on the Dubai Metro Green Line. From there it is around a five minute walk to the mall.
Is entry to Wafi City free?
Yes. Entry to Wafi Mall and Khan Murjan Souk is free. Attractions such as AYA Universe and spa treatments are paid separately.
What are Wafi City opening hours?
Wafi City shops are open Sunday to Thursday from 10am to 10pm, and Friday and Saturday from 10am to midnight. Restaurants, the spa and attractions keep their own hours, and timings may change during Ramadan and public holidays.
What can families do at Wafi City?
Families can explore the 12 immersive zones of AYA Universe, watch a film at VOX Cinemas, enjoy bumper cars, rides and mini bowling at Magic Planet, browse the colourful Khan Murjan Souk and take photos of the pyramids and pharaoh statues. Dubai Creek Park and Children’s City are also close by.
Is there a cinema at Wafi City?
Yes. VOX Cinemas Wafi City is a 15 screen multiplex with KIDS, MAX and VIP screens, and it connects to a Magic Planet family entertainment centre with games, rides and mini bowling.
Which hotels are in Wafi City?
Wafi City is home to Raffles Dubai, the pyramid shaped five star hotel, and Sofitel Dubai The Obelisk, a modern tower shaped like an obelisk. Both are within walking distance of the mall.
How long should I spend at Wafi City?
Plan 3 to 4 hours to shop, eat and see the architecture. Add more time if you are visiting AYA Universe or have a spa booking.
Can I pay for my Dubai trip in installments?
Yes. White Sky Travel and Tourism lets you pay for flights, hotels, visas and holiday packages with Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit card installments for up to 12 months. T&C apply. Contact us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
Conclusion
Wafi City is one of Dubai’s most distinctive places to spend a few hours. In one stop you get Egyptian themed architecture, the atmospheric Khan Murjan Souk, family fun at AYA Universe, great restaurants and two landmark hotels, all in a central spot near the airport and the metro. It is ideal if you want a calmer, more cultural alternative to Dubai’s mega malls. When you are ready to plan your trip, White Sky Travel and Tourism can arrange your visa, flights, hotel and transfers, with easy installments through Tabby, Tamara or UAE credit cards. Message us on WhatsApp at +971 4 220 2133.
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