Sometimes an afternoon in one of Dubai’s malls feels like a visit to a parallel universe. The lack of windows or natural light can make you feel cut off from the rest of the world as you exit, blinking into the daylight. The most noticeable difference coming up the escalators into Dubai’s newest shopping centre is the vast atrium. Sunlight pours into the mall giving a light, refreshing atmosphere and rooting it very much in the sunshine state of Dubai.

What is it? Opening over two months behind schedule, Festival City’s Waterfront Centre threw open its doors on Thursday. It will eventually house over 550 shops and services, 90 restaurants and cafes and a 12-screen cinema complex.

Mall features Water features and fountains are dotted around the Centre with the star attraction being a two and a half storey stone sculpture with cascading water and switch back staircases.

Shopping sustenance Predictably, only a few cafes are operational at the moment but the Dubai favourites – Japengo, Lemongrass and Yo Sushi are all set to open, A food court will be joined by what is promised to be ‘the region’s largest al fresco dining experience’. A mix of family restaurants and a licensed area including Left Bank, Bice and the Irish Village will all spill out onto terraced walkways.

Something for the husbands A walkway connects the centre to the ‘Festival Power Centre’ which houses Plug-Ins and should amuse bored husbands while you get stuck into the jewellery sections. A 12- screen cinema and bowling alley is set to open on the top floor of the centre to entertain the kids.

How to get there Unfortunately it’s the battle of Garhoud Bridge or the Emirates Road, but the completion of the 12-lane Ras Al Khor Bridge this Spring should make for an easier journey, especially with three dedicated ramps leading into the centre itself.

Parking Directly at the front if you get there early enough or there’s space for 12,000 cars in the cavernous car parks underneath.

Opening hours 10am until midnight every day