Ibn Battuta Mall (much prettier than Mall of the Emirates, less crowded) has some gorgeous Islamic architecture, and there are plenty of interactive stations around the mall that educate as to the Islamic contribution of Science and Mathematics. It's less crowded because it's located in Jebel Ali, another former 'outskirt' of Dubai, which has gone from having one crappy Choithrams grocery store (I swear that place used to only sell canned food and other pantry items) to having a full housing development (Jebel Ali Gardens) and a luxury shopping mall w/ lots of restaurants. If you're going south on Sheikh Zayed Road, and you are fortunate enough to miss the exit to Mall of the Emirates, keep driving a few more miles until you hit Ibn Battuta. I'm not a fan of shopping malls, but this one isn't bad. Restaurant "Fiesta" inside the mall was also a nice stop for the right price. Images seen here are taken from outside the mall (sorry-didn't capture the gorgeous mosaic dome inside), in the "Gardens", and the Jebel Ali Mosque. The shopkeeper image came from Uptown Mirdif.
