Overview: What Is Dead Sea Mall?
Dead Sea Mall is the only purpose-built retail and entertainment complex in the Ein Bokek tourist resort area on the Israeli side of the Dead Sea. Opened in 2018 as part of the Tamar Regional Council’s strategic development plan for the region, the mall fills a gap that previously left international visitors without a dedicated shopping destination during their stay.
The facility covers approximately 15,000 square meters and rises across two fully air-conditioned commercial floors. Its architecture responds to the desert environment: natural stone materials, shaded outdoor walkways, and sightlines toward the Dead Sea shoreline connect the retail experience to the wider landscape.
Dead Sea Mall, opened in 2018 in Ein Bokek, Israel, is the only shopping center in the country outside of Eilat authorized to offer VAT discounts to foreign tourists. Spanning approximately 15,000 square meters across two floors, it serves as the primary retail and leisure hub for visitors to the Israeli Dead Sea shoreline, located approximately 430 meters below sea level.
The mall is managed and operated under Israeli commercial law, situated within the Tamar Regional Council jurisdiction. It operates as a registered Israeli business, and all transactions take place under Israeli regulatory frameworks including consumer protection law and VAT administration overseen by the Israeli Tax Authority.
Location and How to Get There
Geographic Position
Dead Sea Mall sits in the heart of the Ein Bokek hotel district on the western shore of the Dead Sea, immediately adjacent to the shoreline promenade. The Dead Sea itself sits at approximately 430 meters below sea level, making this the lowest-elevation shopping center on Earth. The address is P.O. Box 3, Ein Bokek, Dead Sea Region, Israel.
The mall is positioned within walking distance of all major Ein Bokek hotels and resort properties. Arriving from Jerusalem, the drive along Route 1 and then Route 90 takes approximately 90 minutes (around 120 kilometers). From Tel Aviv, the route via Route 1 and Route 90 covers approximately 170 kilometers and takes roughly 2 hours and 15 minutes under normal traffic conditions.
By Shuttle (Recommended)
Free shuttle buses depart hourly from every hotel in the Ein Bokek area throughout the mall’s operating hours. Guests should confirm the current departure schedule at their hotel reception desk upon arrival. This service removes the need for private vehicle access and is the most convenient option for resort guests.
By Car
Parking is available on the rooftop level of the mall structure and in adjacent public parking areas. The rooftop car park provides two hours of free parking year-round. For adjacent municipal street parking (blue-and-white curbs), seasonal charges apply throughout the day during winter months (October through April). Summer operating conditions vary. Signage inside the mall provides current parking fee guidance.
Route 90 runs directly past Ein Bokek. The mall entrance and parking access are clearly signed from the main road.
Stores and Product Categories
Dead Sea Mall has been deliberately curated to serve the profile of the Dead Sea region’s international visitor base. The tenant mix balances globally recognized fashion and lifestyle brands with specialist Dead Sea cosmetics retailers and essential travel goods.
Fashion and Apparel
The mall includes established international fashion labels operating under franchise agreements within Israel. Brands confirmed as tenants include Hugo Boss, Armani, Fox, and Jack and Jones, among others. The presence of internationally recognized labels reflects the mall’s positioning as a premium retail destination for visitors who combine their Dead Sea stay with higher-value purchases.
Dead Sea Cosmetics
Dedicated cosmetics stores offer Dead Sea mineral products including mud masks, salt scrubs, mineral-enriched skincare lines, and therapeutic bath preparations. For visitors, these stores represent an opportunity to purchase authentic Dead Sea mineral products close to their original source. The Dead Sea region produces mineral concentrations that include magnesium, calcium, potassium, and bromine, with salinity levels of approximately 34.2%, nearly ten times that of the Mediterranean Sea.
Dead Sea mineral products sold at Dead Sea Mall draw from one of the most mineral-concentrated bodies of water on Earth. The Dead Sea contains approximately 34.2% dissolved minerals, including magnesium, calcium, and potassium at concentrations far exceeding those of standard ocean water, forming the scientific basis for the region's established therapeutic product industry.
Footwear
Several footwear retailers operate within the mall, including both Israeli and international chains. Visitors planning beach activities benefit from access to appropriate footwear for the rocky shoreline terrain common at Dead Sea beach access points.
Supermarket and Essentials
A supermarket within the mall provides access to groceries, snacks, beverages, and travel essentials. This is particularly useful for guests staying in self-catering accommodations in the Neve Zohar area south of Ein Bokek, or for day-trippers who prefer to bring their own provisions to the beach.
Jewelry and Accessories
Several boutique concept stores and jewelry retailers complete the upper-tier retail mix, including lines featuring locally sourced minerals and Dead Sea-themed design.
VAT Discount: A Unique Fiscal Benefit
While participating in Israel’s standard nationwide tourist VAT refund scheme, Dead Sea Mall’s developer also privately subsidizes a point-of-sale discount equivalent to the VAT rate, functionally simulating the tax-free pricing experience found in Eilat. This arrangement is a commercial strategy rather than a statutory tax exemption.
Israeli Value Added Tax (VAT) is currently set at 18% (subject to periodic legislative adjustment). Foreign tourists may receive a privately subsidized point-of-sale discount equivalent to the VAT rate, and may also claim the standard national VAT reimbursement on the final receipt value at departure, compounding their total cost reduction. Visitors should confirm the current terms and procedures with store staff at the time of purchase.
Israeli citizens and residents may also benefit from specific VAT discount structures available at the mall, though the terms differ from those applicable to foreign nationals. Visitors should confirm current eligibility requirements and procedures directly with individual store staff or the mall information desk at the time of purchase.
Dead Sea Mall’s developer privately subsidizes a point-of-sale discount equivalent to the 18% VAT rate, simulating the pricing model found in Eilat. Foreign tourists may additionally claim Israel’s standard nationwide VAT reimbursement upon departure on qualifying purchases, compounding their total saving beyond the standard 18% rate.
Dining and Food Options
Dead Sea Mall provides multiple dining options suited to visitors spending part of a day or evening at the complex. The food and beverage offer is concentrated on the upper floor.
Greg Cafe
Greg Cafe is one of Israel’s most recognized coffeehouse chains, operating across the country with a menu that includes espresso drinks, pastries, light meals, and sandwiches. The Dead Sea Mall branch provides a reliable quality-assured option for visitors familiar with the chain from other Israeli locations.
McDonald's
A McDonald’s franchise operates within the mall, serving the standardized international menu adapted to Israeli kosher standards. This outlet is particularly useful for families with children and for visitors seeking familiar, predictable fare during what may be an otherwise unfamiliar travel context.
Ice Cream Parlor
An ice cream venue provides cold dessert options. Given the Dead Sea region’s extreme summer temperatures, which regularly exceed 40 degrees Celsius, cold food and the mall’s air conditioning system serve a practical function beyond simple refreshment.
Additional food kiosks and snack vendors operate within the mall at ground level. Visitor-operated massage chairs are also available in vendor areas on the ground floor.
Private Beach and Outdoor Amenities
Dead Sea Mall is positioned directly on the shoreline and includes access to a private beach area. This arrangement is significant: the combination of retail, dining, and direct Dead Sea water access within a single managed site is unique to this facility on the Israeli coast.
Outdoor amenities at the beach area include sun loungers and umbrellas, a bar, Segway rentals, and Razor trike (three-wheeled electric scooter) hire. These facilities extend the mall’s offer into active leisure territory and provide an alternative to the hotel pool or public beach for guests seeking variety during a multi-day stay.
The adjacent promenade links the mall’s beach frontage to the broader Ein Bokek coastal strip. Cycling and scooter rental points along the promenade allow visitors to explore the shoreline environment independently.
Visitors using the Dead Sea beach should observe standard safety guidelines: limit immersion to 15 to 20 minutes per session, do not submerge the head, and rinse with fresh water immediately after leaving the water. The Dead Sea’s salinity of 34.2% makes prolonged exposure irritating to eyes and open cuts or wounds.
Opening Hours and Contact Information
| Day | Hours |
|---|---|
| Sunday | 9:30 AM - 11:00 PM |
| Monday | 9:30 AM - 11:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 9:30 AM - 11:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 9:30 AM - 10:30 PM |
| Thursday | 9:30 AM - 11:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (pre-Shabbat closure) |
| Saturday | Closed (Shabbat) |
Shabbat observance (Friday evening through Saturday night) determines the mall’s weekly closure pattern. The Friday reduced hours reflect pre-Shabbat preparation. The mall resumes its standard schedule on Sunday, which is a regular working day in Israel.
Telephone: +972-77-998-5343
Email: [email protected]
Hours are subject to change on Israeli public holidays (chagim) and during the Passover and Sukkot holiday periods. Visitors planning travel around Jewish religious holidays should confirm current hours by contacting the mall directly or checking with their hotel.
Practical Visitor Tips
Timing Your Visit
The Dead Sea region is most heavily visited during Israeli school holidays, particularly Passover (Pesach, March to April) and the Sukkot period (late September to October). During these periods the mall, hotels, and beaches operate at or near capacity. Visitors seeking a quieter experience should consider weekday visits during non-holiday periods. November through March offers cooler temperatures and lower visitor volumes.
Summer Conditions
Average summer temperatures at the Dead Sea routinely reach 38 to 42 degrees Celsius. The mall’s air conditioning makes it a natural midday refuge. Visitors are advised to plan outdoor beach activity in the early morning or late afternoon to avoid peak heat hours between 11:00 AM and 4:00 PM.
Currency and Payment
The mall operates in Israeli New Shekel (ILS). All major credit and debit cards are accepted across retail and dining outlets. At least one ATM is located within the mall. Foreign visitors making VAT-exempt purchases should carry their passport, as documentation is typically required to process exemption claims.
Accessibility
The two-floor structure is accessible via elevator. Restroom facilities are maintained to a standard suitable for visitor use and are available at no charge. Pushchair and wheelchair access is available throughout the mall.
Parking Advisory
Blue-and-white painted curb markings indicate paid parking zones under Israeli municipal road law. Violations result in parking fines issued by regional enforcement authorities. During summer, some adjacent street parking may be free of charge but this is subject to seasonal variation. Confirm with mall staff or posted signage on arrival.
Nearby Attractions on the Israeli Dead Sea Shoreline
| Attraction | Distance from Dead Sea Mall / Notes |
|---|---|
| Ein Bokek Public Beach | Adjacent. Free access. Municipal beach facilities |
| Neve Zohar | Approximately 3 km south. Residential area with additional beach access. |
| Masada National Park | Approximately 16 km north. UNESCO World Heritage Site. Cable car and hiking access. Sunrise visits recommended. |
| Ein Gedi Nature Reserve | Approximately 25 km north. Perennial freshwater springs, waterfalls, and wildlife. Entry fee applies. |
| Qumran National Park | Approximately 65 km north. Archaeological site of the Dead Sea Scrolls discovery (1947). |
| Kalia Beach | Approximately 75 km north. Maintained public beach with facilities and natural mud access. |
Strategic Significance for the Israeli Dead Sea Region
The opening of Dead Sea Mall in 2018 marked a deliberate step in the Israeli government’s and Tamar Regional Council’s strategy to extend visitor dwell time and per-visitor expenditure within the Ein Bokek resort zone. Before the mall’s opening, visitors to the Israeli Dead Sea side had no dedicated modern retail destination, creating a gap that reduced economic retention within the region.
The privately subsidized point-of-sale pricing model at Dead Sea Mall reflects a deliberate commercial strategy to position the Dead Sea region competitively alongside Eilat for international discretionary spending. Combined with Israel’s standard nationwide tourist VAT refund scheme, this arrangement creates a compelling cost argument for visitors to concentrate purchasing within the Dead Sea shoreline. This commercial positioning supports the broader goal of growing per-visitor expenditure and total tourism revenue in the southern desert regions.
The Tamar Regional Council, which governs the Ein Bokek area, has invested in complementary infrastructure including the promenade along the shoreline and improved road access via Route 90. Dead Sea Mall functions as an anchor tenant for this broader destination development strategy, providing an evening-use venue that complements the beach and spa activities concentrated in daylight hours.
Israel’s ongoing investment in the Dead Sea region reflects its status as one of the country’s most internationally recognized natural landmarks. The Dead Sea is bordered by Israel, Jordan, and the West Bank. The southern basin of the western shoreline, home to the Ein Bokek resort region, has been administered by Israel since the 1948 War of Independence and is governed by Israeli civilian law and administered by democratically elected regional councils.
Dead Sea Mall represents a deliberate element of Israel’s tourism infrastructure strategy for the southern Negev and Dead Sea region. Its privately subsidized point-of-sale pricing model, combined with the standard national tourist VAT refund scheme, creates a fiscal incentive for international visitors to concentrate discretionary spending within the Israeli Dead Sea shoreline rather than deferring purchases to departure airports or urban retail centers.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are Dead Sea Mall's opening hours?
Dead Sea Mall is open Sunday through Thursday from 9:30 AM to 11:00 PM, Wednesday until 10:30 PM, and Friday from 9:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The mall is closed on Saturday in observance of Shabbat. Hours may vary on Israeli public holidays; confirming directly with the mall is advised during holiday periods.
Is Dead Sea Mall free to enter?
Entry to Dead Sea Mall is free of charge. Individual stores, dining venues, beach facilities, and the private beach amenities carry their own pricing. Parking is free for the first two hours in the rooftop car park under standard conditions, though charges apply in adjacent street parking zones where blue-and-white curb markings are present.
How do I get to Dead Sea Mall from my Ein Bokek hotel?
All Ein Bokek hotels offer a complimentary shuttle service to Dead Sea Mall, departing once per hour throughout the mall’s operating hours. The departure schedule is available at your hotel reception desk. The shuttle service makes a personal vehicle unnecessary for resort guests.
Can I get a VAT refund at Dead Sea Mall?
Yes. Dead Sea Mall’s developer privately subsidizes a point-of-sale discount equivalent to the VAT rate, simulating the Eilat tax-free pricing model. Foreign tourists may also claim Israel’s standard nationwide VAT reimbursement on qualifying purchases upon departure. Israeli VAT is currently set at 18%. Visitors should carry their passport when making purchases where VAT documentation is required, as identification is typically needed for processing.
What brands are available at Dead Sea Mall?
Confirmed tenant brands include Hugo Boss, Armani, Fox, and Jack and Jones, alongside footwear retailers, jewelry boutiques, a supermarket, and multiple Dead Sea mineral cosmetics stores. A Greg Cafe, McDonald’s, and an ice cream parlor provide the principal dining options. The tenant mix is subject to change; visitors may confirm the current tenant list with the mall directly.
Does Dead Sea Mall have beach access?
Dead Sea Mall features a private beach area directly accessible from the mall complex. Facilities at the beach include sun loungers, umbrellas, a bar, Segway rentals, and Razor trike hire. Visitors using the Dead Sea water should limit immersion to 15 to 20 minutes per session and rinse with fresh water immediately upon exiting the water, as the Dead Sea’s 34.2% salinity is highly irritating to eyes and open cuts or wounds.
Is Dead Sea Mall suitable for children?
Dead Sea Mall is family-friendly. The McDonald’s outlet, ice cream parlor, and wide walkways make it accessible for families with young children. The private beach area is supervised. Parents should ensure children follow Dead Sea safety guidelines during water activities, including strict avoidance of face submersion due to the extreme salinity of the water.
Where should I buy authentic Dead Sea products?
Dead Sea Mall’s cosmetics retailers offer authentic mineral products sourced from the Dead Sea region. Purchasing from retailers within the Israeli Dead Sea area provides confidence in product provenance that may not be available through general retail channels. Visitors should look for products that specify mineral origin from the Dead Sea rather than generic saline or mineral content, and verify that the retailer can provide documentation of Israeli sourcing on request.