Dubai Mall: A Hub of Luxury and Innovation

Dubai Mall, the second-largest mall in the world, opened in 2008 and has since become a top tourist attraction. Boasting a retail floor area of over 3.8 million sq ft, it features more than 1,200 retail stores and 200 restaurants. Emaar Properties has announced a significant expansion of Dubai Mall, which will include 240 new luxury stores and restaurants. The project's estimated cost is an impressive 1.5 billion dirhams ($408 million).

Announcing this remarkable enhancement, Mohamed Alabbar stated, “The new Dubai Mall expansion is a great addition to one of the most visited sites in the world. We extend our gratitude to our esteemed guests and loyal customers, as well as our partners, retailers, and government authorities, for their unwavering support. This expansion underscores Dubai's ambitious vision to lead in global innovation and culture, strengthening our city's position as a top global destination."

Entertainment Options

Dubai Mall offers a wide range of entertainment and leisure attractions, including the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Reel Cinemas 24-screen cineplex, KidZania Dubai, Play DXB, Dubai Ice Rink, Ekart, and Zabeel Sports District. These attractions, along with Fashion Avenue, which opened in 2018, further define Dubai Mall as a symbol of luxury and innovation, enhancing Dubai’s international standing as a premier tourist destination.

In 2023, it was named the most visited place on Earth, with over 105 million people visiting Dubai Mall. It is located next to the Dubai Fountain, the world’s tallest performing fountain at over 900 feet long, situated in a lake at the base of the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. Despite its already impressive status, the mall is set to become even more remarkable.

Why is Dubai Mall Expanding?

The planned expansion comes as Dubai's population grows rapidly, leading to increased brick-and-mortar retail spending, in contrast to the global trend towards online shopping. Dubai's talent for creating stunning retail experiences, combined with its affluent population, has driven the success of Dubai Mall and other properties developed by Emaar. Emaar's portfolio also includes Dubai Marina Mall, Dubai Hills Mall, Springs Souk, and Gold and Diamond Park, which is dedicated entirely to fine jewelry.

The Dubai Mall expansion aims to accommodate an anticipated increase in footfall in the coming years as the city continues to invest heavily in tourism. Last year, retail spending in the United Arab Emirates rose by 14 percent, driven mainly by fashion, while visitor numbers to Dubai Mall increased by 19 percent compared to the previous year.