Emaar Properties, a leading real estate developer based in the United Arab Emirates, has announced an ambitious expansion plan for the Dubai Mall. Known as the world's second-largest shopping mall, after China's New South China Mall, this iconic retail and entertainment destination is set to receive an investment of AED 1.5 billion (€380 million) to enhance its offerings further.

Spanning over 1.2 million square meters, the Dubai Mall is already a colossal shopping and entertainment hub. It houses over 1,200 retail outlets, including prominent department stores like Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale's. The mall also offers 200 international dining options and hosts a variety of attractions:

• An aquarium and underwater zoo
• An Olympic-sized ice skating rink
• An indoor Chinatown
• A virtual reality park
• An indoor SEGA theme park
• A 26-screen cinema complex

These features, combined with the Dubai Mall's reputation as a world-class shopping and entertainment destination, make it a prime choice for both residents and tourists.

Photo: Emaar Properties

On June 4th, Emaar Properties disclosed its plans to expand the Dubai Mall. This development will create space for 240 luxury stores and several new food and beverage outlets. The groundwork for this project has already begun, reflecting the developers' proactive approach.

Emaar Properties is significantly backed by Dubai's ruler, Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, and the Investment Corporation of Dubai, a UAE sovereign wealth fund.

Emaar Properties founder Mohamed Alabbar expressed his excitement about the expansion, stating, "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 reflects Dubai's ambitious vision to remain at the forefront of global innovation and culture, further solidifying our city's position as a top global destination."

While physical shopping experiences have faced challenges globally, retail spending in the United Arab Emirates has shown resilience. The Majid Al Futtaim Group's annual retail economy report highlighted a 14% increase in retail spending in the UAE in 2023. Dubai set a record with 17.15 million overnight tourists in 2023, and the Dubai Mall alone welcomed 105 million visits that year.

Dubai's expansion is a clear testament to its unwavering commitment to enhancing its status as a global leader in retail and entertainment. As Emaar Properties continues to push the boundaries of innovation and expansion, the Dubai Mall is set to offer an even more diverse range of unparalleled experiences to its visitors. This strategic move reinforces Dubai's position as a premier shopping, dining, and leisure destination, instilling confidence in the city's future growth.

The expansion of the Dubai Mall marks another significant milestone in Dubai's vision to maintain its edge in global innovation and culture. With additional luxury stores and dining options, visitors can look forward to an even more diverse and enriched experience at one of the world's most visited shopping destinations.