Dubai’s MOE To Open 20 New Stores In 2012

Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates said that it will open 20 new stores and dining outlets this year, including several first-time concepts to the UAE.

Handbag and accessories store Coach has already opened at the mall, Italian luxury brand Prada will open its third largest store worldwide in June, and brand like GAP, Top Shop, and Aeropostale will also be opening outlets in the mall.

“Retail stores and restaurants seeking to expand throughout the world are often choosing the UAE to open their first Middle East location, based on the growing demands for high-fashion and choice across shopping and dining sectors,” said Fuad Sharaf, senior asset director, Asset Management, Shopping Malls.

The mall, which currently has 80 designer stores, will also open a new Swarovski boutique and a Sister’s Beauty Lounge this year.

The mall is also expanding its food and beverage offerings, and is bringing in American pancake house IHOP for the first time to the UAE. It is also launching Burger Fuel from New Zealand, London Fish & Chips, Bombay Chowpatty, America’s The Cheesecake Factory and the UAE’s Just Falafel.

Dubai’s malls have been increasing their retail offerings this year.

In February this year, Emaar Properties announced that The Dubai Mall will add more than one million square foot to its existing 12 million square feet area.

“The expansion to the mall, which hosted more than 54 million visitors in 2011 to become the world’s most-visited shopping and leisure destination, and also recorded robust visitor arrivals in January 2012, will take The Dubai Mall and Downtown Dubai into the next era in retailing, entertainment and lifestyle,” Emaar said.

Additions will include new hotel rooms and entertainment and lifestyle choices, it said. The Dubai Mall currently has over 1,200 stores and 160 F&B outlets.