Emaar announces massive Dubai Mall expansion plan

Emaar Properties has unveiled a substantial expansion plan for Dubai Mall, involving an investment of Dh1.5bn ($408m) aimed at attracting more visitors and enhancing the venue’s offerings.

This development will introduce 240 new luxury retail stores and food and beverage outlets at the global retail destination.

The construction contractor has already begun mobilising on-site, though Emaar has not provided a specific completion date for the project.

Dubai Mall – a world favourite

In 2023, Dubai Mall saw a significant increase in footfall, hosting 105 million visitors, which marked a 19 per cent rise from the previous year.

Dubai Mall, inaugurated in 2008 and covering 1.2 million square meters, is one of the world’s largest shopping centres.

It currently features over 1,200 retail outlets, including flagship department stores Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s, along with 200 international dining options.

Notable attractions within the mall include the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, a 24-screen Reel Cinema, KidZania Dubai, Play DXB, Dubai Ice Rink, Ekart, and the Zabeel Sports District.

Emaar’s founder, Mohamed Alabbar, highlighted the significance of this expansion, stating, “The new Dubai Mall expansion is a great addition to one of the most visited sites in the world. It 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.”

This expansion aligns with Dubai’s broader strategy to enhance its tourism industry.

Official data indicates that the city hosted 5.18 million international overnight visitors in the first quarter of 2024, up from 4.67 million during the same period the previous year.

In 2023, Dubai achieved its best annual tourism performance, with international tourist arrivals increasing by 19.4 per cent to 17.15 million, surpassing the pre-pandemic record of 16.73 million visitors in 2019.

The ongoing development of Dubai Mall and other infrastructural advancements underscore the emirate’s commitment to bolstering its economy and reinforcing its status as a premier global destination.