Imagine walking into a realm where luxury and extravagance meet, where every turn offers a new spectacle. This is Dubai Mall, already a colossus of retail therapy and entertainment, and it’s about to get even grander. With a staggering investment of 1.5 billion dirhams ($408 million), the mall is gearing up for a lavish expansion that promises to elevate its status as a premier global destination.
Picture a complex that already houses 1,200 stores and 200 food and beverage vendors, alongside a 10-million-liter aquarium teeming with marine life, an Olympic-sized ice skating rink, and an indoor Chinatown. It’s a place where you can immerse yourself in virtual reality adventures or relive childhood memories at an indoor SEGA theme park. And let’s not forget the candy store – one of the world’s largest – where the sweet scents of confectionery transport you to a sugary paradise. All this sprawled across 12 million square feet, connected seamlessly to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest skyscraper.
This glittering jewel in the UAE’s crown is set to add 240 new luxury stores and food venues. Mohamed Alabbar, the visionary behind Emaar Properties, proudly announced the expansion, underscoring Dubai’s relentless pursuit of excellence. “The new Dubai Mall expansion is a great addition to one of the most visited sites in the world,” he stated. Dubai, resilient and adaptive, has turned pandemic challenges into opportunities, attracting global attention with early vaccinations, remote worker visas, and the prestigious 10-year “golden” visas.
Dubai’s allure only intensified post-pandemic, with major international events like Expo 2020 and COP 28 drawing crowds. The city’s charm was irresistible, pulling in new residents and tourists alike, especially following geopolitical shifts like Russia’s 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Dubai saw a 63% surge in residency visas by mid-2023, as reported by Gulf News. With 105 million visitors in 2023 alone, Dubai Mall’s expansion seems a natural progression for a city that knows no bounds. And Emaar’s ambitions don’t stop here – they’re already planning a revolutionary new mall in Creek Harbor where visitors can drive through in electric cars, promising a futuristic shopping experience like no other.
(Source: Khaleej Times | The News International | The National)
