Dubai's Malls: Shaping the Future of Retail

Dubai's New Malls: Six Venues Transform Shopping & Dining Future

One of the most impressive and successful pillars of the United Arab Emirates' economy is the retail and entertainment industry built around shopping malls. The city of Dubai is home to some of the world's most renowned mall complexes, such as the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates, attracting millions of tourists every year. In the first half of 2025, for example, nearly 9.9 million visitors visited the Dubai Mall, which alone demonstrates the key role the "mall economy" plays in the country's social and economic life.

However, a new era is beginning. Soon, six new shopping centers will open their doors in various parts of the country, not only becoming venues for shopping but also for dining, entertainment, and community experiences. These developments reflect Dubai's future-oriented urban planning strategy, which emphasizes sustainability, technology, and community experience.

Dubai Square Mall – The Mall of the Future

The Dubai Square Mall is not just a new shopping center; it is a project transforming an entire district. Plans indicate it will be three times the size of the entire Downtown Dubai area and will be realized with an investment of over 180 billion dirhams. This will make it the second largest commercial and entertainment destination in the region.

The project is groundbreaking in several respects. It offers dedicated infrastructure for electric cars, operates as a drive-through mall, and uses artificial intelligence to enhance the shopping experience. The Dubai Square Mall aims to revolutionize the shopping experience not only with its size but with its innovations.

Dubai South Bay Mall – Community Life Center

Strategically located in the heart of the Dubai South residential area, the Dubai South Bay Mall is expected to serve as a new community center. Spread over three levels – ground floor, upper floor, and rooftop – the approximately 200,000-square-foot area offers views of a lagoon and outdoor promenades.

The complex will house 60 retail spaces, two large department stores, a premium food court, a clubhouse, a gym, a wellness center, a medical clinic, and parking for more than 400 cars. The building aims to become an integral part of the community's daily life.

Ghaf Woods Mall – Forest-Centric Shopping

The Ghaf Woods Mall, bearing the concept of "mall in the forest," will be located along Route E311. Its uniqueness lies in offering a nature-centric experience while providing premium shopping, dining, and entertainment options. The aim is to create harmony between nature and modern commerce.

This project fits well with sustainable urban development efforts and may herald a new era in the design and function of shopping centers, where green environments are not just embellishments but integral to the concept.

Sobha Mall – Peaceful Urban Oasis

Scheduled to open in the second half of 2026, Sobha Mall will be located in the Nad Al Sheba district. The 210 million dirham investment is a complex that merges commerce and tranquility over a base area of 339,000 square feet.

Sobha Mall will include 35 retail spaces and more than 10 dining units, along with a supermarket, playgrounds, sports fields, and an entertainment center. The design emphasizes eco-consciousness with green roofs, natural lighting, energy-efficient systems, and technology-assisted navigation.

Liwan Mall – Everyday Shopping

Liwan Mall does not aim to compete with Dubai Mall or the new Dubai Square in size; instead, its goal is to strengthen community ties and meet everyday needs. Its proximity to Dubai Silicon Oasis and Global Village ensures high traffic while serving the convenience of local residents.

Such smaller malls represent a new trend: focusing not on luxury but on accessibility and homeliness.

Villa Square – Luxury in Tranquility

Villa Square is an upscale shopping center aiming to create a resort atmosphere amid an urban environment. Natural stone cladding, insulated walls, and reflective glass surfaces enhance not only the design but also energy efficiency.

Villa Square promises an experience where shopping becomes relaxation. Visitors can not only shop but also recharge in relaxation zones, making it an ideal choice for those seeking peace over hustle.

Dubai and the Future of Shopping Centers

The six newly announced shopping centers are remarkable individually, but together they paint an even bigger picture of Dubai's development. Not only do they open new venues for shopping and entertainment, but they also significantly improve the city's quality of life as these buildings increasingly integrate into residents' daily lives.

The new malls represent a new level in infrastructure, technology, and sustainability. Dubai continues to prove that it can think ahead and create living spaces that not only meet but surpass the expectations of residents and visitors.

The mall economy continues to thrive in the UAE, and with the new generation of shopping centers, Dubai once again becomes the focus of global attention.

(Source of the article: Based on Dubai development plans.)