Special Features
Shopping in Dubai
Dubai, the official shopping hub of the Middle East, is also acknowledged as the core market for international retailers, promoting other Gulf countries to launch brands according to their success in this Emirate.In early 2005, the total area of shopping centers in Dubai was about 7 million sq ft (or 6 sq ft of retail outlet for every person). The ongoing and upcoming projects will increase this total area to 45.6 million sq ft by 2010 (or 38 sq ft for every person) more than double that of the US.
Many reliable sources estimate that the visitors to Dubai’s 25 major malls reached around 80 million in 2005.
Deira City Center has long been the bustling heart of Dubai and has successfully maintained its position as the leading entertainment and leisure retails complex of its kind throughout the region. Home to over 300 shops, restaurants, cinemas and entertainment facilities, it continues to be a key destination and a focal point for the 60,000 shoppers who visit daily.
Adding to its growing portfolio of industry awards, Burjuman was crowned Mall of the Year at the prestigious1st Retail Middle East Awards, beating competition from malls across the region.
In 2005, Ibn Battuta Mall, flung open its opulent new doors, with a design inspired by Andalusia, Tunisa, Eygpt, Persia, India and China. The mall spreads across 3.5 million sq ft including parking for 5,000 cars. The mall features a 21-screen megaplex, the region’s first IMAX screen, 275 outlets, a food court across 3,800 sq m and a Geant retail center covering 70,000 sq m.
The largest shopping mall in the world outside North America is the Mall of the Emirates, a retail entertainment and leisure resort, opened with 6.5 million sq ft in total area, has around 500 outlets, a ski resort, an Alpine-style hotel and a parking lot for 7,000 cars. The mall costs about AED 3 billion ($ 817 million) and is expected to see 30 million visitors every year. It was crowned the World’s Leading New Shopping Mall at the World Travel Awards in London.
“Our property is setting the standards for the retail industry across the UAE and the region. The customer traffic to our unique offering of leisure, shopping and entertainment has exceeded 10 million visits over the past 6months and reflects the success of our business, The fact that we are exceeding our expectations as well those of our retailers is exciting and impressive.” Jim Badour, Vice President, Mall of the Emirates.
The largest Virgin Megastore in the Middle East is located in the Mall of the Emirates, offering 40,000 sq ft dedicated to entertainment.
Harvey Nichols has opened its largest store outside of the UK in Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates. The store, designed by eminent architecture firm Callison Architecture, will span 3 levels and cover 136,900 sq ft and will house more than 100 luxury brands managed by 409 professionals.
Tommy Hilfiger Corporation, the $ 1.9 billion global apparel company, has launched its 1st UAE store at the Mall of the Emirates.
Emaar’s Dubai Mall, the AED 2.6 billion ($ 708 million) project lying at the heart of Burj Dubai, is the largest commercial center in the UAE. The mall will have 1,200 stores stretching over an area of about 12.1 million sq ft including 3.7 million sq ft of leasable space. Emaar expects the mall to attract about 35 million visitors per year. The mall will house 15 sub-malls, a skating rink, an aquarium and the planet’s bigger gold souk.
The Mall of Arabia, due to open in 2008, will have 4 levels, around 1,000 outlets, its own theatre and a parking for about 10,000 cars. The size of the mall will be over 10 million sq ft of Gross Leasable Area (GLA) when completed, making it the world’s biggest mall.
Upon completion of Dubai’s Mall of Arabia and Dubai Mall along with the current Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta Mall, these 4 malls will be among the largest shopping malls in the world.
Dubai Outlet Mall, spread over 4.3 million sq ft is an
