A retail wonderland! Upcoming malls in the UAE
- Expansion of MOE
- Ghaf Woods Mall
- Dubai Square
- Sobha Mall
- Expo City Mall
- Al Khawaneej Mall
- Meydan One Mall
- FAQs
“Shop till you drop” is an expression UAE embraces wholeheartedly. Known globally for its colossal malls and diverse shopping centres, the UAE offers a retail haven like no other. With several exciting projects on the horizon, the country’s reputation as a shopper’s paradise is set to soar even higher. Read on to discover upcoming malls in the UAE that will have the crowds flocking.
UPCOMING MALLS IN THE UAE
From eco-friendly architecture to extravagant leisure facilities, the upcoming malls promise to redefine retail in the region. Here’s a list of new malls in the UAE to watch out for.
Expansion of the Mall of the Emirates
Even the most renowned shopping centres in Dubai are expanding. The Mall of the Emirates is set to introduce a significant new area as part of its AED 5 billion redevelopment. This enhancement will include 100 additional shops and over 20,000 sq. m. of retail and recreational space.
Key features consist of a newly designed outdoor dining courtyard, upgraded cultural centre and entertainment spaces that will gradually open from 2025 to 2027. The New Covent Garden Theatre is anticipated to have a soft launch in the middle of 2025, with additional areas set to open in the early part of 2027.
This development guarantees that the Mall of the Emirates continues to be a premier location for shopping, dining, and entertainment, making it one of the most thrilling malls set to open soon in Dubai.
Ghaf Woods Mall
Dubai is preparing to introduce an exceptional shopping venue with the Ghaf Woods Mall, created by Majid Al Futtaim. This will be the first mall in the area to incorporate a forest environment, merging nature, innovative design and advanced technology.
Situated within the AED 15.4 billion Ghaf Woods community, the shopping centre is referred to as a “Mall in the Forest.” Guests can look forward to a combination of retail, dining and entertainment amidst verdant natural surroundings. Although the ultimate design has not been disclosed, it is set to reflect the community’s forest-themed concept, intending to provide a unique experience for both locals and guests.
Location: Ghaf Woods, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
Dubai Square
One of the most ambitious shopping centres set to open in Dubai is Dubai Square, located in Dubai Creek Harbour and developed by Emaar Properties. When completed, it will rank among the largest malls in Dubai, coming in just after the Dubai Mall and will have a direct connection to the new Dubai Creek Tower.
The shopping centre will showcase the largest Chinatown in the Middle East, alongside an expansive plaza adorned with digital and artistic displays, a specialised art district, and a rooftop water park. Its contemporary architecture boasts spacious pedestrian pathways and an impressive glass canopy. Located only 10 minutes away from Downtown Dubai and the airport, it aims to become a highly accessible and thrilling new attraction.
- Location: Dubai Creek Harbour
SOBHA MALL
A leading luxury real estate developer in Dubai, Sobha Realty, is developing a one-of-a-kind mall in its flagship community, Sobha Hartland.
Scheduled to launch in 2026, the Sobha Hartland Community Mall is envisioned as a lifestyle centre that merges shopping, dining, wellness and leisure activities. Spanning an area of 339,000 sq. ft. and with an investment exceeding AED 210 million, the mall will feature a supermarket, 35 retail outlets, a fitness centre, children’s play zones, sports courts and over 10 dining establishments.
The design emphasises the incorporation of natural elements, featuring skylights, lush greenery and water installations that foster a tranquil and welcoming atmosphere. A prominent element, referred to as the “vibrant bowl,” will link all levels from the basement to the roof, adorned with green walls and suspended pods. Advanced technology, such as interactive screens and digital wayfinding, will enhance the visitor experience, making it both straightforward and pleasurable.
One of the standout features of this development is its unique architectural design. The mall will incorporate a striking, bowl-shaped atrium that extends from the basement to the rooftop, creating a visually stunning centrepiece. Complementing this architectural marvel will be lush green walls, soothing water features and suspended floating pods.
- Location: Sobha Hartland
EXPO CITY MALL
Expo City Dubai is expanding with a new retail hotspot, Expo City Mall, featuring over 190 stores and restaurants that promise diverse retail and dining experiences.
The mall will be conveniently accessible via Sheikh Mohammad Bin Zayed Road, Expo Road and Jebel Ali Road. It will also be linked to the Expo 2020 Metro Station. Apart from retail offerings, Expo City Mall will reflect the area’s futuristic vision, creating an ideal shopping and leisure destination for residents and tourists.
- Location: Expo City Dubai
AL KHAWANEEJ MALL
Next on our list of the top upcoming shopping malls in the UAE is Al Khawaneej Mall. It is built with eco-friendly materials and techniques to meet international green building standards. Covering 165,000 sq. ft., it will feature 29 shops, a large shopping centre, a medical clinic, restaurants and a fitness centre.
This project, costing AED 40 million, is already 17% complete and emphasises sustainability. The project integrates advanced technologies to save, generate and recycle energy, reducing its environmental footprint.
- Location: Al Khawaneej
MEYDAN ONE MALL
Meydan One Mall is another upcoming luxury shopping destination in the Meydan One district, sprawling over 1.5 sq.m. The mall will be home to a wide selection of luxury outlets, eateries and tons of entertainment and leisure options.
A massive 46,000 sq. m. of Meydan One Mall is dedicated to entertainment. Options include an electric go-karting track, an e-gaming zone and designated areas for extreme sports.
Another highly anticipated attraction will be the 1-kilometre indoor ski slope and a gigantic Crystal Lagoon with a 500-metre beach. Meydan One Mall will also feature a 380-metre-long dancing fountain and an expansive plaza for events and festivals.
- Location: Meydan One
FAQS
ARE NEW MALLS OPENING IN OTHER EMIRATES?
Sharjah is gearing up to introduce the Madar Mall as part of the Aljada project. Scheduled to open its doors in December 2028, the mall will boast more than 400 retail outlets, 80 dining options, and various family-oriented attractions such as a cinema, an ice skating rink and a plaza with a dancing fountain.
A restaurant located on the rooftop, along with an observation tower, will provide sweeping vistas of Sharjah. Madar Mall is envisioned as a cultural and community centre, seeking to merge shopping, dining and entertainment all in one place for both locals and tourists.
ARE MALLS OPEN SEVEN DAYS A WEEK IN THE UAE?
Every mall in the UAE has different timings, but most are open seven days a week.
WHAT ARE THE BEST MALLS IN DUBAI?
From the Mall of the Emirates to City Centre Deira, residents are spoilt for choice regarding the best malls in Dubai.
WHERE CAN I BUY MIDDLE EASTERN SOUVENIRS IN DUBAI?
Souks in Dubai are the perfect places to buy a traditional Middle Eastern souvenir for your loved ones or yourself. Plus, there are souvenir shops in the biggest mall in the UAE, too. Read our Dubai Mall guide to learn more.
And this brings us to the end of our roundup of new malls in the UAE.
Emerging from vibrant forest-themed environments to cutting-edge community centres, a fresh generation of shopping malls is emerging, each offering a distinct experience. If you’re a fan of high-end fashion, enjoying meals with stunning vistas, or discovering one-of-a-kind entertainment areas, these upcoming malls in Dubai are certainly something to look forward to.
Which of these spectacular new upcoming malls do you feel excited about? If you’re in the capital, you might want to check out these malls in Abu Dhabi.
