News
Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates to Undergo $1.36 Billion Expansion
Die Geissens Real Estate L.L.C
15. April 2025
The iconic Mall of the Emirates is set for a transformative upgrade, adding 100 new stores, cultural venues, and sustainable infrastructure in a strategic push to cement Dubai’s retail dominance.
Strategic Expansion Marks 20 Years of Excellence
Majid Al Futtaim has announced a landmark Dh5 billion ($1.36 billion) expansion plan for Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates, coinciding with the mall’s 20th anniversary. The investment will add 20,000 sq m of retail space accommodating 100 new stores, enhancing both consumer experience and retail diversity.
Real Estate and Infrastructure Impact
- Retail Real Estate Boost: The expansion increases gross leasable area, driving up rental yields and asset valuation in one of the world’s most profitable mall ecosystems.
- Connectivity Enhancements: Infrastructure upgrades, including a Dh165 million bridge linking Umm Suqeim Street and Sheikh Zayed Road, strengthen multimodal access—vital for footfall growth and investment liquidity.
- Mixed-Use Demand Surge: The transformation is expected to catalyze demand in surrounding residential and hospitality sectors, particularly in Al Barsha and Dubai Science Park.
Phased Rollout with Cultural and Tech Integration
- 2025: Launch of New Covent Garden, a cultural hub with a 600-seat theatre in partnership with Dubai Performing Arts Academy.
- 2026: Delivery of lifestyle and entertainment zones to capture experiential spending trends.
- 2027: Completion of expanded F&B offerings, aligned with Dubai’s positioning as a global culinary capital.
Sustainability as a Value Driver
Energy-efficient technologies, smart building systems, and eco-conscious design principles will be embedded throughout the development. This aligns with the UAE’s Net Zero 2050 strategy and increases long-term asset resilience and ESG investment appeal.
Retail Momentum and Regional Trends
- Regional retail is forecast to grow at a 4.6% CAGR between 2023–2028, with the UAE and Saudi Arabia leading.
- Landmark Group’s $1B plan to open 400 stores confirms sustained investor confidence in Gulf retail.
- Mall of the Emirates attracted 40+ million visitors in 2024, with 97% occupancy across Majid Al Futtaim’s portfolio.
Luxury and Experiential Branding
The mall’s luxury segment is expanding in 2025, following a 26% growth year in 2024. Flagship reopenings like Bottega Veneta and the integration of Italian high-end brands reinforce its global positioning.
A Magnet for Capital and Innovation
Mall of the Emirates’ $1.36 billion expansion is more than a retail upgrade—it’s a magnet for regional capital, a catalyst for real estate appreciation, and a model for future-ready urban infrastructure. Investors should monitor adjacent hospitality, logistics, and residential opportunities as Dubai strengthens its position as a global retail and lifestyle epicenter.
