Dubai is levelling up its retail game with five dazzling new malls and massive upgrades to two of its most iconic shopping destinations. From a futuristic indoor city to a forest-themed mall, the emirate is rewriting the rules of what a mall can be. With billions invested and unique concepts on the table, the next era of Dubai shopping is here—and it's bigger, greener and more luxurious than ever.
The crane towers above the dusty skyline at Dubai Creek Harbour. Below, a sea of workers, steel beams and blueprints buzz with anticipation. “It’s not just a mall,” says an architect in a white helmet, “it’s a whole city under one roof.” Welcome to Dubai Square, the centrepiece of the future. Imagine gliding through shopping lanes wide enough for electric cars, surrounded by immersive tech, luxury brands, and world-class dining—all inside an air-conditioned megastructure.
First announced in 2018 and now reimagined by Emaar CEO Mohammed Alabbar, Dubai Square is set to be a game-changer. No opening date yet, but the vision is crystal clear: an indoor metropolis linked to the upcoming Dubai Creek Tower.
Not to be outdone, the giants are evolving too. The Dubai Mall is undergoing a Dhs1.5 billion expansion, adding 240 new luxury outlets and a massive new exhibition centre. In March, ‘The District’ opened with 65 new shops and restaurants near the Ice Rink.
Meanwhile, Mall of the Emirates is getting a stunning Dhs5 billion revamp. Expect 100 new stores—including Primark and Kim Kardashian’s Skims—and the mall’s first-ever outdoor food garden, opening in early 2027, lush with greenery and perfect for Dubai’s cooler months.
Where malls go, value follows. Each of these retail projects is anchoring a larger vision of community and lifestyle. For investors, this means high returns on retail assets and residential properties nearby—especially in emerging areas like Ghaf Woods and Wadi Al Safa. As Dubai blends luxury, sustainability and smart urban design, these malls are more than places to shop—they’re hubs of future living.
