Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates is set for a major expansion, with owner Majid Al Futtaim announcing a Dhs 5 billion redevelopment plan to mark the mall’s 20th anniversary. The multi-year programme will introduce 20,000 square metres of new retail space and approximately 100 additional stores.
Mall of the Emirates, which first opened in November 2005, is one of the UAE’s most visited shopping and leisure destinations. The new expansion is part of a broader effort by Majid Al Futtaim to modernise its flagship property, with a focus on wellness, arts and sustainability.
The project will also bring in significant new attractions, including a cultural hub known as 'New Covent Garden', which will feature a 600-seat theatre developed in collaboration with the Dubai Performing Arts Academy. The theatre is scheduled to open later this year, while new lifestyle and entertainment areas are expected to be open by 2026. Additional dining spaces will be rolled out in early 2027.
The company has already invested Dhs 1.1 billion in ongoing upgrades, and future works will include the integration of energy-efficient technologies, smart systems and eco-conscious design principles aimed at delivering a future-ready retail experience.