Dubai’s retail sector is entering a new growth phase, with 6 major malls and 2 mall extensions scheduled to happen between 2026 and 2028. These developments reflect a clear shift toward experience-led, lifestyle-focused retail, combining shopping, dining, entertainment, wellness, and community spaces.
Dubai is a unique place where retails continues to thrive. In the US, major retail chains like Macy’s, Walgreens and Carters closed 100s of stores each but in Dubai, the opposite is happening. As tourism continues to flourish, our celebrating many different public holidays (Eid, Christmas, Ramadan, Diwali) and the sometimes difficult weather conditions, our malls continue to attract millions of visitors every year. An example of this, Dubai Mall welcomed 105 million visitors in 2024, up 19% from 88 million in 2023.1
Overview: Why These New Malls Matter
The upcoming malls vary significantly in scale and concept — from mega-destinations designed as indoor cities to neighbourhood-focused lifestyle hubs. Together, they will add millions of square feet of retail space and hundreds of new stores across Dubai.
1. Dubai Square Mall – Dubai Creek Harbour
Dubai Square reimagines retail as a 2.6 million sqm indoor city in Dubai Creek Harbour, integrating tech-enabled shopping, drive-through access, entertainment arenas, ice zones, and art districts.
Size & Scale
- Approx. 2.6 million sqm
- One of the largest retail developments globally
Concept & Attractions
- Tech-enabled retail, entertainment zones, walkable districts, and immersive experiences
- Futuristic Entertainment Arena: Features 3D projection mapping, concerts, acrobatics, and museum exhibitions for immersive shows.
- Ice Adventure Zone: Family-friendly ice rink, waterpark, sports arena, and cutting-edge Cineplex on the second floor.
- Art District: Showcases sculptures, performance art, and year-round events blending retail with music, dance, and cinema.
Opening Timeline
- Expected around 2028
Location
https://maps.app.goo.gl/AyqujRMTNoKLEWT87
2. Sobha Mall – Sobha Hartland
Size & Retail Mix
- Approx. 339,000 sq ft
- 35+ retail outlets and 10+ dining venues
Theme & Amenities
- Smaller community / lifestyle mall
- Supermarket, gym, play courts, family zones
Wellness Pavilion: Spa, yoga studios, organic cafes, and meditation gardens for holistic health experiences. - Culinary Collective: Farm-to-table dining hall with 20+ global cuisines, chef-led kitchens, and interactive cooking classes.
- Innovation Playground: Tech labs, VR arcades, maker spaces, and STEM workshops for kids.
Opening Timeline
- Targeted for Q4 2026
Location
https://maps.app.goo.gl/wHe9aPFheztSA2Kq8
3. Liwan Mall – Wadi Al Safa
Size & Shops
- 20-30 retail outlets
- Approx. 113,000 sq ft
- Boutique retail and cafés
Special Features
- Landscaped terraces with shaded pavilions, outdoor cafés, and rotating pop-up food markets.
- Community Leisure Hub: Sports courts, kids’ play zones, event lawns, and cultural workshops for local gatherings.
Opening Timeline
- Q4 2026
Location
https://share.google/lLL8jbewKcUQQjDg0
4. Villa Square – Wadi Al Safa
Size & Shops
- Approx. 120,000–130,000 sq ft community mall.
- Around 30–40 retail and F&B units, anchored by a supermarket and daily-needs brands.
Special Features
- Landscaped central plaza with shaded seating, outdoor cafés, and family-friendly promenades.
- Leisure-focused layout with kids’ play areas, fitness/wellness studios, and casual dining clusters serving nearby villa communities.
Opening Timeline
- Targeted for completion and soft opening in Q3 2026.
Location
https://maps.app.goo.gl/3jh8Y2E4nehYYdqQ6
5. South Bay Mall – Dubai South
Size & Shops
- Approximately 250,000 sq ft community mall serving Dubai South’s residential and Expo corridor.
- Around 60–80 units, mixing retail, F&B, services, and daily-needs anchors.
Special Features
- Promenade-style layout integrated with South Bay’s waterfront and parks, with outdoor dining decks and family seating.
- Lifestyle focus with gym, wellness studios, kids’ play zones, co-working lounges, and event spaces linked to nearby residential clusters.
Opening Timeline
Expected to open from Q1 2028 with phased handover aligned to South Bay’s community build-out.
Location
https://share.google/G2gaJULP42uJyXbz5
6. Ghaf Woods Mall – Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road
Size & Shops
- Approx. 150,000 sq ft community mall along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road.
- 40-50 retail outlets, F&B venues, and service units for nearby villa communities.
Special Features
- Green promenades with shaded walkways, outdoor seating, and pop-up markets.
- Wellness zones, kids’ adventure parks, multipurpose event halls, and fitness studios.
Opening Timeline
- Scheduled for Q1 2027
Location
https://share.google/t1vx06Dd4HSgKhdJH
7. Dubai Mall Expansion Plan
Size & New Shops
- Expansion adds 240 luxury brands, boosting total outlets to 1,200+ across 13 million sq ft.
- New F&B and experiential retail zones integrated into the core mall.
Special Features
- World’s largest Olympic-sized ice rink, enhanced Dubai Aquarium tunnel, and state of the art VR entertainment districts.
- Luxury Boulevard with high-end flagships, rooftop dining, and digital art installations.
Opening Timeline
- Phased rollout through Q3-Q4 2026.
Location
https://share.google/C31aSfnywbRjKvqZ5
8. Mall Of The Emirates Expansion Plan
Size & Retail Growth
- AED 5 billion redevelopment
- Adds 20,000 sqm of new retail space
- Around 100 new stores
Special Attractions
- 600-seat theatre
- Cultural zones, wellness precincts, and outdoor dining courtyards
Opening Phases
- Rolling openings through Q1-Q3 2026
Location
https://share.google/SsidZds0VfK2VYzqF
Conclusion
Dubai is slowly evolving from a mall centric population to one that prefers community spaces where essentials can be bought. Now almost every master community has one or more community malls / shopping centres where families can buy things they need.
That being said, the ever increasing tourist numbers compel the city to build the biggest and boldest, which can be seen with the Dubai Square Mall, the largest mall in the world to the expansions of the other two mega malls, Dubai continues to inspire the world with it’s insatiable ambition to create experiences not seen anywhere else. As always, keep checking https://viewit.ae/ for the latest news and reviews in and around Dubai and the UAE!