The Dubai Mall opening set for Tuesday

The Dubai Mall, the flagship shopping mall by Emaar Malls Group, will open doors to the public on Tuesday, November 4 at 2pm. The mall will have smooth and easy access from Shaikh Zayed Road, off Financial Street Road (previously Doha Road), Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Burj Dubai and through the newly opened bridge off Interchange One, said a media release.

Opening attractions at The Dubai Mall include over 600 retail outlets with several of them including Waitrose, Hamleys and Kinokuniya Books marking their debut in the Middle East at the mall; Dubai Aquarium & Discovery Centre featuring a 270-degree walkthrough tunnel; the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink; Fashion Catwalk atrium with 20-metre runway; and the world's largest indoor Gold Souk.

The Dubai Mall will mark its opening day celebration with a series of high profile activities, including the public unveiling (at 4pm) of the Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Centre, which has been awarded the Guinness World record for the ‘World's Largest Acrylic Panel'. Other opening day attractions include fashion shows, exhibitions, galleries and performers.

“The Dubai Mall is a one-of-its-kind experience in the region and marks the future of retail in the region by reinventing the shopping experience for the whole family. Dubai has already established its place in the world as one of the best business and tourism destinations, and The Dubai Mall as an ambassador for Dubai, will highlight to the world the capabilities and strengths of this city,'' said Yousif Al Ali, General Manager, The Dubai Mall.

The Dubai Mall will have over 1,200 retail outlets and 160 food and beverage outlets spread over a gross leasable area of 3.77 million sq ft. Over 165 retailers – or 30 per cent of the mall's total gross leasable area, are dedicated to new retailers to the region, or brands opening up standalone stores for the first time. The mall is an integral component of Downtown Burj Dubai, a 500-acre mixed-use development anchored by the iconic Burj Dubai, the world's tallest building.

Amongst other world-class attractions at the mall are; SEGA Republic, an indoor theme park; KidZania, a unique children's ‘edu-tainment' concept; The Grove, an open air streetscape with fully retractable roof and a 22-screen Cineplex, which will all come on line in 2009. The Dubai Mall has confirmed its two department stores, Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale's, making their regional debut. There are over 14,000 undercover car park spaces across three car parks and an adjoining luxury 5-star hotel – The Address, Dubai Mall - with 250 rooms and 450 serviced residences.

• Regular opening hours 10am to midnight daily
• Direct road access from Sheikh Zayed Road, Financial Street Road, Emaar Boulevard, Downtown Burj Dubai and new bridge off Interchange One
• Public unveiling of Dubai Aquarium & Discovery Centre at 4pm