Dubai: The newly launched Dubai Square, an upcoming district that will combine retail, hospitality and entertainment in Dubai Creek, will not only dwarf Dubai Mall in terms of shopping space, but all the other mega malls in the world.
With its gross leasable area (GLA), the amount of floor space that can be rented out to retailers, set at 8 million square feet, Dubai Square could very well eclipse the three biggest shopping centres in the world today, the New South China Mall, SM Tianjin and Golden Resources Mall, which are all located in China.
Dubai Square was launched this week by Emaar and Dubai Holding and serves as a testament that the emirate is not scaling back on plans to deliver more retail space.
Dubai Mall currently ranks as the 21st largest shopping mall in the world in terms of GLA, although it is the biggest in terms of total area.
According to proponents of the project, Dubai Square’s retail space alone will be equivalent to the size of more than 100 football pitches.
And since there will also be 1,500 hotel rooms, thousands of residential units, an events arena and a waterpark, the whole development will span 2.6 million square metres or nearly 30 million square feet, more than the size of the world’s three biggest shopping malls combined.
The 10 biggest shopping malls in the world
1.New South China Mall (Dongguan, China): 7.1 million square feet
2.SM Tianjin (Tianjin, China): 5.8 million square feet
3.Golden Resources Mall (Beijing, China): 6 million square feet
4.SM City North Edsa (Quezon City, Philippines): 5.3 million square feet
5. SM Megamall (Mandaluyong, Philippinnes): 5.1 million square feet
6. SM Seaside City Cebu (Cebu City, Philippines): 5.06 million square feet
7.Isfahan City Centre (Isfahan, Iran): 5 million square feet
8.1 Utama (Damansara, Malaysia): 4.9 million square feet
9.Persian Gulf Coomplex (Shiraz, Iran): 4.8 million square feet
10.Central World (Bangkok, Thailand): 4.6 million square feet
“We aim to actually redefine the shopping experience by introducing a variety of innovative concepts. This is our latest endeavor to bring the best to Dubai,” said Abdulla Al Habbai, chairman of Dubai Holding.
“With Dubai Square, we are delivering a new destination experience that will bring incredible value to our retail partners.”
Here’s a quick look at the upcoming mall:
Located just 10 minutes from Dubai International, Dubai Square will have streets, boulevards, piazzas, squares and avenues lined with shops.
Visitors can take a stroll down the boulevard as they shop, but they don't have to worry about getting too much sun because the roof will be made of glass.
People who love the thrill of ice skating can go to the Ice Adventure Park.
For shows and other events, there is an events arena which will feature 3D projection mapping for live performances.
For those who love to shop for anything made in China or enjoy some delectable Asian dishes, the best place to be will definitely be Chinatown.
There will be a luxury avenue dedicated to high-end brands.
It will be next to Dubai Creek Tower, the world’s next tallest tower under construction. Mall visitors can easily access the iconic landmark through an underground extension that will connect the retail hub with Dubai Creek Tower.
The "plaza terrace" of Dubai Square could also be a good spot for diners.
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