We like our malls big and glitzy in Dubai. But what about one that looks like a hilltop town in Tuscany — and one that’s exclusively for discounted brands? Say hello to The Outlet Village, the latest shopping destination that’s designed to well, make you shop even more, but in style.
Modelled after outlet villages in Europe, 140,000 sq metres of the “mall” is now opened, with additional phases to take that up to 300,000 sq metres, according to Meraas, the developer of other retail developments including City Walk Dubai, The Beach JBR, Box Park Dubai and food truck park Last Exit.
Located in Jebel Ali right next to the Dh13.2 billion Dubai Parks and Resorts development, the design of The Outlet Village is inspired by the hilltop town of San Gimignano in Italy, a Unesco World Heritage Site.
A total of 125 brands have already opened shop, including DKNY, Dunhill, Guiseppe Zanotti, Ted Baker, Tommy Hilfiger, Diesel and BCBGMAXAZRIA alongside multibrand stores such as Priceless and Etoile that will sell all their designer brands including Fendi, Tom Ford, Jimmy Choo, Valentino, Tory Burch, Givenchy, Dolce & Gabbana and Kenzo. Food outlets include PF Chang’s, Operation Falafel, Tashas, Godiva and The Brass.
Gulf News tabloid! was recently given a tour of the mall, complete with opera singers. Here are five things to know about The Outlet Village:
The location
It’s a bit of a drive now, but once the Dubai Parks and Resorts opens in October 31, this Jebel Ali destination is going to be the centre of a lot of action. Dubai Parks and Resorts, the Middle East’s largest multi-themed park will have three main theme parks: the Hollywood-inspired Motiongate Dubai, the region’s first Legoland theme park called Legoland Dubai and the world’s first Bollywood Parks Dubai.
The Outlet Village is approximately 45 minutes from the Dubai International Airport, 15 minutes from Al Maktoum International Airport, 30 minutes from Dubai and 45 minutes from Abu Dhabi.
Design
The architecture of The Outlet Village is inspired by San Gimignano, the walled medieval hilltop town in Tuscany that was declared a Unesco World Heritage Site in 1990. And the attention to detail is quite impressive with the replicated stonework, archways and pebbled streets. Once fully opened, there will be four main streets and five courtyards filled with cafes, water features and food trucks. We had some gelato during the tour. There’s even a wishing well!
The shops
Outlet villages are all about the deals. We found a Ted Baker dress that was originally priced at Dh1,175 for Dh400. And the brands are as impressive as they come and cover everything from fashion, sportswear, equipment, furniture and household goods. Galeries Lafayette is opening soon and designer multibrand outlets Priceless, The Deal and Etoile are already there. Also, Bebe, M Missoni, Ermenegildo Zegna, Dunhill and Roberto Cavalli are opening their first outlet concepts in the region.
How to get there
If you’re driving from Dubai, it’s pretty straightforward. It will be located on your left. There are 2,000 free outdoor parking spaces and taxi drop-off and pickup zones. Complimentary coaches will run daily from selected hotels and popular tourist destinations in Dubai, including The Beach at JBR.
Opening hours
The Outlet Village is open all days of the week: 10am to 10pm from Sunday to Wednesday and 10am to midnight from Thursday to Saturday. For a list of shops and more information, go to www.theoutletvillage.ae.
