Dubai’s new and upcoming malls: What’s open now and what’s coming soon

Dubai’s retail scene grows with new malls, major expansions and upcoming mega projects

Last updated:
Zainab Husain, Features Writer
3 MIN READ
Dubai's latest shopping joint - The Nad Al Sheba Mall with over 100 00 outlets covering F&B, retail, entertainment, fitness and more.
Dubai's latest shopping joint - The Nad Al Sheba Mall with over 100 00 outlets covering F&B, retail, entertainment, fitness and more.
X | DMO

Dubai: Dubai’s retail landscape is rapidly expanding, with new community malls set to serve emerging neighbourhoods and multi-billion-dirham upgrades planned for some of the city’s most iconic shopping destinations. These upcoming and newly opened malls highlight Dubai’s ongoing growth as a global hub for shopping, dining, and entertainment. Here’s a look at the latest additions to the city’s mall scene and what’s on the horizon.

Recently opened malls in Dubai

Nad Al Sheba Mall

Nad Al Sheba Mall is the newest neighbourhood lifestyle destination in Dubai. Spanning 500,000 square feet and developed by Dubai Holding Asset Management, the mall features over 100 outlets, covering dining, retail, entertainment, fitness, and even healthcare services.

Visitors can enjoy wellness facilities such as a rooftop gym, swimming pool, and padel courts, making it a well-rounded destination for shopping, eating out, and staying active. Popular local brands like Home Bakery and SALT have already opened their doors, with Parkers and Joe & The Juice expected to launch soon. The mall is open from 10am to 10pm on weekdays and from 10am to midnight on weekends.

Dubai Mall – The District

Dubai Mall has expanded with the launch of The District, a new section that opened on March 1. Located near the Dubai Ice Rink and Level Shoes, The District adds 65 new retail and dining options to what is already one of the world’s largest shopping destinations.

Home to more than 1,200 retail outlets, two major department stores, and hundreds of F&B options, Dubai Mall spans over 1 million square metres, roughly the size of 200 football fields and sits next to the iconic Burj Khalifa.

Upcoming shopping malls and expansions in Dubai

New community mall in Sobha Hartland

A new Dh210 million community shopping mall is under development within Sobha Realty’s Hartland master plan. Set to open in the second half of 2026, the mall marks Sobha Realty’s first foray into retail real estate.

The development will cover 339,000 square feet of built-up area, offering 115,000 square feet of leasable space across 35 outlets, including over 10 F&B options designed to serve residents and visitors in the area.

Mall of the Emirates expansion – Dh5 billion upgrade

Mall of the Emirates is undergoing a major Dh5 billion expansion that will introduce an additional 20,000 square metres and 100 new retail stores. The expansion aims to further enhance its position as a top shopping and leisure destination in the region.

As part of the upgrade, Dh1.1 billion has already been invested in infrastructure improvements, a new wellness club, a cultural hub, and a reimagined dining area. Highlights of the expansion include:

  • An indoor-outdoor precinct featuring casual dining and interactive entertainment

  • The mall’s first outdoor F&B courtyard, expected to open in early 2027

  • The New Covent Garden theatre, set to soft-launch in mid-2025 and fully open later that year

  • New lifestyle and entertainment spaces to be completed by 2026

  • Additional dining and ‘North End’ spaces to be unveiled by early 2027

Dubai Square – Emaar’s futuristic mega mall in Dubai Creek Harbour

Dubai Square is an upcoming mall in Dubai Creek Harbour, developed by Emaar Properties. Once complete, it will become one of the largest malls in Dubai, second only to Dubai Mall, and will be connected to the new Dubai Creek Tower. Set in a waterfront community, Dubai Square will feature:

  • The largest Chinatown in the Middle East

  • A Grand Plaza with futuristic elements

  • A dedicated art district

  • A rooftop waterpark

·         A design inspired by modern Middle Eastern architecture, with pedestrian-friendly walkways and a dramatic glass roof

The mall will be part of a wider 7.4 million sq. m. residential area with 500,000 sq. m. of green and open space. Its location is just 10 minutes from Downtown Dubai and Dubai International Airport, making it easily accessible for residents and tourists.

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