DUBAI: The Dubai Mall has just added one millon square feet to its retail space, bringing the total to 13 million square feet. The mall is now larger than 50 football fields.
Following the expansion, the mall has introduced 150 more retail and F&B outlets, bringing the number to 1,350.
The newly completed section, which opened its doors on March 10, is an extension of the Fashion Avenue. It houses a number of luxury brands such as Bottega Veneta, Ermenegildo Zenga, Canali, Todds, Gucci, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermes, Phillip Plein and a high end version of Starbucks café, known as Starbucks Reserve.
Work on the extension, which began in 2014, was carried out by UK-based builder Balfour Beatty at the cost of Dh1.2 billion.
Fashion Avenue now has a separate entrance and is located right next to Burj Khalifa on the Mohammad Bin Rashid Boulevard. It can also be accessed through the main atrium of the old Fashion Avenue, opposite Armani Café on the ground floor
10th anniversary
Apart from retail stores, the new section of the mall houses an art gallery, artistic photo booths and sleeping pods.
The iconic mall will cele-brate its 10th anniversary in November this year. According to the Department of Tourism and Commerce Marketing (Dubai Tourism), Dubai Mall welcomed 80 million visitors in 2017.
Attractions added this year
1. VR Park: The attraction is designed to ‘challenge reality’, blurring the lines between perception and reality through immersive rides, interactive games and educational journeys.
Where: Level 2
2. Skyward: This is an installation by Florida-based artist Jason Hackenwerth and consists of 20,000 balloons, weighing over 30 kilograms.
Where: Souk Entrance
3. Wave-Field: A musical installation that comprises 16 illuminated see-saws. When activated by momentum, its creates an experiential urban playground through light and sound.
Where: Waterfront Promenade
4. ‘Love Me’ by Richard Hudson: The polished steel structure which is in the shape of a heart was designed by British artist Richard Hudson. It was installed on February 14 to mark the most romantic day of the year. Where: Waterfront promenade near Starbucks
