Dubai to host the Earth's largest 'Mall of the World'

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE, and Ruler of Dubai, yesterday unveiled Mall of the World, an awe-inspiring project that will position Dubai right on top of international destinations in terms of mega developments and a global leader in terms of retail- and tourism-related mega-projects.

“We announced recently that we plan to transform Dubai into a cultural, tourist and economic hub for the two billion people living in the region around us; and we are determined to achieve our vision,” said Sheikh Mohammed, while unveiling the mega development.

Located along Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai, the world’s first temperature-controlled pedestrian city, The Mall of the World, will bundle together a number of world records – it will include the world’s largest mall, largest indoor park, cultural theatres and wellness resorts with a capacity to host more than 180 million visitors every year.

Demonstrating the strength of human creativity and reinforcing Dubai’s belief that impossible is nothing, this extraordinary project will neutralise the effects of the harsh desert climate through its inspired, inventive and ingenious design.

Mall of the World project location

“The growth in family and retail tourism underpins the need to enhance Dubai’s tourism infrastructure as soon as possible. This project complements our plans to transform Dubai into a cultural, tourist and economic hub for the two billion people living in the region around us; and we are determined to achieve our vision,” said Sheikh Mohammed.

In the presence of Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of Dubai Holding; Ahmad bin Byat, CEO of Dubai Holding; and Khalifa Saeed Sulaiman, Director-General of Protocol Department, Sheikh Mohammed confirmed the need to work towards achieving Dubai’s ambitious tourism vision.

“The project will be developed in phases in alignment with the gradual growth of family tourism in Dubai,” Al Gergawi said.

Unlike the numerous indoor malls of today, the Mall of the World will be a huge open-air street mall during the winter months, when its glass dome will open for visitors to enjoy the weather in an extended retail street network, strikingly different to the typical shopping mall concept currently available in Dubai or anywhere else in the region.

The emirate already has a disproportionately large number of world records to its name, including the world’s tallest tower, the highest restaurant, the world’s tallest hotel, the tallest residential building, the largest shopping mall, the longest driverless Metro network, most simultaneous fireworks, the most expensive property sold through an e-auction, the biggest and heaviest gold ring, the world’s largest automated car park, the biggest billboard, and many more.

Now, His Highness has launched another game-changer that will further raise Dubai’s profile as a global leader in terms of retail- and tourism-related mega-projects.

Occupying a total area of 48 million sqft, the project will comprise the largest indoor theme park in the world and also house the largest shopping mall in the world with an area of 8 million sqft.

Additional districts within the project will include a wellness dedicated zone catering to medical tourists, a cultural celebration district as well as a wide range of hospitality options comprising 20,000 hotel rooms catering to all types of tourists.

This will be Dubai’s largest celebration centre, accommodating 15,000 revellers in one go.

View from Sheikh Zayed Road

Once completed, the city is projected to become a year-round destination, welcoming around 180 million visitors annually.

“Our ambitions are higher than having seasonal tourism. Tourism is key driver of our economy and we aim to make the UAE an attractive destination all year long.

“This is why we will start working on providing pleasant temperature-controlled environments during the summer months. We are confident of our economy’s strength, optimistic about our country’s future and we continue to broaden our vision,” added Sheikh Mohammed.

Integrated Pedestrian City

The new project, developed by Dubai Holding, will introduce an innovative concept of an integrated pedestrian city connected to the mall and offering a wide range of leisure, retail, cultural, wellness, recreation and hospitality options under one roof.

Trams within the 7km temperature-controlled retail street network

Tourists will be able to enjoy a week-long stay without the need to leave the city or use a car.

The 7km long promenades connecting all facilities will be covered during the summer and open during the winter, ensuring pleasant temperatures throughout the year.

Hospitality District

Indoor parks

The project will see the world’s largest mall connected to 100 hotels and serviced apartments buildings with 20,000 hotel rooms. This will be a huge addition to Dubai’s hospitality sector, which is expanding rapidly to cope with the surging demand.

World’s largest indoor theme park

The project will include designated parking areas with a capacity to host up to 50,000 cars on the ground level.

Dubai Cultural District

Dubai Cultural District will be the hub for national and multinational cultural festivities and events in the UAE, and will combine experiences built around New York’s Broadway, The Celebration Walk, similar to the Ramblas Street in Barcelona and shopping streets based on London’s Oxford Street.

A dedicated theatre district with host of venues similar to some of the world’s most renowned landmarks such as London’s West End and New York’s Broadway.

Dubai Cultural District theatres

The Celebration Walk, similar to the Ramblas Street in Barcelona will connect the cultural district to the rest of the Mall.

Dubai Cultural District will include a range of conference, wedding and celebration halls with a capacity to host thousands of revellers, befitting the multicultural social fabric of Dubai.

Wellness District

Another component of Mall of the World is the Wellness District, which will cover a total area of 3 million sqft dedicated to providing wellness and rejuvenation services. It will offer a holistic experience to medical tourists and their families, ensuring access to quality healthcare, specialised surgical procedures and cosmetic treatments, wellness facilities and high-end hospitality options.

Wellness District

Mohammed Abdullah Al Gergawi, Chairman of Dubai Holding, said: “Mall of the World presents an innovative concept in the international hospitality sector, further strengthening Dubai’s appeal as a tourism hub with a wide range of options.

“This project is a product of extensive research studying international and regional tourists’ requirements and preferences.

“The objective is to create an integrated city with a plethora of best-in-class options within pleasant environments.”

Ahmad Bin Byat, Chief Executive Officer of Dubai Holding, said: “We are ready to move forward with this unique concept, whose distinctive offering and strategic location will play an instrumental role in advancing the growth of Dubai’s tourism sector.

The project will follow the green and environmentally friendly guidelines of the Smart Dubai model.

It will be built using state-of-the-art technology to reduce energy consumption and carbon footprint, ensuring high levels of environmental sustainability and operational efficiency.”

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