Alabbar announces $408 million expansion plan for Dubai Mall
The plan to enlarge the Dubai landmark will add 240 stores and restaurants to the 1,200 in operation
Shoppers walk past the Dior store in the Dubai Mall. (Photo: Getty Images)
Sitting at the base of the world’s tallest skyscraper where dozens of dancing fountains greet more than 100 million credit-card-wielding visitors a year, the Dubai Mall ranks as the biggest and glitziest shopping center in the Middle East. Now it’s getting bigger and glitzier.
Mohamed Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties, which built the 162-story Burj Khalifa that towers above, announced an expansion of the mall on Monday that will add 240 stores and restaurants to the 1,200 currently in operation.
The $408 million plan to enlarge the Dubai landmark comes after Emaar posted a 70% increase in net profit last year and the UAE reported record tourism.
“This expansion reflects Dubai’s ambitious vision to remain at the forefront of global innovation and culture, further solidifying our city’s position as a top global destination,” Alabbar said in a statement.
The mall, which first opened in 2008, is anchored by Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette, with boutiques that include Chanel, Dior, Gucci, Armani, Louis Vuitton, Hermes and Dolce & Gabbana.
The vast shopping galleries also house the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, an Olympic-size skating rink and a 24-screen cinema complex.