• Home

Dubai Mall opens on October 30

DUBAI — Residents as well as tourists would have to wait for two more months to enjoy shopping or outing in Dubai's latest shopping destination, The Dubai Mall, which its developers say will become largest mall in the region.

The Dubai Mall will now open on October 30 this year, and not on the earlier scheduled date of August 28, Emaar Malls Group announced on Monday.

A statement from Emaar Malls Group said that following the new opening date, the retailers will get more time to train their staff as well as streamline the operational aspects.

"The new opening date will give retailers more time and opportunity to be a part of the launch of The Dubai Mall from day one," the statement said.

Mohamed Ali Alabbar, Chairman of Emaar Properties, said: "The development of global landmark projects like The Dubai Mall is a complex process that involves coordination with project managers, retail tenants and government authorities. By opening on October 30, we are not only offering customers the option of several added attractions but also better public amenities such as more parking for cars and smoother access."

He added: "On October 30, all public areas of The Dubai Mall will be opened to customers at the same time, creating a retail event unlike anything ever seen in the region. The Dubai Aquarium and Discovery Centre, the Olympic-sized Dubai Ice Rink, the world's largest indoor Gold Souk and hundreds of retailers will open simultaneously giving visitors several retail and leisure options."

Alabbar pointed out that infrastructure support is vital for maximising customer inflow from specialty malls. "The Dubai Mall is expecting some 30 million customers in the very first year of trade, and to support this, it is important to have a smooth traffic and public service infrastructure. The Dubai Mall will have over 14,000 car parking spaces and a dedicated bridge from Shaikh Zayed Road for direct access to the mall. The Dubai Metro is also fast progressing and will soon add to the ease of access to the mall, while other access roads are being readied to accommodate the expected record numbers."

The Dubai Mall is a 12million sq ft venue and is an integral part of the Downtown Burj Dubai development. With a total internal floor area of 5.9million sq ft, The Dubai Mall will have 3.77million sq ft of gross leasable space with more than 1,200 retail outlets, two anchor department stores and more than 120 food and beverage outlets.

Adjoining is The Address, Dubai Mall, a 5 star premium hotel with 250 rooms and 450 serviced apartments.

• UAE