Mall of the Emirates is undergoing a massive Dh5 billion transformation that will reshape its footprint and future as one of the Middle East’s premier destinations for shopping, dining, and leisure. The project, led by the Majid Al Futtaim Group, will add 20,000 square meters and bring in 100 new retail stores.
Part of the budget, Dh1.1 billion, has already been invested in new features such as a wellness club, a cultural hub, upgraded infrastructure, and a refreshed dining precinct. The upgrades also include improvements to road access, in collaboration with Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), as well as a new Parkin barrierless parking system.
“The Dh5 billion investment will focus on reshaping the physical environment, enhancing customer experiences, and introducing ground-breaking new concepts,” said Khalifa Bin Braik, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Asset Management. “Certain projects – like new road access from the Umm Suqeim bridge and Sheikh Zayed Road – are already complete. The full project concluded in September 2024.”
A standout feature of the expansion is an “indoor-outdoor precinct” with fast-casual dining options and interactive entertainment. At its heart will be the mall’s first open-air food and beverage courtyard, set to open in early 2027. “This adaptable space will transform into a lush green oasis during the cooler months, offering visitors a refreshing new way to enjoy the mall’s evolving culinary scene,” the group said in a statement.
Among the highly anticipated additions is the New Covent Garden theatre, which will have a soft launch in mid-2025 and a full opening later in the year. By 2026, lifestyle and entertainment spaces will open, with dining outlets across the precinct and North End scheduled for early 2027.
“We have many more projects underway, and we will be announcing them soon from high-end restaurants, to elevated experiences for our VIC,” Bin Braik added. “There are some incredible uplifts that will be unveiled in due course.”
The mall also plans to introduce four new entertainment concepts by late 2026, while Vox Cinemas has already rolled out the world’s most advanced IMAX experience.
“Two decades ago, Mall of the Emirates set a new benchmark for retail and entertainment in the region,” said Bin Braik. “Today, we’re building on that legacy with a bold investment that redefines what a mall can be. This transformation goes beyond physical expansion — it’s about creating new ways for people to connect, unwind, and be inspired, all in one destination.”
