The Dubai Mall attracts 30 million visitors since opening

DUBAI: Since opening its doors in November 2008, The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination, has attracted 30 million visitors, Emaar Properties said in a press release dated Oct 5. The Dubai-based Emaar Properties PJSC is one of the world's largest real estate companies.

The Dubai Mall was boosted by the opening of over 1,000 retail outlets and the addition of a new entertainment precinct and is expected to surpass its annual targeted footfall of 37 million visitors.

“The array of retail and entertainment options within the mall is unparalleled in the Middle East region. Apart from being part of every tourist’s itinerary in Dubai, the mall has lent momentum to the retail dynamic of the city, which has traditionally been regarded as a trade hub. Today, The Dubai Mall is a magnet for visitors to Downtown Burj Dubai, the new heart of the city,” said Nasser Rafi, chief executive officer, Emaar Malls Group.

Emaar’s focus on leisure and entertainment has been one of the prime drivers in the growth of the mall, said Arif Amiri, chief executive officer, Emaar Retail. The recent opening-day attractions of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and Dubai Ice Rink have been a success. These new outlets are complemented with the launch of SEGA Republic, a first-of-its-kind indoor theme park in the region and the largest cinema in Dubai, Reel Cinemas within the entertainment precinct earlier this year. Also in the works is KidZania®, a unique edutainment centre for children.

“Our strategy of creating world-class leisure and retail differentials is to support Emaar’s concept of developing integrated lifestyle communities,” added Amiri.

The unveiling of The Dubai Fountain in May 2009 and the month-long Festival@The Dubai Mall has hugely impacted sales and visitor footfall, bringing more than three million visitors to the mall every month. In addition, the mall has also created more than 10,000 new jobs.

Emaar’s participation at Cityscape 2009 will feature The Dubai Mall as one of its highlights, building on Emaar’s theme at the premier property expo this year – “It’s Your World – Discover It”.

The Dubai Mall has a built-up of 12.1 million sq ft and its retail spread features flagship stores and numerous leading brands as well as extensive food courts that can seat more than 3,000 people and 14,000 car parking spaces. More car parking spaces are being planned to cope with the increasing volume of visitors.

Also recently opened is an adjoining five-star hotel, The Address and the mall’s second anchor store, Bloomingdale’s will open in February next year. It will be the first Bloomingdale’s store in the region.