Dubai shoppers may want to start clearing space in their wardrobes because one of the city's biggest retail destinations is preparing for its most ambitious transformation yet.
Mall of the Emirates is in the middle of a Dh5 billion redevelopment that will reshape the iconic Al Barsha destination over the next few years. The massive project will introduce approximately 20,000 square metres of additional retail space, around 100 new stores, premium restaurants, upgraded entertainment, new cultural attractions, and enhanced lifestyle experiences.
While Majid Al Futtaim has already confirmed the scale of the redevelopment, recent updates shared by local lifestyle platform The Now Dubai have given shoppers an early glimpse of several brands and restaurants expected to join the lineup.
Here's everything that's confirmed—and what's still awaiting official opening dates.
Mall of the Emirates Is Entering a New Era
Celebrating its 20th anniversary, Mall of the Emirates isn't simply renovating existing spaces.
Instead, Majid Al Futtaim is repositioning the mall as one of Dubai's leading lifestyle destinations by combining luxury shopping, world-class dining, wellness, entertainment, and culture under one roof.
The redevelopment includes:
- Around 100 new retail stores
- Approximately 20,000 square metres of additional retail space
- A new indoor-outdoor dining destination
- Four new entertainment experiences
- A premium wellness club
- A new cultural and performing arts venue
- Upgraded public spaces throughout the mall
Construction is taking place in phases, allowing the mall to remain fully operational throughout the project.
These Restaurant Openings Are Already Confirmed
Food lovers are among the biggest winners of the expansion, with two high-profile dining concepts already announced.
La Maison Ani
Chef Izu Ani's acclaimed French brasserie is opening its second Dubai location inside Mall of the Emirates.
Already one of the standout restaurants in Dubai Mall's Fashion Avenue, La Maison Ani has become known for combining elegant French cuisine with relaxed all-day dining.
The upcoming venue is expected to feature:
- Approximately 142 seats
- An open kitchen
- Dedicated pastry counter
- Large outdoor terrace
- Signature French menu
Current reports point to an opening between September and the fourth quarter of 2026.
Em Sherif Café
Another major addition is Em Sherif Café, one of the region's best-known Lebanese dining brands.
Led by acclaimed chef Yasmina Hayek, the restaurant serves elevated Lebanese cuisine inspired by traditional family recipes.
The Mall of the Emirates branch will become the brand's second Dubai location, bringing another premium Middle Eastern dining option to the city's busiest shopping destination.
An official opening date has not yet been announced.
More Fashion and Lifestyle Brands Are Expected
Beyond restaurants, shoppers can also expect an expanded mix of fashion, sportswear, and lifestyle retailers.
According to the latest industry updates, brands linked to the expansion include:
Sports and Activewear
- Nike
- On
- Alo
Nike already operates inside Mall of the Emirates, meaning the redevelopment is expected to include a significantly upgraded flagship or relocated concept rather than an entirely new store.
Luxury Fashion
Several premium fashion names are also expected to become part of the mall's refreshed retail offering, including:
- Chloé
- Nala
While these brands have appeared in the announced pipeline, official launch dates have yet to be confirmed by the retailers themselves.
More Dining Concepts
The upcoming expansion also points to several additional food concepts joining the mall, including:
- Akiro
- Saltfire
- Berenjak
- The Hangout
Together, these additions would significantly broaden Mall of the Emirates' dining options across Japanese-inspired cuisine, Persian flavours, casual social spaces, and premium restaurants.
As with several retail names, these concepts remain part of the announced pipeline until individual operators formally confirm their opening schedules.
The Biggest Upgrade May Not Be the Stores
While the new shops are attracting plenty of attention, the redevelopment extends far beyond retail.
Majid Al Futtaim's vision focuses on transforming Mall of the Emirates into a destination where visitors can spend an entire day rather than simply shop.
Among the most anticipated additions is the mall's first indoor-outdoor dining courtyard.
Expected to open in early 2027, the landscaped space will offer restaurants, cafés, outdoor seating, and social gathering areas designed for Dubai's cooler months.
The project also includes a complete redesign of the mall's West End district, creating a more vibrant entertainment and dining neighbourhood.
Entertainment Is Also Getting a Major Upgrade
Shopping won't be the only reason people visit Mall of the Emirates.
The redevelopment includes four entirely new entertainment concepts expected to launch by late 2026.
Although specific details remain under wraps, Majid Al Futtaim has confirmed these attractions will strengthen the mall's position as one of Dubai's leading entertainment destinations.
VOX Cinemas is also receiving a major upgrade, including what has been described as one of the company's most advanced IMAX experiences.
Families, movie lovers, and tourists can expect an even stronger entertainment offering once construction is complete.
Wellness and Culture Are Joining the Mix
The redevelopment isn't limited to retail and restaurants.
Plans also include a premium wellness club connected to Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates, adding fitness and lifestyle experiences to the destination.
Another significant addition will be a 600-seat theatre and cultural venue, expanding the mall's role beyond shopping by introducing more performances, events, and community programming.
These additions reflect Dubai's growing focus on creating mixed-use destinations that combine retail, leisure, hospitality, and culture in one location.
What This Means for Dubai Shoppers
Mall of the Emirates has long been one of Dubai's most recognisable shopping destinations.
However, competition among the city's malls continues to grow, with developers increasingly investing in lifestyle experiences rather than traditional retail alone.
The Dh5 billion transformation positions Mall of the Emirates to remain competitive for years to come by expanding its mix of global brands, destination restaurants, entertainment, and public spaces.
For residents in Al Barsha, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah, Jumeirah, and surrounding communities, it means more reasons to spend weekends closer to home without travelling across the city.
What Has Been Confirmed—and What Hasn't
While Majid Al Futtaim has officially confirmed the overall redevelopment, investment value, expansion size, and project timeline, not every brand circulating online has announced its participation independently.
The restaurants La Maison Ani and Em Sherif Café have been widely reported as confirmed additions.
Several retail and dining names featured in recent social media updates—including Chloé, On, Alo, Akiro, Saltfire, Berenjak, and The Hangout—should currently be viewed as part of the announced development pipeline until individual brands reveal official launch dates.
As more announcements are made throughout 2026 and 2027, the full tenant lineup is expected to become clearer.
The Bottom Line
Mall of the Emirates isn't just expanding—it's reinventing itself.
With around 100 new stores, premium restaurants, upgraded entertainment, wellness facilities, cultural attractions, and a completely refreshed retail experience, the Dh5 billion redevelopment represents one of Dubai's largest shopping mall investments in recent years.
Construction will continue in phases over the next two years, meaning shoppers can expect a steady stream of new openings as the transformation unfolds. If the confirmed additions are any indication, Mall of the Emirates is preparing for its biggest chapter since first opening its doors two decades ago.
