# Six New Malls Coming to Dubai — and They're Wild
Dubai's retail scene is exploding again, and the new malls arriving between 2026 and 2028 are about to take the city's shopping obsession to another level. Here's a breakdown of every major project coming soon — plus huge upgrades at two iconic malls.
Dubai Square: An Entire Indoor City
Set to become one of the world's biggest retail destinations, Dubai Square is Emaar's futuristic "indoor city" inside Dubai Creek Harbour. Spanning 2.6 million square metres — triple the size of Downtown Dubai — the mega-project will feature electric-car-friendly streets, immersive digital retail concepts, new dining experiences, and a direct link to the upcoming Dubai Creek Tower. It's expected to open in 2028 and aims to redefine what a mall can be.
Ghaf Woods Mall: Shopping in a Forest
Majid Al Futtaim is developing a first-of-its-kind forest-themed mall inside the AED 15.4 billion Ghaf Woods community. Packed with more than 30,000 trees, the destination blends nature with luxury retail, dining, leisure spaces, and tech-enhanced experiences. It will be the company's 30th mall and is designed as a peaceful, green, lifestyle-centric shopping zone. The 738,000-square-metre community will open in phases through 2031.
Sobha Mall: Luxury Convenience in Sobha Hartland
Sobha Realty's AED 210 million mall is now under construction in Sobha Hartland. Covering 339,000 square feet, it will include 35 retail stores, a supermarket, entertainment zones, courts, gyms, and more than 10 dining outlets. Expected by late 2026, it targets residents looking for luxury convenience paired with cultural and family-friendly options.
Liwan Mall: Spanish-Inspired Design in Wadi Al Safa
Opening in the second half of 2026, Liwan Mall will sit in Wadi Al Safa 2 and feature a Spanish-inspired design with luxury retail, cafés, restaurants, landscaped zones, and even a pool. Built across 113,674 square feet by KeyMavens Group, it aims to offer an elegant, boutique shopping experience unlike the city's larger megamalls.
Villa Square: Wellness and Family Living
Located in Wadi Al Safa 5, Villa Square focuses on families, wellness, and modern living. The 124,000-sq-ft mall will offer curated shops, a variety of dining spots, leisure zones, and an indoor-outdoor layout filled with natural light and greenery. The project is set for completion in Q3 2026.
South Bay Mall: Lagoon Views at Dubai South
Dubai South's upcoming 200,000-sq-ft mall promises lagoon views, rooftop experiences, and open-air walkways. The development includes 60 shops, a premium food hall, two major anchor stores, plus a gym, clubhouse, spa, and outdoor leisure areas — perfectly positioned to become the heart of the rapidly growing Dubai South district.
Major Upgrades: Dubai Mall
A massive AED 1.5 billion expansion is underway, adding 240 luxury retail and dining options. A new exhibition centre is expected to begin hosting events in early 2026, and The District — with 65 new shops and restaurants — is already open.
Major Upgrades: Mall of the Emirates
A AED 5 billion makeover is in progress at Mall of the Emirates, bringing 100 new stores including Primark, Skims, and Ulta Beauty. A new greenery-filled outdoor dining courtyard will open in early 2027, offering a fresh social hub in one of the city's most iconic destinations.
Dubai's new malls in 2026 and beyond aren't just about square footage — they represent a fundamental shift in what Emiratis and residents expect from a retail experience: nature, community, wellness, and immersive design all rolled into one.
