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What To Know
- With a retail footprint of around 113,000 square feet, the mall is positioned as a relaxed lifestyle destination rather than a high-footfall shopping centre.
- The mall is intended to support Dubai South’s rapidly growing residential community, offering a mix of daily essentials and leisure-driven experiences in a setting that prioritises walkability and outdoor living.
- Set within a master development featuring over 30,000 trees, the mall integrates nature, retail, and leisure in a way rarely seen in the region.
The UAE’s retail landscape is entering a new era. In 2026, a wave of newly developed malls — alongside major expansions of existing giants — is set to redefine what shopping looks like across the country. Rather than focusing purely on retail volume, the next generation of malls is prioritising community living, wellness, leisure, and immersive design.
From neighbourhood-focused lifestyle centres to ambitious mega-projects described as “indoor cities,” here’s a closer look at the seven mall developments shaping the UAE’s retail future in 2026.
Sobha Mall, Dubai
Location: Sobha Hartland
Completion: Second half of 2026
Sobha Realty is making its first entry into the retail sector with Sobha Mall, a community-first lifestyle destination embedded directly within the Hartland residential district. Spanning approximately 339,000 square feet, the mall is designed to serve both nearby residents and visitors from across Dubai.
Rather than competing with mega malls, Sobha Mall focuses on everyday convenience and quality experiences. Plans include boutique retail, a supermarket, fitness facilities, family play zones, sports courts, and more than 10 dining venues, making it a central hub for neighbourhood life.
Liwan Mall, Dubai
Location: Wadi Al Safa 2
Completion: 2026
Liwan Mall takes a boutique approach, blending Spanish-inspired architecture with landscaped open spaces that encourage lingering rather than rushing. With a retail footprint of around 113,000 square feet, the mall is positioned as a relaxed lifestyle destination rather than a high-footfall shopping centre.
Cafés, casual dining concepts, and curated retail stores will define the experience, turning a simple shopping trip into a full-day social outing. Its location places it within a 15–20 minute drive of Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates.
Villa Square, Dubai
Location: Wadi Al Safa 5
Completion: 2026
Villa Square introduces a hybrid concept that combines retail, wellness, and leisure in an open-air environment. Covering approximately 124,000 square feet, the project is aimed at families and residents seeking a quieter, more curated alternative to traditional malls.
In addition to boutique shopping and dining, Villa Square will feature wellness spaces and a rooftop pool, reinforcing the growing trend of integrating health-focused experiences into retail destinations.
South Bay Mall, Dubai South
Location: Dubai South Residential District
Completion: 2026
Designed as a true lifestyle hub, South Bay Mall spans nearly 200,000 square feet across three levels and overlooks scenic lagoon views. Open-air walkways connect around 60 retail outlets, alongside a premium food hall, gym, spa, and medical clinic.
The mall is intended to support Dubai South’s rapidly growing residential community, offering a mix of daily essentials and leisure-driven experiences in a setting that prioritises walkability and outdoor living.
Dubai Square Mall
Location: Dubai Creek Harbour
Opening target: 2026
Dubai Square is arguably the most ambitious retail project on the list. Still in its design phase, the development is envisioned as a next-generation “indoor city”, combining retail, entertainment, dining, and technology-driven experiences under one massive roof.
While final specifications remain under wraps, the project is expected to challenge traditional mall concepts through extensive pedestrian zones, smart retail solutions, and immersive entertainment offerings — positioning it as a future benchmark for global retail destinations.
Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates Expansions
Completion: Around 2026
While not new malls, Dubai’s two retail powerhouses are undergoing major expansions that will significantly reshape the city’s shopping ecosystem.
Dubai Mall is adding 240 new luxury retail units, while Mall of the Emirates is expanding its entertainment, dining, and social spaces. These upgrades reflect a shift toward cultural hubs, wellness clubs, outdoor courtyards, and experience-led retail districts rather than purely transactional shopping.
Ghaf Woods Mall
Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road
Completion: 2026
Part of Majid Al Futtaim’s vast Ghaf Woods community, this mall stands out for its forest-inspired design. Set within a master development featuring over 30,000 trees, the mall integrates nature, retail, and leisure in a way rarely seen in the region.
The concept prioritises sustainability, wellbeing, and outdoor experiences, marking a clear departure from enclosed, air-conditioned mall environments and reflecting changing consumer preferences.
A New Chapter for UAE Retail
Together, these developments signal a fundamental shift in how malls function in the UAE. Shopping centres are no longer just places to buy — they are becoming community anchors, wellness retreats, dining destinations, and social spaces.
Whether it’s a neighbourhood mall woven into daily life or a futuristic indoor city designed to attract global visitors, 2026 is shaping up to be one of the most transformative years yet for retail in the UAE.
