Majid Al-Futtaim (MAF), a leading UAE-based firm, has announced a major AED5bn ($1.4bn) investment to upgrade Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates. The project will include new retail, dining, wellness, and entertainment facilities. The development spans 20,000 square metres and will introduce 100 new stores. Over AED1.1bn has already been allocated, with enhancements currently underway. These include a wellness club, cultural hub, new dining area, and key infrastructure upgrades. The wellness club, Seven, will be located at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates. Furthermore, New Covent Garden, the cultural hub, will feature a 600-seat theatre and is being developed in partnership with Dubai Performing Arts Academy. The facility is scheduled to open this year. In addition, a new dining precinct will open in 2027. Four entertainment concepts will be new, including renovated Vox cinemas by 2026. The west end of the mall is also being entirely refurbished, ensuring a complete transformation.
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Project Factsheet
Significance:
- Enhances the mall’s position as a leading regional retail and leisure destination.
- Introduces cultural, wellness, dining, and entertainment experiences under one roof.
- Supports Dubai’s vision for integrated lifestyle, tourism, and infrastructure development.
Infrastructure:
- 20,000-square-metre expansion with 100 new retail outlets.
- Wellness club ‘Seven’ at Kempinski Hotel Mall of the Emirates.
- Cultural hub ‘New Covent Garden’ with a 600-seat theatre.
- New eating precinct also to open by 2027.
- Four new entertainment options, including improved Vox cinemas by 2026.
- Full redevelopment of the west end of the mall.
Developer:
- Development spearheaded by UAE-headquartered company Majid Al-Futtaim (MAF).
- Cultural center developed in collaboration with Dubai Performing Arts Academy.
- Works on infrastructure funded by Dubai Roads & Transport Authority (RTA).
- Construction undertaken by China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC).
Financing:
- Overall investment announced: AED5bn ($1.4bn).
- More than AED1.1bn already spent on current upgrades.
Scope of Implementation on Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates
Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates will also see major infrastructure improvements. China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) began bridge construction in October. Once completed, the bridge will offer direct car park access from Jebel Ali via Sheikh Zayed Road. The scope also includes a 300-metre-long bridge and widening the Umm Suqeim intersection ramp. Furthermore, 2.5 kilometres of surrounding roads will be upgraded. Three intersections and the Mall of the Emirates metro station bus terminal will also be redesigned. The road adjacent to the Kempinski Hotel is to be converted into a two-way street to improve traffic flow. Pedestrian and cycle paths are also expected to be improved. Dubai-based RTA is undertaking this part of the project. All these changes are likely to enhance access and convenience. Once done, Dubai’s Mall of the Emirates is poised for a world-class transformation, blending culture, wellness, shopping, and mobility.
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