The Dubai Mall crosses landmark 30m visitors

Boosted by the opening of over 1,000 retail outlets and the addition of the new entertainment precinct, Dubai's retail and leisure hotspot is billed to surpass its annual targeted footfall of 37m visitors.

Opening doors to the world with the largest ever global retail opening of 600 stores in November 2008, The Dubai Mall has strengthened its appeal with the new entertainment precinct featuring Reel Cinemas, Dubai's largest megaplex, and SEGA Republic, the first of its kind indoor theme park in the region.

Mr Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group, said the flagship mall development of the company has changed the retail and leisure landscape of Dubai.

"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."

Mr Arif Amiri, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Retail said: "Our focus on leisure and entertainment has been one of the prime drivers in this impressive growth of The Dubai Mall. The opening-day attractions of Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and Dubai Ice Rink have been a huge success and these have now been complemented within the entertainment precinct with the launch of SEGA Republic and Reel Cinemas, operating with 10 screens and a further 12 screens to open later this year. We will soon open KidZania, a unique edutainment centre for children, which will further strengthen our offerings. Our strategy of creating world-class leisure and retail differentials is to support Emaar's concept of developing integrated lifestyle communities."

The unveiling of The Dubai Fountain in May 2009 and the month-long Festival@The Dubai Mall hugely impacted sales and visitor footfall, with more than 3m visitors to the mall every month. The mall has also created more than 10,000 new jobs, highlighting its impact on the socio-economic growth.

The Dubai Mall is among the highlights of Emaar's participation at Cityscape. It builds on Emaar's theme at the premier property expo this year - 'It's Your World - Discover It.'

The Dubai Mall's retail spread features flagship stores or Middle East debuts of the world's leading brands as well as extensive food courts that can seat more than 3,000 people. The mall has over 14,000 car parking spaces with more overflow parking spaces being planned to add to the convenience of visitors. The adjoining five star hotel The Address Dubai Mall also opened recently. The other retail stores will open progressively and the second anchor store, Bloomingdale's - the first in the region - will open next year.