The Dubai Mall 'Waterworld' offers unique aquatic shopping experience

Construction on the mall—set to be the world's biggest—begins this year and the breathtaking aquatic displays are expected to be a big draw for regional visitors.

The Centrepiece of the edifice's interior, "Four Wonders of Water" will be unveiled in late 2006. Upon project completion a Water Terrace, Fountain Oasis, Waterfront Atrium and an Aquarium will nestle in the shadow of Burj Dubai, the world's tallest tower and keystone in the huge development to make Dubai global shopping capital.

"Each 'Water Wonder's' unique design aims to provide visitors with a larger-than-life sound and vision experience. As a thrilling spectacle for both young and old, 'Waterworld' will ensure a memorable visit to The Dubai Mall," said Ibrahim Al Hashemi, Executive Director of EMAAR Properties Retail and Leasing Department.

The Fountain Oasis, a cascading waterfall, will thunder towards The Lake, one of the mall's central features. The Musical Fountain, lakeside water jets and pyrotechnic lasers, will provide a sound and light extravaganza. A waterfront boulevard, featuring a café- and restaurant-lined boardwalk, will give spectacular views of the entire development.

"A three-storey Aquarium marks the culmination of this exciting trip into a fantasy water world. Featuring glass tunnels filled with sharks, sting-rays and other exotic marine life, the Aquarium will give visitors a unique shopping experience," Al Hashemi said.

EMAAR's most ambitious retail development yet, The Dubai Mall will comprise five million square feet of retail space, additional residential and retail amenities. The mall itself, over 50 soccer pitches in size, will be the largest single shopping space in the world, ahead of both Edmonton Mall, Canada, and the Mall of America, Bloomington, Minnesota.

The Dubai Mall is an integral part of the Burj Dubai project and will provide spectacular views of the world's tallest tower and the surrounding skyline. Hotels, private residences, cinemas and entertainment sites will radiate out in a series of ellipses from Burj Dubai—magnetising interest and prestige to the entire project.