Mall of the Emirates is named The World's Leading New Shopping Mall at World Travel Awards

    Dumped value of 'ID':
'72039';

Dumped value of 'images_loop':
[
    {
        'caption' => 'Left to right: Nicki Page, executive director Fusion Marketing, Dubai with Miss Great Britain picks up the Best New Shopping Mall in the World from Graham Cooke, managing director, World Travel Awards, with Sacha Dandachi marketing assistant, Ski Dubai.',
        'col' => 'picture',
        'name' => 'mall.jpg',
        'url' => '/2/19402-mall.jpg'
    }
];

Tens of thousands of travel professionals voted for the Mall, the first shopping destination in the world.

Last year around 600,000 British visitors* flocked to the Emirate attracted not only by the sun, sea and sand but the ever grander and more elaborate retail malls, now so integral to the Dubai tourist experience.

But in a city crammed with iconic tourist attractions and where superlatives rule supreme, the Mall of the Emirates shines out as a genuine innovation capable of enthralling even the most blasé visitor.

'Creating the world's first shopping resort was always going to be a challenging project but we are delighted that we have successfully integrated world class retail with a set of compelling family entertainment experiences' said Francois de Montaudouin, CEO, MAF Investments, the mall's developers.

'To receive the support of travel professionals across the globe through this award is a resounding endorsement of our unique positioning and we're absolutely delighted, especially as the mall only opened a matter of weeks ago.

'We extend our heartfelt thanks to everyone who voted for us and to the World Travel Awards. It goes without saying that we are looking forward very much to welcoming you all to the Mall of Emirates in the coming months.'

The Mall of the Emirates

The recently opened 6.5 million square feet retail and leisure resort houses retailing, entertainment, dining, recreation and 5-star accommodation plus the Middle East's first ski indoor resort, Ski Dubai.

More than 400 retailers comprising the world's largest collection of international brand names have signed up for the complex. It offers a wide selection of familiar and established UK high street names along with a vast range of global signature brands including Ralph Lauren, Paul Smith and Burberry's.

Other familiar names include Debenham's and Carrefour hypermarket.

For a more authentic experience however there is a traditionally-styled Arabian Souk offering an array of locally produced handicrafts.

All these stores are housed in a beautifully designed building with architecture derived from the Middle East and the Mediterranean. Inspired by the Victor Emmanuel Galleria in Milan, there is a magnificent glass dome roof, rising 42 metres above the ground spreading sunlight throughout the Italian-style piazza below.

There is also a 14-screen Cinestar complex and the Magic Planet entertainment centre offering indoor thrill rides and simulators.

Ski Dubai

Ski Dubai is the only indoor themed ski resort to be found in the desert that has real snow.

With year round temperatures of -1° to - 2 the Emirate's very own cold mountain boasts five ski slopes, snow-covered hills, chairlifts and, most importantly, real snow.

With a slope height of 80m, and a width greater than the average motorway, the snow park has a capacity of 1500 people and offers a variety of activities for people of all ages and skill levels. For experienced skiers there are black runs at the top of the ski hill, while for snowboarders there is a quarterpipe and tricks area.

For the less experienced there are a host of friendly and well-trained instructors to help visitors learn the basics.

Children have their own dedicated area that includes toboggan runs, ice caverns and places to make snowmen or just throw snowballs at their parents.

After the exertions of the slopes there are also a number of cafes that serve tempting food and drink. In addition the Avalanche Cafe at the mid-station offers spectacular views of the slopes.

Kempinski Mall of the Emirates Hotel

Kempinski Hotels & Resorts, Europe's oldest luxury hotels & resorts group, will open a 5-star property at the Mall next year. Kempinski Mall of the Emirates Hotel will be the group's first property in Dubai.

The 5-star Swiss Chalet-styled property will offer an unmatched 'alpine resort' experience including the world's largest hotel guestrooms. All of the 393 deluxe rooms and suites have spectacular views, either across Ski Dubai or the Arabian Gulf.

Leisure facilities will include a state-of-the-art health club including an Ayurveda wellness centre; infinity swimming pool and sun deck; tennis court and fitness center.