Nakheel builds on retail expansion strategy with Dhs2.5bn mall and hotel complex on Palm Jumeirah

The new development - part of Nakheel's retail expansion strategy - has been endorsed by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, who recently visited Nakheel for a briefing on the company's upcoming projects.

His Highness's recommendations for enhancing the mall's design and facilities are now being implemented by Nakheel in preparation for work to begin. Construction will start this year, with completion expected in 2016.

Nakheel Mall, which is already drawing interest from global and local retailers, covers more than 424,000 square metres - enough to house over 40 international football fields - including five retail levels and three basement parking levels.

It will include almost 100,000 sqm of retail space, 4,000 parking bays, a 1,000 sqm indoor garden and a 180 metre high viewing deck with panoramic views of Palm Jumeirah and the Dubai skyline.

Nakheel Mall will contain nearly 200 shops, including a 4,200 sqm supermarket and two anchor department stores, a nine-screen cinema and six medical clinics.

There will also be an outdoor roof plaza with extensive food and beverage outlets, with additional restaurants and cafes - including a food court - inside the complex.

The project plan also includes a five star hotel - with direct access to Nakheel Mall - featuring 200 rooms, 200 apartments and a rooftop swimming pool, restaurant and lounge.

Ali Rashid Lootah, Chairman of Nakheel, said: "Nakheel Mall will bring a new dimension to shopping, dining and leisure in Dubai. It will enhance the services and facilities available to residents of Palm Jumeirah, and provide an exciting new destination for people in across the UAE, including the millions of tourists who visit our country each year."

Nakheel Mall is designed for easy access by various modes of transport. It will have its own Palm Jumeirah Monorail station, and will be directly linked to the Palm's Marina Residences towers through a series of underground walkways. There will also be a three-level basement car park.