9 new shopping malls and commercial complexes coming to Dubai: Where and when they will open

Dubai is set to witness the opening of nine new shopping malls and local commercial centers, offering facilities such as retail stores, restaurants, cafes, gyms, medical centers, and essential services to residents across various parts of the city.

These projects are spread across locations including Nad Al Sheba, Sobha Hartland, Liwan, The Villa, Dubai South, Ghaf Woods, and Dubai Creek Harbour.

The Grand complex is the first project scheduled to begin phased operations starting August 19. Sobha Mall and two Le Meriam projects are slated for completion or opening in 2026, while several larger developments are planned for the following years.

1. The Grand to begin phased opening from August 19

The Grand, a commercial and entertainment destination located in Nad Al Sheba Gardens, will begin its phased opening on August 19.

The development will feature a mix of retail outlets, restaurants, cafes, healthcare and wellness centers, and essential services. It will also house the first Waitrose supermarket in the Nad Al Sheba area.

All commercial spaces within the complex have been fully pre-leased. The first phase of the opening will include outlets such as Waitrose, MMI, Heart Cottage Lane, Maple Bear Nursery, Al Jaber Optical, and Fixperts.

Dining and lifestyle brands including Tashas, Somewhere, Home Bakery, Kokoro, Blu Pizzeria, Bake My Day, Dayma, StayWell Pharmacy, and Tips and Toes are scheduled to begin operations in early September.

Fitcode gym and American Hospital Dubai are set to join the development in early 2027, further enhancing the complex's health and wellness offerings.

2. Sobha Mall set for completion in H2 2026

Sobha Realty is investing AED 210 million to develop a community mall in Sobha Hartland. This project marks the company's first foray into Dubai's retail sector.

Spanning approximately 339,000 square feet, the complex is scheduled for completion in the second half of 2026.

The mall's design includes 35 retail and food and beverage units, featuring more than 10 restaurants and cafes, a supermarket, a gym, sports courts, and an indoor entertainment space.

In addition to serving the needs of Sobha Hartland residents, the center is designed to attract visitors from surrounding areas.

3. Le Mariam Mall in Liwan

Le Mariam Mall, located in the Liwan and Wadi Al Safa 2 area, is scheduled to open in the second half of 2026.

The complex will span approximately 113,674 square feet and will feature retail stores, restaurants, cafes, landscaped green areas, and a swimming pool.

Inspired by Spanish architecture, the project’s design offers a blend of natural light, greenery, and open spaces. The development will primarily focus on dining, entertainment, and daily shopping needs for local residents.

4. Le Meriam Shopping Centre in The Villa

The second Le Meriam project has been constructed in the Wadi Al Safa 5 area, near The Villa residential community.

According to released information, construction of the 124,000-square-foot shopping centre has been completed, although an exact opening date has yet to be announced.

Retail outlets, family restaurants, green spaces, and dedicated health and leisure facilities will be the main components of the complex.

The project's design aims to seamlessly connect indoor and outdoor spaces, making the most of natural light and open environments.

5. South Bay Mall in Dubai South

South Bay Mall will add approximately 200,000 square feet of retail, dining, and entertainment space to the Dubai South residential district.

The complex will be built across the ground, first, and rooftop levels, featuring outdoor walkways and views of the South Bay lagoon.

The project is set to include 60 retail units, two department stores, a premium food court, outdoor leisure spaces, a clubhouse, a gym, a spa, and a clinic.

The opening date for the mall has not yet been announced.

6. Hayat Community Mall

A community mall and commercial boulevard will be part of the Hayat residential project in Dubai South, a 10-million-square-foot development located near Al Maktoum International Airport.

The commercial section of the project will feature retail outlets, cafes, and essential services for residents. The residential complex will comprise approximately 2,500 homes in total.

Parks, shaded walkways, sports and wellness facilities, swimming pools, landscaped gardens, lagoons, and a community lake are also planned for the Hayat project.

According to the announced schedule, construction is set to begin in the second quarter of 2026, with initial phases expected to be completed by 2028.

7. New shopping mall near Al Maktoum Airport

Majid Al Futtaim will develop a major shopping mall within a AED 62 billion mixed-use project located near Al Maktoum International Airport.

The mall will serve as the central retail and entertainment hub for a 22 million-square-foot development in Dubai South.

Specific details, including the name, total area, retail mix, and opening date, have not yet been disclosed.

The broader development will feature residential units, retail spaces, leisure facilities, and other lifestyle amenities, offering direct access to major roads and the Dubai South transportation network.

8. Ghaf Woods Mall

Ghaf Woods Mall will be built at the heart of the AED 15.4 billion Ghaf Woods project by Majid Al Futtaim, located along Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road.

Integrated with the surrounding forest environment, the mall will offer shopping, dining, entertainment, and leisure facilities within a development featuring more than 30,000 trees.

Upon completion, Ghaf Woods will be Majid Al Futtaim's 30th shopping mall. However, the opening date has not yet been confirmed.

The project's design focuses on nature, outdoor activities, and the well-being of residents, representing a shift from the traditional model of fully indoor shopping centers.

9. Dubai Square at Dubai Creek Harbour

Dubai Square is designed as a massive indoor city within the Dubai Creek Harbour district and will feature a collection of retail outlets, restaurants, entertainment centers, and technology-driven experiences.

The project will span approximately 2.6 million square meters, with pathways designed wide enough to allow electric vehicles to operate within the complex.

Dubai Square will be connected to the planned Dubai Creek Tower, with its opening currently scheduled for 2028.

The project was first introduced in 2018, but Emaar revised the plans in 2024.

Expansion of Dubai's existing shopping malls

Alongside the construction of new centers, Dubai's well-known shopping malls are also undergoing expansions.

An investment of AED 1.5 billion has been allocated for the expansion of Dubai Mall, which will add 240 new luxury stores and restaurants to the complex.

Mall of the Emirates is also undergoing a AED 5 billion renovation and expansion project, which, upon completion, will introduce 100 new stores and fresh spaces for dining, entertainment, and social interaction.

Additionally, a dedicated outdoor area for restaurants and cafes featuring extensive greenery is expected to open at Mall of the Emirates in early 2027.