Dubai’s retail scene shifts gears in 2026 with seven new malls and major expansions

Dubai’s retail landscape is entering a new phase in 2026, marked by the opening of seven new shopping malls and significant upgrades to some of the emirate’s most iconic retail destinations. The shift reflects a clear move away from traditional mega-mall concepts toward lifestyle-driven, community-focused, and experience-led developments.

Rather than simply adding more retail space, developers are prioritizing walkability, wellness, open-air design, dining-led experiences, and neighborhood integration, aligning closely with Dubai’s broader urban and quality-of-life ambitions.

New mall openings in 2026 

Several new retail destinations are scheduled to open across key residential and emerging districts:

Sobha Mall, Sobha Hartland
Expected to open in the second quarter of 2026, Sobha Mall is a community-centric development offering around 339,000 square feet of retail space. The mall will feature more than 10 dining outlets, family-friendly zones, and neighborhood-focused amenities.

South Bay Mall, Dubai South
Designed as a waterfront lifestyle hub, South Bay Mall will offer lagoon views, open-air walkways, 60 retail outlets, a premium food hall, and integrated wellness facilities, catering to the growing Dubai South community.

Villa Square, Wadi Al Safa 5
Set for completion in the third quarter of 2026, Villa Square is a boutique, wellness-led mall built around sustainable design principles, targeting residents seeking curated retail and lifestyle experiences.

Liwan Mall, Wadi Al Safa 2
Scheduled for a late 2026 opening, Liwan Mall will feature Spanish-inspired architecture with a focus on café culture, boutique retail, and a relaxed, European-style shopping environment.

Dubai Square, Dubai Creek Harbour
One of the most ambitious retail projects in the pipeline, Dubai Square is conceived as a futuristic “indoor city.” Featuring AI-driven retail experiences and a direct link to the upcoming Dubai Creek Tower, phased openings are expected to begin in 2026.

Ghaf Woods Mall, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Road
This unique development integrates more than 30,000 trees into its design, creating a forest-inspired retail and leisure destination that blends sustainability with experiential shopping.

Nad Al Sheba Mall
Officially opening in April 2026, Nad Al Sheba Mall spans 500,000 square feet and will house over 100 retail and dining outlets, including well-known brands such as Union Coop and Parkers.

Major mall expansions underway

Dubai’s existing retail giants are also undergoing major transformations to stay ahead of evolving consumer expectations.

Dubai Mall
A Dh1.5 billion expansion is underway, adding 240 new luxury retail and dining outlets. A new exhibition and events center is also expected to begin accepting bookings in early 2026, reinforcing the mall’s role as a global retail and tourism hub.

Mall of the Emirates
The Dh5 billion redevelopment of Mall of the Emirates continues, with more than 100 new stores being added. Key milestones in 2026 include the Middle East debut of Ulta Beauty and the arrival of several flagship luxury brands.

Retail highlights shaping 2026

Among the most anticipated retail debuts is Primark, which is set to open its first three UAE flagship stores by the first quarter of 2026 at Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif.

Meanwhile, the Dubai Shopping Festival 2026 continues to play a central role in the emirate’s retail calendar, concluding on January 29, 2026, with participation from more than 3,500 shops across Dubai.

A new retail philosophy

Together, these developments signal a broader transformation of Dubai’s retail ecosystem, one that emphasizes lifestyle, community engagement, and experiential design over sheer scale. As consumer habits evolve, Dubai’s malls are increasingly becoming social hubs, wellness spaces, and cultural destinations, reinforcing the city’s position as one of the world’s most dynamic retail markets.