The Dubai Mall

The largest mall in the world opened on November 4th! The Dubai Mall unlocked its doors at 2pm and gave way to 600 retailers and an estimated 1,200 stores. The line up includes two anchor department stores - Bloomingdale's, Galleries Lafayette, 220 gold and jewelry outlets, 160 food and beverage outlets, a supermarket, and an organic food mart. Mr. Jim Badour, Chief Executive Officer, Emaar Malls Group said, "With the opening of The Dubai Mall, we have the largest ever number of retailers together for the first time in a mall opening." The 5.6 million square feet retail space is expected to attract 30 million visitors in just the first year. Mr. Yousif Al Ali, General Manager, The Dubai Mall added "With The Dubai Mall, what matters is not the size but the qualitative difference that we offer to our visitors. Our world-class attractions will redefine the shopping mall experience." The Dubai Mall also opened its Dubai Aquarium & Discovery Centre. The opening festivities also pertain to fashion shows throughout the day at the Fashion Catwalk, public skating at Dubai Ice Rink, and high profile exhibits, galleries and performers that will provide entertainment for the whole family. Not only are these exhibits and attractions fun, but The Dubai Aquarium & Discovery Centre have already clinched the Guinness World Record for the ‘World’s Largest Acrylic Panel.’ The mall is too big to explore in just one day. Luckily there is an adjoining 5-star Hotel with 250 rooms and 450 serviced apartments and 14,000 undercover car park spaces to accommodate shoppers who want to stay. www.thedubaimall.com/en -Jackie Medler