World’s largest mall to offer multiple and high technology leisure options

A US$2.5 billion mega mall planned for Dubai will offer high technology features and multiple leisure options over 2.6 million metre² of gross floor retail space - a size equivalent to more than 100 football pitches. 

Set to rival the Dubai Mall, the Dubai Square mega retail complex, designed by Dubai Holding and Emaar Properties, will be in the heart of Dubai Creek Harbour.

Located right by Dubai Creek Tower, the new Dubai Square will feature smart fitting rooms and interactive mirrors, personalised artificial intelligence recommendations, quick checkout solutions, search and barcode scanning applications, 3D printed clothing and accessories and LED backdrops.

In addition to shopping it will offer a huge events arena, an indoor ice adventure park, waterpark, sports arena, extensive dining areas, hotels and even residential areas.

Dubai Square will also be home to the Middle East's largest Chinatown, 'streets and alleys' filled with boutiques and its own four-lane boulevard dedicated to luxury retail and dining.

The entertainment arena will have 3D projection mapping, theatrical sound and lighting and high wire rigging for concerts, theatre shows, celebrity performances, acrobatics show and exhibitions.

Introducing the plans, an Emaar spokesperson stated "Dubai Square pushes the boundaries of modern retail and leisure by drawing on next-generation technology.

“It is designed for the new era of customers, who are digital, connected and tech-savvy."

With shopping a major pastime for Emiratis and Dubai also gaining global status as a retail destination, retail expert Nicolas Rubeiz told CNN "the retail revolution in Dubai is moving in the right direction as they're offering more than just bricks and mortar, it's about the virtual world too.

"The demographic structure is also very attractive to retailers targeting the Middle East as there's a very high birth rate and a young population.

"Approximately half of the population of the Middle Eastern countries are under the age of 25. Many of these younger consumers are affluent professionals and this presents a huge up-and-coming market for the next two decades."

Dubai Creek Harbour is situated east of Downtown Dubai and sits next to the Ras al Khor Wildlife Sanctuary.

Images: How Dubai Square will look from the air (top), its planned Ice Adventure Park (middle) and Dubai Square at Dubai Creek Harbour (below). Courtesy of Emaar Properties.