Dubai Mall, the Most Visited Place on Earth in 2023, has achieved further growth in 2024, recording 57 million visitors during the first half of the year, in comparison to 52 million visitors for the same period in 2023. Performance of various categories have witnessed similar growth, recording growth in retail sales ranging from 8% to 15% over the same period last year.
Commenting on these results, Mohamed Alabbar, Founder of Emaar, stated: “This growth reflects the hard work and dedication of our team and partners. Dubai Mall continues to set new benchmarks in retail and leisure, drawing millions from around the world. We are committed to enhancing every aspect of the mall to constantly cement its position as a premier global destination.”
Dubai Mall solidified its status as the most visited place on Earth in 2023, recording 105 million visitors, with a 19% increase from the previous year; this achievement was complemented by exceptionally strong sales figures, showcasing the mall’s pivotal role in the retail and entertainment landscape.
The momentum continues in 2024 as Dubai Mall remains a global icon of retail and leisure, consistently offering innovative experiences.
In June, Emaar Properties has announced a monumental expansion of Dubai Mall, which will include 240 new luxury stores and food and beverage outlets. This project represents an investment of Dhs1.5 billion, and the contractor is already mobilising on-site.
Announcing the impressive enhancement, Mohamed Alabbar stated, “The new Dubai Mall expansion is a great addition to one of the most visited sites in the world. We extend our gratitude to our esteemed guests and loyal customers, as well as our partners, retailers, and government authorities for their unwavering support. This expansion reflects Dubai’s ambitious vision to remain at the forefront of global innovation and culture, further solidifying our city’s position as a top global destination.”
Dubai Mall welcomed a record 105 million visitors in 2023, a jump of over 19 per cent on the previous year’s 88 million, according to figures released by the mall in March.
Figures also showed a staggering 20 million people visited the mall in the first two months of this year alone, with 2024 set to be another record year.
“These numbers reflect Dubai Mall’s impressive status and mirrors the forward-thinking leadership and strong economy of Dubai. Our mall embodies the city’s vibrant spirit and dedication to excellence, turning the leadership’s vision into a reality. Being an integral part of Dubai’s economic fabric, we play a crucial role in the city’s success and innovation,” said Mohamed Alabbar.
The new figures also show how the mall has become a global draw, attracting visitors from every corner of the world.
The mall’s events and promotions in 2023 and the beginning of 2024 were a key driver of its foot traffic, as well as essential festive occasions and international celebrations. Major events like the Dubai Shopping Festival, the Dubai Food Festival and the acclaimed 3 Day Super Sale further demonstrated the mall’s ability to draw and engage massive crowds.The mall’s digital footprint expanded significantly, with an Instagram following currently at 1.3 million.
The mall’s customer satisfaction averaged 4.6, reflecting positive feedback from thousands of customers.
Inaugurated in 2008, Dubai Mall is the epicentre of modern retail and leisure in Dubai. It is the world’s second largest shopping malls, measuring an impressive 1.2 million
square metres. It has more than 1,200 retail outlets, including two anchor department stores, Galeries Lafayette and Bloomingdale’s, along with over 200 international dining experiences. Its wide range of entertainment and leisure attractions include the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, Reel Cinema’s impressive 24-screen-cineplex, KidZania Dubai, Play DXB, Dubai Ice Rink, Ekart and Zabeel Sports District. These attractions,
added to Fashion Avenue, which was inaugurated in 2018, further confirms Dubai Mall’s reputation as a symbol of luxury and innovation, contributing to Dubai’s international reputation as a prime tourist destination.
Emaar Malls Management manages some of the most iconic malls,
entertainment, and community-integrated retail centres in the Middle East, including its flagship asset Dubai Mall, the world’s most visited mall, and Dubai Hills Mall, the leading lifestyle destination in Dubai Hills Estate.
Emaar Malls Management (LLC) (Emaar Malls) also manages Souk Al Bahar, an
Arabesque style dining and entertainment development in Downtown Dubai; Dubai Marina Mall, a lifestyle shopping mall for residents and visitors of the Dubai Marina community; and Gold & Diamond Park, a shopping destination dedicated to gold and
jewellery. In addition to other Emaar community malls: Arabian Ranches, Springs Souk, Meadows Village Meadows Souk, and several others.
Emaar Malls Management assets are developed as an integral part of the master plan developments of Emaar Properties, and, therefore, are strategically located in key areas of Dubai that benefit from favourable socio-economic demographics and increasing tourism.