Dubai’s retail scene is constantly evolving, and several new shopping destinations are set to join the city’s landscape in the coming years.
While Dubai is already home to some of the world’s most famous malls, upcoming projects are taking a different approach by combining shopping with dining, wellness, entertainment, sustainability, and community-focused experiences.
NAS Gardens Community Mall
NAS Gardens Community Mall is set to become the retail and lifestyle hub of Nad Al Sheba Gardens. Designed to serve the surrounding residential community, the two-storey development will offer a mix of shopping, dining, fitness, and everyday convenience.
The mall is expected to feature a Waitrose supermarket alongside a selection of restaurants, cafés, and wellness-focused amenities. Its community-centred design aims to create a convenient destination where residents can meet, shop, and socialise close to home.
- Location: Nad Al Sheba Gardens, Dubai
- Expected Opening: August 2026
Sobha Mall
Sobha Realty’s first retail project, Sobha Mall, is planned as a premium community shopping destination within Sobha Hartland. Spanning approximately 339,000 square feet, the mall will include retail outlets, restaurants, a supermarket, fitness facilities, play courts, and family entertainment options.
A strong emphasis has also been placed on sustainability, with plans for natural lighting, landscaped green areas, and environmentally conscious design features. The project is expected to serve both residents and visitors in Mohammed Bin Rashid City.
- Location: Sobha Hartland, Mohammed Bin Rashid City
- Expected Opening: 2026
South Bay Mall
South Bay Mall will serve the growing residential communities within Dubai South. Positioned along the South Bay lagoon, the development is planned as a mixed-use lifestyle destination that combines retail, dining, wellness, and leisure facilities.
Current plans include more than 60 retail outlets, a food hall, gym, spa, clinic, clubhouse, and rooftop terraces overlooking the waterfront. The project aims to provide residents with a convenient destination for everyday needs while also creating a vibrant community gathering space.
- Location: Dubai South Residential District
- Expected Opening: Official opening date yet to be announced
Ghaf Woods Mall
One of the most unique developments on this list, Ghaf Woods Mall will form part of Majid Al Futtaim’s Ghaf Woods community. Often described as a “mall in the forest,” the project is being developed within a nature-inspired residential neighbourhood centred around sustainability and green living.
While detailed plans are still limited, the mall is expected to bring together retail, dining, wellness, and leisure experiences in a setting surrounded by thousands of trees. The project reflects a growing trend towards integrating nature into urban developments.
- Location: Ghaf Woods, along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311)
- Expected Opening: To be announced
Le Meryeme Mall (Villa Square)
Le Meryeme Mall, also known as Villa Square, is being developed as an open-air lifestyle destination in Wadi Al Safa 5. Rather than following the traditional enclosed mall format, the project is expected to focus on outdoor experiences and community-oriented spaces.
Plans include boutique retail outlets, dining venues, wellness facilities, and leisure-focused amenities designed to create a relaxed environment for visitors. The development is expected to cater primarily to nearby villa communities.
- Location: Wadi Al Safa 5, Dubai
- Expected Opening: Under development; opening date not officially announced
Le Meryeme Liwan
Le Meryeme Liwan is another upcoming community retail project designed to serve residents in Liwan and surrounding areas, including Dubai Silicon Oasis and Academic City.
The development is expected to feature a mix of cafés, restaurants, lifestyle stores, and wellness concepts, with a strong emphasis on walkability and community interaction. Its neighbourhood-focused approach reflects the growing demand for smaller lifestyle destinations located close to residential communities.
- Location: Liwan, near Dubai Silicon Oasis
- Expected Opening: Official opening date yet to be announced
Dubai Square
Dubai Square remains one of the most ambitious retail developments planned for the city. Located within Dubai Creek Harbour, the project is envisioned as a large-scale retail, entertainment, and lifestyle destination that could become one of Dubai’s most significant attractions.
Earlier plans released by Emaar included advanced retail technology, immersive entertainment experiences, extensive dining options, and innovative shopping concepts. While the project continues to evolve as part of the wider Dubai Creek Harbour masterplan, it remains one of the most anticipated future developments in Dubai.
- Location: Dubai Creek Harbour
- Expected Opening: Part of the long-term Dubai Creek Harbour development; timeline yet to be officially confirmed
A New Era for Community-Centred Retail
These upcoming developments highlight how Dubai’s retail landscape is moving beyond traditional shopping centres. Many of the projects place a greater focus on creating destinations that combine dining, wellness, entertainment, outdoor spaces, and community experiences.
As new residential districts continue to grow across the city, community-focused malls are becoming increasingly important. At the same time, large-scale projects such as Dubai Square demonstrate Dubai’s continued ambition to remain at the forefront of global retail and lifestyle innovation.
FAQs
Which new mall is expected to open first?
Based on currently announced timelines, NAS Gardens Community Mall is expected to be among the first to open, with a planned opening in August 2026.
Which upcoming mall will be the largest?
Dubai Square is expected to be the largest project on this list and one of the most ambitious retail developments planned in the UAE.
Are all of these projects currently under construction?
Most are either under construction or in active development as part of larger master-planned communities, although progress varies between projects.
Which upcoming malls focus on sustainability?
Ghaf Woods Mall and Sobha Mall both place a strong emphasis on sustainability through green spaces, environmentally conscious design, and community-focused planning.
Which mall will serve Dubai South residents?
South Bay Mall is specifically designed to serve residents of the Dubai South Residential District and surrounding communities.
