Dubai is massively expanding its trade infrastructure

Recognized as one of the global leaders in retail, the city continues to amaze with its scale. Five new malls will open in Dubai in the coming years, each of which is focused on unique experience — from future technologies to green “forest” spaces.

This is not only a step towards improving the quality of life of residents, but also new investment opportunity — especially for those who are looking at real estate in developing areas.

1. Dubai Square is a “city within a city” by Emaar

• Location: Dubai Creek Harbour

• Area: 2.6 million square meters

• Discovery: as part of the completion phase of Dubai Creek Tower

• Developer: Emaar Properties

Dubai Square is positioned as shopping and entertainment city, in which electric vehicles will run within the complex, and it will become part of the link with the future Dubai Creek Tower. This is the largest project of its kind in the UAE, and impact on price increases in the area Dubai Creek Harbour is already being felt.

Investment conclusion: Now is a good time to enter this area, while the infrastructure is just being formed.

2. Ghaf Woods Mall is the region's first “forest” mall

• Location: Ghaf Woods (New Green Community)

• Project cost: 15.4 billion dirhams

• Discovery: approximately in 2026

• Number of trees: more than 30,000

• Developer: Majid Al Futtaim

• MAF network mall number: 30th

The Ghaf Woods Mall project will be unique to the Middle East — with an internal “forest”, an eco-friendly concept and an emphasis on wellness. Majid Al Futtaim is strengthening its sustainability strategy and this project will be the flagship of the new line of shopping centers.

Investment conclusion: Ghaf Woods is a new neighborhood with long-term potential. The ecological concept can attract a new class of tenants and buyers.

3. Sobha Mall is a luxury retail in the heart of Hartland

• Location: Sobha Hartland

• Area: 339,000 sq. feet

• Discovery: end of 2026

• Number of shops and restaurants: more than 45

Sobha Realty is betting on premium customers and families: The mall will include a supermarket, fitness center, playgrounds and family restaurants. This will strengthen the infrastructure of Sobha Hartland, where demand for villas and apartments is already growing rapidly.

Investment conclusion: For owners in Hartland, the opening of a mall will increase rental values and living standards, especially in family units.

4. Liwan Mall — Spanish architecture and premium restaurants

• Location: Wadi Al Safa 2

• Area: 113,674 sq. feet

• Discovery: second half of 2026

Liwan Mall will become visually and functionally oriented towards family leisure. Spanish-style architecture, swimming pool, green areas, premium bottles and cafes will all create additional demand for real estate in the area.

Investment conclusion: Wadi Al Safa 2 is a developing district that will benefit from the advent of lifestyle-class infrastructure.

5. Villa Square is a convenience mall near The Villa

• Location: Wadi Al Safa 5

• Area: 124,000 sq. feet

• Discovery: Q3 2026

Villa Square will serve as local center of attraction — shops, restaurants, wellness spaces, a leisure area for families. It is designed to serve residents of The Villa, and will also be of interest to buyers from neighboring areas.

Investment conclusion: The development of infrastructure near The Villa increases the liquidity of villas and townhouses in the area — especially for family renters and buyers.

Conclusion: malls are not only retail, but also infrastructure anchors

The emergence of new shopping malls is not just about stores. These are the triggers for rising housing prices in neighboring areas, new traffic flows, increased demand from tenants, and improved investment attractiveness.

If you are investing in new buildings, be sure to consider infrastructure maps — malls, subway stations, schools and medical centers are becoming key factors in increasing the cost of facilities....