Dubai Mall Expansion: The District Unveiled — Inside the AED 1.5 Billion Luxury Precinct

If you’ve been tracking the Dubai Mall expansion, The District is the moment you were waiting for. Unveiled as a contemporary, design-led luxury district on the ground floor, this new precinct brings a curated selection of high-end retail and dining to the world’s most visited place. With AED 1.5 billion invested and a curation that blends flagship luxury stores with independent cafés and standout F&B concepts, The District elevates the shopping and dining experience while reinforcing Dubai Mall’s status as a global lifestyle destination.

Quick facts: scale, spend, and timeline

• Investment: AED 1.5 billion
• New luxury outlets announced: 279 (198 retail + 81 F&B)
• Overall context: 1,200+ stores mall-wide
• Footfall: 111 million visitors in 2024 (up from 105 million in 2023), securing “most visited place on earth” two years running
• Phasing: Early openings are live; more brands will roll out in stages as fit-outs complete

Where to find The District — and how the space has been reimagined

You’ll find The District on the ground floor, positioned by Dubai Ice Rink and close to Level Shoes—two high-footfall anchors that naturally route guests into the new zone. The area reimagines the former Souk, transforming it into a premium, urban-style precinct with light-filled walkways, broad boulevards, and a warm terracotta palette.

The design language is contemporary yet rooted in the region: clean lines and generous sightlines balance openness with intimate pockets, so you can glide from flagship boutiques to tucked-away cafés without losing that sense of discovery.

What’s inside: curated luxury retail and F&B concepts

The District’s tenant mix blends international icons with homegrown innovators, reflecting evolving consumer expectations—where craftsmanship, culinary discovery, and seamless service meet.

Homegrown flavors and craft

• Klay by Karak House (modern Emirati-inspired cuisine)
• Home Bakery Kitchen (pastries and all-day comfort dishes)
• Trio Coffee and RX Coffee Apothecary (specialty coffee culture)
• Neighbourhood feel enhanced by local favorites across the mall ecosystem, including Drop and Joud Coffee

International tastes and global coffee leaders

• Mado (Turkish classics and desserts)
• Slrp (authentic Japanese ramen)
• Peet’s Coffee and Toby’s Estate (independent café energy with global pedigree)
• The Cheesecake Factory (revamped for a more refined dining experience)

Expect a handpicked roster of luxury boutiques and specialty retailers alongside these eateries, with additional names being announced as openings roll out.

Design-led, experiential, and effortless

• Generous boulevards and sightlines: Better wayfinding and a natural flow reduce congestion and invite exploration.
• Materiality and palette: Warm terracotta tones, natural light, and refined finishes create a comfortable, upscale atmosphere.
• Intimacy within scale: Open thoroughfares contrast with quiet corners—ideal for luxury browsing and elevated dining without the rush.

It’s immersive without trying too hard: a premium section that feels globally relevant and distinctly local at the same time.

Why this expansion matters

• Enhances the shopping and dining experience: More than a new wing, The District focuses on curated luxury and experiential retail.
• Strengthens tourism appeal: Adds depth to Downtown Dubai’s visitor journey, complementing Fashion Avenue and other anchors.
• Supports sustained growth: Aligns with Emaar’s long-term, customer-centric and sustainable expansion strategy.
• Boosts dwell time and spend: A richer mix of boutiques and eateries is designed to increase average spend and keep you exploring longer.

279 vs 240: understanding the outlet counts

Media updates have cited differing figures as plans evolved. Earlier communications referenced 240 new luxury stores and F&B outlets across the expansion; the unveiled curation for The District now stands at 279 outlets (198 retail, 81 F&B). The variation likely reflects scope refinement and phased leasing as the project moved from contractor mobilization to openings.

What’s next: rolling openings and evolving experiences

You can expect continued momentum. Multiple outlets are already trading, and new brands will launch in waves, keeping the precinct fresh with seasonal activations, culinary pop-ups, and retail moments that sync with wider Downtown Dubai programming.

Plan your visit

• Find it fast: Head to the ground floor near Dubai Ice Rink and Level Shoes; on-site signage and digital directories highlight The District.
• When to go: Weekday mornings for a quieter browse; evenings for a livelier social hub feel.
• Make a day of it: Pair luxury browsing with specialty coffee stops and a destination dinner—The District is built for both quick visits and longer outings.

FAQs: The District at a glance

Where is The District in Dubai Mall?

On the ground floor by Dubai Ice Rink and close to Level Shoes, within the reimagined former Souk area.

How many new outlets are in the expansion?

279 in The District (198 retail and 81 F&B), with earlier expansion communications referencing 240 as plans progressed.

What brands and restaurants are open or announced?

Early openings and announced concepts include Klay by Karak House, Home Bakery Kitchen, Trio Coffee, RX Coffee Apothecary, Peet’s Coffee, Toby’s Estate, Mado, Slrp, and a revamped The Cheesecake Factory, among others.

Is this part of Dubai Mall’s broader luxury upgrade?

Yes. The District complements Fashion Avenue and strengthens Dubai Mall’s positioning as a premier luxury retail and lifestyle destination.

Why does this matter for visitors?

It delivers a more immersive, high-end experience—curated luxury shopping, independent cafés, specialty retailers, and refined dining—all in an accessible, design-led precinct.

Key takeaways

• The District is the centerpiece of the AED 1.5 billion Dubai Mall expansion—an upscale, curated luxury district.
• It introduces 279 new outlets (198 retail, 81 F&B), amplifying a mall that already counts 1,200+ stores.
• With 111 million visitors in 2024, Dubai Mall consolidates its status as the most visited place on earth—and The District is set to lift dwell time and discovery even further.