From neighbourhood-focused retail hubs to forest-integrated lifestyle destinations, 2026 is set to be a landmark year for shopping across the UAE. New mall developments are introducing open-air layouts, wellness-led concepts, leisure-driven design, and community-first experiences across Dubai and beyond.
This video explores seven upcoming malls expected to open in 2026, including Sobha Mall in Sobha Hartland, the Le Meryeme malls in Wadi Al Safa, South Bay Mall in Dubai South, the large-scale Dubai Square at Dubai Creek Harbour, major expansions at Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, and the forest-centric Ghaf Woods Mall by Majid Al Futtaim.
Together, these projects reflect a shift away from traditional retail toward integrated lifestyle destinations that blend shopping, dining, wellness, entertainment, and outdoor living. Whether designed for daily convenience or large-scale urban experiences, each development highlights how retail is evolving across the UAE.
