Dubai has announced plans to build the largest shopping mall in the world under a giant glass dome. The mall ranks as one of the most ambitious projects ever attempted in the emirate – even by the elevated standards of the region.
Dubai Holding, the conglomerate that owns the Jumeirah Group, plans to develop the 8 million-square-foot 'Mall of the World' along Sheikh Zayed Road – opposite the Mall of the Emirates which is already one of the biggest shopping destinations in the region.
Air conditioning manufacturers will have been alerted to the fact that the domed mall will be the world's first 'temperature controlled city' while environmentalist might be dismayed by the amount of energy it will take to cool such a large space. Plans also include a 3 million-square-foot wellness district to cater to medical tourists, 7 kilometres of shop-lined streets and a cultural district inspired by Las Ramblas in Barcelona and London's Oxford Street. The mall will also house what would be the world's biggest indoor theme park.
The development of the shopping centre is part of a strategy by Dubai Holdings to turn the emirate into a year-round tourist destination. "We announced recently that we plan to transform Dubai into a cultural, tourist and economic hub for the 2 billion people living in the region around us; and we are determined to achieve our vision," said Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, vice president of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.
"Our ambitions are higher than having seasonal tourism. Tourism is a key driver of our economy, and we aim to make the UAE an attractive destination all year long. This is why we will start working on providing pleasant temperature-controlled environments during the summer months."
Mohammad AlGergawi, chairman of Dubai Holding said: "The project will be built in phases in alignment with the gradual growth of family tourism in Dubai."
Lighting will publish a special report on the lighting market in the Middle East in its August issue.
