Is Dubai Mall Biggest in the World?

By Michael Ferguson

Dubai Mall is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. It is a shopper’s paradise with over 1,200 retail outlets, 200 food and beverage outlets, and a plethora of entertainment options.

But is it really the biggest mall in the world? Let’s find out.

What is Dubai Mall?

Dubai Mall is a massive shopping center located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. It opened its doors to the public on November 4, 2008. The mall covers an area of 12 million square feet and has four floors with retail outlets, dining options, entertainment centers, and more.

Is Dubai Mall the Biggest in the World?

The answer to this question depends on how you define “biggest.” If we talk about total area covered by a shopping center, then currently Dubai Mall doesn’t hold the title for being the biggest mall in the world.

The Largest Shopping Malls in the World

Here are some of the largest shopping malls (by total area) in the world:

  • South China Mall: Located in Dongguan, China with a total area of 7.1 million square feet.
  • Golden Resources Mall: Located in Beijing, China with a total area of 6 million square feet.
  • SM City North EDSA: Located in Quezon City, Philippines with a total area of 5.36 million square feet.
  • Iran Mall: Located in Tehran, Iran with a total area of 4.8 million square feet.
  • Dubai Mall: Located in Dubai, UAE with a total area of 4.6 million square feet.

As you can see, Dubai Mall is not the biggest mall in the world when it comes to total area. However, it is still one of the largest malls and a must-visit destination for tourists around the world.

Other Records Held by Dubai Mall

While Dubai Mall may not be the biggest mall in terms of total area, it does hold some other records:

  • Largest acrylic panel: The mall has a massive acrylic panel that measures 108 feet high and 188 feet wide, making it the largest in the world.
  • Largest choreographed fountain system: The Dubai Fountain is located outside the mall and spans over 900 feet. It features water jets that shoot up to 500 feet in the air and is choreographed to music.
  • Most visited building: Dubai Mall attracts over 80 million visitors annually, making it one of the most visited buildings in the world.

Conclusion

Dubai Mall may not be the biggest mall in terms of total area, but it still holds many records and remains one of the top tourist destinations in Dubai. So if you’re planning a trip to Dubai, make sure you add Dubai Mall to your itinerary.