In fact, the Mall of Arabia is expected to become the largest shopping mall on the planet.

Other notable shopping centers in the Dubai include Deira City Centre, BurJuman, Mall of the Emirates and Ibn Battuta Mall, as well as many city souks, or traditional markets.

The Mall of Arabia is currently under construction and is part of Dubailand's the City of Arabia project, which includes other attractions of Restless Planet, Wadi Walk, and the Elite Towers. When completed, Mall of Arabia will outrank South China Mall in Dongguan, China as the world's largest shopping mall.

Dubailand is a huge multi-purpose complex for entertainment, recreation, leisure, residence and tourism, that's currently under development. Construction of Dubailand has been planned into four phases. Work is currently being carried out on phase one of the project which is expected to see completion some time between 2008 and 2010. Dubailand is expected to encompass an area of 1 million square feet in central Dubai along Emirates Road. Upone completion, Dubailand will become a multi-purpose center that is unrivaled by any other place in the world.

City of Arabia development is a marvelous US$5 billion retail, residential, commercial and entertainment project lying at the gateway to Dubailand. With business and administrative offices, schools and clinics, supported by luxury apartments, shops, galleries, restaurants and unique attractions, City of Arabia will become a key location and urban community within the new Dubai. The City of Arabia is scheduled to open by the end of 2010.

Its four key elements are Mall of Arabia, Restless Planet, a US$300 million theme park, earth science museum and planetarium; Wadi Walk, a water front community with stylish apartments, outdoor cafes and attractive retail outlets; and Elite Towers, a group of 34 stunning commercial and residential buildings. A self-contained community designed to minimize the use of automobiles, City of Arabia will be served by its own monorail system which will transport residents and visitors to and from a designated Dubai Metro station and around the area. With a total of 8,200 residential components, City of Arabia will, upoon completion is projected to have over 32,000 residents and a catchment area containing 1.87 million people.

Mall of Arabia is a unique retail resort within City of Arabia that offers the ultimate shopping experience in Dubai and the world. One of the world's largest malls, it will offer more than 1,400 diverse retail outlets, a rooftop hotel, waterfront alfresco dining and entertainment for all the family, as well as the remarkable Restless Planet theme park, earth science museum and planetarium. Mall of Arabia has a gross leasable area (GLA) of 10 million sq ft over two phases, and represents one of the most expansive retail experiences all over the world. The Mall of Arabia has been designed to ensure the widest possible footfall. Normally malls are built in a racing lap design, but Mall of Arabia's design is concentric, which allows for more efficient movement of large crowds of shoppers and visitors. The mall is also segmented, so those shopping for home furnishings for example, or for women's or men's fashions, will find all the relevant stores located conveniently and strategically close to each other.

The Mall of Arabia will house one of the largest Gold Souqs (markets) in the Middle East. International jewellers and gold merchants from across the Middle East, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia and America will offer an unprecedented selection of products. The souq will be located adjacent to the boutique retail outlets, and neighbouring the fashion centre of the Mall, and will become a focal point for all things bejewelled and precious. Cafés and rest areas will provide ample opportunity to absorb the sophisticated atmosphere and vibrancy of the brilliant souq experience.

The Mall of Arabia is planned to become one of Dubai's premier international tourism and entertainment destinations. In addition to having its own exciting and extensive repertoire of retail outlets, the Mall also provides exclusive access to the Restless Planet, the fascinating and educational dinosaur entertainment park, which will become a highly sought after family destination and one of Dubai's primary tourist attractions. The food court will be accompanied by a state-of-the-art Cineplex complex. A Family Entertainment Centre housing an internationally renowned entertainment brand will provide further family fun. The 'North Portal' is a enthralling dining area in a tranquil setting with access to water taxis, enabling visitors to cruise gently along the wadi canals within the City of Arabia. A hotel situated on the roof of the Mall will firmly establish the Mall of Arabia as an all inclusive family resort for leisure and entertainment.

The Mall of Arabia, with its efficient and convenient back-of-house servicing, provides more than 100 food and beverage outlets to satisfy its diverse range of customers. As diversity dominates, there will be a variety of international and local cuisine, service, style, quality, design, ambience and pricing selections available. Cafés will be conveniently placed throughout the Mall, enabling visitors to relax and refresh, while the food courts and kiosks will offer choice, value for money and quick service. The Mall of Arabia will present an array of culinary goods in its waterfront restaurants, which will overlook the peaceful wadi canals and the apex dome of the Restless Planet, embellishing the skyline.