Dubai is rewriting the rulebook for global retail, again. The city has announced Dubai Square, the world’s first-ever drive-through mall, set to open within the next three years. Spanning an astonishing 2.6 million square metres and positioned inside the futuristic Dubai Creek Harbour, this upcoming mega-project is already being hailed as one of Dubai’s most ambitious developments to date.
This visionary concept aims to bring the convenience of drive-through service and the luxury of world-class shopping under one roof, literally changing how travelers and residents will shop, dine, and experience retail.
A Drive-Through Experience Like No Other
Dubai Square is the world’s first major retail complex intentionally designed so visitors can drive their own cars inside the mall.
Shoppers will be able to:
- Enter the mall through dedicated drive lanes
- Navigate between stores without leaving their vehicle
- Park directly beside the retail zones
- Access restaurants, luxury shops, and entertainment spaces through structured routes
This concept tackles Dubai’s summer heat, traveler convenience, and modern mobility trends, all in a single stroke.
A Mega Development Backed by Vision and Scale
The project is led by Mohamed Ali Alabbar, founder of Emaar Properties, the same developer behind The Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. According to Alabbar, Dubai Square will be three times the size of Downtown Dubai, highlighting both the project’s ambition and scale.
The total investment: AED 180 billion, positioning Dubai Square as one of the emirate’s most expensive and forward-thinking lifestyle developments.
What Travelers Can Expect Inside Dubai Square
Electric Vehicle-Friendly Infrastructure
Dedicated routes and built-in systems support full EV operation, including:
- Fast-charging stations
- Eco-friendly mobility lanes
- Smart energy-efficient infrastructure
It’s designed to be a sustainable retail ecosystem, aligning with Dubai’s green mobility goals.
Drive-Through Dining: A New Culinary Revolution
One of the mall’s headline features is drive-through dining, not the fast-food version you know, but a curated luxury experience.
Expect:
- Gourmet meals delivered directly to cars
- Smart ordering through mobile apps
- Climate-controlled comfort
- International cuisines and high-end cafés
It’s a blend of convenience, speed, and Dubai’s culinary diversity.
Luxury Retail Reimagined
Even with a drive-through model, Dubai Square keeps its luxury traits:
- Global flagship stores
- Personal shopping assistants
- VIP-only drive lanes
- Curated designer collections
- Dedicated zones for luxury and electric cars
It’s convenient without compromising style.
A Community Under One Roof
Dubai Square isn’t just a mall. It’s a self-contained city offering:
- Retail boulevards
- Restaurants
- Entertainment hubs
- Hotels
- Residential zones
- Green urban spaces
Located at the heart of Dubai Creek Harbour, visitors can expect:
- Waterfront views
- 7.4 million sq. m of residential space
- Pedestrian-friendly streets
- Half a million sq. m of greenery
Why Dubai Square Matters: An Analysis
Dubai Square is more than a mall; it’s a strategic shift in how the UAE envisions retail tourism.
- Meets the Modern Traveler’s Lifestyle: Travelers today want speed, comfort, and temperature-controlled spaces. Dubai Square delivers all three using car-friendly mobility.
- Blends Sustainability with Innovation: EV compatibility, smart lighting, and energy-efficient systems place sustainability at its core, reflecting Dubai’s Clean Energy Vision 2050.
- A New Benchmark for Retail Tourism: Dubai already leads in mall tourism. With this project, the city pushes the global retail industry to rethink how malls are designed for future generations.
- Family-Centric Design: Entertainment zones, viewing areas, kids’ zones, and year-round events ensure this isn’t just a shopping hub, but a community destination for families.
- High Investment Confidence: An AED 180 billion investment signals long-term confidence in Dubai’s retail sector and its ability to attract millions of visitors annually.
Dubai Square isn’t just another addition to Dubai’s skyline; it’s a global first that blends luxury, convenience, technology, and sustainability into one futuristic destination. This mall is set to redefine how travelers shop and experience retail, offering a drive-through model that could influence urban design worldwide.
With its scale, innovation, and immersive infrastructure, Dubai Square promises to become a must-visit attraction for tourists and a new crown jewel in Dubai’s shopping landscape.
5 Best places for shopping in Dubai (2026 Guide)
The Dubai Mall
- Location: Downtown Dubai
- Things to buy: Luxury brands like Cartier & Harry Winston
- Things to explore: Dubai Aquarium, Ice Rink & Dubai Fountain
Mall of the Emirates
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Al Barsha, Dubai,
- Things to buy: Luxury brands like Christian Louboutin, DKNY
- Things to explore: Ski Dubai indoor snow park, Hotels, dining, cinema
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
- Location: Jumeirah, next to Burj Al Arab
- Things to buy: Spices, jewellery, perfume & pottery markets
- Things to explore: Waterways, restaurants & Burj Al Arab views
Dubai Marina Mall
- Location: Dubai Marina
- Things to buy: Adidas, Aldo, Tommy Hilfiger, Vince Camuto
- Things to explore: Waterfront dining & boat rides
Palm Jumeirah Mall (Formerly Nakheel Mall)
- Location: Palm Jumeirah, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
- Things to buy: fashion, electronics, and beauty products, groceries at the supermarket, plus unique souvenirs like Arabic spices, dates, or camel milk chocolate, alongside everyday essentials
- Things to explore: Rooftop dining with top-rated restaurants
Feeling curious after reading this?
Book your Dubai Tour Package now and indulge in world-class shopping, luxury, and futuristic experiences in one of the most extravagant destinations on the planet.
Frequently asked questions
Dubai Square is a futuristic, vehicle-accessible mall where visitors can drive inside, shop from their cars, explore luxury brands, dine, and enjoy a unique retail experience unlike any mall in the world.
Dubai Square is designed to be one of Dubai’s biggest malls, combining traditional retail, entertainment zones, and the world’s first drive-through shopping streets for an immersive, next-generation retail experience.
Travelers can expect drive-through shopping streets, luxury boutiques, gourmet restaurants delivering food to your car, EV-friendly lanes, entertainment zones, and futuristic digital retail experiences.
Yes, Dubai Mall is located in Downtown Dubai, right next to Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, forming the core of the city’s luxury shopping and entertainment district.
Dubai Square is expected to open within the next few years, likely around 2026, becoming one of the most anticipated new malls and a top attraction for travelers.