UAE conglomerate Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) will commit AED 5 bn to upgrade Mall of the Emirates in Dubai, according to a press release (pdf). The investment will go towards improving the mall’s infrastructure and expanding its offerings, with AED 1.1 bn already allocated for some improvements that are currently underway.

Expansion…: The upgrades include 20k sqm of new retail space that will house an additional 100 stores from the luxury, fashion, and lifestyle sectors. The Kempinski Hotel connected to the mall will see a new Seven Wellness Club, and a New Covent Garden cultural hub will open in 2025 and feature a 600-seat theater and rehearsal spaces. An outdoor food and beverage courtyard will open in early 2027, and by late 2026 the mall should see four new entertainment offerings.

…. and upgrades: The project will modernize the West End district and roll out infrastructure improvements. MAF is currently partnering with Parkin to install its barrierless parking systems and working with the Road and Transport Authority on improved road access and bridge upgrades, set to be completed by September.

It’s not the only mall to get an upgrade: Dubai Mall has also undergone an AED 1.5 bn expansion, courtesy of Emaar, that aimed to add 240 new luxury retail stores and a new F&B outlet.

MAF has a lot of investments planned: Majid Al Futtaim Properties is also increasing its investments in mixed-use developments in Egypt and Saudi Arabia this year and next year. The company is investing EGP 15 bn (AED 1.1 bn) in a new mixed-use project called Junction in Egypt, and is also preparing to break ground on an integrated SAR 17.5 bn urban development in Riyadh.

The story was picked up by Reuters.

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