Dubai Creek Harbour (DCH) has already established itself as one of Dubai’s most important new waterfront communities. With views of Dubai Creek, easy access to Downtown, and master-planned residential clusters, it has attracted both investors and end-users.

The next chapter in its evolution is now clear: Dubai Square Mall, a mega retail and lifestyle destination by Emaar that is set to redefine the area—and potentially Dubai’s entire retail landscape.

The Scale of Dubai Square

Recent announcements from Emaar and media reports confirm just how ambitious the project is:

• Dubai Square Mall is planned as a 2.6 million square metre mega-mall within Dubai Creek Harbour.
• Emaar founder Mohamed Alabbar has stated that the mall will be around three times the size of Downtown Dubai and represents a Dh180 billion (approx. US$49bn) investment.
• The mall is positioned as one of the largest retail and entertainment destinations in Dubai, and is expected to open within about three years, with Dubai Creek Harbour envisioned as a major retail and lifestyle hub by around 2028.

This scale makes Dubai Square not just another mall, but a city-within-a-city that combines retail, entertainment, hospitality, F&B, and experiences in a single master development.

What Dubai Square Will Offer

While final tenant mixes will evolve closer to opening, current plans and concept releases highlight:

• Extensive indoor and outdoor retail streets.
• Large entertainment zones, including family attractions and events spaces.
• Integrated residential and hospitality components connected directly to the mall.
• Emphasis on experiential, lifestyle-driven retail rather than traditional shopping only.

The vision is to create a destination that competes not only with other malls, but with global lifestyle districts.

Impact on Dubai Creek Harbour Real Estate

For owners and investors in DCH, Dubai Square is a powerful value driver:

1. Demand for Residences Near the Mall
   Property advisors already highlight that proximity to Dubai Square is positioning Dubai Creek Harbour as a prime investment location for those wanting to live next to a major lifestyle destination.
2. Potential Uplift in Capital Values and Rents
   Historically in Dubai, major retail and entertainment anchors—such as Dubai Mall in Downtown and Mall of the Emirates in Al Barsha—have supported higher capital values and rental premiums in surrounding towers. It is reasonable to expect a similar pattern in Dubai Creek Harbour as Dubai Square comes closer to completion.
3. Improved Infrastructure and Connectivity
   To serve a mall of this magnitude, the wider district is set to benefit from upgrades in roads, public transport links, parking, and waterfront public spaces. That enhances the livability and long-term attractiveness of the community as a whole.
4. Tourism and Footfall
   As one of the largest malls in Dubai, Dubai Square is expected to become a tourist magnet, drawing residents and visitors from across the emirate and abroad, which will support short-stay rentals, serviced apartments, and hospitality projects in the area.

Strategic Positioning for Investors

For investors considering Dubai Creek Harbour, Dubai Square creates a clear thesis:

• Pre-opening entry point: Buying before the mall opens can provide a first-mover advantage if capital values rise as the project nears completion.
• Focus on walkable locations: Buildings with direct or easy pedestrian access to Dubai Square are likely to see stronger long-term demand.
• Balanced strategy: End-users benefit from lifestyle and convenience, while investors gain from potential capital appreciation and robust rental demand.

Dubai Square Mall is more than a retail project; it is a catalyst that will reshape Dubai Creek Harbour into one of Dubai’s most important mixed-use hubs, cementing its status on the city’s investment map.