Brief

Ibn Battuta Mall counters ‘dying’ rumours with 38 new openings

The mall says 21 venues are already open and 17 will launch by end‑2027, boosting its visitor numbers.

By Felo News Desk · Published Mon, 12 Oct 2026 14:49:18 GMT

Dubai’s Ibn Battuta Mall has announced 38 new retail, dining and entertainment openings, countering recent social‑media speculation that the centre is "dying".

The mall’s operator, Dubai Retail, says 21 of the new businesses are already operating while 17 are slated to open by the end of 2027. The announcement follows viral videos that showed quieter sections of the mall and prompted questions about footfall.

According to Dubai Retail, the mall, which opened in 2005, attracts roughly 1.5 million visitors each month and now hosts more than 350 businesses. New food outlets include Five Guys, Jimmy John’s Sandwiches, Marugame Udon, Caribou Coffee, Halla Shawarma, Zaika and Butter & Bread, with Peet’s Coffee, Ocean Basket, Asia Kitchen and Smoothie Factory due later.

Entertainment additions feature Roxy Cinemas and Hopa Loompa Entertainment, while recent launches such as Zamania by Leo & Loona and Like Bricks expand family offerings. Fashion and retail newcomers include Jack & Jones, Anta, Tanishq, Magrabi, Mumuso and Suit Sartoria, among others.

The tenant mix is also diversifying beyond shopping and dining, adding banking, healthcare, education and professional services like ADCB, Amit Care, Doctor M, Melodica and Desco Copy & Print Centre.

Key facts

Ibn Battuta Mall announced 38 new openings, with 21 already operating. (khaleejtimes.com)
The mall attracts about 1.5 million visits each month. (khaleejtimes.com)
New food venues include Five Guys, Jimmy John’s, Marugame Udon and Caribou Coffee. (khaleejtimes.com)
Roxy Cinemas and Hopa Loompa Entertainment are among upcoming entertainment additions. (khaleejtimes.com)
Non‑retail services such as ADCB and Amit Care are part of the new tenant mix. (khaleejtimes.com)