After a period of lull in 2023-2024, the Dubai retail estate market is in the recovery mode now. Due to the community centre Nad Al Sheba Mall and gastronomic zone in Dubai Mall launched during the first half-year of 2025, total commissioned retail space amounted to 40,000 sq m. The commissioning of over 200,000 sq m of leasable floor area is anticipated by 2027. In addition to new projects under construction, the key malls of Dubai solidify their grip on the market by investing in modernization, digitalization and expansion.
Russian brands keep on building up their presence in the Dubai market, though the focus is being shifted from the entry of new players to the scaling of those already present. Catering operators play a crucial role in this process. At the moment, 88 Russian retailers are active in Dubai.