Dubai's retail real estate market continues to experience a shortage of quality retail space. Property owners and developers are actively looking for ways to solve this issue, developing plans to expand and modernize existing facilities. By 2028, more than 230,000 square meters of leasable space is expected to be commissioned in Dubai's shopping malls.
In Q1 2025, the growth in the number of new leases amounted to 23% and renewal leases to 25%. In key SCs of the emirate it amounted to about 24% (comparing with the same period last year). In the “top” and “landmark” shopping centers of Dubai rental rates showed an increase of up to 46% and 10% respectively.  
Russian brands continue their expansion into the Dubai market. However, the pace of entry has slowed down significantly. In Q1 2025, 3 new catering operators of Russian origin appeared in the emirate.