The Dubai Mall is so extraordinary it’s broken a few records, here’s a list of facts to bring out to escape awkward topics in conversation.
The Dubai Mall is the largest shopping mall in the world but that’s not the only impressive thing about this imposing complex. In fact the mall has broken a few records.
The mall is so big that it houses a 250-room luxury hotel, 22 cinema screens, 120 restaurants and cafes, Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, an indoor theme park and the Dubai Ice Rink. It’s the size of 50 international sized soccer pitches.
1. Largest mall opening in history
When The Dubai Mall opened on November 4th, 2008 with 635 retailers, it made it the largest mall opening in retail history.
2. World’s largest mall
The Dubai Mall is the world’s largest mall, with over 12 million square feet, and 1,200 shops.
3. Even Dubai has building delays
Originally intended to open in 2006, the mall was delayed twice before finally opening in 2008.
4. Where did we park again?
The Dubai Mall has a total of over 14,000 spaces for parking across three car parks, with valet services and a car locator ticketing system.
5. Record breaker
The Dubai Aquarium inside the mall houses the world’s largest acrylic panel. The panel is 108 feet wide, 27 feet high and 29.5 inches thick with a weight of 541,486 pounds
6. Skate in the desert
There is an Olympic size ice rink in the mall that has a 1.5 inch ice bed, twice the thickness of an NHL ice rink.
7. Let’s play a game
SEGA Republic is a 76,000 square foot indoor theme park and arcade with 150 amusement rides and games.
8. For your viewing pleasure
The Reel Cinema is a 22-screen movie theatre that seats a capacity of 2,800. Over 10,000 people visited the cinema during opening week.
9. You’re so sweet
The world’s largest candy store, Candylicious, was opened in Dubai Mall in 2009 and spans over 10,000 square feet.
10. Good recovery
In 2010 the aquarium sprung a leak, which caused a section of the mall to be evacuated and shut down. It reopened the following day.
11. The place to be
The mall attracted more visitors (65 million) than New York City’s 52 million, and Los Angeles’ 41 million in 2012.