By Abdul Basit www.khaleejtimes.com
The Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping and entertainment destination by global property developer Emaar Properties, has set a new global milestone as it welcomed 65 million visitors in 2012, an increase of more than 20 per cent compared to the 54 million visitors hosted by the mall in 2011.
Retail sales across the various outlets in the mall also have reported robust growth of 24 per cent over 2011.
Underlining its credentials as the world’s most visited shopping and leisure destination, The Dubai Mall surpasses, by far, the annual visitor numbers to all leading shopping malls and leisure attractions in the world, highlighting Dubai’s eminent position as a global retail, tourism and business hub. The visitor profile of the mall comprises UAE residents, a cosmopolitan population of over 200 nationalities, and also reflects the tourism demographics of Dubai, with guests arriving from all over the world.
Attracting more number of visitors than the annual tourists to New York City at over 52 million and Los Angeles at 41 million in 2012, The Dubai Mall is today a must-visit destination in Dubai’s tourist itinerary, and the most compelling getaway for retail enthusiasts and leisure seekers. The mall’s central location, only a four-hour flying distance away for a population of over 2.5 billion, makes it the world’s busiest fashion, retail and leisure hub, offering a wealth of choices for all visitors.
“The impressive growth achieved by The Dubai Mall is testament to the vision of His Highness Shaikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, to further energise the core sectors of the economy including retail, which contributes significantly to the emirate’s GDP. We are thankful to him for his continued guidance and support,” said Mohamed Alabbar, chairman of Emaar Properties. More info
