The Dubai Mall dominates global shopping mall sector as

world's most popular with record 75 million visitors in 2013

• Visitor numbers increase 15%; year-on-year retail sales rose 26%
• Sales in Fashion Avenue accounted for more than 50% of all luxury goods sold in Dubai
• Growth underscores ongoing expansion to add 1 million sq ft to mall's prestigious Fashion Avenue

Dubai, UAE; January 29, 2014: The Dubai Mall, Emaar Properties' flagship shopping and entertainment destination, has become the world's most-visited destination for the third consecutive year, welcoming over 75 million visitors in 2013.

Following the impressive footfall of 54 million in 2011 and 65 million in 2012, The Dubai Mall recorded a 15 per cent growth in visitor numbers during 2013, with an average monthly footfall of 6.25 million.

The mall's 1,200 plus retail outlets recorded a 26 per cent rise in sales during 2013 compared to the previous year. More than 50 per cent* of all luxury goods sold in Dubai were purchased at the mall, with its dedicated Fashion Avenue hosting the world's largest collection of fashion brands under one roof.

The number of visitors significantly surpassed the number of shoppers at the world's other leading malls such as Mall of America and Bullring Birmingham, UK (40 million each); Intu Trafford Centre, UK (30 million); Part Dieu Lyon, France (29.4 million); and West Edmonton Mall, Canada (28 million).

Over 40 per cent of the visitors to the mall were tourists, reflecting the tourism demographic trends of the city, with a majority of the overseas visitors coming from Saudi Arabia and other GCC countries, China, India, Russia and Europe.

Last year, the mall cemented its position as one of the world's most sought-after high fashion destinations by hosting Vogue Fashion Dubai Experience, the largest fashion event of its kind in the Middle East, in partnership with Vogue Italia. The mall is currently spearheading a global fashion talent scout, to identify and nurture emerging and next-generation fashion designers.

Abdulla Lahej, Group Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Properties, said: “The record visitor arrival to The Dubai Mall in 2013 is a powerful statement that seals Dubai's reputation globally as a business and leisure hub. The socio-economic impact of the mall on the Emirate's economy is tremendous, having generated more than 25,000 jobs and consistently driving the growth of the city's retail, leisure, and hospitality sectors – the core contributors to Dubai's GDP.”

“Contributing significantly to Emaar's recurring revenues, thus adding value to our stakeholders, the mall's sustained success demonstrates the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, UAE Vice President and Prime Minister and Ruler of Dubai, to create a truly world-class city.”

Nasser Rafi, Chief Executive Officer of Emaar Malls Group, said: “The surge in visitor arrivals and the growth in retail sales are indicators not just of the popularity of the mall but also of Dubai as a preferred destination for shopping and luxury lifestyle experiences. Having established Dubai as a global fashion capital, we are now further enhancing the fashion and lifestyle choices at the mall with the expansion of the Fashion Avenue by another 1 million sq ft, which will add 150 new brands to the mall.”

Celebrating its fifth anniversary of opening in November this year, The Dubai Mall is centrally located in Downtown Dubai, the most prestigious square kilometre on earth and the flagship mega-development of Emaar Properties.

The Dubai Mall meets all shopping requirements of visitors, from fashion wear to accessories, electronic appliances and home furnishing, to the latest communication gadgets and audio-visual choices, books, jewellery and much more.

The Dubai Mall's popularity as a family getaway is also defined by its 200 plus F&B outlets as well as its world-class leisure attractions including Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, with thousands of aquatic animals; SEGA Republic, the largest indoor theme park of its kind; KidZania®, the dedicated children's city; Dubai Ice Rink, an Olympic sized ice rink; and the 22-screen Reel Cinemas that can seat over 2,800 people. The mall also serves as the gateway to At the Top, Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest observatory deck with an outdoor terrace.

The US$20 billion Downtown Dubai features Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, several world-class hotels, thousands of residential apartments and modern offices, among others. It was in the global spotlight hosting the New Year's Eve Gala, which attracted millions of visitors with a spectacular fireworks display that captivated the world.