Image credit: Majid Al Futtaim/Website
Majid Al Futtaim, the prominent shopping mall, communities, retail, and leisure conglomerate in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia, has announced the launch of Ghaf Woods Mall, a flagship shopping and leisure destination in Dubai. Announced on October 6, the mall will be the first forest-integrated retail space in the region, offering a unique blend of nature and commerce.
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The new mall will anchor the Dhs15.4bn Ghaf Woods residential community, representing a pioneering step in biophilic retail design, a concept that integrates natural elements into built environments to improve visitor well-being and engagement.
“Ghaf Woods Mall is set to mark a bold new era in retail and community placemaking; an unprecedented landmark nestled within a forested landscape,” said Ahmed El Shamy, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Development.
“From design to delivery, the ‘Mall in the Forest’ highlights our unwavering commitment to environmental innovation and excellence.”
Strategically located on Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road (E311), the mall will offer a curated mix of retail, dining, and entertainment set against immersive natural surroundings. The development is geared toward attracting flagship and anchor tenants looking to establish an early presence in a premium, high-growth district.
Ghaf Woods Mall is set to become the 30th mall in Majid Al Futtaim’s portfolio, its 19th in the UAE, and the first in the region to showcase the future-ready evolution of retailing.
Expanding footprint in Saudi Arabia with Diriyah Square partnership
In a parallel move that further expands its regional footprint, Majid Al Futtaim Holding has also announced a landmark partnership with Diriyah Company, bringing a state-of-the-art VOX Cinemas multiplex and a handpicked selection of seven top-tier brands to Diriyah Square, Saudi Arabia’s emerging luxury lifestyle hub.
The agreement establishes Majid Al Futtaim as the first major lifestyle and entertainment partner at Diriyah Square and marks a significant milestone in the development of the destination. Covering a total of 13,167.41 square metre, the offerings will include 7,632.93 square metre for VOX Cinemas and 5,534.48 square metre for retail space, featuring an elevated mix of fashion, home furnishings, and beauty outlets.
Notably, the deal introduces the first standalone retail store in Saudi Arabia for Japanese beauty brand Shiseido. Additionally, flagship stores for lululemon, Crate & Barrel, and Abercrombie & Fitch will debut at Diriyah Square, alongside new locations for AllSaints, CB2, and Hollister.
The agreement was formally signed at Diriyah Company’s headquarters by Jerry Inzerillo, Group CEO of Diriyah Company, and Ahmed Galal Ismail, CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Holding, with senior leadership from both companies in attendance.
A strategic alignment with Saudi Vision 2030
Speaking on the significance of the partnership, Jerry Inzerillo noted, “We are enormously proud to partner with Majid Al Futtaim, one of the region’s giants in lifestyle and entertainment. Their decision to bring this exceptional portfolio of brands to Diriyah is a testament to the confidence the retail community has in our vision.”
Echoing the sentiment, Ahmed Galal Ismail highlighted the alignment with Saudi Arabia’s national goals: “Diriyah is poised to become a global beacon of culture, heritage, and innovation. We are proud to contribute to this transformative national project. With our diverse brand portfolio, world-class VOX Cinemas, and immersive lifestyle concepts, we are confident in helping shape Diriyah Square into a vibrant, pedestrian-first destination.”
When completed, Diriyah Square will feature over 400 of the world’s leading retail brands, luxury boutiques, and dining concepts, all within a pedestrian-centric precinct designed to integrate culture, leisure, and commerce. The broader Diriyah development, a centerpiece of Saudi Vision 2030, is expected to contribute $18.6bn (SAR70bn) to the kingdom’s GDP, create nearly 180,000 jobs, and house approximately 100,000 residents.
This latest partnership comes on the heels of a $600m (SAR2.249bn) construction contract awarded to Salini Saudi Arabia Co. Ltd., covering critical infrastructure work for the Diriyah Square development, including one of the world’s largest underground parking facilities with over 10,500 spaces.
A cohesive regional strategy
Together, the Ghaf Woods Mall launch in Dubai and the strategic expansion into Diriyah Square reflect Majid Al Futtaim’s aggressive regional growth strategy and continued commitment to redefining retail, leisure, and entertainment experiences across the Middle East.
Both initiatives underscore the group’s ability to blend innovation with cultural and environmental awareness, while tapping into high-growth markets and national transformation agendas such as Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 and Dubai’s urban development masterplans.
With a mix of biophilic design in Dubai and luxury integration in Diriyah, Majid Al Futtaim is not just building malls, it’s curating next-generation lifestyle destinations poised to shape the future of regional retail.
