Majid Al Futtaim unveils plans for a nature-integrated retail destination.
Dubai is about to add another glittering landmark to its ever-evolving skyline, but this time, with a decidedly greener twist. Majid Al Futtaim has announced plans for Ghaf Woods Mall, a massive new shopping and leisure destination set within the heart of Dubai’s upcoming forest community.
Billed as a “world-class shopping and leisure destination”, Ghaf Woods Mall promises to fuse the best of technology, design and sustainability, a concept the company is calling its first “Mall in the Forest”. The development marks Majid Al Futtaim’s 30th mall overall and its 19th in the UAE, a milestone that underlines the company’s continued dominance in shaping the region’s retail landscape.
A new kind of mall experience
Unveiled by Majid Al Futtaim Development CEO Ahmed El Shamy, the new project is set to reimagine what a shopping centre can be. “Ghaf Woods Mall is set to mark a bold new era in retail and community placemaking; an unprecedented landmark nestled within a forested landscape,” El Shamy said in a statement. “From design to delivery, the concept behind the ‘Mall in the Forest’ highlights Majid Al Futtaim’s unwavering commitment to environmental innovation and excellence.”
While the official design renderings haven’t yet been released, early details suggest the mall will mirror the Ghaf Woods community’s lush, eco-centric ethos — blending biophilic architecture, sustainable technologies, and human-centred spaces to create a natural extension of its forest surroundings.
The project aligns with Dubai’s broader sustainability goals and the city’s growing appetite for lifestyle-focused retail experiences that go beyond traditional shopping. Expect leafy courtyards, open-air dining, shaded walking paths, and immersive digital experiences that bring the forest concept to life.
More than 30,000 trees will be planted at Al Ghaf.
The heart of a forest community
The new mall will sit within the AED 15.4 billion Ghaf Woods development, located along Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. The expansive 738,000-square-metre community is being described as Dubai’s first “forest-living” neighbourhood, with more than 35,000 trees planned to create a serene microclimate and nature-forward lifestyle for residents.
Set to be developed in eight phases until 2031, the community will feature residential clusters, walking trails, recreational zones, and now a retail hub designed to anchor it all. Ghaf Woods Mall is expected to serve not only the residents of this green haven but also visitors seeking a different kind of retail therapy, one where shopping meets sustainability.
Beyond shopping: the future of urban living
In keeping with Majid Al Futtaim’s reputation for destination-building, Ghaf Woods Mall will offer more than just high-end boutiques and dining. Plans hint at a carefully curated mix of retail, leisure, entertainment, and culinary experiences, along with community spaces that encourage connection and relaxation. Think weekend markets, forest-view cafés, and immersive zones where technology and nature blend seamlessly.
It’s an ambitious vision, but one that fits perfectly within Majid Al Futtaim’s evolution from mall operator to lifestyle developer. The brand already boasts iconic retail landmarks such as Mall of the Emirates and City Centre Mirdif, but Ghaf Woods Mall represents something entirely new: a step toward more sustainable, experiential, and human-driven design.
Ghaf Woods Community, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, by Majid Al Futtaim. Community completion by 2031, 738,000 sqm, AED 15.4 billion in value.
