• UAE's biggest malls: The Dubai Mall has more than 1,200 retail units in addition to 200-plus food and beverage outlets. Chris Whiteoak / The National
    UAE's biggest malls: The Dubai Mall has more than 1,200 retail units in addition to 200-plus food and beverage outlets. Chris Whiteoak / The National
  • The Mall of the Emirates in Dubai has more than 630 retail units and 100-plus food and beverage outlets spread out across 233,467 square metres. Pawan Singh / The National
    The Mall of the Emirates in Dubai has more than 630 retail units and 100-plus food and beverage outlets spread out across 233,467 square metres. Pawan Singh / The National
  • The Dubai Hills Mall boasts 600 retail units plus 7,000 parking spaces. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
    The Dubai Hills Mall boasts 600 retail units plus 7,000 parking spaces. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
  • Sahara Centre is located on the Dubai-Sharjah Highway, covers almost 240,000 square metres and has 530 retail units. Victor Besa for The National
    Sahara Centre is located on the Dubai-Sharjah Highway, covers almost 240,000 square metres and has 530 retail units. Victor Besa for The National
  • Reem Mall on Abu Dhabi's Reem Island is set to open in 2022 and will feature 450 retail units plus 85 food and beverage outlets. The mall will cover an area of more than 260,000 square metres. Photo: Reem Mall
    Reem Mall on Abu Dhabi's Reem Island is set to open in 2022 and will feature 450 retail units plus 85 food and beverage outlets. The mall will cover an area of more than 260,000 square metres. Photo: Reem Mall
  • Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi has over 450 retail units spread across more than 151,000 square metres. Rich-Joseph Facun / The National
    Dalma Mall in Abu Dhabi has over 450 retail units spread across more than 151,000 square metres. Rich-Joseph Facun / The National
  • The Galleria Al Maryah Island is one of Abu Dhabi's newest malls and features 400 retail units plus 100 food and beverage outlets. Photo: The Galleria Al Maryah Island
    The Galleria Al Maryah Island is one of Abu Dhabi's newest malls and features 400 retail units plus 100 food and beverage outlets. Photo: The Galleria Al Maryah Island
  • Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall has more than 400 retail units, covering an area of 122,000 square metres. Photo: Sammy Dallal
    Abu Dhabi's Marina Mall has more than 400 retail units, covering an area of 122,000 square metres. Photo: Sammy Dallal
  • Yas Mall on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island has more than 370 retail units and 68 food and beverage outlets spread out across 232,257 square metres. Victor Besa / The National
    Yas Mall on Abu Dhabi's Yas Island has more than 370 retail units and 68 food and beverage outlets spread out across 232,257 square metres. Victor Besa / The National

Dubai Hills Mall to open on February 17


Katy Gillett
  • English
  • Arabic

Residents near Dubai Hills Mall have patiently waited as they watch the expansive shopping centre near completion. Now that day is here, as it's been announced that the mall is opening today, Thursday February 17.

It is set to become one of the biggest malls in the UAE when it opens at 10am.

Scroll through the gallery above to see the country's biggest shopping centres.

There is plenty to see and do inside the two-storey mall, which features 600 retail outlets, including internationally renowned brands, plus a Roxy Cinemas outlet, an Adventure Park and an indoor roller coaster that's said to be the fastest of its kind in the world.

It's located in Dubai Hills Estate, the 1,093-hectare development from Emaar that forms part of Mohammed Bin Rashid City.

The mall, which will have 7,000 parking spaces, sits next to Dubai Hills Estate Park and is a short drive from other thriving residential communities such as Arabian Ranches, Town Square Dubai and Damac Hills, and is accessible via Umm Suqeim Street and Al Khail Road.

One of its main attractions is undoubtedly the world's fastest indoor roller coaster, which is called The Storm, and for youngsters, the Adventure Park play area where there are all manner of activities and attractions to keep them entertained, including a slide and trampolines.

On top of the retail stores and entertainment attractions, there are also several food and beverage outlets, as well as a Geant Hypermarket.

Dubai Hills Estate is also home to a water park, skate park and Dubai Hills Golf Club, as well as Kings College Hospital London and supermarkets such as Franprix, Geant and Urban Foods.

Dubai Hills Mall will be home to hundreds of retail stores. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
Dubai Hills Mall will be home to hundreds of retail stores. Photo: Emaar Malls Management

A Common Grounds cafe is also scheduled to open within the community soon.

At the mall, retail stores will be open from 10am to 10pm on Sunday to Thursday, with restaurants and cafes open until midnight and Geant Hypermarket open from 9am to midnight.

On Friday and Saturday, shop hours extend slightly until midnight.

See inside one of the largest properties in Dubai Hills Estate:

  • This custom-built mansion in Dubai Hills Estate is on the market for Dh115 million.
    This custom-built mansion in Dubai Hills Estate is on the market for Dh115 million.
  • Enter via a striking double-height central hub.
    Enter via a striking double-height central hub.
  • The property's expansive basement, complete with a bar and TV area.
    The property's expansive basement, complete with a bar and TV area.
  • One of seven spacious bedrooms.
    One of seven spacious bedrooms.
  • A wine cellar, to be filled at will by the owner.
    A wine cellar, to be filled at will by the owner.
  • A spacious private swimming pool.
    A spacious private swimming pool.
  • A snug and inviting formal living room.
    A snug and inviting formal living room.
  • The property comes fully furnished, with high-end pieces.
    The property comes fully furnished, with high-end pieces.
  • There are a number of areas to relax around the property.
    There are a number of areas to relax around the property.
  • Generously sized walk-in wardrobes.
    Generously sized walk-in wardrobes.
  • The design is inspired by the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
    The design is inspired by the five elements: wood, fire, earth, metal and water.
  • Bright and airy design throughout the upper floors.
    Bright and airy design throughout the upper floors.
  • A spacious ensuite bathroom.
    A spacious ensuite bathroom.
  • Looking down on the central hub from the first floor.
    Looking down on the central hub from the first floor.
  • Italian marble and porcelain has been used in the bathrooms.
    Italian marble and porcelain has been used in the bathrooms.
  • Space to entertain in the basement.
    Space to entertain in the basement.
  • Wood is a key design material throughout the property.
    Wood is a key design material throughout the property.
  • A formal dining area.
    A formal dining area.
  • A plush living area.
    A plush living area.
  • A sleek home office.
    A sleek home office.
  • A view of the back of the property at night.
    A view of the back of the property at night.
  • The grand staircase connected to the central hub of the home.
    The grand staircase connected to the central hub of the home.
  • A design feature flowing down the stairs.
    A design feature flowing down the stairs.
  • A more relaxed dining area.
    A more relaxed dining area.
  • The back of the property by day.
    The back of the property by day.
  • A quiet corner to relax in.
    A quiet corner to relax in.
  • A view of the top landing.
    A view of the top landing.
  • Space to watch TV.
    Space to watch TV.
Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

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%3Cp%3EVara%20will%20cater%20to%20three%20categories%20of%20companies%20in%20Dubai%20(except%20the%20DIFC)%3A%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECategory%20A%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Minimum%20viable%20product%20(MVP)%20applicants%20that%20are%20currently%20in%20the%20process%20of%20securing%20an%20MVP%20licence%3A%20This%20is%20a%20three-stage%20process%20starting%20with%20%5B1%5D%20a%20provisional%20permit%2C%20graduating%20to%20%5B2%5D%20preparatory%20licence%20and%20concluding%20with%20%5B3%5D%20operational%20licence.%20Applicants%20that%20are%20already%20in%20the%20MVP%20process%20will%20be%20advised%20by%20Vara%20to%20either%20continue%20within%20the%20MVP%20framework%20or%20be%20transitioned%20to%20the%20full%20market%20product%20licensing%20process.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECategory%20B%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Existing%20legacy%20virtual%20asset%20service%20providers%20prior%20to%20February%207%2C%202023%2C%20which%20are%20required%20to%20come%20under%20Vara%20supervision.%20All%20operating%20service%20proviers%20in%20Dubai%20(excluding%20the%20DIFC)%20fall%20under%20Vara%E2%80%99s%20supervision.%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECategory%20C%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20New%20applicants%20seeking%20a%20Vara%20licence%20or%20existing%20applicants%20adding%20new%20activities.%20All%20applicants%20that%20do%20not%20fall%20under%20Category%20A%20or%20B%20can%20begin%20the%20application%20process%20through%20their%20current%20or%20prospective%20commercial%20licensor%20%E2%80%94%20the%20DET%20or%20Free%20Zone%20Authority%20%E2%80%94%20or%20directly%20through%20Vara%20in%20the%20instance%20that%20they%20have%20yet%20to%20determine%20the%20commercial%20operating%20zone%20in%20Dubai.%C2%A0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The specs

Engine: 2.0-litre 4-cyl turbo

Power: 247hp at 6,500rpm

Torque: 370Nm from 1,500-3,500rpm

Transmission: 10-speed auto

Fuel consumption: 7.8L/100km

Price: from Dh94,900

On sale: now

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Updated: February 17, 2022, 4:53 AM