• Dubai Hills Mall is now open to the public. All photos by Katy Gillett / The National unless specified otherwise
    Dubai Hills Mall is now open to the public. All photos by Katy Gillett / The National unless specified otherwise
  • Dubai Hills Mall is located in Dubai Hills Estate. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
    Dubai Hills Mall is located in Dubai Hills Estate. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
  • Hundreds of people showed up within the first hour of opening day.
    Hundreds of people showed up within the first hour of opening day.
  • Children's play area Adventure Park is now open.
    Children's play area Adventure Park is now open.
  • Adventure Park offers children plenty of entertainment and activities, from trampolines to slides.
    Adventure Park offers children plenty of entertainment and activities, from trampolines to slides.
  • Branded hoarding gave an indication of what is still to open at Dubai Hills Mall.
    Branded hoarding gave an indication of what is still to open at Dubai Hills Mall.
  • A FitnGlam ladies' gym will open soon.
    A FitnGlam ladies' gym will open soon.
  • The mall features a number of eye-catching design installations.
    The mall features a number of eye-catching design installations.
  • A number of stores where occupants have not yet moved in have Dubai Hills Mall branding.
    A number of stores where occupants have not yet moved in have Dubai Hills Mall branding.
  • Apple-shaped seats for children near Adventure Park.
    Apple-shaped seats for children near Adventure Park.
  • The Tim Hortons team celebrates the opening.
    The Tim Hortons team celebrates the opening.
  • Murals are painted on the external walls of Dubai Hills Mall.
    Murals are painted on the external walls of Dubai Hills Mall.
  • The mall has two floors.
    The mall has two floors.
  • Ace Hardware will also open soon.
    Ace Hardware will also open soon.
  • Shops are open from 10am at the mall. Photo: Emaar Malls Management
    Shops are open from 10am at the mall. Photo: Emaar Malls Management

Dubai Hills Mall is now open: 'I'm really, really excited'


Katy Gillett
  • English
  • Arabic

There was a real buzz in the air at Dubai Hills Mall as it opened to the public at 10am on Thursday.

Within an hour of opening its doors, hundreds of people were milling around inside the shopping centre, while a battle for one of 7,000 spaces was taking place in the multistorey car park.

Residents around the area have been patiently waiting for the mall to be completed, and many had turned up on opening day to have a look.

"I've been waiting for a year," says Rowena Mangabang, a resident of Villa Lantana, a nearby housing development. "It's one of the reasons we moved here."

Thankfully, the mall has exceeded her expectations. "It's huge! I need a week to see everything. But I'm really, really excited."

Dubai Hills Mall is one of the biggest malls in the UAE.

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

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

  • 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

There is plenty to see and do inside the two-storey mall, which features about 600 retail outlets, including internationally renowned brands, plus a Roxy Cinemas outlet, an Adventure Park and an indoor rollercoaster called The Storm Coaster that's said to be the fastest indoor one in the world.

While a number of stores and entertainment spaces are already open, including Adventure Park, an indoor sports park for children aged 3 and over, and The Storm Coaster, many are still closed.

The Storm Coaster in Dubai Hills Mall is now open. It claims to be the fastest indoor roller coaster in the world. Photo: Emaar
The Storm Coaster in Dubai Hills Mall is now open. It claims to be the fastest indoor roller coaster in the world. Photo: Emaar

Mangabang visited the mall planning to pick up some staples at Geant Hypermarket, before heading off on a family staycation in Fujairah. "I thought it would be one of the first things to open, but it's closed," she told The National.

Among those open include major home stores such as Pottery Barn and West Elm, alongside fashion brands such as H&M, Levi's and Superdry, plus popular book store Borders.

A number of restaurants are already welcoming customers, including Miyabi, CZN Burak Burger, Five Guys and Wagamama. There's a food hall, too, with the likes of Pizza Hut, KFC and McDonald's now serving, and plenty more to come.

There are shops still to open with branded hoardings up, such as Lakeland, Ace Hardware, Home Centre, Virgin Megastore and Converse, to name a few.

Work was still being completed at Dubai Hills Mall on opening day. Katy Gillett / The National
Work was still being completed at Dubai Hills Mall on opening day. Katy Gillett / The National

Restaurants yet to open include Sushi Library, Jamie's Italian by Jamie Oliver, Eataly, Common Grounds and a second Tim Hortons.

Roxy Cinema still hasn't launched, either.

While the mall looks sleek, with numerous design installations featured throughout, it's not quite complete, with workers still putting the finishing touches on paintwork as people walked in. Several escalators also weren't operational yet.

Saeed Damir, operations manager for Apparel Group, said about 20 of 100 stores from the retail company are open now, including Nine West and Aeropostale.

"It's very promising," he said, clearly enjoying the atmosphere of opening day. "Traffic is good. Too many people were waiting for it to open.

"Only 10 per cent is open now, but there will be 60 per cent occupancy by April."

As of Thursday, retail stores are open from 10am to 10pm from Sunday to Thursday, with restaurants and cafes open until midnight. Once it opens, Geant Hypermarket will operate from 9am to midnight.

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

Jetour T1 specs

Engine: 2-litre turbocharged

Power: 254hp

Torque: 390Nm

Price: From Dh126,000

Available: Now

The biog

Place of birth: Kalba

Family: Mother of eight children and has 10 grandchildren

Favourite traditional dish: Al Harees, a slow cooked porridge-like dish made from boiled cracked or coarsely ground wheat mixed with meat or chicken

Favourite book: My early life by Sheikh Dr Sultan bin Muhammad Al Qasimi, the Ruler of Sharjah

Favourite quote: By Sheikh Zayed, the UAE's Founding Father, “Those who have no past will have no present or future.”

Fight card

1. Bantamweight: Victor Nunes (BRA) v Siyovush Gulmamadov (TJK)

2. Featherweight: Hussein Salim (IRQ) v Shakhriyor Juraev (UZB)

3. Catchweight 80kg: Rashed Dawood (UAE) v Khamza Yamadaev (RUS)

4. Lightweight: Ho Taek-oh (KOR) v Ronald Girones (CUB)

5. Lightweight: Arthur Zaynukov (RUS) v Damien Lapilus (FRA)

6. Bantamweight: Vinicius de Oliveira (BRA) v Furkatbek Yokubov (RUS)

7. Featherweight: Movlid Khaybulaev (RUS) v Zaka Fatullazade (AZE)

8. Flyweight: Shannon Ross (TUR) v Donovon Freelow (USA)

9. Lightweight: Mohammad Yahya (UAE) v Dan Collins (GBR)

10. Catchweight 73kg: Islam Mamedov (RUS) v Martun Mezhulmyan (ARM)

11. Bantamweight World title: Jaures Dea (CAM) v Xavier Alaoui (MAR)

12. Flyweight World title: Manon Fiorot (FRA) v Gabriela Campo (ARG)

Napoleon
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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

Honeymoonish
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Elie%20El%20Samaan%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarring%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3ENour%20Al%20Ghandour%2C%20Mahmoud%20Boushahri%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
SPEC%20SHEET
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EProcessor%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Apple%20M2%2C%208-core%20CPU%2C%20up%20to%2010-core%20CPU%2C%2016-core%20Neural%20Engine%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDisplay%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2013.6-inch%20Liquid%20Retina%2C%202560%20x%201664%2C%20224ppi%2C%20500%20nits%2C%20True%20Tone%2C%20wide%20colour%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EMemory%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%208%2F16%2F24GB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EStorage%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20256%2F512GB%20%2F%201%2F2TB%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EI%2FO%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Thunderbolt%203%20(2)%2C%203.5mm%20audio%2C%20Touch%20ID%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EConnectivity%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Wi-Fi%206%2C%20Bluetooth%205.0%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EBattery%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2052.6Wh%20lithium-polymer%2C%20up%20to%2018%20hours%2C%20MagSafe%20charging%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECamera%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%201080p%20FaceTime%20HD%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EVideo%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Support%20for%20Apple%20ProRes%2C%20HDR%20with%20Dolby%20Vision%2C%20HDR10%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EAudio%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204-speaker%20system%2C%20wide%20stereo%2C%20support%20for%20Dolby%20Atmos%2C%20Spatial%20Audio%20and%20dynamic%20head%20tracking%20(with%20AirPods)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EColours%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Silver%2C%20space%20grey%2C%20starlight%2C%20midnight%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EIn%20the%20box%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20MacBook%20Air%2C%2030W%20or%2035W%20dual-port%20power%20adapter%2C%20USB-C-to-MagSafe%20cable%3C%2Fp%3E%0A%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh4%2C999%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
The Pope's itinerary

Sunday, February 3, 2019 - Rome to Abu Dhabi
1pm: departure by plane from Rome / Fiumicino to Abu Dhabi
10pm: arrival at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport


Monday, February 4
12pm: welcome ceremony at the main entrance of the Presidential Palace
12.20pm: visit Abu Dhabi Crown Prince at Presidential Palace
5pm: private meeting with Muslim Council of Elders at Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque
6.10pm: Inter-religious in the Founder's Memorial


Tuesday, February 5 - Abu Dhabi to Rome
9.15am: private visit to undisclosed cathedral
10.30am: public mass at Zayed Sports City – with a homily by Pope Francis
12.40pm: farewell at Abu Dhabi Presidential Airport
1pm: departure by plane to Rome
5pm: arrival at the Rome / Ciampino International Airport

The Details

Kabir Singh

Produced by: Cinestaan Studios, T-Series

Directed by: Sandeep Reddy Vanga

Starring: Shahid Kapoor, Kiara Advani, Suresh Oberoi, Soham Majumdar, Arjun Pahwa

Rating: 2.5/5 

The specs

Engine: 6.2-litre V8

Transmission: seven-speed auto

Power: 420 bhp

Torque: 624Nm

Price: from Dh293,200

On sale: now

New UK refugee system

 

  • A new “core protection” for refugees moving from permanent to a more basic, temporary protection
  • Shortened leave to remain - refugees will receive 30 months instead of five years
  • A longer path to settlement with no indefinite settled status until a refugee has spent 20 years in Britain
  • To encourage refugees to integrate the government will encourage them to out of the core protection route wherever possible.
  • Under core protection there will be no automatic right to family reunion
  • Refugees will have a reduced right to public funds
Grand Slam Los Angeles results

Men:
56kg – Jorge Nakamura
62kg – Joao Gabriel de Sousa
69kg – Gianni Grippo
77kg – Caio Soares
85kg – Manuel Ribamar
94kg – Gustavo Batista
110kg – Erberth Santos

Women:
49kg – Mayssa Bastos
55kg – Nathalie Ribeiro
62kg – Gabrielle McComb
70kg – Thamara Silva
90kg – Gabrieli Pessanha

THE CLOWN OF GAZA

Director: Abdulrahman Sabbah 

Starring: Alaa Meqdad

Rating: 4/5

Tips from the expert

Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.

  1. Sellers should focus on providing high-quality used goods at attractive prices to buyers.
  2. It’s important to use clear and appealing photos, with catchy titles and detailed descriptions to capture the attention of prospective buyers.
  3. Try to advertise a realistic price to attract buyers looking for good deals, especially in the current environment where consumers are significantly more price-sensitive.
  4. Be creative and look around your home for valuable items that you no longer need but might be useful to others.

First Person
Richard Flanagan
Chatto & Windus 

UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Benefits of first-time home buyers' scheme
  • Priority access to new homes from participating developers
  • Discounts on sales price of off-plan units
  • Flexible payment plans from developers
  • Mortgages with better interest rates, faster approval times and reduced fees
  • DLD registration fee can be paid through banks or credit cards at zero interest rates
Ovo's tips to find extra heat
  • Open your curtains when it’s sunny 
  • Keep your oven open after cooking  
  • Have a cuddle with pets and loved ones to help stay cosy 
  • Eat ginger but avoid chilli as it makes you sweat 
  • Put on extra layers  
  • Do a few star jumps  
  • Avoid alcohol   
Timeline

2012-2015

The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East

May 2017

The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts

September 2021

Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act

October 2021

Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence 

December 2024

Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group

May 2025

The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan

July 2025

The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan

August 2025

Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision

October 2025

Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange

November 2025

180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE

Meatless Days
Sara Suleri, with an introduction by Kamila Shamsie
​​​​​​​Penguin 

Naga
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Company%20profile
%3Cp%3EName%3A%20Cashew%0D%3Cbr%3EStarted%3A%202020%0D%3Cbr%3EFounders%3A%20Ibtissam%20Ouassif%20and%20Ammar%20Afif%0D%3Cbr%3EBased%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%0D%3Cbr%3EIndustry%3A%20FinTech%0D%3Cbr%3EFunding%20size%3A%20%2410m%0D%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Mashreq%2C%20others%0D%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Sarfira

Director: Sudha Kongara Prasad

Starring: Akshay Kumar, Radhika Madan, Paresh Rawal 

Rating: 2/5

Fire and Fury
By Michael Wolff,
Henry Holt

THE SPECS

Engine: 3-litre V6

Transmission: eight-speed automatic

Power: 424hp

Torque: 580 Nm

Price: From Dh399,000

On sale: Now

World record transfers

1. Kylian Mbappe - to Real Madrid in 2017/18 - €180 million (Dh770.4m - if a deal goes through)
2. Paul Pogba - to Manchester United in 2016/17 - €105m
3. Gareth Bale - to Real Madrid in 2013/14 - €101m
4. Cristiano Ronaldo - to Real Madrid in 2009/10 - €94m
5. Gonzalo Higuain - to Juventus in 2016/17 - €90m
6. Neymar - to Barcelona in 2013/14 - €88.2m
7. Romelu Lukaku - to Manchester United in 2017/18 - €84.7m
8. Luis Suarez - to Barcelona in 2014/15 - €81.72m
9. Angel di Maria - to Manchester United in 2014/15 - €75m
10. James Rodriguez - to Real Madrid in 2014/15 - €75m

Voy!%20Voy!%20Voy!
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EDirector%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Omar%20Hilal%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStars%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Muhammad%20Farrag%2C%20Bayoumi%20Fouad%2C%20Nelly%20Karim%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ERating%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%204%2F5%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Our family matters legal consultant

Name: Hassan Mohsen Elhais

Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.

Company profile

Date started: December 24, 2018

Founders: Omer Gurel, chief executive and co-founder and Edebali Sener, co-founder and chief technology officer

Based: Dubai Media City

Number of employees: 42 (34 in Dubai and a tech team of eight in Ankara, Turkey)

Sector: ConsumerTech and FinTech

Cashflow: Almost $1 million a year

Funding: Series A funding of $2.5m with Series B plans for May 2020

Updated: February 18, 2022, 6:18 AM