UAE retailer Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) has begun work on the second phase development at its flagship Mall of the Emirates in Dubai.

This stage will see the mall expand by a gross leasable area of 25,000 sq m and includes a new VOX Cinemas complex, retail anchor stores, new lifestyle options, and dining choices. It will also include more than 1,300 parking spaces as well as new prayer rooms.

The multi-stage project termed Evolution 2015 is part of the mall’s Dh1-billion ($272 million) expansion programme, which is set for completion next year, after which Phase Three is expected to start.

Phase Three will be a combination of some general upgrades and refurbishments to the existing mall

Phase One of the mall, completed in February of this year, saw the launch of a Dh100-million ($27 million) fashion district, spread across 5,000 sq m.