Master developer Nakheel has signed a contract with United Engineering Construction (Unec) for the construction of Deira Mall, its new shopping, dining and entertainment destination with a total development value of Dh6.1 billion ($1.3 billion), and the biggest mall in the Middle East.

 As per the deal, Unec will build the mall under a contract worth Dh4.2 billion – one of Dubai’s highest-value construction contracts awarded for a single project of late, said Nakheel.

 Construction will begin in the first quarter this year, with completion expected in 2021, it stated.

 Deira Mall, part of Nakheel Malls’ Dh16-billion expansion that will take its total retail space to over 17 million sq ft, will have more than 1,000 shops, cafes, restaurants and entertainment outlets across 4.5 million sq ft of leasable space, and a 3.8 million-sq-ft multi-storey car park with 8,400 parking bays.

The mall’s star attraction, a state-of-the-art, retractable glass roof will bring natural light into the complex and allow for open-air shopping during cooler months. 

Nakheel chairman Ali Rashid Lootah said: “Nakheel’s existing and upcoming developments are playing a vital role in delivering the Government of Dubai’s vision. Deira Mall combines cutting-edge design, world-class facilities and a stunning location to bring a new dimension to Dubai’s retail sector.”

“With its top-flight shopping, dining and entertainment offering, the mall will provide endless attractions for residents of Deira Islands, the wider UAE community and the millions of tourists who visit Dubai each year,” he added.