The Largest Shopping Malls in the World: Top 10 Giants Up to 2 Million m²

Shopping malls of the 21st century have evolved into multifunctional complexes that combine retail, entertainment, cultural venues, and even residential spaces. According to the International Council of Shopping Centers (ICSC), in 2024, the world's largest malls attracted over 2 billion visitors, with total floor areas exceeding the size of some cities. 

Modern giants such as the Iran Mall, with a footprint of 1.95 million square meters, feature not only thousands of shops but also aquariums, ice rinks, libraries, and theme parks. We identified the largest operational shopping malls in the world — but we didn’t stop there. In this article, you’ll also learn about planned projects that, even while still under construction, are contenders for a spot in the global top five.

Top 5 Largest Operational Shopping Malls in the World

Our ranking is based on the total built-up area of each complex, which includes not only retail space but also entertainment venues, restaurants, office zones, and other amenities. Unlike gross leasable area (GLA), the total area better reflects the scale of a project, as it includes the full infrastructure: parking, atriums, and public zones.

Iran Mall, Tehran, Iran

Iran Mall has held the top spot since its opening in 2018. Even during its construction, it earned a Guinness World Record for the largest continuous concrete pour. The mall currently spans 1.95 million m², with 1.4 million m² of that being leasable. For comparison, the Principality of Monaco occupies 2.027 million m². The complex houses 700 stores, 200 restaurants, the “Garden of Books” library with 67,000 volumes, a crystal atrium, and an indoor ice rink suitable for hockey. Beyond shopping, there are sports facilities for 15 disciplines and even a 300-bed senior care center. It receives an average of 20 million visitors per year.

Photo source: avatech.ru

Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE

Ranked second is the Dubai Mall, with a total area of 1.12 million m². While smaller than its Iranian counterpart, it far surpasses it in annual foot traffic, attracting 80 million visitors, four times more.

The complex features 1,200 stores and 120 restaurants, but its main appeal lies in entertainment. The aquarium, home to 33,000 marine animals, holds a Guinness World Record. Attractions such as the Olympic-sized ice rink and SEGA Republic theme park make it a family favorite.

Photo source: ogotour.com

New South China Mall, Dongguan, China

The New South China Mall covers 890,000 m², with 659,000 m² of leasable space. It was long dubbed a “ghost mall” due to high vacancy rates, which led to limited tenant presence and low visitor numbers.

That changed in 2015 when the management completed a major renovation, reviving the complex. It is now divided into seven zones inspired by global cities — from Venetian canals with gondolas to Egyptian pyramids. A replica of the Arc de Triomphe is one of its most photographed landmarks.

Photo source: ru.ruwiki.ru

ICONSIAM, Bangkok, Thailand

ICONSIAM is Thailand’s largest shopping center, built on 750,000 m² of land along the Chao Phraya River. It houses 500 stores, a floating market, and flagships of global luxury brands. The mall also hosts cultural exhibitions and gourmet festivals, helping it attract around 30 million visitors annually. A notable architectural highlight is the Apple Store with panoramic riverfront views.

Golden Resources Mall, Beijing, China

The Golden Resources Mall spans 680,000 m² and includes over 1,000 stores. Nicknamed the “Great Mall of China,” it draws approximately 50 million visitors per year.

Its standout feature is the world’s largest dining area, offering cuisines from Asia to Europe. The mall also includes an indoor skating rink, education centers with language schools, and a 30,000 m² rooftop garden.

Photo source: designhome.ae

Top 5 Largest Shopping Malls Currently Under Construction

Dominance doesn’t last forever. New shopping malls are already being planned or built, as developers race to set new records and attract attention with bold names and innovative concepts.

Mall of the World, Dubai, UAE

First announced in 2014, Mall of the World is envisioned to become the largest shopping mall in history, with a projected total area of 4.5 million m². Designed as a “city within a city,” the complex is set to include 33 roads, gondola canals, parks, hotels, and residential zones. Developers forecast an annual footfall of 180 million visitors.

However, as of 2025, construction has yet to begin. The delay is attributed to logistical hurdles and shifting priorities. Initially, the site was to replace a police academy, but demolition was postponed, causing timeline setbacks. Project leadership has since revised the concept: instead of building a single monolithic structure, Mall of the World will be developed in modular phases.

Photo source: propsearch.ae

American Dream Miami, Miami, USA

With a planned area of 800,000 m², American Dream Miami is expected to become the largest mall in the United States. The project includes 520 retail stores, a water park, indoor ski slope, and an artificial lake with submarine rides.

Originally announced in 2016, the project encountered significant delays during the COVID-19 pandemic. Legal disputes arose over land transfer issues, and in 2025, a new lawsuit was filed: the contractor is being sued for $5 million in penalties for failing to meet the originally promised 2025 completion deadline.

Photo source: americandream.com

The Hills, Cupertino, USA

The Hills in Cupertino is a 60,000 m² retail project conceived as an eco-friendly complex adjacent to Apple Park. Its signature feature is a 12-hectare green roof with gardens, vineyards, and 6 kilometers of walking trails.

The mixed-use development includes office space, residential units, a cinema, and a fitness center, targeting Silicon Valley’s tech elite. While the project continues to evolve, construction has not yet begun.

Photo source: vinoly.com

Cairo Festival City Mall (Expansion), Cairo, Egypt

Cairo Festival City Mall, already operational in New Cairo, is included in our ranking due to a major expansion plan. Upon completion, the mall will span 700,000 m², making it the largest shopping center in Africa.

The expansion will include new retail outlets, office spaces, residential areas, and a waterfront promenade, further establishing its role as a family and cultural hub. The existing mall, with over 200 stores, is already popular with tourists due to its proximity to the Giza Pyramids. The expansion is currently in the planning phase, but the success of the existing complex fuels optimism.

Photo source: ehaf.com

Mall of Arabia, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia

Located in Jeddah, the Mall of Arabia spans 500,000 m² and is being developed as part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030, aimed at economic diversification. The mall will feature 400+ stores, a water park, hotels, and entertainment areas, tailored for pilgrims and international tourists.

Its strategic location in Jeddah positions it for high visitor potential. While construction is ongoing, no official opening date has been announced as of 2025. The project stands out for its focus on religious tourism, making it unique within the Middle Eastern retail landscape.

Photo source: wikipedia.org

Summary

The world’s largest shopping centers — such as Iran Mall and Dubai Mall — showcase how retail is evolving into a comprehensive experience, blending commerce, culture, entertainment, and innovation. With total areas comparable to small cities or even sovereign states, these megastructures are more than just malls — they are urban ecosystems that draw in hundreds of millions of visitors annually.

Planned developments like Mall of the World and Cairo Festival City Mall promise to push boundaries even further, incorporating climate control, sustainable technologies, and next-generation leisure formats.

While many remain on the drawing board, their scale and ambition signal the future of the retail industry. Whether visiting existing giants or tracking the emergence of new ones, it is clear that shopping malls are reshaping urban landscapes and lifestyles worldwide.