Many people dream of opening a store in Dubai Mall, but most feel confused once they see rent numbers online.
Basic price ranges do not show the full cost, and many new business owners forget about service charges, revenue share, and fit out expenses, which can lead to budget mistakes.
This guide breaks down rent, hidden expenses, and leasing requirements using real retail market data so entrepreneurs and investors can plan with clarity before contacting Emaar leasing.
Quick Takeaway
- Average Rent Range: AED 1,000–5,000 per sq ft yearly
- Small Kiosk Yearly Rent: AED 500k–1.5M
- Typical Boutique Store Rent: AED 1M–4M per year
- Large Retail Store Rent: AED 7M–15M per year
- Flagship Store Rent: AED 20M+ per year
- Extra Costs: Service charges, VAT, fit out, revenue share
Average Shop Rent in Dubai Mall
Retail rent in Dubai Mall usually falls between AED 1,000 and AED 5,000 per square foot per year depending on location, store size, and retail category.
Small kiosks can start around AED 500,000 per year, while large flagship stores can exceed AED 10 million annually.
Prime luxury corridors such as Fashion Avenue sit at the highest end of the range. Most tenants also pay a percentage of their sales to the mall in addition to base rent.
For investors and brand owners, this means Dubai Mall requires strong financial planning before committing to a lease.
Dubai Mall Retail Rent Per Square Foot Explained
Commercial rent is calculated using annual cost per square foot. Premium corridors with luxury brands and strong foot traffic command the highest prices.
Units near entrances and major attractions usually cost more due to visibility and higher visitor flow. This pricing model helps brands estimate yearly costs based on store size and expected sales performance.
Ground floor units in prime corridors can cost 30 to 50 percent more than upper floor locations due to higher exposure and sales potential.
Why Corner Units And Luxury Zones Cost More?
Corner stores attract traffic from multiple walkways, which increases exposure and sales potential. Luxury zones like Fashion Avenue host high spending customers, so rent rises to match the sales opportunity available to retailers.
Difference Between Ground Floor And Upper Floor Rent
Ground floor units often cost more than upper floors because most visitors enter and walk through these areas first.
Upper levels still receive strong traffic but at slightly lower rental rates. Some mid range brands choose upper floors to reduce costs while still benefiting from mall traffic.
Popular Retail Zones Inside Dubai Mall
Key retail zones include Fashion Avenue, Grand Atrium, Souk Al Bahar bridge area, Dubai Aquarium corridor, cinema and entertainment zone.
Stores located in these zones usually command the highest rent because of heavy visitor movement and tourist traffic.
Areas near main entrances, Fashion Avenue, and the Dubai Aquarium receive some of the highest footfall in the mall.
Demand for these zones is extremely high, and many brands wait for long periods to secure space in these prime corridors.
Real Examples Of Shop Rent By Store Size
Small Kiosk Yearly Rent
A kiosk sized between 300 and 500 square feet typically rents between AED 500,000 and AED 1.5 million per year depending on placement and traffic levels.
This equals roughly AED 40,000 to AED 125,000 per month in rent. Many small businesses use kiosks as an entry step to test demand before opening full retail stores.
Boutique Shop Yearly Rent
A boutique around 800 to 1,200 square feet often ranges from AED 1 million to AED 4 million annually rent based on location and brand category.
Monthly rent can range from around AED 85,000 to AED 335,000. This size is common for fashion, beauty, and specialty retail brands.
Large Retail Store Yearly Rent
Retail units around 2,000 to 3,000 square feet can cost between AED 7 million to AED 15 million in yearly rent.
Monthly rent can exceed AED 600,000 to AED 1.25 million depending on location. These spaces are often used by global brands and franchise businesses such as sportswear, electronics, and international retail chains.
Flagship Store Yearly Rent
Large flagship stores above 5,000 square feet may exceed AED 20 million annually in rent, especially in premium zones.
Monthly rent can exceed AED 1.6 million depending on store size and placement. These stores are typically opened by international luxury brands seeking global visibility.
Hidden Costs Of Renting a Shop in Dubai Mall
Security Deposit And Advance Rent
Tenants usually pay a security deposit equal to 5 to 10 percent of yearly rent along with advance payments.
Commercial leases are often paid quarterly in advance, which means businesses must plan cash flow carefully.
Service Charges And Maintenance Fees
Service charges for cleaning, security, and maintenance often add AED 200 to AED 400 per square foot each year.
Tenants may also need to budget for electricity, air conditioning, internet, and other daily operating utilities.
Mall Marketing Contribution
Retailers contribute to marketing campaigns that promote the mall and drive visitor traffic.
Insurance And Licensing
Businesses must hold insurance and obtain trade licenses before opening. Staffing costs for sales employees and store managers should also be considered as part of ongoing operating expenses.
Fit-Out And Interior Cost Per Sq Ft
Interior fit-out costs often range between AED 1,500 and AED 4,000 per square foot depending on design and materials. Luxury store fit-outs may exceed AED 5,000 per square foot.
VAT On Commercial Rent
Retail tenants must pay 5 percent VAT on commercial rent and service charges in the UAE. This tax must be included when calculating total yearly expenses.
Revenue Share Model Explained (Turnover Rent)
What Is Turnover Rent?
Tenants share a percentage of store sales with the mall operator in addition to base rent. This percentage usually applies after a minimum sales threshold defined in the lease agreement is reached.
The share usually ranges from 10 to 15 percent of annual sales depending on lease terms. Luxury, jewelry, and high margin brands may agree to higher turnover percentages based on expected sales performance.
How It Affects Total Early Rent?
If store sales exceed a set threshold, the tenant pays the higher amount between base rent or turnover rent.
This model links rent to business performance. For example, if a store generates AED 10 million in annual sales and the turnover rate is 12 percent, the turnover rent could reach AED 1.2 million depending on lease terms.
This system allows the mall and tenant to share both risk and reward based on sales results.
How To Get a Shop in Dubai Mall?
Emaar Leasing And Approval Process
Leasing is managed by Emaar Malls and requires a formal application with business plans and financial records.
The leasing team evaluates brand uniqueness, financial strength, and how the business fits within the mall’s overall retail mix.
Approval timelines can vary and may take several weeks or months depending on evaluation and space availability.
Documents Required
Applicants submit trade licenses, company details, and retail experience. Strong financial capability and proven retail or franchise experience can improve approval chances.
Business Types Preferred By Mall
Luxury, fashion, beauty, and technology brands often receive priority. Dubai Mall also maintains waiting lists for prime retail units due to high demand.
The mall carefully manages tenant mix to avoid too many similar stores and maintain a balanced shopping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Minimum Rent in Dubai Mall?
Small kiosks can start near AED 500,000 per year depending on size and location. Security deposits usually range between 5 and 10 percent of annual rent.
Can Small Businesses Rent a Shop in Dubai Mall?
Many start with kiosks or small units before expanding into larger stores. Kiosks are often the most common entry point for new brands, but approval remains competitive.
Is Dubai Mall Rent Negotiable?
Lease terms and fit-out periods may be negotiated depending on brand value. Base rent is usually fixed for prime locations, but incentives such as rent-free periods may be discussed.
How Long Does Approval Take?
Approval can take several weeks or months based on business evaluation. Waiting lists for prime retail spaces can extend this timeline.
What Businesses Perform Best in Dubai Mall?
Luxury retail, fashion, beauty, electronics, and tourist focused products often see strong performance due to high visitor spending and international tourism.
Conclusion
Opening a store in Dubai Mall needs strong planning and a realistic budget. Looking at all costs early helps avoid financial pressure after signing a lease.
With the right preparation, Dubai Mall can offer strong brand exposure and high sales potential for businesses ready to invest and grow.
