Dubai Square: A tech-driven retail destination

Boulevard at the Dubai Square
Updated 30 July 2018
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Dubai Square: A tech-driven retail destination

Dubai Holding and Emaar Properties have announced the launch of Dubai Square, a new retail metropolis drawing on next-generation technology in Dubai Creek Harbor.
“Blurring the boundaries of online and in-mall shopping, integrating indoor and outdoor, and delivering a social experience like none other, the all-new Dubai Square is designed for the new era of customers, digital, connected and tech-savvy, and setting a benchmark for retail experiences in the 21st century,” Emaar said in a press release.
Dubai Square was revealed at an exclusive retailers event that offered a fully immersive experience for the participants. Through state-of-the-art 3D projection technologies, they were given an overview of the world of opportunities that await them in partnering with the development.
Abdulla Al-Habbai, chairman of Dubai Holding, said: “Dubai is experiencing tremendous tourist inflow and continues to rank highly as a holiday destination for people from many different parts of the world. The city’s appeal is anchored in its strong leisure and entertainment, retail and hospitality industry, the foundations of which Dubai Holding helped build and strengthen over time. The destinations we have delivered, such as Jumeirah Burj Al-Arab, JBR, Global Village and Business Bay, are some of the most recognizable urban landmarks of today. Dubai Square is our new retail and leisure destination, and with this we aim to actually redefine the shopping experience by introducing a variety of innovative concepts. This is our latest endeavour to bring the best to Dubai, as part of Dubai Holding’s promise, ‘for the good of tomorrow’.”
Mohamed Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties, said: “Dubai Square disrupts the traditional mall and retail experience. Focused on the aspirations of the new generation of customers, it reflects the vision of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum, UAE vice president and prime minister and ruler of Dubai, to position Dubai as a global hub and a smart city.
Dubai Square will play a pivotal role in further establishing Dubai as the next champion of global retail.
Alabbar added: “With Dubai Square, we are delivering a new destination experience that will bring incredible value to our retail partners. Dubai Square is where technology meets the human touch, and retail meets next-generation entertainment. With its omnichannel offering, it not only drives in-store retail but also the online engagement of brands with customers. With its location in Dubai Creek Harbor, and by serving as the closest mega-retail district to millions of passengers passing through the Dubai International Airport, it meets the real need for a new generation lifestyle destination, especially given Dubai’s growth in population and tourist arrivals.”
Dubai Square is set in the heart of Dubai Creek Harbor, the 6 square kilometer mega-development only 10 minutes from the Dubai International Airport and the Burj Khalifa by Emaar, as well as set by the historic Dubai Creek. Dubai Square — in its totality — represents a 2.6-million square meter retail, hospitality and residential district for the future.


Australian minister Don Farrell launches LuLu festival

Updated 30 January 2026
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Australian minister Don Farrell launches LuLu festival

Regional retail chain Lulu Hypermarket officially launched the Australian Fest on Wednesday at its Diplomatic Quarter branch in Riyadh. The grand inauguration was led by Senator Don Farrell, minister for trade and tourism and special minister of state for Australia, as the chief guest. The event, which celebrated the rich culinary heritage and premium produce of Australia, was attended by a high-level delegation from the Australian government, alongside Mohammed Haris, director of LuLu Hypermarket Saudi Arabia, and senior LuLu officials.
The festivities commenced at the supermarket entrance, where Farrell performed the official ribbon-cutting ceremony under a beautifully designed, Australian-themed ceremonial gate. This marked the formal opening of a week-long celebration dedicated to bringing the best of Australian flavors to the Saudi capital. Following the inauguration, the minister led a guided store walk-through, exploring premium product showcases and vibrant displays in the Meat Area. A dedicated thematic showcase of fresh fruits and vegetables from Australia was also highlighted, emphasizing the authenticity and freshness that the country’s agriculture is known for globally.
The tour reached a celebratory peak at the bakery section, where the chief guest was invited for a commemorative cake-cutting ceremony to mark the launch of the festival. During his official address, Farrell shared his insights on the significance of the event, stating that it is a pleasure to witness the Australian Fest in Riyadh. He said that the event is more than just a showcase of Australian products, but rather a testament to the growing partnership between Australia and Saudi Arabia, making these high-quality products easily accessible to shoppers in the Kingdom.
Meanwhile, Haris expressed his gratitude for the visit, noting that the team is deeply honored to welcome Farrell and the Australian government delegates. He said that the Australian Fest is a cornerstone of LuLu’s commitment to offering customers global diversity and the highest quality products. He further added that LuLu is proud to serve as the bridge connecting Saudi shoppers with the authentic excellence of Australian agriculture.
The Australian Fest is offering residents an exclusive opportunity to explore and purchase a wide variety of Australian-made products at special promotional prices.