UAE developer Nakheel officially signed a contract for the construction of a new shopping, dining and entertainment destination with a total value of AED 6.1 bn, set to be the largest mall in the Middle East, Invest-Gate reports.

Deira Mall will have more than 1,000 shops, cafes, restaurants and entertainment outlets across 4.5 mn square feet of leasable space, and a 3.8 mn square feet multi-storey car park.

United Engineering Construction [UNEC) will build the mall under a contract worth AED 4.2 bn value construction contracts awarded for a single project of late, Nakheel confirmed in a statement.

Construction will start in the first quarter of this year, with completion in 2021.

“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,” Nakheel’s Chairman, Ali Rashid Lootah, said.

Deira Mall will be the centerpiece of Deira Central, Nakheel’s nine million square feet mixed-use community at the heart of Deira Islands, containing 50 residential and hotel towers, retail, mosques and fitness facilities, all set in extensive parkland.