At least four mega developments that are currently under construction in the UAE are scheduled for completion, and they are expected to deliver more than 3,000 shops between 2017 and 2020 alone, Reuters reports.

The developments include malls, as well as leisure and recreation facilities, that cost as much as USD 1.8 bn (Dh 6.6 bn) to build. And all of these projects have one goal in common: to cash in on the spending power of UAE residents and visitors.

In 2016, shopping malls in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the emirates, attracted more visitors than ever, with footfall numbers posting a 5.8% increase due to the huge influx of tourists, shopping promotions and events, and a tax-free regime.