The Dubai Mall is part of Emaar's Burj DubaiBurj Dubai project that comprises the Burj DubaiBurj Dubai tower, one of the tallest towers in the world upon completion in 2008, The Dubai Mall, Burj DubaiBurj Dubai Boulevard, The Lofts, The Old Town, The Old Town Island, The Residences, Burj Views, man-made lakes, landscaped parks and gardens.

With 5.6 million square feet (520,000 square meters) of retail space, of which 3.8 million square feet (350,000 square meters) is leasable, the Dubai Mall is expected to attract 35 million visitors in the first full year of business. The mall is designed to contain 1,200 stores in 10-15 distinct 'malls-within-a-mall'.

The Dubai Mall will include attractions including an indoor Gold Souq spread over 270,000 square feet (25,000 square meters) with the style of traditional Middle Eastern market (Souq) architecture. The mall will also feature aquariums and a Waterfront Atrium with musical water fountains and an Olympic sized ice skating rink.

The mall will allocate 350,000 square feet (32,500 square meters) for high fashion, 500,000 square feet (46,500 square meters) for mid fashion, 40,000 square feet (3,700 square meters) for beauty and hair products and services and 5,000 square feet (500 square meters) of retail space for Bridal wear.