Dubai’s transition from souqs to malls: A sign of the times?
HISTORY REVEALS SHIFT HAPPENED DUE TO COMBINATION OF FACTORS
■ ■ and multiple alleys, but with the added comfort of air-conditioning in an enclosed space.
“As centres of entertainment, recreation, food and beverage as well as shopping, modern retail environments are continually changing to meet the needs of the population in each catchment area,” he added.
The UAE is home to over 120 malls today, with an additional 10 million square feet of retail space to be added by 2020. Retail trade in the country, which was pegged at $39.6 billion in 2013, is expected to go up to $55.7 billion in the next two years.
However, souqs still have a place in the retail market. Macadam said: “Souqs remain popular for three reasons. First, they were the original meeting place or focal point of their communities. Secondly, people forged relationships with shopkeepers and other customers. Third, products and services available in some souqs are unavailable or unaffordable in other retail environments.”