Imagine spending a whole day in a mall without getting bored. Sounds absurd, right? Well, not if you visit one of the largest malls in the world. These malls are more than just shopping centers, they are mini-cities with everything you need and want.
In this blog, we will take you on a tour of the top 5 largest malls in the world in 2024. It is measured by their Gross Leasable Area (GLA). GLA is the amount of space that can be rented to tenants, and it is the main criterion for ranking the malls. You will be amazed by the unique features and attractions of each mall, such as ice skating rinks, cinemas, and museums.
If you are ready to explore the largest malls in the world and what they have to offer, keep reading and enjoy.
1. Iran Mall
- Location: Tehran, Iran
- GLA: 21,000,000 sq ft
- Establishment year: 2018
- Owner: Ayandeh Bank
The Iran Mall tops the list of the largest malls in the world. The mall is a multi-purpose complex that offers many attractions and services. It has a traditional bazaar inspired by the markets of Isfahan, Shiraz, Qazvin, Qom, and other historical cities of Iran. The bazaar showcases the rich culture and heritage of Iran, with traditional architecture, handicrafts, food, and drink shops.
Next, the mall has a didar garden that is a replica of the famous Fin Garden in Kashan. The garden has a central pool, fountains, pavilions, and trees, creating a relaxing and beautiful atmosphere. Another distinctive feature of the mall is the mirror hall which is decorated with thousands of pieces of mirrors, creating a dazzling effect of light and reflection.
Moreover, the mall has a library that is one of the largest in the Middle East, with more than 1.2 million books, journals, and multimedia resources. The library also hosts cultural events, exhibitions, and workshops. Furthermore, the mall has a car showroom that displays a collection of luxury and classic cars, as well as electric and hybrid vehicles. The showroom also offers test drives, car rentals, and maintenance services.
Finally, the mall has a musical fountain that is the largest in Iran, with a height of 40 meters and a diameter of 100 meters. The fountain performs synchronized shows of water, music, and lights, creating a spectacular spectacle.
The Iran Mall also has a wide range of entertainment, shopping, and dining options, such as a cinema complex, a sports center, a hotel, a food hall, and hundreds of retail outlets. The mall is a destination for both locals and tourists, who can enjoy a memorable and diverse experience at the Iran Mall.
2. New Century Global Center
- Location: Chengdu, China
- GLA: 18,298,648 sq ft
- Establishment year: 2013
- Owner: Entertainment and Travel Group
The New Century Global Center is a multipurpose complex that offers many attractions and services. It has a water park with an artificial beach, where a large screen shows sunrises and sunsets. The water park is the largest indoor water park in the world, with a capacity of 6,000 people. It also has a cinema, a skating rink, a museum, and a musical fountain.
The cinema is a 14-screen IMAX theater, the largest in southwest China. The museum is a science and technology museum that features interactive exhibits and displays. The musical fountain is a spectacular show of water, music, and lights that can be seen from the outside of the mall.
The New Century Global Center is a multipurpose building that offers many attractions and services. One of its unique features is the water park, which has a “Mediterranean Village”, a pirate ship, and an artificial beach, among other attractions.
The Mediterranean village is a themed area that recreates the atmosphere and style of the European region. It has colorful buildings, cobblestone streets, fountains, and cafes. The pirate ship is a large and realistic replica of a sailing vessel, complete with masts, sails, cannons, and ropes. The artificial beach is a 5,000 square meter (53,820 square foot) area that has white sand, palm trees, and a large screen that shows sunrises and sunsets. The water park, with a capacity of 6,000 people, has a wave pool, a lazy river, a spa, and a children’s area. It is also the largest indoor water park in the world,
The retail outlets are a mix of international and local brands, offering a wide range of products and services. The mall is a destination for both locals and tourists, who can enjoy a memorable and diverse experience.
3. IOI City Mall
- Location: Putrajaya, Malaysia
- GLA: 8,840,000 sq ft
- Establishment year: 2014
- Owner: IOI Properties Group
The mall’s first phase has over 350 retail outlets, like international brands Prada, Dolce & Gabbana, and Harvey Norman. It also has a modern cinema, a fitness center, and a home improvement store. The mall has unique attractions, like District 21, a post-apocalyptic adventure park, Icescape, a big ice skating rink, and The Symphony Walk, an indoor garden with musical fountains.
The mall’s second phase, opened in 2022, added 300 more stores, like luxury brands Nitori, JONETZ, and Jollibee. It also brought new entertainment facilities, like Kiddytopia, a play area, BELIEVE FITNESS, a wellness center, and IOI Grand Hall, an exhibition space. The mall has Malaysia’s first IMAX hall with laser projection, and other new cinema formats like GSC BIG, Play+, and ONYX.
The IOI City Mall is a shopping paradise that caters to every taste and preference. It is easily accessible via major highways and public transport and is only a 30-minute drive from the Kuala Lumpur International Airport. The mall is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, who can enjoy a diverse and exciting shopping experience.
The mall has unique attractions like District 21, a big indoor theme park with 11 exciting attractions like a roller glider and climbing wall. Icescape, a large ice skating rink, gives lessons, hockey games, and ice shows, with a cafe and pro shop.
Additionally, the IOI Grand Hall, spanning 50,000 sq ft, accommodates up to 8,000 people. With advanced audio-visual systems, it is ideal for concerts, conventions, and weddings. Complete with a VIP lounge and banquet kitchen, it’s a versatile venue for various events. This mall is so huge that it ranks 3rd in the list of the largest malls in the world.
4. New South China Mall
- Location: Dongguan, China
- GLA: 7,100,000 sq ft
- Establishment year: 2005
- Owner: Founder Group
The mall is divided into seven zones, each with a different theme inspired by famous places around the world, such as Paris, Amsterdam, Venice, and Egypt. The mall features over 1,000 stores, including international brands like Prada, Nike, and Apple. It also offers a variety of entertainment options, such as a cinema, a theme park, and a marine park.
The mall is home to the world’s largest indoor roller coaster. The Fire Dragon roller coaster reaches speeds of up to 80 km/h. It also has a 25-meter replica of the Arc de Triomphe, a 2.1-kilometer canal with gondolas, and a 553-meter-long LED screen.
The mall is a shopping paradise that attracts millions of visitors every year. It is easily accessible by public transport and is only an hour’s drive from Hong Kong. The mall is a testament to the rapid development and economic growth of China.
The mall has unique features besides its size and variety. For example, the Paris Zone mimics the French capital’s romance, with an Eiffel Tower, a fountain show, and a market. The zone has many French-themed stores and restaurants, like L’Occitane, Ladurée, and Café de Paris.
Another example is the Venice Zone, which transports visitors to the charming city of canals, with a replica of the Rialto Bridge, a gondola ride, and a carnival. The zone also has a range of Italian-themed stores and restaurants, such as Armani, Versace, and Pizza Hut.
Lastly, the Egypt Zone immerses visitors in the ancient culture of Egypt, with a replica of the Sphinx, a pyramid, and a museum. The zone also has a selection of Egyptian-themed stores and restaurants.
5. Isfahan City Center
- Location: Isfahan, Iran
- GLA: 7,000,000 sq ft
- Establishment year: 2012
- Owner: Masoud Sarrami
This is the 5th largest malls in the world which features over 750 retail outlets, offering a wide range of local and international brands. It also has a variety of dining options, from fast food to fine dining. As well as a food court with a capacity of 5,000 people. The mall is known for its cultural attractions. Attractions such as the Museum of Iran’s History and Civilization, which showcases the rich heritage of the country, and the Isfahan Aquarium, which displays various aquatic species. The mall also has a state-of-the-art cinema complex, with 14 screens and a 3D theater.
The Isfahan City Center is a shopping paradise that attracts millions of visitors every year. It is easily accessible by public transport and is only a 20-minute drive from the Isfahan International Airport. The mall is a symbol of the modernization and development of Iran.
The mall has unique features besides its size and variety. For example, the hotel is a five-star hotel with 200 rooms and suites, giving a luxury and comfortable stay for the guests. The hotel has a spa, a fitness center, a pool, and a conference hall.
The hotel also has a rooftop restaurant, which offers a panoramic view of the city. Another example is the World Trade Center, which provides a platform for business and trade activities. The center has an exhibition hall, a business center, a meeting room, and a VIP lounge. The center also hosts various events, such as seminars, workshops, etc.
Lastly, the hypermarket is a hypermarket, which covers an area of 150,000 square feet. The hypermarket sells a variety of products, such as groceries, household items, electronics, and clothing. The hypermarket also has a bakery, a butcher, a pharmacy, and a flower shop.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have explored some of the top 5 largest malls in the world in 2024. These malls are not only huge but also offer a variety of attractions and services. Whether you are looking for entertainment, shopping, dining, or culture, you can find it all in these amazing malls. If you are a fan of the largest malls in the world, you should check out these malls and see for yourself what they have to offer.
We would love to hear your thoughts and feedback on this topic. Do you have a favorite mall among the largest malls in the world we mentioned? Have you visited any of these malls before? What was your experience like? Please share your opinions, experiences, or questions in the comments section below.
FAQs
- Which is the most luxurious mall in the world?
Ans: While opinions can vary, the Dubai Mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates is widely considered the most luxurious mall globally. It boasts over 1200 high-end stores, including designer brands and flagship locations.
- Which is the biggest mall in the world?
Ans: The title of the biggest mall in the world goes to the New South China Mall in Dongguan, China. It has a staggering gross leasable area of 6.46 million square feet.
- Which is the biggest mall in the USA?
Ans: The crown for the biggest mall in the USA belongs to the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. It boasts a massive 5.6 million square feet of retail space.
- Which is the biggest mall in India?
Ans: Currently, the contender for the biggest mall in India is LuLu International Shopping Mall in Kochi, India. It has a reported gross leasable area of around 2 million square feet.
- Which is the biggest biggest mall in Europe?
Ans: The largest mall in Europe is a close call, but two contenders frequently top the list:
- Cevahir Istanbul in Istanbul, Turkey, with a reported gross leasable area of approximately 4.5 million square feet.
- Westfield London in London, United Kingdom, with a gross leasable area exceeding 2.6 million square feet.
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