The expansion work at the Dh1.5-billion ($408 million) Dubai Festival City mall is progressing well and is due for completion by the second quarter of 2016, said a report.

The expansion will boost the area of the existing 2.4-million-sq-ft mall by 20 per cent and increase the stores' tally to 420, reported the Khaleej Times, citing a top official.

"About 60 per cent of the expansion is already done and, once completed, the mall will become the most sought-after waterfront destination for tourists and residents," stated Brad Merchant, general manager of the mall.

On the key features, Merchant said the 300-m-long waterfront promenade will have more than 20 creekside restaurants upon its completion by early next year.

It already hosts a number of unique-to-Dubai brands such as Ikea's flagship store, Ferrari store and the iconic Hard Rock Cafe.

"An open-air 50,000-sq-ft platform will be set up on reclaimed land from the marina in the next two months," stated Merchant.

Contractor AST is currently working on the project, the report added.