A new link has opened between Nakheel’s Ibn Battuta Mall and the Dubai Metro station, meaning easier public transport access to more than 400 shops, restaurants and entertainment outlets at the world’s largest themed mall.

The two-storey, 210-m walkway enables passengers using the metro or bus services to directly access the mall, which is themed around the journeys of renowned 14th century Arabian explorer, Ibn Battuta.

Mirroring the architectural design of the main mall, the metro connection features 90 new retail and dining outlets due to open later this year.

Ali Rashid Lootah, Nakheel chairman, said: “With more than 20 million visitors a year, Ibn Battuta Mall is already one of Dubai’s ‘must-see’ destinations. The metro link is a natural progression for Ibn Battuta that will inspire more visitors to discover its stunning architecture, intriguing history and retail offering – and encourage those who would normally drive to use public transport instead.”

The mall-metro connection is a vital element of an ongoing Ibn Battuta expansion that will transform the existing complex into a mega retail, entertainment and leisure destination spanning seven million sq ft.

Phase One – a 300,000-sq-ft extension with 60 new shops and restaurants opened in May this year, while Ibn Battuta’s first hotel – a 372-room Premier Inn connected directly to the mall – will be operational in October. Subsequent expansions, covering 4.7 million sq ft, include a mall with a glass-covered courtyard, a new cinema complex, a multi-storey car park and a second hotel.  – TradeArabia News Service