Launch of the First “Vertical Mall” Inside Burj Khalifa… A Shopping Revolution Rising Into the Sky
In a new achievement that reinforces Dubai’s status as a capital of innovation, the management of Burj Khalifa has announced the launch of its futuristic project, “Auxiliary Retail Pods” — the world’s first vertical mall, where miniature shops are distributed on both sides of the elevator on every floor, transforming the ascent through the world’s tallest tower into an extraordinary shopping adventure above the clouds.
A Shopping Experience at Unbelievable Heights
The idea is based on placing two small shops on each floor: one to the right and one to the left as soon as visitors exit the elevator. Though these stores occupy only a few square meters, they offer an impressive variety of products, including:
Arabian and international perfumes
Fine jewelry and luxury gifts
Quick snacks and beverages
Souvenirs inspired by Emirati culture
Luxury brands in mini-formats designed specifically for the vertical mall
This adds a sense of discovery to every level the visitor ascends.
Elevators Turned Into “Gateway Portals” to the Vertical Mall
The elevators have been redesigned to be fully integrated into the experience.
Interactive screens display a digital map showing store locations across the floors, enabling visitors to:
Explore the levels gradually
Select specific shops and navigate to them quickly
Track trending categories and popular products
This integration of vertical transportation with shopping is the first of its kind globally.
Advanced Technologies and Futuristic Design
The project relies on a cutting-edge technological ecosystem that includes:
Grab & Go: An automatic payment system that allows customers to take a product and leave without waiting in line.
3D Holograms: Displays showcasing products in interactive 3D form.
A smart design that utilizes vertical space while giving each mini-shop a luxurious visual identity despite its size.
Project Objectives
Through the “vertical mall,” Burj Khalifa aims to:
Create a globally unprecedented shopping experience
Enhance the tower’s appeal as a tourist destination beyond mere observation
Merge technology and entertainment within a single environment
Present a new retail model suited for future cities
Support Emirati and international brands through innovative spaces
Huge Turnout… Success Beyond Expectations
From the first hours of launch, the project witnessed remarkable attendance from visitors and tourists. Social media quickly filled with posts and clips describing the project as:
“A mall suspended in the air”
“The highest shopping experience in the world”
“The future of retail starting from Dubai”
Project officials confirmed that occupancy and visitor numbers exceeded expectations on the first day, with advance bookings for “high-altitude shopping tours.”
Development and Expansion Plans
The tower’s management stated that it is working on:
Adding new specialized floors (such as a perfume floor, luxury gifts floor, etc.)
Launching a dedicated app that allows product tracking before visiting the shops
Studying the possibility of expanding the experience to other towers in Dubai and abroad
With this bold step, Burj Khalifa moves into a new era where shopping becomes part of the journey — not just a destination, ensuring Dubai remains at the forefront of cities reinventing the future.
