Biggest Shopping Malls in the World

In an era when mega malls and iconic retail complexes dominate city skylines, these 15 Largest Shopping Malls in the World (2025) stand out for their sheer scale and variety of attractions. From sprawling entertainment zones to luxury hotels and cultural exhibits, today’s biggest malls are more than just retail centers—they are lifestyle destinations. Ranked below from 15 down to 1 by total area (retail plus non-retail), these colossal developments demonstrate how shopping malls continue to evolve into self-contained cities for dining, leisure, and unforgettable experiences.

15. Global Harbor (Shanghai, China – Opened 2013)

• Total retail space: 480,000 m² (5,200,000 sq ft)
• Total area (with non-retail): ~630,000 m² (mall podium + twin towers)
• Number of shops: 450+

Currently Shanghai’s largest shopping mall, Global Harbor features a Baroque-inspired design and a vast 6-level retail podium topped by two 245-meter office/hotel towers. Developed by Yuexing Group, it opened in 2013 in Putuo District. Inside, visitors find grand domed ceilings, European-style murals, and marble-clad halls. Beyond standard retail, Global Harbor includes an aquarium exhibit, an indoor amusement zone, and a dedicated museum area with art collections, merging leisure and culture under one roof. With direct metro access, it caters to both locals and tourists seeking an opulent mall experience. The project aims to be a “mini-city,” complete with public art, rooftop gardens, and integrated office spaces—a testament to China’s continuing mall boom.

14. SM City North EDSA (Quezon City, Philippines – Opened 1985)

• Total retail space: 497,213 m² (5,351,960 sq ft)
• Total area (with non-retail): ~560,000 m² (including parking buildings)
• Number of shops: 1,000+

SM City North EDSA is a historic landmark in Metro Manila and the first of the SM supermalls. Opening in 1985 during a challenging economic period, it steadily expanded into a multi-building complex that spans multiple “annexes.” A highlight is the Sky Garden, an elevated linear park along its facade that introduced a green retreat amid busy city life. SM North EDSA also gained attention for installing a large solar-power system on its rooftops, briefly becoming the world’s biggest solar-powered mall. With 1,000+ stores, from high-street brands to local retailers, plus a cinema complex, dining halls, and event spaces, it remains one of the Philippines’ most frequented malls—a testament to SM’s enduring impact on Filipino retail culture.

13. 1 Utama (Petaling Jaya, Malaysia – Opened 1995)

• Total retail space: 519,328 m² (5,590,000 sq ft)
• Total area (with non-retail): ~650,000 m² (including parking & rooftop park)
• Number of shops: 503

1 Utama (One Utama) stands as a beloved mega-mall in the Klang Valley near Kuala Lumpur. Expanded in phases since 1995, it’s renowned for integrating nature into its design, featuring a multi-story Rainforest atrium and “The Secret Garden” rooftop botanical garden. Active-lifestyle elements abound: from an indoor rock climbing gym to a surfing wave pool and an indoor skydiving wind tunnel. Visitors can explore over 500 stores, a pair of cinema complexes, plus diverse dining outlets. “1U,” as locals call it, exemplifies innovative mall development—blending shopping, recreation, and ecological aesthetics to attract millions of visitors annually.

12. Mall of America (Bloomington, USA – Opened 1992)

• Total retail space: 520,257 m² (5,600,000 sq ft)
• Total area (with non-retail): ~555,000 m² (including indoor park)
• Number of shops: ~520

The Mall of America (MOA) is an iconic US shopping complex located in Bloomington, Minnesota, near the Minneapolis-St. Paul area. Since opening in 1992, it has been the largest mall in the Americas. MOA’s standout feature is the 7-acre Nickelodeon Universe at its core—a theme park complete with roller coasters and log flume under a glass atrium. Beyond 500+ retail stores, the mall offers a Sea Life aquarium, mini-golf, and extensive dining options. Hosting about 40 million visitors each year, MOA continues to expand with new attractions (like the upcoming water park) and remains a pioneer of “destination shopping,” blending entertainment with all-in-one retail to keep guests engaged for hours.

11. ICONSIAM (Bangkok, Thailand – Opened 2018)

• Total retail space: 525,000 m² (5,650,000 sq ft)
• Total area (with non-retail): ~750,000 m² (including two tall towers)
• Number of shops: 550+

Rising along Bangkok’s Chao Phraya River, ICONSIAM debuted in 2018 as a mixed-use mega-development combining ultra-luxury retail, high-end residences, and a 5-star hotel. The mall’s main podium celebrates Thai heritage with SookSiam—a ground-floor indoor “floating market” featuring region-specific foods and crafts—while upper levels showcase global designer brands. The waterfront promenade includes the region’s longest multimedia water fountain. ICONSIAM also houses an art gallery, a convention space, and an Apple flagship store that visually anchors its modern facade. Easily accessible by ferry, boat taxi, and skytrain, ICONSIAM has become a new Bangkok landmark for both local shoppers and international tourists seeking culture-rich retail.

10. CentralWorld (Bangkok, Thailand – Opened 1990)

• Total retail space: 550,000 m² (5,900,000 sq ft)
• Total area (with non-retail): 1,024,000 m² (including office & hotel towers)
• Number of shops: ~600

CentralWorld is a signature mega-mall in Bangkok’s city center. Originally the World Trade Center, it reopened as CentralWorld in 2006 after major renovations. Spanning eight floors of retail plus on-site office towers and a hotel, it’s among Asia’s largest complexes. CentralWorld’s iconic outdoor plaza hosts Bangkok’s biggest New Year countdown events, while inside, visitors find a 15-screen cinema, an indoor kids’ zone, and two department stores as anchors (Zen and Central). It has proven resilient despite past political unrest and fires, consistently modernizing to remain a top shopping, dining, and entertainment hub. Its central location, connected via pedestrian skywalks, cements CentralWorld’s status as a key lifestyle destination in Bangkok.

9. CentralPlaza WestGate (Nonthaburi, Thailand – Opened 2015)

• Total retail space: ~500,000 m² (5,380,000 sq ft)
• Total area (with non-retail): 550,278 m²
• Number of shops: 500+

Also known as “Central WestGate,” this mammoth mall in northwest Bangkok prides itself on being “Thailand’s largest shopping center by retail area.” It opened in 2015 and is directly linked to the MRT Purple Line, making it a regional transit hub. With over 500 stores, including a vast Central Department Store, the mall offers a cinema multiplex, large food courts, and even an attached IKEA branch (IKEA Bang Yai). Central WestGate’s design focuses on convenience, bright open spaces, and multi-tiered parking to serve suburban communities. It integrates dining, entertainment, and practical services, making it a “one-stop” family destination in the fast-growing Nonthaburi province.

8. Golden Resources Mall (Beijing, China – Opened 2004)

• Total retail space: 557,419 m² (6,000,010 sq ft)
• Total area (with non-retail): ~560,000 m² (six floors)
• Number of shops: 750+

Dubbed the “Great Mall of China,” Golden Resources Mall was once the world’s largest upon its 2004 debut. Situated in suburban Beijing, its six-level layout initially hosted mostly upscale retailers. However, limited public transport and higher-end pricing resulted in low traffic in its early years, giving it a “ghost mall” label. Over time, as the surrounding area urbanized, Golden Resources adapted, attracting mainstream brands and local shoppers. Now bustling with around 750 tenants, it remains a key example of China’s early foray into enormous mall developments. Visitors can find broad corridors, multiple dining zones, and a design that merges modern convenience with a nod to over-the-top scale.

7. SM City Tianjin (Tianjin, China – Opened 2016)

• Total retail space: 565,000 m² (6,080,000 sq ft)
• Total area (with non-retail): ~560,000+ m²
• Number of shops: 1,000+

Developed by SM Prime (a Philippines-based conglomerate), SM City Tianjin is a circular five-building complex themed after the Chinese Five Elements (Metal, Wood, Water, Fire, Earth). Four buildings feature multi-level retail and entertainment, while the fifth is primarily for parking. Initially dubbed a “ghost mall” due to low early footfall, it has since evolved, adding attractions like an IMAX cinema, a large indoor playground, and a “Korea Town” food plaza. As Tianjin’s Binhai district grows, SM Tianjin is gradually filling with more tenants. Its distinctive petal-like architectural design makes it an ambitious statement in China’s mega-mall scene.

6. SM Mall of Asia (Pasay, Philippines – Opened 2006)

• Total retail space: 589,891 m² (6,349,530 sq ft)
• Total area (with non-retail): 589,891 m²
• Number of shops: 3,500+

SM Mall of Asia, perched along Manila Bay, has been a defining “super-mall” in the Philippines since 2006. With multiple interconnected buildings (Main Mall, Entertainment Mall, etc.), it provides a sprawling one-stop retail experience for locals and tourists alike. MOA’s key attractions include an Olympic-sized ice rink, a 28-screen cinema complex, and the 20,000-seat Mall of Asia Arena that hosts major events. Its global draw increased further when it launched the world’s largest IKEA store (65,000 m²) in a connected wing. A Ferris wheel on the bayfront esplanade and numerous concerts and festivals also make MOA a major leisure hub in Metro Manila.

5. South China Mall (Dongguan, China – Opened 2005)

• Total retail space: 659,612 m² (7,100,000 sq ft)
• Total area (with non-retail): ~890,000+ m²
• Number of shops: ~2,350 (capacity)

Known initially as the “ghost mall” of Dongguan, South China Mall opened in 2005 as the largest mall by area but found itself mostly vacant. Its sprawling design included themed zones modeled after global cities like Paris and Venice, and grandiose features like a roller coaster and canal gondolas. After languishing for nearly a decade at under 10% occupancy, it underwent renovations and rebranding to incorporate outlet retail, an IMAX cinema, and family-focused entertainment. By the late 2010s, it boasted over 90% occupancy, proving a remarkable turnaround. Today, South China Mall is a massive testament to both the pitfalls and possibilities of China’s mall boom, blending whimsical architecture with a modern tenant mix.

4. Isfahan City Center (Isfahan, Iran – Opened 2012)

• Total retail space: 776,000 m² (8,350,000 sq ft)
• Total area (with non-retail): ~776,000 m²
• Number of shops: 700+

Opened in 2012, Isfahan City Center is Iran’s second-largest mall—a mixed-use mega-complex combining retail, entertainment, and hospitality. Its crowning feature is the “Wonderland” indoor amusement park, said to be the largest in the Middle East. The mall also includes a multiplex cinema, a science museum, art galleries, and a 5-star hotel integrated into its structure. Architecturally, it marries modern aesthetics with traditional Persian motifs, epitomized by a dome reminiscent of historic Isfahan design. With over 700 stores plus indoor theme parks, restaurants, and event venues, it’s become a major tourist draw and leisure spot in central Iran.

3. IOI City Mall (Putrajaya, Malaysia – Opened 2014)

• Total retail space: 821,000 m² (8,840,000 sq ft)
• Total area (with non-retail): ~821,000 m²
• Number of shops: 650+

Located in the southern Klang Valley, IOI City Mall is Southeast Asia’s largest mall, featuring 650 stores over two phases. Since opening in 2014, it has continuously expanded—most notably adding a major second phase in 2022. Known for its District 21 adventure park, an Olympic-sized ice rink (Icescape), and an IMAX cineplex, IOI City Mall aims to provide a holistic family entertainment experience. Its green “Symphony Walk” and rooftop sports center further enhance its recreational draw. Linked to office towers, a convention center, and a hotel, the mall anchors the larger IOI Resort City township, catering to millions of visitors seeking retail, leisure, and modern comfort.

2. The Avenues Mall (Al Rai, Kuwait – Opened 2007)

• Total retail space: 1,200,000 m² (13,000,000 sq ft)
• Total area (with non-retail): 1,200,000 m²
• Number of shops: 1,400+

Kuwait’s largest mall and one of the biggest malls in the world by retail area, The Avenues is a multi-phase development that has introduced distinctive themed districts—Grand Avenue, Prestige, The Souk, and more. Each zone boasts unique architecture and ambiance, creating the feel of multiple mini-cities under one roof. Since 2007, over $3 billion has been invested to transform The Avenues into a national landmark hosting 1,400+ stores, an indoor theme park, a 28-screen cinema, and dining for every budget. Future expansions include hotels and residences integrated into the complex, embodying a “city within a city” concept. Praised for merging modern design with nods to Kuwait’s cultural heritage, The Avenues has redefined shopping in the region.

1. Iran Mall (Tehran, Iran – Opened 2018)

• Total retail space: 1,950,000 m² (21,000,000 sq ft)
• Total area (with non-retail): ~2,100,000 m²
• Number of shops: 2,500+

Iran Mall stands as the largest mall globally by retail area and a multi-purpose complex that opened its first phase in 2018. Encompassing shopping, hospitality, culture, and sports facilities, it was built by over 25,000 workers in northwest Tehran. A central Traditional Bazaar pays homage to Persian markets of old, while the Didar Garden replicates Kashan’s famous Fin Garden. The Mirror Hall dazzles visitors with thousands of mosaic mirrors, and there’s a sprawling library housing over one million books. Beyond retail, an ice rink, cineplex, car showroom, and massive musical fountain draw massive crowds. With expansions still ongoing, Iran Mall exemplifies modern Iranian ambition—blending heritage-inspired design with large-scale commercial, leisure, and cultural amenities.

Upcoming Mega-Mall Developments to Watch

American Dream Miami (Florida, USA): Planned to exceed 6 million sq ft of retail and entertainment, this $4 billion project by Triple Five Group aims to become the largest U.S. mall, featuring an indoor ski slope, water park, and over 1,200 shops. Though its opening date remains fluid, the concept is set to attract 30 million visitors annually once completed.

The Avenues – Riyadh (Saudi Arabia): Inspired by Kuwait’s Avenues, this massive retail complex in Riyadh will offer ~370,000 m² of leasable area spread across nine themed shopping districts. An estimated $4.6 billion investment includes hotels and apartments, turning it into a lifestyle destination.

Mall of Saudi (Riyadh, Saudi Arabia): Another major Riyadh project, with 300,000 m² of shops, a huge enclosed snow dome, and the largest indoor ski slope globally. Developed by Majid Al Futtaim, it’s set to open around 2026, aiming to redefine winter-themed entertainment in the Middle East.

Dubai Square (Dubai, UAE): Envisioned as an 8 million sq ft “retail metropolis,” doubling the area of The Dubai Mall. This futuristic concept would combine entertainment zones, cultural districts, and residential areas under climate-controlled canopies, though construction timelines remain uncertain.

These emerging developments highlight the ongoing race to craft the largest shopping malls globally—offering extraordinary experiences from indoor ski slopes to entire themed “cities” within enclosed spaces. As they open, global retail frontiers will be redrawn yet again, proving the ever-growing appetite for iconic mega-malls that blend commerce, leisure, and spectacle.

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