Nakheel invites Ibn Battuta Mall extension bids

150 shops to be added to the world's largest themed shopping mall.

Nakheel has announced it is inviting tenders for the planned extension of the Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai.

Named after the legendary 14th century Moroccan and Berber adventurer whose travels are chronicled in the book, "Rihla" (The Journey), the mall's existing zones have been themed on the continents, countries and cultures described by the explorer.

The new 17,000 square metre extension will add a further 150 shops to the shopping centre's existing portfolio of 270 shops, 50 restaurants and 21-screen cinema.

Access to the extension will be provided via a direct link from the existing mall, and it will also be accessible easily via the local Ibn Battuta Metro station.

The developer has also announced recently that it will be doubling the size of the 150,000 square metre Dragon Mall (a wholesale and retail complex for products from China which is already houses 3,950 shops and stalls).