Cityland Group, the company behind the Dubai Miracle Garden and Dubai Butterfly Garden, plans to open the world’s first nature-inspired mall in Dubai, according to a statement on Wednesday.

The Dh1.1 billion Cityland Mall is scheduled to open in the second quarter of 2018 next to Global Village on Shaikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road. It is expected to have an annual footfall of up to 12 million visitors.

“The mall guarantees an immersive experience for all members of the family, led by a strong selection of renowned fashion retailers, convenience store, cinema theatre and dining options that are both internationally reputed and locally popular,” said Fahimuddin Sharfuddin, chief executive and board member at Cityland Group.

The 2.2 million square foot mall will feature a 200,000 sqft open-air garden, called Central Park, which is the mall’s central attraction. Besides the mini-Miracle Garden and mini-water park, it will also feature a 300-year-old ancient tree garden, Japanese garden, 360-degree rooftop garden, and a cluster of restaurants and al fresco cafes. A 3,000-seat amphitheatre and a miniature amphitheatre for children will provide a platform for performing arts throughout the year. There will also be a walking track along the open-air garden.

“A central attraction within the mall, access to the park will be free of charge, and will ensure repeat visits,” said Abdel Naser Rahhal, Vice-Chairman, Cityland Group.

The mall will consist of six thematic pavilions, each displaying a distinct global culture and design style that represents the cultural diversity of the UAE. The 1.13 million sq.ft. retail area will feature more than 350 retail stores, including home furnishing stores, electronic outlets, cosmetic shops as well as personal and banking services. It will also have a 100,000 sqft hypermarket.

Popular fashion outlets will account for the largest share of the retail space, covering 48 per cent of the total leasable area, the company said in the statement.

Additionally, the mall will have more than 75 global dining options. A dining area enveloped by an arch structure with wooden interiors will form the outer-perimeter of the botanical garden. The property will feature 14 to 16 cinema screens, including a dedicated kids’ screen, and will incorporate the latest film technologies such as the 4DX format.

The development will also include a shaded parking space for more than 6,000 cars.