Every now and then a new project is revealed in Dubai that every resident needs to hear about…

And this is one of them!

A positively huge community shopping project is coming to Jebel Ali, and it features IKEA, Lulu Hypermarket & Marks & Spencer amongst others. Plus, it’s only a stone’s throw from Marina and JLT.

But what makes it stand out?

Festival Plaza is so much more than a regular mall, it’s your new local, minutes away from your community and neighbourhood housed with everything you and your home needs.

This spot will be your new go-to for practically anything: whether that be your morning coffee, midday brekkie, a grocery run, weekend family fun, dinner before heading home or finding the perfect gift for someone. You name it; they got it.

But here are five reasons (albeit, there’s more) why this will be your FAVE new hangout:

1. It’s convenient – for many reasons

Located in Jebel Ali, Festival Plaza is close to the JLT, Emirates Hills, Dubai Marina, Palm Jumeirah and Barsha areas, giving residents easy access to the mall. You get to park within five minutes of your store, go in and out without any hassle and not worry about expensive cab rides as it’s just that close to you!

Lucky residents who live in this half of the Emirate will find this spot to be their new local go-to, complete with a smart parking system that makes life SO much easier. Not to mention, the fact that they have over 2,300 parking spaces – to start.

2. Goodbye cooking! There are loads of exciting, tasty food options right on your doorstep!

Prepare for a mouth-watering array of cuisines where you can treat yourself to an international feast with American, Arabic, Japanese, Chinese, Indian, Turkish and Italian restos all located side-by-side!

Plus, a stylish new eatery called Grain of Salt has been announced, a high-end standalone concept, perfect for a chic lunch out. New upgrades for Lulu Hypermarket has never been seen before in Dubai: pros prep sushi live and in-store, and pasta and pizza stations that’ll personalise your dish depending on how YOU want it prepared — how about a cheese pairing with your grape? Walk through Lulu’s cheese room and shop the creamiest and tastiest cheeses for your family and friends without having to drive too far. Could it be the largest cheese selection you’ll come across? You’ll just have to go and see for yourself!

Whatever your dietary needs are, they’ve got you covered with a wide range of organic, gluten-free, low-fat fresh foods to suit your palette. There’s something for everyone.

Gangs all here: 40 cafes and restaurants and a 500-seat food court featuring 13 global food chains

Spoiled for choice is an understatement. Are you looking for the crispiest french fries, pizza, burgers, ice-cream or everything all at once?! Every craving is sorted.

Think, Popeye’s, KFC, Pizza Hut, Hardee’s, Baskin Robbins, plus brands such as Café Nero, Tim Hortons, Jamaica Blue and SO MANY MORE brands for you to delve in.

IKEA Café is coming! A global IKEA concept brought to Dubai, where you’ll get to taste Swedish pastries and freshly baked bread (mm!) served hot and fresh from its bakery, or how about a Samurai roll from Sumo Sushi, and famous chicken at Famous Daves or a cheesy manaeesh at Zaatar w Zeit- these are just some of the options you can feast on. Food court fanatics, don’t fret- there’s also a 500-seater food court at the new Festival Plaza. Wow!

3. A new IKEA has arrived, ladies and gents – and it’s closer than ever

The moment we’ve all been waiting for – a second IKEA has come to Dubai (a two minute walk from Energy metro station) and not only is it in close proximity to Jebel Ali, Marina, Palm Jumeirah, JLT and Barsha Heights residents, its restaurant – which is loved across the world – will be accessible from outside the IKEA store, so you can finally sort those Swedish meatball cravings, without having to walk through the entire store.

Yes, yes yes.

4. Fashionistas- shop till you drop at Marks & Spencer!

Marks & Spencer has been a known go-to for all your fashion needs: for men, women, teens, children and not forgetting toddlers – get your basic tees and cosy sleepwear, to office clothes and fancy dinner date OOTDs.

And if that wasn’t enough, the brand also offers a café and food hall selling a range of British favourites amongst other tasty cuisines, including fish and chips, scones, delicious cheeses, snack gift sets AND a fabulous selection of tea.

If you want more, there are about 120 other retail stores to choose from. Anything from homeware, groceries, toys, plants – shop it out!

5. Festival Plaza – Your new local close to home! 

To round it off, Festival Plaza is close, convenient and has everything you need under one roof. It’s the first mall built around convenience –  that’s right, they put YOU first. Mums and Dads, teens and pals, workaholics and fashionistas, the foodies and the snackers, they’ve got you all sorted. Whether it’s your weekday fix or your weekend plans, the new local in your community is ready to welcome you this December!

The important bits:

Festival Plaza will open in December. Signature services in the mall will ensure your visit is stress-free, you can plan your visit here, enjoy valet parking, over 2,300 parking spaces, digital wayfinding, free Wi-Fi access and home delivery services via IKEA.

A stone’s throw from Jebel Ali, Al Furjan, Wasl Gate community, Dubai Marina and easily accessible for commuters travelling from neighbouring Abu Dhabi.

Easily accessible from Sheikh Zayed Road, the project is also minutes away from the RTA Energy Metro Station.