15 Largest Shopping Malls in the World 2026 (Ranked by GLA)
Published: 9 Mar 2026
Shopping malls today are more than places to buy clothes or grab a coffee. Some are so massive they feel like small cities, with theme parks, ice rinks, aquariums and even hotels inside.
Across the world, developers have built mega malls that attract millions of visitors every year. These massive retail spaces are often measured by gross leasable area (GLA), which defines their total shopping and entertainment size.
In this guide, we’ll explore the largest shopping malls in the world 2026, ranked by size and GLA. From the famous Dubai Mall in the UAE to the enormous South China Mall in China, these malls show just how big retail spaces can get.
What Are the Largest Shopping Malls in the World?
When people talk about the largest shopping malls in the world, they usually refer to the total retail space inside a building. This is measured by gross leasable area (GLA), which represents the total floor space available for shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues.
Some mega malls are so large that they go far beyond shopping. Visitors can find indoor theme parks, aquariums, skating rinks, luxury hotels and hundreds of dining options all under one roof.
Most of the world’s biggest shopping malls are located in Asia and the Middle East where rapid urban development and strong tourism have driven the creation of massive retail and entertainment complexes.
In the list below, the malls are ranked by total size and gross leasable area (GLA), giving you a clear overview of the largest shopping destinations in the world.
Largest Shopping Malls in the World (Ranked by GLA)
Here is a quick overview of the largest shopping malls in the world, ranked by gross leasable area (GLA) and total size.
| Rank | Mall | Location | Approx. Size |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iran Mall | Tehran, Iran | ~21 million sq ft |
| 2 | IOI City Mall | Putrajaya, Malaysia | ~15.4 million sq ft |
| 3 | South China Mall | Dongguan, China | ~13.9 million sq ft |
| 4 | SM Mall of Asia | Manila, Philippines | ~13.5 million sq ft |
| 5 | Dubai Mall | Dubai, UAE | ~12.1 million sq ft |
| 6 | CentralWorld | Bangkok, Thailand | ~11.9 million sq ft |
| 7 | ICONSIAM | Bangkok, Thailand | ~11 million sq ft |
| 8 | Isfahan City Center | Isfahan, Iran | ~7.5 million sq ft |
| 9 | Berjaya Times Square | Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia | ~7.5 million sq ft |
| 10 | Siam Paragon | Bangkok, Thailand | ~6.6 million sq ft |
| 11 | 1 Utama | Selangor, Malaysia | ~6.5 million sq ft |
| 12 | West Edmonton Mall | Edmonton, Canada | ~5.3 million sq ft |
| 13 | Golden Resources Mall | Beijing, China | ~6 million sq ft |
| 14 | CentralPlaza WestGate | Bangkok, Thailand | ~5.9 million sq ft |
| 15 | Mall of America | Minnesota, USA | ~5.6 million sq ft |
Top 15 World Biggest Shopping Malls 2026
Below is a detailed guide to the largest shopping malls in the world 2026, ranked by gross leasable area (GLA) and total retail space.
1. Iran Mall – Iran
The Iran Mall in northwest Tehran is widely recognised as the largest shopping mall in the world with a total constructed area of about 1.95 million m² (21 million sq ft) and an enormous gross leasable area (GLA) dedicated to retail, dining and entertainment.
Opened in 2018, it blends retail with extensive entertainment and cultural facilities, including IMAX cinemas, a 2,000-seat theatre, an indoor amusement park, art galleries, gardens and one of the world’s largest libraries making it far more than just a shopping centre.
2. IOI City Mall – Malaysia
The IOI City Mall in Putrajaya is Malaysia’s largest shopping destination and one of the largest shopping malls in the world, with approximately 15.4 million sq ft of retail, dining, and entertainment space measured by gross leasable area (GLA).
Opened in 2014 and expanded in 2022, it houses over 700 shops and restaurants, international brands, and a wide range of dining options. Beyond shopping, the mall features District 21 adventure park, an Olympic-sized ice rink, and the indoor IOI City Farm, making it a complete lifestyle and entertainment hub under one roof.
3. South China Mall – China
The South China Mall in Dongguan is widely recognised as one of the largest shopping malls in the world and among the biggest in China, covering about 13.9 million sq ft of retail, entertainment and leisure space measured by gross leasable area (GLA).
Opened in 2005, it features themed zones inspired by cities like Paris and Amsterdam, an indoor canal, and extensive dining and shopping options. While it initially faced challenges with occupancy, the mall now hosts a mix of stores, attractions and leisure facilities, making it a unique destination that combines shopping with entertainment under one roof.
4. SM Mall of Asia – Philippines
The SM Mall of Asia ranks among the largest shopping malls in the world, with an estimated gross leasable area (GLA) of around 6 million sq ft (≈558,000 m²) and a total complex size of about 13.5 million sq ft.
Located in Metro Manila, this massive complex features over 1,000 shops and restaurants along with standout attractions like a world-class IMAX theatre, an Olympic-sized ice skating rink and scenic Manila Bay waterfront views. Beyond shopping, the mall serves as a major entertainment hub, hosting concerts, international events and family-friendly attractions throughout the year.
Thanks to its scale and diverse offerings, it consistently ranks among the largest malls in the world by size, reinforcing its status as a leading shopping and entertainment destination in the Philippines.
5. Dubai Mall – UAE
The Dubai Mall is one of the largest shopping malls in the world, covering approximately 12.1 million sq ft of retail, dining and entertainment space measured by gross leasable area (GLA).
Beyond shopping, visitors can explore the Dubai Aquarium, indoor waterfall, ice rink, VR Park and the Dubai Fountain making it a complete entertainment and lifestyle hub in Downtown Dubai.
6. Central World – Thailand
The CentralWorld is one of the largest shopping malls in Asia and ranks among the largest shopping malls in the world, spanning about 11.9 million sq ft of retail, dining and entertainment space measured by gross leasable area (GLA).
Opened in 1990 and continually expanded, it houses hundreds of stores, restaurants and cafes, along with cinemas, an ice-skating rink and event spaces.
Beyond shopping, CentralWorld hosts live performances, seasonal festivals and cultural events, making it a vibrant lifestyle hub for both locals and tourists in Bangkok.
7. ICONSIAM – Thailand
The ICONSIAM in Bangkok is a stunning riverside mall and ranks among the largest shopping malls in the world, spanning about 11 million sq ft of retail, dining, and entertainment space.
Opened in 2018, it features luxury boutiques, over 500 shops, gourmet restaurants, and themed zones.
Beyond shopping, visitors can enjoy the Siam Takashimaya department store, an indoor floating market, art galleries, and cultural performances, making ICONSIAM a unique blend of modern retail and Thai heritage experiences.
8. Isfahan City Center – Iran
The Isfahan City Center in Isfahan is one of Iran’s largest shopping malls, covering approximately 7.5 million sq ft of retail, dining, and entertainment space.
Opened in 2012, it features hundreds of shops, a cinema complex, a bowling alley, and numerous restaurants. The mall also offers indoor amusement facilities and cultural spaces, providing visitors with a complete shopping and entertainment experience under one roof.
9. Berjaya Times Square – Malaysia
The Berjaya Times Square in Kuala Lumpur spans about 7.5 million sq ft of retail, dining, and entertainment space, making it one of Malaysia’s largest shopping malls.
Opened in 2003, it features over 1,000 shops, restaurants, and cafés, as well as an indoor theme park, cinemas, and event spaces. With so many attractions under one roof, it is a popular destination for both shopping and family entertainment.
10. Siam Paragon – Thailand
The Siam Paragon in Bangkok is one of Thailand’s premier shopping destinations and ranks among the largest shopping malls in the world, covering about 6.6 million sq ft of retail, dining, and entertainment space.
Opened in 2005, it features luxury boutiques, over 250 stores, gourmet restaurants, and a massive cinema complex. Visitors can also enjoy an aquarium, art galleries, and event spaces, making Siam Paragon a key lifestyle destination for both shopping enthusiasts and families.
11. 1 Utama – Malaysia
The 1 Utama in Selangor is one of Malaysia’s largest shopping malls, spanning about 6.5 million sq ft of retail, dining and entertainment space.
Opened in 1995 and continuously expanded, it features over 700 shops, a wide variety of restaurants, cinemas, and indoor sports facilities. With spacious walkways, family-friendly attractions, and lifestyle hubs, 1 Utama offers a complete shopping and leisure experience under one roof.
12. West Edmonton Mall – Canada
The West Edmonton Mall in Canada is one of the largest shopping malls in North America, covering about 5.3 million sq ft of retail, dining, and entertainment space.
It features over 800 stores, multiple theme parks, a waterpark, a skating rink, and an indoor amusement park. With so many attractions under one roof, it is much more than a shopping centre, it is a full-fledged entertainment destination for families and visitors.
13. Golden Resources Shopping Mall – China
The Golden Resources Shopping Mall in Beijing is one of China’s largest shopping malls covering around 6 million sq ft of retail, dining and entertainment space.
Opened in 2004, it was once nicknamed the “Great Mall of China” and features hundreds of shops, dining options, and entertainment venues.
While it is primarily a shopping destination, visitors can also enjoy spacious walkways, themed sections, and leisure areas, making it a unique experience for both locals and tourists seeking a vast retail and lifestyle environment.
14. CentralPlaza WestGate – Thailand
The CentralPlaza WestGate in Bangkok is one of the city’s largest shopping malls, covering around 5.9 million sq ft of retail, dining and entertainment space.
Opened in 1995 and expanded over the years, it features hundreds of shops, restaurants, cinemas and family-friendly attractions. With its combination of shopping, leisure, and entertainment, CentralPlaza WestGate offers a well-rounded experience for both locals and tourists.
15. Mall of America – USA
The Mall of America in Minnesota is one of the largest shopping and entertainment complexes in the United States, spanning about 5.6 million sq ft of retail, dining, and entertainment space.
It features over 500 stores, dozens of restaurants, an indoor theme park, an aquarium, and mini-golf, offering a mix of shopping and entertainment under one roof. Its impressive scale and variety make it a major destination for families and travelers looking for more than just retail.
Biggest Shopping Malls in Asia (Part of the World’s Largest Malls)
Asia is home to many of the largest shopping malls in the world, combining retail, dining, and entertainment under one roof. Most of these mega malls rank among the top global shopping destinations by size and gross leasable area.
- Iran Mall, Tehran, Iran
- IOI City Mall, Putrajaya, Malaysia
- South China Mall, Dongguan, China
- SM Mall of Asia, Manila, Philippines
- Dubai Mall, Dubai, UAE
- CentralWorld, Bangkok, Thailand
- ICONSIAM, Bangkok, Thailand
- Isfahan City Center, Isfahan, Iran
- Berjaya Times Square, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
- Siam Paragon, Bangkok, Thailand
- 1 Utama, Selangor, Malaysia
- Golden Resources Shopping Mall, Beijing, China
- CentralPlaza WestGate, Bangkok, Thailand
If you’re planning a trip, explore our guide to Top 10 Most Beautiful Asian Countries.
Why Asia Has Most of the World’s Largest Malls?
Asia and the Middle East dominate mega mall development, especially when it comes to the largest shopping malls in the world. Rapid urbanisation, growing middle-class populations, and large consumer markets have driven the construction of massive retail and entertainment complexes.
Countries like China, Thailand, Malaysia, Iran, and the UAE have invested heavily in malls that combine shopping, leisure, and cultural attractions, making the region home to many of the world’s largest shopping destinations.
Why Some Malls Are So Massive?
Modern shopping malls have evolved far beyond retail to become all-in-one lifestyle destinations. Many of the largest shopping malls in the world include entertainment complexes, hotels, theme parks, cinemas, and indoor attractions under one roof.
This approach attracts families, tourists, and locals alike, keeping visitors inside longer and offering a wide range of experiences beyond shopping. Malls like the Dubai Mall, West Edmonton Mall, and CentralWorld show how combining leisure, dining, and culture with retail transforms a mall into a true lifestyle hub, explaining why these spaces have expanded to millions of square feet.
Tips for Visiting the World’s Largest Shopping Malls
- Plan ahead: Check mall maps and pick the shops or attractions you want to visit.
- Wear comfortable shoes: These massive malls can cover millions of square feet.
- Visit on weekdays: Avoid large crowds for a more relaxed experience.
- Explore entertainment options: From indoor amusement parks and aquariums to live shows and cultural exhibits.
- Take your time for dining: Many malls offer world-class food courts and restaurants worth exploring.
- Bring a camera: These malls often feature impressive architecture, fountains, and art installations.
- Use public transport or parking apps: Large malls can have complex layouts and busy parking areas.
