By
PropGrow
Published on:
25/07/25
When it comes to retail therapy, modern-day shopping malls are redefining luxury, scale and experience. These mammoth spaces are not just commercial hubs they are architectural wonders that blend shopping, dining, entertainment and even culture. This detailed blog explores the TOP 10 Biggest Malls in the World, each boasting a mind-boggling Gross Leasable Area (GLA) and offering an experience unlike any other.
TOP 10 Biggest Mall in the World | World’s Largest Mall 2025
Rank | Mall | Country | City | Gross Leasable Area (GLA) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
1 | Iran Mall | Iran | Tehran | 1,950,000 m² ≈ 21,000,000 sq ft |
2 | The Avenues Mall | Kuwait | Al Rai | 1,200,000 m² ≈ 12,917,000 sq ft |
3 | IOI City Mall | Malaysia | Putrajaya | 821,000 m² ≈ 8,841,000 sq ft |
4 | Isfahan City Center | Iran | Isfahan | 776,000 m² ≈ 8,355,000 sq ft |
5 | South China Mall | China | Dongguan | 659,612 m² ≈ 7,100,000 sq ft |
6 | SM Mall of Asia | Philippines | Pasay (Manila) | 589,891 m² ≈ 6,350,000 sq ft |
7 | SM City Tianjin Mall | China | Tianjin | 565,000 m² ≈ 6,080,000 sq ft |
8 | Golden Resources Mall | China | Beijing | 557,419 m² ≈ 6,000,000 sq ft |
9 | CentralPlaza WestGate Mall | Thailand | Nonthaburi (Bangkok) | 550,278 m² ≈ 5,923,100 sq ft |
10 | CentralWorld Mall | Thailand | Bangkok | 550,000 m² ≈ 5,900,000 sq ft |
1. Iran Mall – First Largest Mall in the World
Image Ref: Iron Mall
Gross Leasable Area: 21,000,000 sq ft
As the reigning champion of retail space, Iran Mall tops the list as the biggest shopping mall in the world in 2025. Located in the capital city of Tehran, this sprawling giant covers an incredible 21 million square feet. But the Iran Mall is not just a shopping center it's a full-fledged lifestyle ecosystem.
Built with luxurious Persian-inspired architecture, the Iran Mall includes over 700 retail stores, exhibition halls, luxury hotels, restaurants, a library and even a museum. It also features an art gallery, traditional bazaars, sports complexes, and indoor gardens. With such amenities, it’s no surprise that Iran Mall is considered the most expensive mall in the world. The project has been developed with the intention of merging commerce, culture and leisure in one space, which it does brilliantly.
More than just a destination for Iranians, the Iran Mall attracts tourists from all over the world. As of 2025, it remains the world’s biggest mall by gross leasable area, setting a high benchmark for what future malls should look like.
2. The Avenues Mall – Second Largest Mall in the World
Image Ref: The Avenues Mall
Gross Leasable Area: 12,917,000 sq ft
Coming in second is The Avenues Mall, located in Al Rai, Kuwait. With nearly 13 million square feet of space, this retail titan ranks as the second biggest mall in the world. The mall is known for its unique layout that features different shopping districts, each designed to resemble a world-famous avenue such as the Grand Avenue, Prestige and The Souk.
Visitors to The Avenues are greeted with an architectural and sensory feast. The mall blends international and regional brands, high-end boutiques, gourmet restaurants, hotels and cinemas under one roof. It also houses state-of-the-art entertainment zones and offers family-friendly experiences.
3. IOI City Mall – Third Largest Mall in the World
Image Ref: IOI City Mall
Gross Leasable Area: 8,841,000 sq ft
The IOI City Mall in Malaysia is a shining jewel in Southeast Asia’s retail crown. Located in Putrajaya, this shopping center is not only Malaysia’s largest but also ranks third on the list of the largest malls in the world.
IOI City Mall boasts over 8.8 million square feet of GLA. It is more than a shopping hub; it's an integrated lifestyle complex featuring more than 650 retail outlets, a 5-star hotel, convention centers, and leisure attractions like an Olympic-sized ice skating rink and a theme park. Its futuristic design and sustainable infrastructure have gained global recognition.
This mall is a perfect mix of luxury, convenience, and recreation, making it one of the biggest shopping malls in the world. By blending global retail with regional charm, IOI City Mall continues to draw massive crowds from across Malaysia and beyond.
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4. Isfahan City Center – Fourth Largest Mall in the World
Image Ref: Isfahan City Center
Gross Leasable Area: 8,355,000 sq ft
Iran once again makes the list with Isfahan City Center, the fourth biggest malls in the world. With over 8.3 million square feet of leasable space, this architectural masterpiece is located in the cultural heartland of Iran.
The Isfahan City Center is not just a shopping destination; it's a cultural and financial hub. It features over 750 retail stores, a 5-star hotel, a world-class cinema and exhibition facilities. It also includes a museum and an amusement park, blending heritage with modernity in a seamless fashion.
This mall plays a key role in Iran’s vision to become a top tourist and commercial destination. With continuous upgrades and expansions, Isfahan City Center holds its own among the TOP 10 Biggest Malls in the World and continues to attract millions of visitors each year.
5. South China Mall – Fifth Largest Mall in the World
Image Ref: South China Mall
Gross Leasable Area: 7,100,000 sq ft
Once dubbed the world’s largest "ghost mall" due to its high vacancy rates, the South China Mall in Dongguan has undergone a massive transformation. Now it stands proudly as one of the world’s biggest malls 2025, covering over 7.1 million square feet of space.
Today, it is a vibrant and bustling complex filled with top-tier retail stores, restaurants, amusement parks, IMAX theaters and more. The mall has thematic zones representing different cities and regions around the globe, from Paris to California.
Its remarkable turnaround story makes it a true comeback king in the world of mega retail. No longer just a case study in failure, South China Mall now deserves its place among the biggest shopping centers in the world.
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6. SM Mall of Asia – Sixth Largest Mall in the World
Image Ref: SM Mall of Asia
Gross Leasable Area: 6,350,000 sq ft
The SM Mall of Asia, located in Pasay near Manila Bay, is one of the Philippines’ most iconic structures and among the biggest shopping malls in the world. With 6.35 million square feet of leasable area, it offers a shopping and entertainment experience like no other.
This mall features a 20,000-seat indoor arena, an Olympic-sized skating rink, and a science discovery center. It also has an expansive convention center and a large number of retail and dining options. Its strategic waterfront location adds to the aesthetic appeal, attracting tourists and locals alike.
SM Mall of Asia represents the booming retail economy of the Philippines and remains a key landmark in Southeast Asia’s urban landscape.
7. SM City Tianjin – Seventh Largest Mall in the World
Image Ref: SM City Tianjin
Gross Leasable Area: 6,080,000 sq ft
China continues its dominance on this list with SM City Tianjin, which boasts over 6 million square feet of gross leasable area. This massive retail structure is another development from the SM Prime group, extending their influence across Asia.
SM City Tianjin is divided into several buildings, each focused on a specific retail or entertainment category. From fashion to electronics and cuisine, the mall is a one-stop-shop for everything. Its open spaces, wide corridors, and eco-friendly design make it one of the largest malls in the world by both size and innovation.
As China’s cities continue to grow, malls like SM City Tianjin are becoming central to both local communities and the nation’s retail aspirations.
8. Golden Resources Mall – Eighth Largest Mall in the World
Image Ref: Golden Resources Mall
Gross Leasable Area: 6,000,000 sq ft
Nicknamed the "Great Mall of China," Golden Resources Mall in Beijing was once the biggest mall in the world. Although it has been surpassed in size, it still ranks in the TOP 10 Biggest Malls in the World.
With 6 million square feet of space, Golden Resources offers six floors of shopping, housing hundreds of international and Chinese brands. The mall features everything from high-end fashion to daily essentials, making it popular among all age groups.
Its strategic location and accessibility contribute to its popularity, ensuring its place as a legacy mall in the global retail map.
9. CentralPlaza WestGate – Nineth Largest Mall in the World
Image Ref: CentralPlaza WestGate
Gross Leasable Area: 5,923,100 sq ft
Located in the outskirts of Bangkok, CentralPlaza WestGate is the biggest shopping destination in Thailand. Spanning nearly 6 million square feet, it combines luxury and affordability in an unmatched shopping experience.
This mall includes a major electronics hub, lifestyle stores, family entertainment zones, and multiple restaurants. Its accessibility via public transport and innovative layout have made it a go-to spot for both locals and tourists.
As Thailand’s flagship retail space, CentralPlaza WestGate continues to set standards in size, quality and design.
10. CentralWorld – Tenth Largest Mall in the World
Image Ref: CentralWorld
Gross Leasable Area: 5,900,000 sq ft
CentralWorld wraps up our list of the TOP 10 Biggest Malls in the World. Situated in the heart of Bangkok, this mega-complex spans 5.9 million square feet. It includes luxury retail outlets, co-working spaces, gourmet restaurants and even office towers.
The mall is known for hosting major events, live concerts, and seasonal festivals, making it more than just a shopping destination. With its central location and modern infrastructure, CentralWorld stands as a symbol of Thailand’s thriving urban culture.
Conclusion
From Asia to the Middle East, the global race to build the biggest malls in the world continues to reach new heights. These mega malls are more than just retail spaces they are lifestyle destinations, cultural hubs and architectural wonders. In 2025, the title of the world’s largest mall belongs to Iran Mall, but the competition is fierce, and the landscape is constantly evolving.
