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IKEA UAE, operated by Al-Futtaim, has unveiled a transformed New Market Hall at its Dubai Festival City store, introducing an expanded and technology-driven retail concept designed to enhance the customer shopping experience.

The newly redesigned Market Hall has been expanded by 1,000 square metres and now spans 6,100 square metres, making it one of the most significant retail experience upgrades within the IKEA network. Developed by Al-Futtaim as the first concept of its kind globally for IKEA, the initiative aims to create a more personalised, intuitive, and inspiring shopping journey for customers.

The upgraded space reflects changing consumer shopping habits, where customers increasingly combine digital research with in-store experiences before making purchasing decisions. The redesigned layout has been developed to help visitors navigate the store more efficiently while discovering products and home furnishing solutions tailored to their needs.

Among the standout features are the new “Microworlds,” immersive experiential spaces that showcase home furnishing ideas through curated room settings, textures, colours, and interactive elements. These installations are designed to help customers visualise products within real-life living environments.

The New Market Hall also introduces “Vitality Gates,” walk-through structures positioned at the entrance of each department. These installations create distinctive entry points into various home categories, helping customers connect with the character and possibilities of each space while improving store navigation.

Vinod Jayan, Managing Director of Al-Futtaim IKEA UAE, Qatar, Oman, and Egypt, said the transformation reflects the evolving expectations of modern shoppers.

"The way people shop for their homes has changed significantly in recent years. Customers are exploring ideas across multiple channels before they visit a store, and they expect that experience to continue seamlessly once they are here. The New Market Hall has been designed around that reality," he said.

"We have created a more intuitive and engaging journey that helps customers discover products, explore solutions, and make confident choices for their homes. It reflects our commitment to continually improving the customer experience and delivering a seamless omnichannel journey."

Further strengthening the integration between physical and digital retail, IKEA has introduced a range of interactive technologies throughout the space. These include “Ask IKEA,” an AI-powered in-store assistant that provides instant product recommendations, comparisons, and shopping guidance, helping customers make informed purchasing decisions.

The launch forms part of IKEA UAE’s broader strategy to enhance customer experiences through innovation, accessibility, and solutions that support everyday living. By combining immersive design concepts with digital tools, the retailer aims to create a more connected and engaging shopping environment for customers across the region.

The New Market Hall at IKEA Dubai Festival City represents a significant step in the retailer’s ongoing efforts to redefine the home furnishing shopping experience and respond to the growing demand for seamless omnichannel retail solutions.

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