"The great strength of a regional mall is that in essence you have 150 different balance sheets, which means a lot of diversity, " says Robert Taubman, 52, who in 2001 took over as chairman from his father, Alfred, now 82.

FORBES: Shopping For Bargains

Both are adjacent to the sprawling Dubai Mall, a great place to wander when temperatures soar outside.

BBC: Business trip: Dubai

Next month, amid great fanfare, the National Museum of American Jewish History opens its doors on Independence Mall, a whisper away from the Liberty Bell.

FORBES: Jerry Seinfeld, Bette Midler, Haym Salomon