Doha • Villaggio has been chosen among the 'World's Best Shopping Malls' by Forbes.com.

Others on the list and not ranked in any particular order are — Wafi Mall in Dubai, GPO in Melbourne (Australia), Tokyo Midtown, The Galleria in Houston, Via Bellagio in Las Vegas, Roppingi Hills in Tokyo, The Shops at Columbus Centre in New York and Nee Ann City in Singapore. The Dubai Mall has also been rated although it is still awaiting completion.

Forbes said of Villaggio: "Under a ceiling painted like the sky, this white marble hall resembles a movie set — or, better yet, a Disney theme park. However, instead of prop closets or cartoon characters, the space houses over 200 shops, including Dolce and Gabanna, Banana Republic and Ralph Lauren."

Villaggio has a Venetian-style canal running through it, complete with gondolas, which can be used by visitors for a fee. It is also home to Carrefour and a Virgin Megastore, sellers of audio equipment, CDs and books.