> When mall is called a public space... Public space situation is really sad.

Absolutely, but still, that is a reality in many cities. They are places where "going to the mall" is the main form of entertainment left.

Uh I grew up in NJ suburbs in the 80’s and 90’s - that was already the case, and there was a hit movie 3 decades ago about it:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mallrats

(But malls are much less popular now, probably mainly due to the rise of Internet retail)

Mallrats grossed 2 million against a 6 million budget. It wasn't a "hit"

Ironic that the US is embracing Middle Eastern culture (specifically the Gulf countries). Honestly it's funny when Americans criticize cities like Doha and Dubai for being lacklustre and cultureless when most American tier-2 cities and towns are boring af. I've been told in some towns and suburbs that the best thing to do for leisure was to visit the local Walmart.

I don't think Doha or Dubai are "tier 2" cities of the Middle East.

I don't know if all places are the same but one time when we were working on laptops at a mall in a common area we were told by security guards 1 hour later to leave so not sure if they can be considered public areas.