Miracle Mile Shops was originally known as Desert Passage, and was built along with the Aladdin resort on the Las Vegas Strip.

[8][9] Actress Barbara Eden, who portrayed a genie on the 1960s television series I Dream of Jeannie, dressed in character and reprised the role for the debut of Desert Passage, which opened on August 17, 2000.

[5][15] The mall's poor sales and foot traffic were attributed to financial problems at the Aladdin,[16] which filed for bankruptcy in 2001.

[18] Trizec dismissed tenant allegations that the mall's visitor counts were being inflated in order to justify the current leasing rates.

Desert Passage tenants were optimistic that the change would benefit the mall,[23] and prospective buyers emerged soon after the announcement.

[24] New York developer David Edelstein and RFR Holding purchased Desert Passage in December 2003, for $240.5 million.

[25][26][27] In connection with the Aladdin rebranding, renovation work began on the mall in 2006, with plans to rename it Miracle Mile Shops.

[31][32] General manager Russell Joyner described the renovation, which cost over $60 million,[31] as "Hollywood meets Times Square on the Vegas Strip.

[37] More than 20,000 sq ft (1,900 m2) of LED screens were added to the mall's exterior and interior as part of the renovation work,[37] which also included new flooring, lighting, and ceilings.

[7] Notable retailers included Aveda, Clinique, Hugo Boss, Sephora, Tommy Bahama, and Z Gallerie.

[40] To maintain the Arabian theme, tenants were restricted from having oversized display windows, and signage was required to be discreet.

[8][40][43] Individualized storefronts were allowed once the mall transitioned into Miracle Mile Shops,[30] although portions of the Arabian theme were left in place and remain as of 2023.

[38][37] Desert Passage originally included the 15,000 sq ft (1,400 m2) Alakazam Food Court, which closed due to poor business in September 2002.