Even if you usually view shopping as a chore, think again - in Dubai, shopping is a leisure event in itself, and you’d be crazy to miss out.
Even before you get into the city, you can stock up from the ranges on offer in Dubai Duty Free. And once you’ve settled in, there are shopping opportunities to suit everyone.
The best bargains are available during the annual winter Shopping Festival, which this year will open on 20th December. For summer visitors, Dubai Summer Surprises also offers themed weeks and great deals.
Big is beautifulThe two most-recently opened “mega-malls” are well worth a visit:
Shop first, ski later: The Mall of the Emirates (Interchange 4 on Sheikh Zayed Road) incorporates the Gulf’s first indoor ski slope, although beware of the contrast in temperatures from outside – it’ll feel even colder than usual!
Ancient travels: Ibn Battuta Mall (Interchange 6, near Dubai Marina) has five themed zones tracing the ancient traveller’s journey…and a gigantic elephant statue!
All of the larger malls typically incorporate a department store, hypermarket, restaurants and other leisure facilities, with lots of familiar brand names on offer. All the stores will take major credit cards, and these malls are typically open from 10am- midnight. Parking is usually plentiful and free.
Bur Juman Centre
Deira City Centre
Lamcy Plaza
Mercato
Wafi City Pseudo-souq
Stroll round the huge luxury hotel/retail complex of Madinat Jumeirah near the Burj Al-Arab for its upscale boutiques selling ethnic products and souvenirs, and popular waterfront restaurants. Although it does not quite have the atmosphere (or the bargains) of a traditional souq, the air-conditioned comfort is a big plus.
Traditional souqs
Gold souq
Prepare to be dazzled! Dubai boasts one of the largest retail gold markets in the world, selling everything from ingots to intricately worked jewellery at bargain prices. Prices are largely calculated by weight, rather than design and craftsmanship, and also on whether the piece is machine or handmade, so it helps to know the going rate. Most of the gold on sale is over 21 carat. 9 or 18 carat pieces tend to be more expensive. When buying gold, never accept the first price and be sure to shop around. Even if you have no intention of buying, don’t give this souq a miss, as the sheer volume of gold on display is quite mind-boggling – more than 25 tonnes of it at any one time!
Spice souq
The narrow lanes of the spice souk are more typically traditional, with cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, incense, dried fruit and nuts all sold straight out of open sacks. Just stand there and sniff!
Bargains
The district of Karama is well-known for its "not quite authentic" cut-price copies of branded luxury goods - from watches and handbags, to luggage and T-shirts. It's best to take cash and be prepared to haggle!
