Dubai City Guide

Shopping in Dubai

Shopping
Dubai is perfect for the serious shopper - this is quite literally mall heaven! A new state-of-the-art shopping complex opens every year, and it’s always bigger and flashier than the last. Cut-price electronics can be found in the Beniyas Square area of Deira, not far from the sheltered souk. The souqs are Arabic markets where all types of merchandise are bought, sold and exchanged. If you’re after Arabian products they offer a wide selection of goods – fish, textiles, shoes, perfume, gold and even camels!

 

Bargaining

Bargaining can be quite tiring but try not to give up too quickly as prices can drop by 20% to 50%. It’s acceptable even in the shopping centres to ask for their ‘best price’. Once the shopkeeper agrees to your offer you are expected to pay - offering a lower sum is impolite.

 

Souqs

Textile Souq
Creekside, Bur Dubai

The textile souq opens your eyes to amazing colours, textures and weaves from all over the world. In this treasure trove of fabrics you’ll come across thin voile decorated with sparkling threads, satin, silk, velvet and broderie anglaise.

 

Spice Souq
Deira

The spice souk is mesmerising and evocative with narrow streets and an aroma so unique it’s like walking into another age. If you’re unsure about what to buy the souq vendors are more than happy to advise you.

 

Fish Market
Shingdagha Tunnel, Deira

The fish market is great for taking pictures with an amazing variety of fresh fish. With very unusual species on display you’re bound to come across the odd fish or two that you’ve never seen before!  The market also has a restaurant and a museum explaining Dubai’s history as a fishing village.  

 

Shopping Malls

Mall of the Emirates
Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Tel: 409 9000

This mall is claimed to be the largest shopping mall outside of North America and the third largest in the world. The centre has a fourteen-screen movie theater, a gaming arena and a typical selection of stores but its claim to fame is the Middle East's first indoor ski slope, Ski Dubai. The ski area is perhaps the third largest in the world.

 

Burjurman Centre
Cnr Khalid bin al-Waleed & trade Centre Rds, Bur Dubai.
Tel: 352 0222

Burjurman has a great selection exclusive designer labels for men and Women with labels such as Kenzo, Calvin Klein, Christian Lacroix, La Perla, Alain Manoukian and plenty more.

 

Deira City Centre
Al-Garhoud Rd, near Dubai Creek Golf & Yacht Club, Deira
Tel: 295 1010

This is Dubai’s most popular shopping centre with a cinema complex, food court, restaurants and a variety of shops including department stores, electronic shops, the largest supermarket in the city (Carrefour), an area specialising in carpets/crafts and numerous gold and jewellery stores.

 

Lamcy Plaza
Nr EPPCO HQ, Oud Metha
Tel: 335 9999

This five-storey mall has shops selling fashions, sports equipment, shoes, books jewellery and children’s items. Once you get used to the labyrinth style layout you’ll love the fact that you can buy everything under one roof!

 

Wafi Mall
Wafi City, Umm Hurair
Tel: 324 4555

This is one of the most exclusive stores in the city with a roof, topped with three glass pyramids. The four floors are teaming with trendy boutiques, designer food stores, coffee shops, luxury gift shops and home furnishing stores. With over 200 shops the store can seem a bit daunting but there are plenty of location charts to help you find what you’re looking for.

 

 

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