DinaI recently received messages from several readers asking about shopping in Dubai after reading my post about how to dress in Dubai. One reader specifically wrote: “Your Dubai guides are fantastic, but where should I shop? Is it really a shopping paradise?“
Well, she’s right to ask! Dubai isn’t called the “Shopping Capital of the Middle East” for nothing. This city takes retail therapy to a whole new level, with everything from ultra-luxurious malls to traditional souks and bargain outlets. But is it worth your money? Let’s find out!
THE BEST MALLS IN DUBAI
Let me start by clarifying that I am not a fashion blogger, nor am I rich enough to be shopping at all those luxury stores! However, I’ve explored most of Dubai’s famous malls during my visit, so I can give you the real scoop on what to expect.
Dubai Mall – The Ultimate Shopping Experience
The Dubai Mall isn’t just a shopping center – it’s a destination on its own! I discussed it briefly in my top things to do in Dubai article, but let me tell you more about the shopping aspect.
With over 1,200 stores spread across its massive space (equivalent to 50 football fields!), it’s the largest mall in the world by total area. Here you’ll find:
- A dedicated Fashion Avenue with over 150 luxury brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior
- Every high-street brand you can imagine (Zara, H&M, Mango)
- Electronics heaven at the Electronics District
- Gold Souk for jewelry and watches
- A whole area just for kids’ clothing and toys
My Pretty Travels Tip: Visit on a weekday morning if possible. The mall gets CRAZY crowded in the evenings and on weekends. I made the mistake of going on a Friday evening, and it was crazy busy!
Mall of the Emirates – Shopping and Skiing!
If you want a slightly less overwhelming experience but still plenty of shopping options, head to Mall of the Emirates. It has:
- Around 630 stores with a good mix of luxury and high-street brands
- Harvey Nichols department store
- The famous Ski Dubai indoor ski slope (so bizarre to see in the desert!)
- A large Carrefour supermarket for practical shopping
My Pretty Travels Tip: If you're shopping during summer (which I don't recommend - it's way too hot outside!), dress in layers because you'll be going from 40°C outside to freezing air conditioning inside.
Dubai Marina Mall – Shopping with a View
For a more relaxed shopping experience, I enjoyed Dubai Marina Mall. It’s smaller (only about 140 stores), but what it lacks in size, it makes up for in atmosphere with beautiful marina views. The stores here are a nice mix of international and local brands, and there are plenty of waterfront cafes where you can take a break and watch the yachts go by.
WHERE TO FIND TRADITIONAL SHOPPING IN DUBAI
Not all shopping in Dubai happens in glitzy malls! For a more authentic experience, you should definitely visit the traditional souks (markets).
Gold Souk – Prepare to Be Dazzled
The Dubai Gold Souk in Deira is an experience you shouldn’t miss, even if you’re not planning to buy anything. Walking through narrow lanes with shop windows displaying what seems like TONS of gold is quite impressive!
- Over 380 retailers, mostly selling gold, silver and precious stones
- Some of the best gold prices in the world (Dubai is known as the “City of Gold” for a reason)
- Genuine products with high quality standards
My Pretty Travels Tip: Always haggle! Prices are typically marked up by 30-50%, so start by offering about half of the asking price and negotiate from there. Also, be cautious with your belongings – it’s generally safe but crowded areas always attract pickpockets.
Textile Souk – Fabrics Galore
Just across Dubai Creek from the Gold Souk is the Textile Souk (also called Bur Dubai Souk). If you love fabrics, this place is heaven! You’ll find:
- Beautiful silks, cottons, and cashmere
- Pashminas and scarves at great prices
- Ready-made traditional clothing
- Embroidered items and materials
My Pretty Travels Tip: Take an abra (traditional wooden boat) across Dubai Creek between the Gold and Textile souks. It costs only 1 dirham (about 0.25€) and gives you a beautiful view of old Dubai.
Spice Souk – A Feast for the Senses
Walking through the Spice Souk is an assault on your senses in the best possible way. The colors and aromas are amazing! You’ll find:
- Every spice imaginable, from saffron to exotic mixes
- Dried fruits and nuts
- Traditional incense (oud) and shisha tobacco
- Rose petals and Arabic perfumes
These items make great gifts to take home from Dubai, and they’re much more authentic than another magnet or keychain!
MORE SHOPPING DESTINATIONS YOU SHOULDN’T MISS
Before we dive into budget shopping options, let me share two more incredible shopping destinations in Dubai that are definitely worth your time!
Global Village – Shopping from Around the World
One of my biggest surprises in Dubai was the Global Village! It’s a seasonal shopping and entertainment destination that’s open from October to April each year. Imagine a huge fairground where different countries have their own pavilions selling traditional goods. It’s like traveling the world in one evening!
Here you’ll find:
- Over 25 country pavilions including Egypt, Morocco, Turkey, India, and China
- Cultural performances and shows throughout the day
- Hundreds of food stalls with authentic cuisine
- Carnival rides and entertainment for all ages
My Pretty Travels Tip: Go in the evening when it's cooler and all the pavilions are lit up beautifully. Don't miss the nightly performances at the main stage! Allow at least 3-4 hours to properly explore – it's massive.
Dubai Festival City Mall – Shopping with a Show
Dubai Festival City Mall might not be as famous as Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates, but it has something special – the IMAGINE water, light and fire show that happens every evening on the hour from 6pm.
The mall itself offers:
- Around 400 stores with a good mix of brands
- A large IKEA store (if you need affordable homewares)
- Great waterfront dining options
- Convenient location near the airport
My Pretty Travels Tip: Time your visit to catch the free IMAGINE show – it's spectacular and makes shopping here special. Try to get a table at one of the waterfront restaurants for dinner with a view of the show.
BUDGET SHOPPING IN DUBAI
Despite its luxury reputation, Dubai does have options for budget shopping too.
Karama Market – The Bargain Hunter’s Paradise
If you’re looking for bargains and don’t mind items of questionable authenticity, head to Karama. This area is known for:
- “Designer inspired” bags, watches, and clothing (yes, I’m being diplomatic here!)
- Affordable souvenirs and gifts
- Electronics at competitive prices
- Small shops where haggling is expected
My Pretty Travels Tip: Prices here start extremely high for tourists, so be prepared to negotiate hard. Also, remember that buying counterfeit goods is technically illegal, even if the practice is somewhat tolerated.
Dragon Mart – Asian Imports Galore
Dragon Mart is a massive Chinese trading hub that’s shaped like a dragon (how appropriate!). It’s not centrally located, but if you’re staying for longer and want to do some serious bargain hunting, it might be worth the trip. You’ll find:
- Electronics and household goods
- Clothing and textiles
- Furniture and home decor
- Basically anything you can imagine, at wholesale prices
Outlet Shopping – Luxury for Less
If you want designer brands but can’t stomach the full prices, Dubai has some good outlet options:
- Dubai Outlet Mall – about 30 minutes from the city center with over 1,200 brands
- The Outlet Village – designed like a Tuscan village with discounted luxury brands
- DIFC Gate Avenue – not technically an outlet but offers some great sales outside of festival season
My Pretty Travels Tip: If you’re serious about outlet shopping, consider taking a taxi rather than public transport. The metro doesn’t reach these locations directly, and after a long day of shopping, you’ll appreciate the convenience of a direct ride back to your hotel with all your bags!
WHAT TO BUY IN DUBAI
Now, what should you actually buy in Dubai? Here are my recommendations:
Gold Jewelry
If you’re going to buy gold anywhere in the world, Dubai is one of the best places. The prices are competitive, the quality is guaranteed, and the selection is incredible. Just make sure to:
- Buy from reputable shops (the ones in the Gold Souk are regulated)
- Check the day’s gold price before shopping
- Negotiate the making charges (the craftsmanship fee added to the gold price)
Dates and Arabic Sweets
Dubai has some of the most delicious dates you’ll ever taste, often stuffed with nuts or candied fruit, or covered in chocolate. Bateel is a famous local brand, but you’ll find many options at different price points.
Spices and Saffron
Saffron is significantly cheaper in Dubai than in Europe, and the quality is excellent. Za’atar (a Middle Eastern herb mix) and other spice blends also make great gifts.
Perfumes
Arabic perfumes (called ‘attar’) are oil-based and have a distinctive, long-lasting scent. You can find them in beautiful decorative bottles that make perfect souvenirs. For designer perfumes, Dubai Duty Free at the airport often has good deals.
Pashminas and Textiles
The textile souk offers beautiful scarves and fabrics at much better prices than you’d find in Europe. The quality ranges from basic to luxurious, so check carefully what you’re buying.
SHOPPING TIPS FOR DUBAI
- Tax-free shopping: Dubai is a tax-free haven, which means prices for international brands might be lower than in your home country. However, tourist areas can still be expensive, so compare prices before buying.
- Bargaining: In souks and markets, haggling is expected. In malls, prices are fixed.
- Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF): This is the biggest shopping event of the year, running from mid-December to end of January (for 2025, the exact dates are December 20, 2024 to January 26, 2025). During DSF, you’ll find:
- Citywide discounts of 25-75% off at most retailers
- Daily raffles with prizes including luxury cars and gold
- Pop-up markets and special installations throughout the city
- Fireworks, concerts, and family entertainment
- Special promotions like “12-hour flash sales” where stores offer extra discounts
- Opening hours: Malls are typically open from 10am until midnight (or even later on weekends). During Ramadan, hours might change.
- Friday shopping: Friday is the Islamic holy day, so many smaller shops and souks might be closed in the morning but open in the afternoon. Malls are usually open all day.
- Dress code: While Dubai is relatively relaxed, it’s still respectful to dress modestly when shopping, especially in traditional areas. Check out my guide on how to dress in Dubai for more details.
FAQ
For certain items like gold, electronics, and perfumes – yes, thanks to the tax-free status. For fashion brands, it depends on your home country’s taxes and exchange rates.
The Dubai Shopping Festival (December-February) offers the best deals. Avoid shopping during summer months (May-September) as it’s unbearably hot.
No, prices in malls are fixed. Save your bargaining skills for the souks and traditional markets.
Yes! Dubai’s airport duty-free is one of the best in the world with competitive prices on electronics, perfumes, and alcohol (which is otherwise expensive in Dubai).
Dates, Arabic coffee sets, spices, camel milk chocolate, perfume oils, and pashminas make unique and relatively affordable souvenirs.
Disclaimer: This article may contain affiliate links. If you purchase anything through these external links, I will receive a small commission – at no extra cost to you – which helps maintain this website.
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