Shopping in Dubai

The choice for the shopper is unlimited and those living in Dubai or holidaying in the emirate cannot help but spend their free time browsing around and looking at everything from luxury cars and designer labels to gold, spices, perfumes and Arabian souvenirs such as copper coffeepots, rugs and carpets.

If you’re going to live in Dubai you may as well leave all your worldly goods behind and start again when you get to the emirate! Prices in Dubai are so attractive because everything is sold tax free and because Dubai is such a significant port that it imports great volumes and does so with low import duty.

The best value items are gold and jewellery but every day items like furniture, clothing and of course food are affordable too. The cost of living in Dubai is expensive but this is because of rental rates and the costs of entertainment such as eating and drinking out. The core costs of living in terms of buying food to cook at home, clothes to wear and even furniture to deck out your new property in Dubai can be very cheap indeed.

Having said that a number of the shopping malls in Dubai are exclusively designer and prices although cheaper than elsewhere in the world for the same items are still on the pricey side. BurJuman Centre or Emirates Tower Boulevard are both good malls for those in search of designer clothing, handbags and sunglasses for example, or the Jumeirah Centre offers shoppers discounted designer items and it can be an excellent place to bag a bargain or two that will make your friends and colleagues rather jealous!

Probably the most popular shopping mall in Dubai is Deira City Centre. As the name suggests it is centrally located and is home to around 280 outlets. All the big name retail and restaurant brands are here and the complex also houses a massive cinema and entertainment centre so it’s a great place for all the family who want an entertainment packed day out.

Those looking for something a little more unusual when shopping in Dubai might like to consider either the Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall or The Village. Ibn Battuta Shopping Mall is now Dubai’s second largest mall and it’s located a little off the beaten track but it has five themed shopping zones and the design influences throughout range from Moroccan to Chinese, Indian to Persian and make it a funky place to visit. It’s home to many international large chains as well as some exclusive outlets. The Village on the other hand marks a refreshing change for shoppers in Dubai because instead of housing chain retail stores and international restaurant chains it is home to independent shops and businesses and Time Out Dubai‘s description of it sums it up perfectly, “The Village is an avant-garde shopaholic’s dream”. The Village is one NOT to be missed.

Dubai’s Souks are also an experience not to be missed out on especially if you’re only visiting Dubai. Make time to wander around and sample the flavours and experience the atmosphere. Don’t be afraid to haggle over the price of any items you fancy but be prepared to be overwhelmed by choice! The Gold Souk, Perfume Souk and Spice Souk are all worth a visit.

Shopping in Dubai is an incredible experience...even people who claim to hate shopping can’t help but be drawn into the experience. The shop windows, the incredible array of goods and items on display and for sale, the fantastic prices and Dubai’s unique way of making everything it creates iconic and impressive will have anyone in awe! I defy you to travel to Dubai and not go at least window shopping!