Dubai is a city dripping in luxury. From the first entry into the city, it is no doubt that there is no lack of places you can visit to shop bougie or to bargain for cheap prices, or tax exemptions on shopping. You’re sure to head back home with much more luggage than you came with. Indulge in a whole lot of shopaholism with these shopping centres in Dubai:
Iconic Dubai Shopping Experiences
If you want to get all the shopping, entertainment and luxury options in one place, here are the iconic Dubai Malls which offer all of the above:
A.Dubai Mall
The Dubai Mall in Downtown Dubai is one of the most visited retail and lifestyle destinations in the world. This massive mall with over 1200 retail outlets and 200 dining spots sees over 100 million visitors every year. It is the biggest mall in Dubai.
Fashion Avenue
Experience the true meaning of retail therapy with the Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue. With multiple flagship stores and dining areas from some of the best luxury brands’ shops, splurge and pamper yourself with the vast array of products and items you can find in this grand area of the Mall.
Souk Al Bahar
If you weren’t able to shop at the traditional Dubai souks, worry not, because the Souk Al Bahar at the Dubai brings in the classic touch of the street markets of old Dubai. With a vast range of products to go on a full on shopping spree, the Souk Al Bahar also provides an incredible viewing point of the Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain.
Entertainment and Family Fun
Sometimes you need a break from shopping. If you wish to indulge in just a little bit of entertainment, Dubai Mall has got you covered. The exciting VR Park in Dubai has numerous virtual reality experiences to add a little thrill to your day. Or visit KidZania to cure your kids’ boredom with the perfect mix of both education and entertainment. If you are a movie buff, head over to Reel Cinemas and enjoy some of the currently screening hits across different languages.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Undeniably, the attraction that lures in the most visitors to Dubai Mall is the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. With separate tickets, this 10 million litre aquarium gives visitors the chance to marvel at the 140 marine species it houses. Walk through the 48-metre surround tunnel or go on a glass boat ride for the ultimate aquatic life interaction experience.
Hotels and Accomodation
There’s no doubt that your visit to the Dubai Mall will leave you exhausted after all that shopping! If you wish to relax after a long day, you can stay at any of the adjoining 5-star hotels including the Address Dubai Mall, Address Boulevard and the like. Or to take your vacationing experiences to another level, you can stay at holiday homes Dubai by Holidaykeepers, the best choice for all your holiday adventurers. Loaded with the best in class amenities and luxury living, experiencing Dubai doesn’t get any closer than this.
B. Mall of Emirates (MoE)
This 2 million sq. ft. has over 630 retail stores and restaurants. Hosting some of the most renowned brand stores, this mall with beautiful interiors offers the best of shopping, dining and entertainment. This Mall is the place to be whether you’re looking for a family outing or a solo splurge.
Shopping in MoE
Whether you wish to adorn yourself with expensive fabrics, decorate your house with lavish interiors or doll yourself up with some makeup, there are a plethora of luxury brands in this mall for a holistic shopping experience. With internationally famous brands like M.A.C, Dior, Zara, Burberry, Chanel and Apple, you can walk away with some of the best quality items.
Eateries at MoE
This huge mall does tend to take up most of your day, and you’re bound to get hungry! Cafes and restaurants like California Pizza Kitchen, Farzi Cafe, Din Tai Fung and The Cheesecake Factory offering a vast variety of cuisines at the mall are sure to leave you with a satisfied appetite.
Entertainment at MoE
Ever heard of snow in the mall? If you want to cool off from the hot Dubai weather, make your way to Ski Dubai. This massive ski rink inside the mall itself gives you the opportunity to strap on the snow gear and learn skiing or simply partake in fun activities in the snow. It is an indoor experience of a lifetime!
Different kinds of virtual reality worlds come together at the Dreamscape VR Park. From dragons to deep sea, go on a virtual reality adventure in this park.
Allow your kids to have a blast at the Magic Planet kids zone with rides, arcade games and many more. Or you can go bowling for a fun getaway from shopping at Yalla! Bowling in the mall.
If you’re into cinemas, Vox Cinemas screens the latest blockbusters across languages with options of IMAX, 4DX and many more.
Traditional Markets and Dubai Souks
Local shopping is a whole experience, you get to roam outdoors while browsing through small shops for various items at bargained prices. And who doesn’t love a good discount? If you want a taste of the traditional Arab shopping experience, the different Dubai souks are sure to capture your attention.
A: Gold Souks
If you walk past the souks streets in Deira, you’ll definitely be allured by the dazzling gold available at the gold souk! If you thought you could never bargain for gold, think twice, because in this market, you can bargain your way through 18, 22 and even 24 K gold jewellery. Pay in cash for the best deals, and leave with government regulated quality gold for unbelievable prices.
B.Spices Souks
Authentic Emirati flavours have a blissful taste, and it’s all thanks to the fragrant spices. You can find an array of these spices at the spices souk in Dubai. If the smell doesn’t lure you in, the variety and the prices will surely leave wanting some to take home. Not only spices, but various dates, nuts and dry fruits are also sold here. If you love to cook, give this souk a visit and fill your food with bursts of flavour.
C:Textile Souk
With exquisite silks, vibrant fabrics and ready-made ensembles, you’re sure to find all the cloth you need in the textile souk in Dubai. For the sheer range of textiles available, the prices at this souk are definitely a steal. Pashminas, abayas, kaftans and even sari fabrics are available here.
Luxury Shopping and Fashion Districts
Here are some of the best districts in Dubai for fashion, design and a bunch of shopping.
A: Dubai Design District
There’s no better place for all things creative than Dubai Design District, famously known as D3. This district has it all, from art galleries to fashion boutiques to interior design stalls. From industry tycoons to small entrepreneurs, everyone sets up their shops here, allowing for a thorough shopping experience. Visit the plethora of clothing brands or home decor shops before stopping by an art display or breaking for food from any of the cafes here. D3 is a must visit for all those who love artistic displays and designer items.
B.Dubai City Walk
Who doesn’t love a good promenade along European style boulevards while hopping inside the multiple fashion boutiques and restaurants? If this is your shopper’s fantasy, the Dubai City Walk is definitely worth a visit! This area has some incredible shopping as well as entertainment options. With streets lined with local and international boutiques as well as cinemas and entertainment venues, there is no lack of things to do here. The Coca-Cola Arena hosts a range of performances for an entertaining way to end your day. Be sure to try and catch one of the many year-round events that take place in this fashion paradise.
Dubai Shopping Festival
This annual month long festival in Dubai put together by Dubai Festivals & Retail Establishment is a true shopping extravaganza. This festival houses many shops and stalls selling all things retail almost all at exorbitantly low prices. Make sure you don’t miss the grand fireworks show at this festival. If you love sales, you’re going to love shopping at this festival.
Tax Refunds and Tax Free Shopping in Dubai
In 2018, the ‘Tax Refund for Tourists’ scheme launched by the Federal Tax Authority allowed tourists to avail the benefits of tax refunds on certain goods across Dubai. More than 13,800 stores in Dubai are integrated within this umbrella VAT Refund Scheme, and it’s connected with multiple air, land and marine ports across UAE which allows tourists to claim these refunds before leaving the country. Here are a few conditions and eligibility criterion to claim these refunds:
- The retailer must be registered under the ‘Tax Refund for Tourists Scheme’.
- The items purchased must be valid under the scheme.
- The tourist must leave the UAE or the goods must be exported outside the UAE within 90 days of the purchase.
- The process of exporting and tax refund claiming must be done in accordance with the regulations and guidelines of the Federal Tax Authority.
This scheme makes shopping in the UAE easy and cheaper for tourists.
To sum up
Shopping in Dubai is efficient, convenient and very visitor-friendly. The plethora of shopping centres and markets both indoors and outdoors, traditional and modern, make shopping a day’s worth activity during your visit. Shopping never stops and neither does the season. Take your vacation experiences with Holidaykeepers for all your shopping expeditions and more. Book your vacation home today and enjoy every experience that comes your way.
FAQ’s
Q:Are there any sales or shopping festivals in Dubai?
A: Yes, Dubai hosts several shopping festivals throughout the year. The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is the most famous, usually held from late December to early February. The DSF offers discounts, promotions, entertainment, and fireworks. Another major event is the Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), featuring summer sales and family-oriented activities.
Q:What are the operating hours of shops in Dubai?
A: The operating hours of shops in Dubai can vary, but most shopping malls are open from around 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, seven days a week. Some smaller local shops may close for a few hours in the afternoon and reopen in the evening. The traditional markets typically operate from early morning until late evening.
Q:Are there any specific etiquettes or customs to keep in mind while shopping in Dubai?
A: When shopping in Dubai, it’s generally polite to negotiate prices in the traditional markets (souks), but not in modern shopping malls. It’s also recommended to dress modestly out of respect for local customs, especially when visiting markets and religious sites.
Q:Is tax added to the prices of goods in Dubai?
A: Dubai does not impose a value-added tax (VAT) on most goods. However, there might be additional charges for certain items such as tobacco, alcohol, and luxury goods.
With a decade of expertise in travel and hospitality, Aman Mehrotra, Senior Editor and Travel Manager at HolidayKeepers, is known for his compelling storytelling and insightful travel content. He skillfully combines strategic marketing wisdom with engaging narratives, covering everything from undiscovered destinations to the latest trends in vacation rentals. Aman’s writings resonate with both adventure enthusiasts and those seeking leisurely retreats. His global perspective and innovative approach make him a valuable asset to the HolidayKeepers team and a favorite among readers seeking inspiration and practical advice for their travels.
