World of Luxury Travel
United Arab Emirates
Shopping in Dubai
hotels in Dubai
From the world's biggest shopping mall to the intimacy of the souk, from dazzling jewellery, gold and designer fashions to a simple bag of spices, from Arabian art and crafts to a Western-style tailored suit, Dubai's array of shopping opportunities is unparalleled in the Middle East. Dubai showcases leading brands from around the world, with an increasing choice of fashion and jewellery imported from Europe and elsewhere to complement locally produced luxury goods. Expect to find a vast choice of beautiful carpets from across Asia; high-carat gold and exquisite precious stones, fine porcelain, fragrant perfumes and electrical goods, all at great prices: shoppers in Dubai benefit from the city's tax-free shopping policies and low import duties, meaning much merchandise is available for less than in its country of origin. Dubai's rapid development as a luxury travel destination is due in large part to its classy shopping. The Dubai Mall, part of the Burj Dubai development, is set to become the world's biggest shopping mall when completed in 2008; the Emirates Mall will boast the world's largest indoor ski slope under its roof, and the spectacular Dubailand complex is adding another dimension to Dubai's shopping and entertainment options. This jewel of the Middle East offers some of the world's most palatial shopping malls, notably on the Bur Dubai side of the Creek. A few of the premier malls for luxury goods and designer labels are the pyramidal Wafi Mall, The Village on Jumeriah Beach Road and the Twin Towers on Beniyas Road and the BurJuman Centre on Trade Centre Road. Shop here for native and international designer fashion, gifts and jewelry and enjoy entertainment for the whole family. The Deira district is a shoppers' delight: Deira City Centre features 280 stores, a definite 'shop till you drop' experience, whilst the Al Bustan and Abu Hail Shopping Centres, the Galleria and Hamarain Centre sell leading brands of fashion, watches, jewellery, sports goods and more under one roof. Dubai's oldest shopping centre, Al Ghurair Retail City, offers over 100 stores selling exotic perfumes, elegant clothes and electrical items as well as refreshment centres. Another eminent shopping area is the Jumeirah district, featuring an assortment of fashionable malls including Magrudy's Shopping Mall, the Beach Centre, Markaz Al Jumeirah, the Town Centre and Jumaira Plaza, whilst Lamcy Plaza offers plenty of fun for the family. Just outside Dubai is the UAE's second largest shopping centre, the Ibn Battuta Mall, where five themed shopping 'zones' take their design inspiration from China, India, Persia, Morocco and Eygpt. Dubai is also famous the world over for its souks. The Gold Souk sells high-carat gold jewelry, gold bars and bullion coins, plus dazzling necklaces, earrings and bracelets. Neighboring the Gold Souk is the Spice Souk, where aromatic spices from all over the Middle East are brought together. For the best perfumes in Dubai, visit the Perfume Souk, the home of thousands of seductive aromas. Dubai is also one of the best places outside Iran to buy Persian carpets. The Al Fahidi Street sells all manner of electrical goods, Cosmos Lane for rich fabrics from East and West. Just outside the city centre is Karama, the place for bargains. The Al Mulla Plaza is another place to shop if you are looking for something out of the ordinary and a little less expensive than the upscale shopping malls. Mall of the Emirates The Dubai Mall Dubailand Wafi Shopping Mall The Village Twin Towers Burjuman Centre Al Bustan Centre Deira City Center Abu Hail Shopping Centre Galleria Shopping Mall Club 21 Hamarain Centre Magrudys Shopping Mall Al Ghurair City Beach Centre Jumeirah Beach Road, Dubai Markaz al Jumeirah Town Centre Lamcy Plaza Jumaira Plaza Ibn Battuta Mall Gold, Spice & Perfume Souks Al Mulla Plaza Al Fahidi Street |
