Shopping in Dubai

Dubai is quite literally a shopper’s paradise! It has in excess of fifty notable shopping centres and a great many souks which all offer consumers an incredible array of items at highly attractive tax free prices.

Bargaining is part of the fun of shopping in Dubai. While boutiques, some electronics shops, department stores and supermarkets may operate on a fixed price basis, most other outlets consider friendly negotiation as a way of life. The Dubai shopping scene offers something for everyone. Apart from competitively priced electronic products, watches, cameras and other international items, popular traditional gifts include:

* Arabic coffee pots
* Silver and brass swords and khanjars (Arabic curved daggers)
* Prayer beads
* Soapstone figures
* Coasters, letter racks, jewellery boxes, chests etc decorated with lapislazuli, turquoise, malachite and other semi-precious stones
* Marble goblets
* Silver antique jewellery
* Brass items
* Silver and wooden dhows
* Persian carpets and cotton dhurries (oblong floor coverings).

Carpets
Dubai is just across the Gulf from Iran, so the supply of Persian carpets is considered one of the best outside of Iran. Prices are also good if you know a bit about carpets and bargaining. If you don't, this is a good opportunity to take the time to learn about designs, quality, origins, and of course prices.

The Blue Souk (Central Market) in Sharjah is famous for its carpet and gold shops. Be sure to visit the Tabriz Carpet Exhibit.

Gold
The Covered Gold Souk in Deira is Dubai's most famous gold market. Designs range from 22 carat Indian extravaganzas to delicate18 carat Italian pieces. Prices are based on weight and craftmanship and fluctuate frequently.

The Sharjah Blue Souk is another popular gold market only 15 minutes away from downtown Dubai.

There are also lots of jewelry shops in Dubai's many modern malls. This is, after all, one of the largest retail market for gold in the world.

Shopping malls
Attractive modern shopping plazas are conveniently located throughout the city, housing a wide range of shops, boutiques, supermarkets, restaurants and fast food outlets. Leading malls in the Deira district include Al Mulla Plaza, the Intercontinental Plaza, Abu Hail Shopping Centre, The Galleria, Al Ghurair Centre, The City Centre, The Al Manal Centre, The Center and Hamarain Centre. On the Dubai side of the Creek, the Wafi Mall, Bur Juman Centre, and Holiday Centre are among the largest complexes.

The Jumeirah district has Magrudy's Shopping Mall, Markaz Al Jumeirah and The Beach Centre. In addition, there are many top class department stores and boutiques throughout the city.

Dubai Shopping Festival
During Dubai Shopping festival the entire emirate becomes one massive shopping mall. With over 40 themed malls, souqs, well-lit streets, shops and boutiques tempting shoppers with dazzling displays, attractive price-offs, discounts, bargains, incredible offers and promotions, shoppers find themselves amidst an entertaining set-up that enthralls one and all.

Dubai malls with over 1,000 outlets host the world’s finest brands in fashion, jewellery, watches, cosmetics, home accessories, furniture, and electronics. The shopping is supported by winning opportunities presented through various purchase-related raffles and scratch ‘n’ win promotions. Additionally, the Surprises brings together world-renowned music shows, art exhibitions, and folk dances that make your shopping experience a truly memorable one.