Located in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is deemed the most famous of all the cities in the country for numerous reasons. It is known for having the world's tallest Burj Khalifa and the luxurious Burj Al Arab hotel. But there is one more specific thing that the city is renowned for — shopping.
Dubai is the perfect destination for shopaholics and even holds celebrations dedicated to the endeavor, such as the annual Dubai Shopping Festival. But who needs a festival to shop? With so many shopping varieties to choose from, every day in this city is a shopping festival!
Feeling A Bit Lavish Today? Indulge In Some Luxury Shopping Within Dubai's Well-Known Grandiose Shops
Suppose shoppers want to treat themselves to something especially exquisite. Why not go for designer shops that provide branded quality items that they will adore, including designer bags, footwear, clothing, and perfume? While the number of luxury shops in other places is limited, Dubai has gained a reputation for having a vast array of exclusive shops. Dubai is the place to be for those shoppers who want to splurge excessively to ease their stress.
Mall Of The Emirates' Fashion Dome
If you're in the mood for some luxury shopping, then look no further than Mall of the Emirates Fashion Dome! Not only is the place extravagant, but it contains over 80 top designer and flagship brands. It even includes famous fine dining restaurants and cafes! Undoubtedly, going to Mall of the Emirates' Fashion Dome is a must if shoppers want to pamper themselves with the fanciest brands around!
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd, Al Barsha Al, Barsha 1, Dubai
- Operating Hours: 10 AM – 12 AM
- Brands Available: Prada, Balenciaga, Valentino, Bvlgari, Cartier, Burberry, Gucci, Saint Laurent, etc.
- Facilities Include: Exceptional shopping experience, parking facilities, "Luxury Wing" which includes famous flagship brands, luxury dining, and cafes, renowned restaurants of different cuisines
- Contact: 800 MOE MALL (663 6255) / +971 44099100
Bloomingdale's
Those with the affluence to spend a lot on fine apparel, handbags, accessories, and shoes should head over to Bloomingdale's. Located in the Dubai Mall, this three-story department store contains various designer labels that you won't regret lending your time on. Bloomingdale's even includes a place to curb your sweet tooth while you shop: Magnolia's Bakery.
- Location: Financial Center Road, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
- Operating Hours: Sunday - Wednesday: 10 AM – 11 PM / Thursday - Saturday: 10 AM – 12 AM
- Brands Available: Off-White, Tom Ford, Calvin Klein, etc.
- Contact: +941 4 350 5333
Perfumery & Co.
Shoppers who are big fans of perfumes and want to add a little spice to their collection should head into The Dubai Mall's Perfumery & Co., where they can find exclusive luxury brands of perfumes, scents, and colognes. They can choose from over 40 elegant perfume brands, including Dior, Chanel, Henry Jacques, Roja Parfums, and more!
- Location: Financial Center Road, The Dubai Mall, Downtown Dubai
- Operating Hours: Sunday - Wednesday: 10 AM – 12 AM / Thursday - Saturday: 10 AM – 1 AM
- Brands Available: Dior, Chanel, Goutal, Jardin De Parfums, Henry Jacques, Roja Parfums, Parfums De Marly, Memo Paris, Aqua Flor, Ocyana, Signature Fragrance London, The Merchant of Venice, etc.
- Contact: +971 4 362 7500
For Those Who Want to Save a Little, Budget Shopping Is the Must-Do
For the conscientious bargain hunters who seek budget-friendly yet high-quality goods, Dubai doesn't fall short. If there are several luxury spots found here, imagine the number of budget shops around!
Budget shops sell all kinds of goods that aren't much different from those seen in high-end stores. Some quality items to buy on a budget include:
- Fashionwear
- Luggage
- Footwear
The Outlet Village
The Outlet Village is an Italian-themed shopping mall located in Jebel Ali, where shoppers can find some luxury and high-end brands at affordable prices. Some bags sold here have significant discounts of up to 50% and are usually less than their original price! The Outlet Village also houses iconic brands at value prices, so this is the perfect place for shoppers to buy something both high-class and inexpensive.
- Location: Near Dubai Parks and Resorts, Mina Jebel Ali, Dubai
- Operating Hours: Sunday - Wednesday: 10 AM – 10 PM / Thursday - Saturday: 10 AM – 11 PM
- Brands Available: Coach, Nike, DKNY, Hugo Boss, etc.
- Contact: +971 800 738245
Dragon Mart
Known as the epitome of cheap shopping in Dubai, Dragon Mart lives up to its reputation! This dragon-shaped complex is the largest hub for Chinese products outside of China. With more than 3500 stores, this shopping mall can meet all your shopping needs and more at surprisingly low prices! Tourists can even find brand outlets such as H&M and Mata while strolling around!
- Location: International City Al Awir Road Dragon Mart 1, Dubai
- Operating Hours: Sunday - Wednesday: 10 AM – 10 PM / Thursday - Saturday: 10 AM – 12 AM
- Contact: +971 800 6254335
WAFI
Also known as Wafi City, this Egyptian-themed complex is another must for budget shopping. Not only does it include a mall, but it also has hotels, top restaurants, a nightclub, and even a residence area! Its shopping mall has over 300 stores, from affordable labels to luxury brands. Truly, Wafi City is perfect for shopping, eating, or just strolling around!
- Location: Oud Metha Rd, Umm Hurair 2, Dubai
- Operating Hours: Saturday - Wednesday: 10 AM – 10 PM / Thursday - Friday: 10 AM – 12 AM
- Contact: +971 4 324 4555
- Facilities: Customer service, Communication Service, Kids' Service, Public Transportation, Prayer Rooms, etc.
A Trip Wouldn't Be Complete Without Bringing Souvenirs From These Souvenir Shops
If tourists want to shop for ornaments or souvenirs to bring home that are low in price but great in quality, then Dubai's got them covered. It isn't a "shopping capital" for nothing! It has all kinds of shopping stores and outlets, including souvenir shops!
CAMEL Company
This place is perfect for tourists who want to bring home cute gifts such as toothbrush holders, stationery, scarves, and more! The UAE itself is the main inspiration for this souvenir shop's products, so buying from it allows visitors to bring a taste of Dubai home with them!
- Location: Financial Center Rd, Downtown Dubai, Dubai
- Operating Hours: Saturday - Wednesday: 10 AM – 1 AM / Thursday - Friday: 10 AM – 12 AM
- Contact: +971 4 330 8117
BATEEL
If tourists want to get something more unique and unusual, they better head to BATEEL to shop for dates! Yes, that's right — dates! BATEEL is the world's gourmet date producer, selling rich and sweet dates as souvenirs! They offer varieties of dates, some coated with chocolate, stuffed with nuts, and even candied! These dates are perfect for those who want to bring a sweet treat home that could remind them of their lovely experiences in Dubai.
- Locations: Arabian Ranches, Burjuman Centre, Deira City Centre, Dubai Festival City, Mall of the Emirates, The Dubai Mall, etc.
- Operating Hours: Hours may vary depending on location
- Contact: 04-885-8738
Gallery One
If an art-lover tourist wants to add another piece to their beloved art collection, then Gallery One is the ideal location! From postcards to wall art, Gallery One meets all the needs of art nerds looking to catch a glimpse of Arabian-inspired work. Bringing art home from Dubai will remind tourists of the gratifying shopping trip that they've once had.
- Locations: The Dubai Mall, Souk Al Bahar, Dubai Festival City, Atlantis The Palm, etc.
- Operating Hours: Hours may vary depending on location
- Contact: 04-557-6306
Looking for New Bling? Then Why Not Do Gold Shopping!
As one of its major exports, it's no surprise that this city is chock full of gold! Dubai is well-known worldwide for its glittering towers of expensive materials such as gold and marble. But where else can gold be found in this extravagant city? In the malls and souks, of course! Sold as bling for those who want to add something shiny to their collection, Dubai's gold jewelry is unmatched.
Malabar Gold & Diamonds
This leading gold and diamond shop in Dubai offers a stunning and glamorous collection of jewelry. Tourists who want to go all out, even on simple occasions such as birthdays or meetings, should head to this fancy shop to find gold and diamond necklaces, bracelets, rings, and more. This shop is different from the others because they also sell watches and gold coins, which is an excellent buy for those who want to splurge.
- Location: Meena Bazar, Cosmos Lane, Near Dubai Museum, Bur Dubai / Shop no: B66, Karama Center, Al Karama
- Operating Hours: Hours may vary depending on location
- Contact:Â +971-4-388-7916 / +971-4-358-4916
The Gold Souk
Located in Deira, this is said to be the best place to buy gold in Dubai. If tourists want to buy some Arabian-inspired jewelry with a touch of European styles, then this place is their must-go-to. This gold shop houses retailers who sell gold, platinum, silver, and even diamonds. This shop is also home to the Najmat Taiba, the Guinness record holder for being the world's heaviest ring studded with gold and Swarovski stones.
- Location: 54 Al Khor Street, Deira, Dubai
- Operating Hours: Saturday - Thursday: 10 AM – 10 PM / Friday: 4 PM – 10 PM
- Contact: 04-2265461
It's Shopping Festival Time! Join the Celebration and Shop Till You Drop at the Dubai Shopping Festival
Held annually from December through January, the Dubai Shopping Festival is a shopping spree like no other. With its insane raffle prizes, amazing retail deals, and discounted entertainment, the Dubai Shopping Festival is a shopaholics paradise! During this festival, the entire city is aglow with brilliant lights and even brighter smiles.
Ibn Battuta Mall
Styled after the famous Moroccan explorer, this themed mall has sections specially designed for the places he visited and discoveries he made. Shoppers can also find popular stores here, such as Aeropostale, Levis, Tommy Hilfiger, MARKS & SPENCER, and Giordano. During the festivals, shoppers better head here to find their favorite brands and items such as clothing, footwear, and luggage at honest prices!
- Location: Sheikh Zayed Rd, Jebel Ali Village, Dubai
- Operating Hours: Saturday - Wednesday: 10 AM – 10 PM / Thursday - Friday: 10 AM – 12 AM
- Contact: +971 4 368 5543
Burjuman
One of the oldest shopping malls in Dubai, this four-story shopping area also has a lot to offer! This mall has almost every store imaginable for every shopping need — clothing, footwear, luggage, even electronics and delicacy shops! Famous stores included are Adidas, H&M, Tissot, Samsung, Baskin Robbins, Herschel, and Samsonite.
- Location: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Rd, Al Mankhool, Dubai
- Operating Hours: Saturday - Wednesday: 10 AM – 11 PM / Thursday - Friday: 10 AM – 12 AM
- Contact: +971 4 352 0222
Dubai is considered a shopping capital and a must-have on everyone's travel bucket list. Whether to spoil themselves with different clothing, bags, and footwear or to relieve some much-needed stress, this city is a shopper's haven. Indeed, with its limitless shopping centers, boutiques, and markets, Dubai has truly earned its place as one of the world's best shopping cities.