Shopping in Dubai can be fun, but it can also get overwhelming at times. From clothes to electronics, designer brands and luxury goods, one is sure to be spoilt for choice when on a holiday. But worry not, we’re here to help! Curly Tales gives you a quick round-up of the shopping scene in Dubai, so you don’t scramble while you’re holidaying.
Whether its malls or markets, here’s a list that will help you sort your shopping needs and also plan your day!
1. Malls
Shopping in Dubai is never complete without a visit to the best malls in town. One of the biggest malls in town, the Dubai Mall offers a complete shopping experience. The mall is equipped with luxurious brands from Europe and the US. Shopping aside, the mall also houses a four-storey indoor waterfall, a huge aquarium, an Olympic size ski-rink and a staggering number of food outlets. And, last but not the least, the mall also has the city’s favourite tourist attraction- The Dubai Fountain.
In case you’re looking at a more relaxed shopping experience, head to the Ibn Battuta Mall. The mall consists China, India, Egypt, Tunisia, Andalusia and Persian themed wings, replete with an array of shops. The list of shops include H&M, Jashanmal, Cath Kidston, House of Leather and much more. Brand freaks can head to Outlet Village, where you can pick luxury brands for bargain prices. From Michael Kors, to Tumi, Tommy Hilfiger, Aigner, and Kate Spade- there’s little that won’t find here.
City Walk 1 & 2 are the best places to head if you’re looking to shop for beauty, fashion, wellness, home, or jewellery. These aside, The Mall of the Emirates, Marina Mall, and Bur Juman mall are other malls you must visit in the city.
2. Gold Souk
What’s a trip without shopping in Dubai souks! Head to Deira’s gold souk for all things gold. The souk has an old and a new section scattered with gold shops. Allow yourself a day to shop here and don’t hesitate to bargain. Lastly, most gold shops will charge a fee for purchases made using credit card.
3. Al Fahidi Street
If you’re a gadget geek, Al Fahidi street is one place you must go shopping in Dubai! The area is tucked in with big and small shops that sell a range of electronic goods ranging from laptops to cameras, and even household appliances like oven, refrigerator, and washing machine. However, there are a few things to keep in mind when you shop here. Make sure you ask for an international warranty, and check the voltage specifications if you’re taking goods back home.
4. Dragon Mart
One of the biggest places to go shopping in Dubai, Dragon Mart is where you must head for affordable Chinese goods. Located in International City, the mall takes the shape of a dragon and sprawls across 150,000 sq.m. It houses over 3,500 stores decked with everything one could possibly wish for. Here are some crazy things we found on our excursion:
#Gold Toilet
Up for a royal dump? Well, dragon mart sells gold-coloured toilets, letting you experience a royal life. That’s not it, you get gold colored shower pipes and basins as well.
#Portable Karaoke
If you love singing, get yourself a mic with an inbuilt speaker and karoke wherever you like!
#Create Your Own Disco
High on parties? Dragon Mart sells illuminated tiles which can turn your room into a disco hangout almost instantly. How cool is that!
#Bling Shoes and Wallets
If you love all things glittery and bling, dragon mart is a place where you can let lose. From funky footwear to wallets and accessories that stand out, this is the best place to those flashy stuff -for a reasonable price.
5. Markets
Bored of malls? Shopping in Dubai goes a little further, letting you step outdoors and enjoy a fun day shopping in the local markets. Dubai has a vibrant market scene that sells it all under one roof. Here are some markets you can spot in the city on a regular basis:
#Dubai Flea Market
Furnished with all things second hand, shopping in Dubai Flea Market is the right place to buy and sell second hand and pre-loved items. From household items to home appliances, furniture, textile, ceramics, electrical equipment, toys, games, books, DVD’s, clothes, antiques and accessories, the market is a go-down of second-hand goods.
#Ripe Market
Head here for fresh organic fruits and veggies, juices, honey, tea, eggs, superfoods, gluten-free foods, arts, craft, fashion, jewellery and of course the abundance of dining options. With petting zoos, fitness workshops, live music and other educational activities, the market has a little something for everyone. The ripe market usually happens at the Times Square Centre during summer and at the Police Academy in winter.
#Arte- The Maker’s Market
What started as a humble initiative to celebrate home-grown talent has now become one of the favourite markets to go shopping in Dubai. Head to the Arte market for everything under the sun- from home decor to hip clothes, shoes, paintings, baked goodies, and other knick-knacks. Handcrafted by local artisans and enthusiasts, this one’s truly a maker’s market. If you are the one who appreciates art and things little and pretty, this one’s definitely for you!
#The Market At The Beach
Fancy a swim amidst a scenic setting followed by a sumptuous brunch? Market at the Beach is where you must head! The market is split into two huge divisions- one that has an array of fancy stalls selling everything from clothes to artisanal soaps, wooden toys, hand-crafted items and jewellery. The other part of the market is flooded with dining options where you get spectacular cuisines and other on-the-go snacks you can nibble away on the sand. With sun, sand, water, food and shops all under one roof, there’s nothing you will miss once you’re here.
#Farmer’s Market
Every weekend, Business Bay turns into a vibrant vegetable market, letting you stock up on your weekly veggies. The Farmer’s Market brings to its visitor’s farm to table fruits and veggies, organic pastries, bread, bean ice cream and much more. You can also enjoy a fresh, grill-cooked breakfast in the morning. So, ditch your fancy supermarkets and restaurants and go natural this weekend!