Everything You Need To Know About Shopping In Dubai
Shopping in Dubai is an experience unlike any other with its mega shopping malls, quaint markets, and pretty much everything in between. Shopaholics visiting Dubai will definitely be immersed in fantastic retail therapy and even those not too keen on hitting the malls will want to experience all that this vibrant city has to offer.
Find a Dubai luggage storage locker nearby to stow your things so you are not bogged down with extra bags. You do not want to spend the day going back and forth to your hotel to drop off your goodies, instead use a locker and then collect everything at the end of the day. Shopping in Dubai can be a bit overwhelming if you do not know where to look for the best malls, markets, and boutiques. We'll help with that in this comprehensive guide to the best of Dubai, from fashion shopping to budget shopping!
Popular Shopping Malls in Dubai
The Dubai Mall
This is one of the most famous shopping malls in the United Arab Emirates with over 1,200 boutiques and shops. You will want to plan your trip accordingly since you will have about 350,000 square meters or 3,767,368 square feet to cover. Most people do not attempt to cover the entire Dubai Mall in one day. With it being the biggest shopping center in the world, that is a big feat.
Located in Dubai Downtown, the mall is easily accessible to the Dubai Metro or you can take the bus as there is a bus stop near the mall’s entrance. If you happen to be staying near Burj Khalifa, Dubai Mall is within walking distance. Plan your visit during the Dubai Shopping Festival to score some pretty impressive deals.
The Dubai Mall has pretty much everything under the sun and for every budget. Local and international brands have made a home at this mall offering jewelry, fashion, accessories, beauty, home decor, furniture, electronics, art, sweets, and even supermarkets.
The food court is on the upper floor of the Dubai mall and is filled with a rather large selection of fast-food chains, smoothie shops, and ice cream shops. There are in total about 150 cafes, restaurants, and snack bars throughout the mall.
Address: Financial Center Rd, Dubai
Dubai Outlet Mall
Dubai is not known for being the most budget-friendly so being able to hit an outlet mall is a fantastic thing and helps your pocketbook. Located outside the city center, the Dubai Outlet Mall is easy to get to when you ride the free shuttle bus. Many of the stores offer deep discounts on the previous season’s fashions, especially Boutique 1, Bloomingdale’s, and Harvey Nichols.
With brands like DKNY, Otto Kern, Armani, Guess, Diesel, and so many more you find amazing deals and great gift ideas. Even though the outlet mall is outside the city center, there are plenty of cafes and restaurants nearby so you can take a break before combing the outlets again for phenomenal deals.
Address: Dubai Al-Ain Road, Route 66, Dubai
The Outlet Village
The architecture of this outlet mall is a bit out of the ordinary with its Tuscan style, but that just means the quirkiness of the outside flows inside and the brands offer interesting discounts that everyone can afford. The mall is made up of three department stores: Priceless, Galeries Lafayette L’Outlet, and The Deal.
Amazing deals and discounts for the Gap, Diesel, Banana Republic, Michael Kors, Coach, Dunhill, Montblanc, Ted Baker, and Superdry. With over 100 shops, you will spend several hours here. If you happen to have your kids in tow, drop them at Stay & Play so they can play while you shop.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai
Nakheel Mall
Located in the heart of Palm Jumeirah, Nakheel Mall is filled with over 300 shops, eateries, and entertainment options. The mall is five floors and is the access point for The View in The Palm Tower which is a viewing platform. It is a shopping mall you do not want to miss.
With a trampoline hall, VOX cinema, and Fabyland, you can bring the kids and spend a lazy afternoon shopping while they play. Hop on the Palm Jumeirah Monorail which has easy access to the Nakheel Mall.
Address: Center of Palm Jumeirah, Al Hilali, Dubai
Mall of the Emirates
With over 600 shops, the Mall of the Emirates is a fun place to spend the day shopping. It is one of the biggest shopping malls in Dubai and is popular with the locals. Overlooking the Ski Dubai hall, the Mall of the Emirates is home to several restaurants as well as a theatre, playground, and cinema.
From luxury brand stores and boutiques to name brands to local handicrafts, you will find a little bit of everything. Take a break from shopping and check out the indoor ski loop or sit down and relax over a delicious meal. Maybe take in the latest comedy or thriller at the cinema. Many people spend the entire day exploring the Mall of the Emirates.
Address: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
Cityland Mall
This is one of the biggest shopping malls on one level and is inspired by nature. The ambiance of the Cityland Mall makes you feel like you are outside in nature. Located in Wadi Al Safa beside Global Village, there are over 350 different shops and 75 restaurants to choose from. Children will love the amphitheater and the cinema.
The amphitheater has a rooftop garden with unobstructed views of Dubai. There is even a mini water park and an ancient tree garden. Several of the restaurants take advantage of the rooftop garden and offers outdoor seating on nice days.
Address: Wadi Al Safa 4, Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai
Markets in Dubai
Global Village
Dubai is known for its markets, especially its night markets and Global Village is one of the best markets in the city. Take a stroll around the world as you make your way through this market. With products from countries around the globe, you will find wonderful deals on merchandise.
From street food vendors to international gourmet food items and from specialty, name-brand items to handmade crafts, you will find pretty much anything at the Global Village. Make your way through the vendor stalls and look for some fantastic deals on clothes, accessories, jewelry, shoes, and so much more.
Address: Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Road, Dubai
Dubai Flea Market
Cheap shopping at its best, the Dubai Flea Market is one of the largest second-hand markets in the city. There are more than 300 vendor stalls offering everything under the sun available for sale. If you happen to have things to sell, you too can set up a vendor stall to unload any unwanted items and make a little money.
The Dubai Flea Market is held about three or four times a month and you can score fabulous deals on books, furniture, antiques, utensils, electronics, and clothing. Spend time digging through the stalls and find some pretty interesting and unique things. The flea market is held in four different areas.
Address: The Greens, Ibn Battuta Mall, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and Zabeel Park
The Gold Souk
You will feel as if you are in heaven when you visit the Gold Souk, filled with gold jewelry and other gold items. When you visit, expect to haggle over the price of items. If you do not haggle the price, you will be paying an inflated amount as most vendors put their prices higher than they expect to get out of the item.
If you see something you like, take a stroll around the market before you go back and haggle. You will sometimes find something similar or even the same item cheaper or you will get an idea of what the cost should be.
Address: Al Dhagaya locality, Deira, Dubai
Textile Souk
One of the best places to shop when you are looking for vibrant, fun textiles is the Textile Souk. Famous for its cashmere and silk, this market has the best prices for textiles. Bring a few extra bags with you so you can carry away the amazing textiles you will find.
If you have in mind what you are looking for but are unable to find it, talk with some of the vendors. They may be able to create it for you or know someone who can. Do not be afraid to ask for customization. You absolutely have to check out the Arabian-style shoes, they will change your world.
Address: Opposite the Dubai Creek, Bur Dubai
Ripe Market
This is an odd name for a market in Dubai, but it is one of the finest markets in the city. It is similar to farmers’ markets where farmers and other artisans offer fresh, organic produce and foodstuff. You will find the freshest items at this market including honey, juices, gluten-free food, baked goods, and jams.
There are other vendors offering handmade crafts, jewelry, and accessories. Food trucks and street food vendors tend to set up shop near the Ripe Market. The Ripe Market sets up in four different locations throughout the warm months.
Address: Al Barsha Pond Market, Sheikh Zayed Road, Zabeel Park, and Time Square Centre
Popular Shopping Areas in Dubai
Several of the shopping malls in Dubai are legendary and probably deserve their own zip code since they are so enormous. But if you are looking to get out of the shopping mall and find areas brimming with boutiques, you will find some of the more popular shopping areas are almost always crowded. Check out some of these areas for a wonderful afternoon of shopping, sightseeing, and eating.
La Mer and The Beach at JBR
One of the best places to stretch out on the beach, work on your tan, stroll along the beach, dine on fresh seafood, and of course do some shopping. There is a multiplex cinema and the Laguna Waterpark. Spend the entire day with family or friends relaxing, shopping, and enjoying the sunshine.
The promenade overlooks the water and is lined with restaurants and boutiques. Surf shops, gelato kiosks, hotels, and the Market at the Beach can be found here. Take a stroll along the promenade and check out all the amazing fashion boutiques and souvenir shops along the way.
City Walk
The longest shopping street in Dubai City Walk is the place to go when you want to get out of the shopping mall and explore the city while doing some shopping. Most of the shops are reasonably priced but there are a few high-end luxury boutiques that will put a dent in your wallet.
Located between the Burj Khalifa and the high-rise buildings of the city center, City Walk does get crowded during the weekends and during peak tourist season. Check out some of the high-end designers including Maje and Ted Baker. Other popular shops include Bambah and Concepts.
Address: Al Safa Street 10/1, Dubai
Dubai Waterfront Market
Located in Deira, the Waterfront Market is the place to go for cheap shopping. Locally grown produce and some of the freshest seafood in the city are the biggest draws. But there are several stores and shops at the market that offer affordable accessories, clothing, jewelry, and other items.
Souks in Dubai
Markets such as the Textile Souk, Gold Souk, and Dragon Mart are historic marketplaces with a wide array of items available for sale. These markets generally move through the city to different parks and shopping centers. Here you can purchase textiles, handicrafts, and so much more.
The best of Dubai Shopping
There are so many more malls and shopping centers in Dubai such as the Mercato Shopping Mall, Dubai Marina Mall, Al Attar Shopping Centre, and other high end shopping malls. Dubai has some of the oldest shopping malls that are absolutely amazing to see and explore.
Whether you are a shopaholic in need of a little retail therapy or you are a reluctant shopper, there are a ton of unique, interesting, and exciting malls, markets, and shops that you will want to explore while you are in Dubai. And while here, be sure to check out parks and museums too!