Shopping in Dubai is undoubtedly one of its top attractions. Being what is known as an open port and enjoying low import duties, Dubai shops offer a fantastic range of top brands at excellent prices thanks to a tax-free environment. Shoppers come from around the world to this paradise of souks, boutiques malls, and modern department stores offering everything from haute couture to hi tech electronics. Prior to taking one of our cheap flights to Dubai, many travellers make sure they have room in their luggage to bring back plenty of wonderful Dubai shopping bargains!
Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF)
- January 24 to February 24
During the Dubai Shopping Festival, the world's best brands are available at the world's lowest prices. Dubai is already considered to be a shoppers paradise but when the Dubai Shopping Festival is on the city becomes even more exciting and an unrivalled shopping experience. Bustling spice and textile souks, dazzling gold souks housing over 400 jewellery shops, hi tech electronic markets and over 25 exquisite shopping malls, such as Deira City Centre, Lamcy Plaza and BurJuman Centre, turn Dubai's beautiful streets into colourful venues for a host of activities. Fun fairs, street performers, clowns and magicians will continue to entertain long after your appetite for shopping in Dubai has been satisfied.
Souks in Dubai
For a taste of real Dubai, shopping in the souks, or traditional markets, which are popular with bargain hunters, sightseers and photographers alike, is a must. One of the most famous souks in Dubai is the Gold Souk, where narrow streets are lined with shops selling all things golden - from 24-carat gold bars to gorgeous rings and wonderfully elaborate necklaces - all at surprisingly low prices. The tiny alleyways of the traditional Spice Souk are bursting with sacks of cinnamon, dried fruit, incense and spices, while the modern Fish Souk is a hive of activity and is a fantastic shock to the senses! At the centre of the Bur Dubai Souk lies Al Fahidi Street, offering the latest in electronic and photographic equipment, as well as home appliances - all at competitive prices. Other souks sell anything from carpets and textiles to loaves of unleavened bread, authentic coffee pots and hubble-bubble pipes.
Malls in Dubai
A visit to Dubai's shopping malls is the choice shopping experience of most visitors. Most of Dubai's shopping malls are enormous and house hundreds of shops stocking top international brands, as well as speciality goods. All shopping malls in Dubai are air-conditioned (a welcome break from the heat outside), have restaurants, food courts, cash machines etc. and are open until 10pm or later.