Where to shop in Dubai : Our best plans

Modern Dubai is synonymous with shopping; There is nothing like it that cannot be bought here, from gold to electronics, clothes from the world's best designers and luxury items. The emirate is famous for its huge shopping malls, alongside which are traditional souks or open-air markets where traders sell everything from spices to clothing to hand-woven rugs and carpets.

Shopping in Dubai

It seems that shopping in Dubai is a favorite pastime, not only for locals but also for tourists. During the hot summer months, when temperatures can exceed 50°C, air-conditioned shopping centers provide shelter from the scorching sun and all-pervasive heat. It's also worth adding that most local shopping centers offer much more than just shopping. Visitors will find a great gastronomic offer as well as numerous activities for children, including giant shark aquariums and theme parks.

It is also worth mentioning that Dubai is famous for its numerous trade festivals which are held regularly. The most famous, attracting thousands of customers from all over the world, is the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), which begins every year in January and lasts for a month. In addition to shopping and thousands of prizes to be won in various competitions, the festival offers much more to participants. The festival hosts concerts, cultural events, fashion shows and outdoor sports shows. Another annual event that has made the city world famous is Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS), which lasts for a month in early summer. DSS is very popular with residents of the emirate due to its attractive shopping and entertainment offers for the whole family.

However, regardless of these festivals, tourists from all over the world come to Dubai for shopping all year round. Below, you'll find seven of the most popular shopping destinations for tourists and local residents to meet a wide variety of shoppers' needs.

Shopping centers in Dubai

Despite the fact that Dubai has a large number of shopping centers of all sizes, the Dubai Mall is by far the most impressive facility of its kind. This is not just an ordinary shopping center, it is a real mini-city with more than a thousand shops from various industries, a spectacular waterfall, a huge aquarium, an Olympic ice rink and an impressive number of restaurants offering dishes from all over the world. Brands such as Marks & Spencer, Parisian Galeries Lafayette, Debenhams and DKNY have their stores there.

It is also here that the first branch of the legendary Bloomingdale's store was opened outside the United States. In addition to the fabulous boutiques and art galleries, the Dubai Mall is attracted by the famous fountains which, combined with music and lights, provide a spectacular spectacle.

Gold Market – Deira Gold Souk

The market is located in the heart of the historic part of the city, located near Dubai Creek. Deira was the place where merchants from all over the world distributed their goods centuries ago. Today, the Gold Souk is dotted with hundreds of shops selling gold; you will find literally everything you can dream of, from gold jewelry to gold bars at unbeatable prices. Currently, the old souk with small traditional shops adjoins the modern souk, which is located in a two-story building.

Be sure to spend a lot of time shopping, as it is worth wandering from stand to stand, find out about the richness of the offer and choose the products that have the best value for money. Don't hesitate to haggle; Most sellers have a similar assortment, so you can tell them you saw the same product in a different store for a better price.

Textile Market – Bur Dubai Souk

Across the Dubai Creek is another large market, famous for its stunning range of colorful fabrics and textiles, mainly from India and the Far East. And while the market itself isn't particularly pretty, it's worth spending some time there if you want to buy interesting fabrics or unique clothes at a good price. Here you can completely lose yourself among rolls of the finest silk, breathable cotton and even exotic palm leaf fabrics. Take the purchased fabric to one of the local tailors, who will create a unique tailor-made outfit for you in just a few days. This is definitely one of the best ways to bring a truly unique souvenir from Dubai.

Global Village

Near Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Street there is a seasonal shopping and entertainment center with many pavilions where you can get a variety of products from around the world. There is a real carnival atmosphere here which attracts crowds of tourists from November to March. In addition to shopping, visitors can enjoy a host of other attractions: major live shows, daring aerial stunts, performances by international artists, fireworks and stalls with food from around the world . Each pavilion features crafts and products from a different country. If you go there during the last week before closing, you can count on discounted purchases.

Al Fahidi

As Dubai is a tax-free country, electronics are much cheaper here than in other countries. Al Fahidi is lined with countless electronics stores selling computers, laptops, cameras and household items including refrigerators, washing machines and irons. Remember to request an international warranty and check voltage requirements when purchasing any electronic equipment.

Karama

In one of the oldest parts of the city, just above the Dubai Creek, there is a residential area worth visiting if you want to bring gifts to Dubai family or purchase unique souvenirs. Karama is an incredible place for seekers of real trading treasures. There you will find finely carved candlesticks, handicrafts from all over the Persian Gulf region, but also small souvenirs that won't break the bank when you buy them.

Shopping in Dubai is a unique experience. Whether you buy designer clothes in one of the boutiques in a luxury shopping center or trinkets in one of the traditional souks. Shopping is one of the pleasures not to be missed in Dubai.