Dubai

Dubai thrives on trade, and so you'll not be short of somewhere to shop. If it's sheer volume that gets you to part with your dollars there are few spots on earth that can beat it. With tax-free prices and billions of dollars' worth of giveaways for customers, the emirate has gained a reputation as the place to spend up big.

Historically goods have come flooding in from around the Gulf, the Indian subcontinent, and the horn of Africa. Now they stream in from around the globe, as designers hunger to establish a presence in this red-hot town.

The alleyways of the old downtown souks still have the bustling atmosphere of a traditional Arab trading port, and you can get down to some serious haggling here over textiles, spices, and jewelry. But Dubai has also fallen in love with the air-conditioned mall, and these modern retail temples range over millions of square feet. Here there is an emphasis on luxury goods, with a capital "L." Residents are very brand-conscious and you'll find every label you'd also expect to see in Paris, New York, and Milan.

Although Dubai certainly appears to be shopping heaven, it's worthwhile keeping in mind the Latin phrase caveat emptor, or "buyer beware." Although prices are tax free, that doesn't necessarily mean international goods will be cheaper than in your hometown. Numerous shoppers come to Dubai from countries where luxury goods and designer labels are hard to get, so price is less important than availability. Shopping festivals can be filled with bargains, but often involve the retailers bringing out last years' stocks, so be informed if you are making an expensive purchase. Malls and major retailers are safe, but there are many sole traders in parts of Old Dubai around Karama, Satwa, and Bur Dubai, where fakes are rife. This extends over electronics, clothing, and accessories.

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  • 1. Alserkal Avenue

    Jumeirah Beach

    An entire district rather than just one gallery, Alserkal is an entire creative zone where one could happily spend an entire afternoon; 500,000 square feet of architect-designed warehouses now hold some of Dubai's most progressive and sought-after collections. It's a large space to navigate, but you can book tours that give you a more in-depth look at the galleries. Other events include photography courses, family programs, film and music festivals, markets, and pop-up chefs producing art on a plate. Check out their website for updated happenings before you go, to ensure you get the most of your visit.

    St. 8, Al Quoz 1, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    50-556--9797
  • 2. Boutique Le Chocolat

    Jumeirah Beach

    With its glamorous finishing, 19th-century chocolate factory paraphernalia, life-size chocolate sculptures and the design work of some of the world's best chocolatiers, this is more art gallery than sweets shop. Try and buy chocolates made in-store and all over the world, and even participate in a chocolate "experience" to design your own blend. You can even design your own labels. With more than 700 flavors and 13,000 square feet dedicated to the worship of the cacao bean, this is a must for all chocolate lovers.

    16 Al Safa St., Al Wasl, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    4-590--5075
  • 3. O De Rose

    Jumeirah Beach

    Three cousins from Lebanon have brought their love of art and design through New York and London, and delivered them into this eclectic and exotic boutique that expresses the vibrancy of Dubai beautifully. Housewares, fashion, art, and accessories are all unique and hand crafted, chic and kooky. There is an emphasis on the promotion of traditional art, and a wide range of products that support underprivileged artisans. Their own words describe the store as "Aladdin’s cave meets urban loft," which we think is a perfect description.

    999 Al Wasl Rd., Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    4-348--7990
  • 4. The Dubai Mall

    Burj Dubai

    The biggest mall in the world (3.77 million square feet and more than 1,200 stores) should need no introduction. There is everything you might possibly need or expect here, from high-end designer labels to mainstream fashion, gadgets galore, Bloomingdale's and Galleries Lafayette department stores, a gold souq, ice rink, aquarium, and underwater zoo, indoor roller coaster, Kidzania theme park, international restaurants, and more. You can also access the world's tallest building and the world's largest fountain display from the mall, and an easy walk across the water will take you to Souk al Bahar, a modern but traditionally styled mall with sleepy ambience, and tremendous restaurants.

    Financial Centre Rd., Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    800-382246255
    View Tours and Activities
  • 5. Art Space Gallery

    World Trade Centre

    The DIFC holds many galleries, and is a hub for investors and enthusiasts. It has built a reputation as a leading creative area in the city, and is also the home of Art Dubai together with the smaller Art Nights at the Gate Village. It's hard to choose just one gallery above all others, as each has its niche, but Art Space is a good place to start. With a changing roster of exhibitions of Middle Eastern artists, it is at the forefront of the growing interest in contemporary arts in the region: a great stopover for current and budding collectors.

    Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    4-332–0820
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  • 6. BurJuman Centre

    BurJuman might be one of Dubai's oldest malls, but recent upgrades have seen it come back to past glories. It had been known as an elite retail destination, with a range of designer stores and not much more, but recent additions also include more mid-level stores like H&M, The Toy Store and Carrefour Hypermarket. A cinema and entertainment center have now also brought up the standards of nonshopping activities, and there are a wide range of dining options from food court basics through to more upscale cafés and restaurants.

    Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed St., Al Mankool, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    4-352–0222
  • 7. City Walk

    Burj Dubai

    This sleek development by the same developers who brought us the Dubai Canal manages to project that outside-in feel, perfect for Summer window shopping. It's very cleverly designed to look more like a strip, and covered with purpose-painted street art and stencilling. Stores here are both quirky designer as well top end, providing a point of difference for Dubai, where usually shopping tends to veer toward mainstream. There is an excellent selection of restaurants in the area, some of which are franchised by Michelin-starred chefs (all without liquor license).

    39 Al Safa St., Al Wasl, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    4-317--3999
  • 8. Comptoir 102

    Jumeirah Beach

    A collage of Paris and the Middle East, with a layout out of the pages of a glossy magazine, Comptoir is known for directing residents toward style and class. This concept store has a café, which focuses on healthy eating, with a leaning toward macrobiotic cuisine, and they source food from local organic farms where possible. The highlight is their collection of jewelry, which is diverse and different, selected by Vogue as one of the top selections in the world. There are also housewares, furniture, and clothing available, all completely individual and exclusive.

    102 Beach Rd., Jumeirah 1, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    4-385--4555
  • 9. Deira City Centre Mall

    Shopping Centers/Malls

    The range of shopping opportunities here attracts a cross-section of customers from all nationalities and walks of life. Mainstream outlets dominate, but you'll also find more niche quarters to the mall, like the jewelry souk and textile court. There are three hotels attached (Ibis, Novotel, and Pullman), meaning there are some more serious dining options than just the standard food court fare. Free Wi-Fi is available, and there are also complimentary shuttle bus services to most of the larger creekside hotels.

    Baniyas Rd., Al Saeed, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    4-295–1010
  • 10. Dream Girls

    Jumeirah Beach

    Undoubtedly one of Dubai's favorite tailoring shops, of which there are many, Dream Girls will make you anything from a simple shirt to a fabulous gown, or you can take in a beloved item of clothing and they'll make a copy of it. There are catalogs full of products that they can make to your exact measurements in whatever material you choose, much of which can be bought on Satwa Road nearby. Make sure you allow at least five days for good workmanship.

    Satwa Rd., Satwa, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    4-349–5445
  • 11. Dubai Festival City

    Festival city is an area that spans over 50 million square feet, with this large mall at the center of residential zones, a golf course, waterfront dining strip, and two large hotels. Many mainstream brands are within this airy mall, which is anchored by Marks and Spencer, Ikea, and Hyperpanda, but you will find some local and niche labels, too. For when the shopping's done, there is a wide range of dining both in the mall and at the attached waterfront promenade, cinemas, and Fabyland offering up a treat for the kids.

    Festival Blvd., Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    800332
    View Tours and Activities
  • 12. Dubai Marina Mall

    Dubai Marina

    This might be developed by the same company responsible for the Dubai Mall, but it's much more understated in style. It's a fairly simple mall with minor entertainment options and classic mainstream stores, but has the marina aspect and the alfresco terrace dining makes it worth a visit.

    Emaar Dr., Dubai Marina, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    4
  • 13. Gallery One

    Jumeirah Beach | Art Gallery

    At the more affordable end of the spectrum, Gallery One offers mixed art and photography. Owner Gregg Sedgwick took many of the images of Dubai that are for sale, which can be an evocative souvenir of a trip to the emirate. Pieces are prints rather than originals, but most are far from bland and mainstream. You can purchase large framed works, all the way down to postcards and notebooks, meaning pricing is very approachable. This venue is in the delightful Souk Madinat, but others can be found over the emirate, and orders can also be made online.

    Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Al Sufouh Rd., Al Sufouh, Store 138–139, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    4-368–6055
  • 14. Garderobe

    Jumeirah Beach

    Dubai is known for its glamorous women. It's common for designer labels to be bought and worn only once or twice before being discarded. This is when places like Garderobe come in, Dubai's resellers of preloved designer fashion. All items are checked and authenticated, and graded according to condition. Here you'll find clothing, shoes, handbags, jewelry, and other accessories at greatly reduced prices, with ages varied from current season all the way through to vintage collectibles. Purchases also available online, and you can sell as well as buy.

    Jumeirah Rd., Umm Suqeim 1, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    4-394--2753

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Closed Fri.
  • 15. Ibn Battuta Mall

    Dubai Marina

    This visually unique shopping structure has six different courts, each designed in the style of the countries or regions visited by the 14th-century Islamic traveler and diarist, Ibn Battuta. From the azure tiles and fountains at Andalusia Court, you'll wander through Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India, and finally to the life-size junk boat on display at the China court. Artisans were brought from across the globe to design the mall's decorative elements, including the ornate blue and gold enameling in the dome of the Persian court and the detailed wooden fretwork of the Egyptian souk. There are more than 200 stores here, including a large Géant hypermarket. The sprawling mall is all on one level, so the management provides golf cart transportation (there are several stops with frequent, regularly scheduled service) to give your tired feet a rest.

    Sheikh Zayed Rd., Jebel Ali, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    4
  • 16. Jumeriah Beach Residence (JBR)

    Dubai Marina

    Stretching through the seaside apartment towers to the seashore, this shopping zone is a narrow island between the marina and the sea. The Walk is an outdoor waterside corniche for a European-style shopping experience with cafés and casual eateries interspersed among both niche and mainstream retail offerings. The Beach, on the sandy side of the road, has more indoor space, a cinema, plenty of kids play areas, and a swathe of interesting restaurants. There is also public beach access, and an exterior market in season.

    Al Mamsha St,, Jumeirah Beach Residence, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    4-317--3999-The Beach
  • 17. Karama Market

    Products at this higgledy-piggledy shopping area span from mundane essentials to mass-produced souvenirs There is also a large range of the latest designer copies and fakes, mainly clothing and accessories. Some of these are accessed via secret stairways or off-site stash piles making the illegal quest all the more exhilarating for some. Goods spill onto the walkways of this small commercial quarter of shops and kiosks, and all the activity makes for an electric environment. Karama is popular with expat workers who aren't on big tax-free salaries, and tourists on the lookout for bargain clothing or gifts to take home to their families. There's a range of cheap eateries around the market—tasty Indian and Pakistani fare, Filipino and Arabic cuisine—making it a great place for budget travelers.

    16th St., Karama, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Some stores closed Fri. mornings
  • 18. Majlis Gallery

    This gallery is run by interior designer Alison Collins, who moved to Dubai in the 1970s and raised three children in this Bastakia mansion. She converted the property during the regeneration of the quarter (now called the Al Fahidi district), and since then it has become a major venue for emerging artists from around the Arab world. Exhibitions change constantly, lasting about two weeks each, and genres cover the whole gamut of visual arts, from oil painting to tapestry. Majlis also has an artist-in-residence program and an excellent commercial gallery.

    Bldg. 19, Al Fahidi Historic Neighborhood, Bur Dubai, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    4-353–6233

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: ½-days in summer
  • 19. Mall of the Emirates

    MOE is one of Dubai's largest shopping centers at more than 2.5 million square feet, and has more than 630 shops and department stores, with a comprehensive combination of designer and main street brands, fashion, housewares, and souvenirs. Department stores Harvey Nichols and Debenhams have their largest stores in the Middle East here, and more than 60 stores have made their Middle Eastern debut in this mall. A large Carrefour supermarket sells food, inexpensive clothing, and other domestic essentials. The complex was designed to be more than just a retail heaven, with sporting events, arts, and entertainment in addition to shopping. You might want to hit the slopes at Ski Dubai (the first indoor slope in the Gulf area), and there's also a multiscreen cinema complex, Magic Planet (a children's adventure and play area), and a community theater. There are two hotels connected to the mall, and a large variety of restaurants, cafés, and casual dining in two food courts.

    Sheikh Zayed Rd. Al Barsha, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
    4-409–9000
    View Tours and Activities
  • 20. Meena bazaar and the textile souk

    Bur Dubai

    Some describe this area as "Little India," for although Indian expats have made homes all over Dubai, here is the largest concentration of goods, services, traders, and restaurants from the subcontinent. This district stretches from the Al Fahidi souk, across Al Fahidi street, down to the creekside textile stalls, and seaward through the old souk. Look for gold and diamonds, saris and pashminas, silk bedspreads and table linen, Indian sweets and great cheap eats. It’s a lively area, full of spruikers and traffic, so be prepared for an influx of the senses, and get ready to bargain.

    Al Fahidi St., Bur Dubai, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

    Shop Details

    Rate Includes: Most stores close for lunch hr or so. Fri. opening is usually late, around 2 pm

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