4 Best Shopping in Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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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.
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.
Mirdif City Center
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Wafi City Mall
Some may call it an architectural wonder; others will find the whole experience bizarre. Wafi is a long, sprawling set of pyramid-shaped buildings, with extravagant detailing like stained glass ceilings and statues of Egyptian gods and pharaohs. Shopping is eclectic and predominantly high-end. Beneath the mall is a souk with a stunning courtyard restaurant (Khan Murjan), and there are a good range of other excellent restaurants (with licences to serve alcohol), and plenty of cafés and a food court for those on a budget. Entertainment includes a few kid zones, minigolf, and an attached leisure center with pool, lazy river, and gym.