How To Shop Like a Local in Dubai
Make The Most of Your Vacation and Shop Like a Local in Dubai
Dubai’s shopping scene is an experience par excellence. This city takes shopping very seriously, and you can see it through the ways the bigger malls have squeezed the global brands from across the world under one roof, along with entertaining guests with heaps of activities on the go. Whether you are looking to pick a designer dress from Gucci, or buy a bar of cheap gold, the emirate is thriving with all kinds of tempting options. Skip the tourist traps and get your hands on the best deals with this exclusive guide for shopping like a local in Dubai.
Do visit Dubai Mall
Even though some of the world’s costliest brands are housed under the roof of this, one of the world’s biggest malls, visiting this place is always a good choice. It has the wide-varying categories of electronics, furnishing, apparels, beauty & fragrances, toys and more. Be it any occasion, from anniversary and birthdays to housewarming and Eid, shopping at this mall is both luxurious and rewarding. Nestled beside the gigantic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain, the Dubai Mall also offers a range of entertainment. Marvel at the underwater species in the 10-million liter Dubai Aquarium, play with kids at KidZania, watch movies at Reel Cinemas, skate at Dubai Ice Rink, transfer to another world at VR Park and devour the delicious dishes in the Food Court.
Enjoy the Exclusive Mall of the Emirates
The Fashion Dome in this luxurious mall is home to the most coveted brands in the world. Wander around and you can stumble upon the global high street shops such as Zara and H&M. There are also other department stores, bookshops, banks, beauty stores and restaurants to help you purchase your favorite items without having to exhaust under the sun. Ski Dubai is a huge indoor ski resort where you can ski, snowboard, meet the penguins, do chairlift ride, or just roll on the snow for hours.
Soak in deals at Dubai Outlet Mall
Reached through shuttles or cabs, this mall on the city’s outskirts is famous because customers can take advantage of the big discounts and offers, all year. Brands like Adidas, Aldo, Coach, Fred Perry, and Mango are available here at 30-90% off. Scour the 240 stores and the 1200 international brands to grab a bargain. There is also a children’s entertainment area, food courts, and restaurants to refill the energy.
Stroll in the Traditional Souks
Beneath the city’s ultra-modern exterior is an array of souks and open-air markets. For all kinds of souvenirs that could help you take a slice of Dubai back home, the traditional souks in Old Dubai are the best. Browse handicrafts, décor, electronics, textiles, carpets and more. If you want to purchase the gold at jaw-dropping prices, head towards the gold souk. Don’t be surprised to see the large gold bars and jewelry hung in those small stores. All you have to do is show your bargaining skills. Very close to the Gold Souk, sauntering through walkways you will find another line of small shops filled with the aroma of spices and herbs like saffron, turmeric, cloves, pepper, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, coriander, and sumac.
Besides these famous malls, some other malls that are the ultimate value shopping destinations include:
- Burjuman Centre
- Ibn Battuta Mall
- Deira City Centre
- Mercato Mall
- Dubai Festival City Mall
Tips to shop like a pro in Dubai-
- Visit during the Dubai Shopping Festival that introduces blockbuster discounts, massive savings, freebies, and rewards.
- Other than that, come during July-August when there are some impressive sales.
- Payments through credit cards can incur extra fees.
- Get incredible discounts and freebies on electronics at the Gulf Information Technology Exhibition (GITEX), a week-long expo.
- Use metros to connect through places and malls.
- For the highest quality hand-woven carpets, reach the specialized dealers like the Emad Carpet at Dubai Mall and the Red Carpet at Mall of the Emirates.
- The largest China market in Dubai is Dragon Mart which has daily use products, clothes, interior design items and affordable electronic.
- Buy super soft pashmina shawl made from 100% silk from shops in Deira Souk.
So, head up shopaholics and follow these ideas, we can vouch you will have the hassle-free shopping in Dubai.
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About The Author: Myra is a Dubai locale, a passionate traveler, and a self-confessed shopaholic. She has been doing several bouts of shopping around the world and knows the trick of the trade. Besides these tips, she recommends to check out https://www.