Shopping in Dubai

One of Dubai’s greatest visitor attractions is its superb shopping. The city draws large numbers of ‘ shopping tourists’ from countries within the region and from as far afield as Eastern Europe, Africa and the Indian Subcontinent.

As an open port with low import duties, Dubai’s retail prices are reasonable and the variety of products available is virtually unrivalled.

Free of tax, many top brand-name products are cheaper in Dubai than in the countries of their origin.

Whatever the visitor’s tastes — be it couture from Paris or Milan, hi-tech electronics from Japan, or a piece of silver Bedouin jewellery — he or she will find it at the right price in Dubai.

In addition to the souk districts and shopping malls listed below, there are many top-class department stores and boutiques throughout the city.


Souks

Foodstuffs: These range from the traditional narrow streets of the spice souk just a stone’s throw from the Creek, to the modern fish souk with the many varieties caught in Gulf waters, and the fruit and vegetable souk with its bustle and vivid colours.

Gold: Dubai’s most famous market of all is the gold souk, where narrow streets are lined with shop windows glinting with bracelets, necklaces and earrings in 18, 21 and 22 carat gold.

Bars of 24 carat in any form and weight, and bullion coins in 22 and 24 carat are also available.

Prices are very reasonable and largely determined by weight, rather than design and craftsmanship.

Carpets: In Deira Tower’s shopping mall, carpet traders from countries across the Gulf — Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan — have established a carpet souk where prices in the 40 shops range from a few hundred dirhams to many thousands.

Consumer goods: In Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi Street is noted for its electronic goods shops while nearby Cosmos Lane is lined with stores selling the textiles of West and East, from cool printed cottons to exotic brocades.

Further out from the city centre, Karama is Dubai’s bargain basement with an array of busy shops selling toys, household goods, textiles, fashions, accessories and much more.