Dubai is one of the greatest cities of the modern world. It is jam packed with stunning hotels, amazing restaurants, grand attractions and a shopping scene to rival the best. Dubai is the dream break for a shopaholic, the city is home to several malls, souks, boutiques and even a shopping festival.
Dubai Malls
Dubai has a reputation as home to some of the grandest shopping malls in the world. There are too many to list here but we’ve picked out three we love, the Dubai Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall and the Mercato shopping mall.
The Dubai Mall is the largest in the world. With a great location near the Burj Khalifa the mall contains over 1200 luxury premium and brand stores, an aquarium, cinema, theme park and several restaurants. This is without doubt one mall you wouldn’t want to miss, even if you’re not interested in shopping this is an attraction unto itself.
The Ibn Battuta mall is a unique themed mall named after the legendary Moroccan explorer. This mall is divided into six unique sections – India, China, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia and Andalucia. Each section represents an area visited by Ibn Battuta and is designed to reflect each of these places.
The Mercato Shopping Mall is designed to feel like Mediterranean Italian town. The mall has over 100 retailers and some great restaurants. With cobbled streets, gorgeous streetlights and piazzas you’ll feel like you’ve been transported to Italy.
Souqs
No Middle Eastern city is complete without its own Souq. Dubai has a fair few with some dedicated to specific experiences and products such as gold, spice, perfume and textiles. Our recommendation is the Souq Madinat.
The Souq Madinat is part of the Madinat Jumeirah resort and delivers the feel and charm of a bygone era with its narrow streets, Arabic design and bustling vendors. Here you will find many traditional aspects of a Souq along with galleries, boutiques and entertainment. Be sure to visit at night when the Souq comes alive with music and vibrant activity.
Dubai Flea Market
If you’re concerned you may be priced out of shopping at Dubai’s luxury malls, then worry not. The flea market, hosted in Zabeel park, is a great place to pick up a bargain. You can buy or sell second-hand products including furniture, handicraft items, toys, books, appliances and gadgets.
Dragon Mart
This is the place to go for an alternative shopping experience. Dragon mart provides products made in China for the Middle Eastern and North African trading markets. You can buy in bulk and you’re certain to find a bargain as traders are open to haggling.
Shopping Festival
Given its expansive shopping scene it is perhaps no surprise that Dubai has its own shopping festival. This is an annual month-long event where shops offer discounts on their merchandise, there are daily car raffles, family friendly activities and a fireworks display. The festival is normally held from the end of December and runs into January. The last one was the biggest yet running for a total of 5 weeks.
Recent Comments