Where to Shop and What to Buy in Dubai?

Dubai, what was once a desert, now has become the city with endless possibilities. Dubai is one of the fast-moving cities in the world and has grown into becoming one of the most popular tourist destinations. Dubai has so much to offer – from Ultra-modern architecture, luxury shopping to its rich cultural heritage. There’s much more to this city than its glitz and glamour. The city has some of the best laws making it a safe country for its visitors. Need we say more? Dubai makes for a perfect holiday destination, so be sure to visit it.

Dubai Marina — Photo by Andreas M on Unsplash

Now, you might be wondering which places you should visit. Dubai is a city that has been famous for its shopping experience. From traditional markets to modern shopping malls, visitors are spoilt for choice when it comes to shopping in Dubai. Whether you’re looking for designer outfits or specialty foods or a perfect souvenir to take back home, Dubai has you covered. If you wish to spend extravagantly for the ultimate luxury shopping experience, then head to any of the shopping malls.

If you’re looking to drive a hard bargain, then explore the traditional markets, known as Souks, to purchase the best articles at the cheapest prices.

The best part about shopping here is that it’s tax-free. Shopping is undoubtedly the best experience you can have in Dubai.

As there are several shopping places, it might not be possible to visit all of them. Here’s a guide to making your shopping experience easier. Below is a list of the best shopping places in Dubai – this includes both high-end as well as affordable markets.

Souks

The traditional markets in Dubai are known as Souks. Some of the most popular souks in Dubai are Gold Souk, Textile Souk, Spices Souk, and Perfume Souk. Apart from these traditional souks, you can also find some contemporary markets such as the Ripe Market, Souk Madinat Jumeirah, etc.

Dubai Gold Souk

The first thing that comes to mind when you think of shopping in Dubai, is gold jewelry. No person who loves gold jewelry or gold articles should leave Dubai without visiting The Gold Souk. As soon as you enter, you find gold, gold, and more gold. The mesmerizing Dubai Gold Souk on the banks of Dubai Creek has over 380 retailers selling every item of gold jewelry imaginable. As you walk along the alley, you will see windows filled with shimmering necklaces, bangles, and rings beside diamond merchants and silversmith masters. The must-see attraction at the gold market is the world’s largest and heaviest gold ring, weighing 64 kilos, displayed at the center of the Souk.

Alos Read: 8 Tips to Buy Gold in Dubai

You might be wondering, why visitors generally flock here to buy gold. Unlike in the usual gold markets, you can haggle when buying gold. You heard us right! There are no such rules in this treasure land.

Highlights

Gold bars, gold jewelry, Gold Bodice, and headpiece. Other metals such as Platinum, diamond, and silver can also be found here.

Opening hours

10:00 A.M to 10:00 P.M. (Saturday to Thursday); 4:00 P.M to 10:00 P.M on Fridays.

How to get Reach?

You can take the Metro (Green Line) till Al Ras Station or ride the abra or water taxi from the Creek at Bur Dubai.

Textile Souk

If you’re looking for a place to shop for textiles in every color and fabric, then this is the right place. The Textile Souk is one of the premium places to shop in Dubai, where you can find cotton, satins, silks, and tailor-made clothing. The souk is mostly famous for cashmere and silk fabric. You can even find yourself an expert tailor who can make a custom made suit or dress within a matter of days.

Highlights

Satin, Cotton, Silk, Cashmere, and velvet fabrics. You can also find a variety of buttons, laces, sequins, and stones here.

Opening hours

10:00 A.M to 10:00 P.M. (Saturday to Thursday); 4:00 P.M to 10:00 P.M on Fridays.

How to get there

From Deira, take the water taxi to the Textile Souk or take the Metro and stop at Al Fahidi or Al Ghubaiba Metro Station.

Perfume Souk

You can find tiny stalls filled with a vast range of colorful liquids in colorful bottles, incense sticks, and solid perfumes. If you’re in search of a new signature perfume, you do not have to go to the high-end malls, you can just the perfume souk. The best part is that you can even customize your own fragrance. You can mix up the fragrances you like in a bottle of your choice and take back your own personalized fragrance.

Highlights

Ittar, Incense sticks, Sophisticated perfumes, personalized fragrances.

Opening hours

10:00 A.M to 10:00 P.M. throughout the week.

How to get there

You can take a metro to Al Ras Station and walk from there. You can also take an abra or water taxi from Bur Dubai.

Ripe Market

The ripe market is one of the finest markets in Dubai. The ripe market creates great opportunities for farmers and local businesses to sell their products. Even though you have multiple places where you can buy fresh food, it isn’t like the ripe market. So, what’s famous about the ripe market? At the Ripe market, you get organic yield directly from the ripe farm. Not only can you buy organic produce, but you can also relish it at the food trucks. You can also find fresh ingredients like honey, gluten-free foods, and juices.

Location

Zabeel Park, Al Barsha Pond Market, Time Square Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road

Highlights

Organic food, handbags, jewelry, and t-shirts from local artisans.

Timings

09.00 a.m. to 03.00 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays.

Dubai flea market

The flea market is one of the most popular and biggest flea markets in Dubai. The flea market takes place in several locations around the city. The market follows a strict second-hand-only policy. You can find over 300 stalls set up here where people sell things they don’t need anymore to those who need it at slashed rates. You can find an array of articles, from furniture to ceramics, to clothes and antiques. You can buy at very cheap prices. When you’re tired from all the wandering, you can visit the fruit stalls, coffee shops, and the shawarma trucks.

Location

The Greens, Zabeel Park, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and Ibn Battuta Mall

Timings

Flea market takes place three or four times a month. The schedule might vary.

Highlights

Furniture, clothes, old utensils, antiques, and electronic goods

Shopping malls and outlet villages

The Dubai Mall

The Dubai mall is the largest mall in the world, with its luxury brands, world-class dining, and premium services. The Dubai mall has over 1200 stores that are clustered into sectors based on the product category. If you’re looking for a designer outfit, head to the fashion avenue, where you can find all the fashion items. For a more market feel, you can visit the Souk inside the mall. The mall is so huge that it is recommended to hop into an indoor car that will take you around the mall. For someone who’s not interested in shopping, there’s something for you too!

Also Read: Summer Surprise Festival in Dubai

The Dubai mall is also an entertainment hub for all ages. Two must-visit attractions at the Dubai mall are the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo. To take a closer look at marine life, walk through the 270-meter tunnel, and enjoy the views. Kids can also learn and play at Kidzania. Apart from this, you can also visit the SEGA Republic indoor theme park and the Olympic-size Ice Rink for a fun experience.

Location

Financial Center Road

Timings

10.00 a.m. to 12.00 a.m throughout the week

Highlights

International brands, Culinary outlets, Dubai Aquarium, Underwater Zoo, Kidzania, Olympic size ice rink.

Global village

The global village is similar to an International Expo where retailers from all over the world meet in Dubai to showcase their countries’ products. It is a perfect shopping destination for those who wish to shop from different countries. At the global village, you can find roughly about 75 countries that put up stalls to sell merchandise at affordable prices. Besides this, you can also try out international cuisines and visit the Fantasy world for some entertainment. The Global Village also features a 5-month festival where you can see performances from concerts to stunt shows to street shows, to international cultural presentations.