A Guide to Dubai Shopping: Malls, Outlets, and Souks

Dubai is one of the global capitals of shopping, the center of famous brands, the city of hundreds of boutiques, and the brightest commercial festivals. From contemporary shopping complexes to traditional Arabic bazaars, this UAE city is full of locations for advantageous buying. Dubai shopping is a specific kind of relaxation that attracts millions of tourists, expats, and even citizens. According to locals, whatever you are looking for, you’ll find it in the Dubai commercial points, including branded clothes, jewelry, original perfumes, premium cosmetics, oriental spices and sweets, etc. The Golden Bee’s specialists have selected for you the best places for profitable shopping that will become a vivid recollection of your stay in Dubai.

Dubai Shopping: Bright Impressions, Large Discounts, and Incredible Assortment

Dubai has become one of the famous fashion capitals, along with Milan and Paris. To date, it provides buyers with advantageous shopping conditions.

• Shopping in Dubai has an incredible atmosphere. Dubai boasts luxuriously designed malls and numerous fairy-tale markets, known as souks. In some respects, this city is unique. It allows locals and tourists to comfortably shop in the modern boutiques and, at the same time, visit the fabulous bazaars, full of woven carpets, fragrant dried fruits, and Arabic sweet treats.
• The city boasts a diverse array of clothing stores, food shops, and boutiques specializing in gold and silverware. Dubai's shopping space is quite diverse and multifaceted. Online purchases through apps or official sites are also available. You will definitely have no problems with what to buy in Dubai.
• There is an opportunity to bargain in Dubai bazaars. The Arabic souks are perfect for haggling. Both buyers and sellers participate in this process with heat. 
• Dubai hosts large-scale sales several times a year. It is an opportunity to make profitable purchases with large discounts and become a part of an absorbing festival.
• To save money while shopping in Dubai, everyone can use the tax-free system. This is a VAT refund process for purchases made abroad.

The Best Dubai Shopping Places

From giant new malls to cozy souks, it is possible to make purchases in Dubai almost everywhere. 

Malls

Dubai is a place where shopping centers are considered attractions. Most malls in Dubai for shopping occupy significant areas and include numerous boutiques.

• Dubai Mall is well-known as the largest complex in the world. It amazes buyers with more than 1200 shops, an underwater zoo, an ice rink, Dubai fountains, a fascinating theme park, and other entertainment areas. This shopping mall is home to many Dubai festivals. 
• Ibn Battuta Mall is concerned with the life of the Arabian explorer Ibn Battuta. The mall includes six sectors representing countries where the explorer traveled. It offers 275 outlets, a 21-screen cinema, and a trampoline park.
• Wafi Mall is a unique shopping area. Established in 2001 and complemented by an Egyptian theme, it has about 350 boutiques, several popular rejuvenation centers, food courts, and recreation areas. This shopping mall in Dubai is famous for its pyramid-shaped front and luxurious ambience.
• Mall of the Emirates is an area of global brands and retail outlets, as well as kid’s play zones, multiplex cinemas, and the amazing Ski Resort.

Outlets

Are you looking for branded shops in Dubai? In the city, there are dozens of outlets with large assortments and polite staff. 

• Urbanist is an ultra-fashion boutique holding a wide range of brands. Original architecture and diversity of clothing, jewelry, and accessories from famous designers make Urbanist a popular shopping destination in Dubai.
• The Outlet Village Dubai offers about 100 shops with global-branded clothing, perfumes, cosmetics, etc. In this complex, you’ll find Calvin Klein, DKNY, Giuseppe Zanott, and others.
• BySymphony is a glamorous boutique with the latest trends. It offers production by both regional companies and international designers. You can find the outlet’s assortment on its website. 
• Gigi is a conceptual shop in Dubai with original and ultra-modern showrooms. It holds new collections of regional brands and global novelties. The shop positions itself as a vanguard for fashion and beauty.

Souks

It is hardly possible to imagine the Arab Emirates without busy bazaars. These large markets are sodden with the spirit of the old East.

• Souk Madinat is a popular place for those who want to feel a part of a traditional souk environment. Designed in the style of an ancient bazaar, it looks like the background of a film’s shot. Its assortment is really huge. The bazaar has all the conditions for shopping for clothes in Dubai. It also offers food, souvenirs, and carpets and belongs to the must-visit destinations.
• Farmers Market is a trading place where farmers from surrounding areas sell fruits, herbs, and dairy products. This market is ideal for those who appreciate organic food and adore traditional shopping in Dubai.
• Naif Souk is a street market with a wide range of Arabic goods and services. Are you looking for fragrant spices? Do you want to get a henna design or plan on purchasing a personalized T-shirt? You’ll find all you need in Naif Souk.

The Largest Sales and Commercial Festivals

Shopping in Dubai has already evolved from the usual buying and selling of things into a fascinating way of spending time. There are two primary Dubai sales that remind tourists of real festivals with music, dancing, and entertainment events.

• Dubai Shopping Festival is a “Black Friday” in Dubai that lasts from the end of December to February. The number of participants exceeds 7 000 shopping points. The festival is a real paradise for shopaholics, as they get the most favorable conditions for shopping for clothes in Dubai. In this period, it is possible to buy diverse goods with discounts of up to 75%.
• Dubai Summer Surprises is an annual festival that happens in July and August. Numerous shops in Dubai, as well as hotels and resorts, offer 50–60% discounts on many items. The festival is full of live music concerts, shows, and diverse drawings.

Successful shopping is one of the constituents of an excellent vacation. Don’t forget to add key shopping locations to your list of must-see places in Dubai.