Dubai is a shopper’s paradise! There are numerous ultra modern shopping malls where you are sure to grab a bargain. Having low import duties and no taxation, you will find most major labels less expensive than their country of origin.
If it’s the more traditional type of shopping you are looking for and are itching to use your bargaining skills then a trip to the Souk is a must. Whatever you are looking for from spices to gold you will find at the entertaining, atmospheric location. 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.
Shopping Hours Normal Dubai hours are from 9.00am–1.00pm and 4.00–9.00pm or later. Some boutiques in the residential areas do not open until 9.30 or 10.00am. Shopping malls tend to open from 10.00am–10.00pm.
Most supermarkets stay open until late at night seven days a week, while some remain open 24 hours. Shops close for prayers on Fridays from 11.30am–1.30pm. Shopping malls and most shops are open on Friday evenings until late.
Bargaining is part of the fun of shopping in Dubai. While boutiques, some electronics shops, department stores and supermarkets may operate on a fixed-price basis, most other outlets consider friendly negotiation as a way of life.