Dubai is the top notch shopping destination for worldwide shopaholics. Shopping in Dubai is one of the city’s biggest attractions. It offers a mix of massive modern malls and traditional souqs. You can visit famous spots like The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates for global brands, luxury fashion, electronics, and entertainment. For a cultural touch, explore the Gold souq, Spice souq, and Textile souq, where you can find gold jewelry, spices, perfumes, and fabrics. Many shopping centers also have restaurants, cinemas, and indoor attractions, making them perfect for a full-day visit. Whether you want high-end labels, unique souvenirs, or great bargains, shopping in Dubai is the best option.
Your Ultimate Guide to the Best Shopping in Dubai
1. The Dubai Mall: A World of Wonders
Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, right next to the Burj Khalifa, The Dubai Mall is the largest mall in the world by total area. Its sheer scale makes it a must-visit, offering more than just shopping. It’s a complete entertainment destination. The mall is famous for its 1,200+ retail stores, including high-end fashion brands on Fashion Avenue, and the massive Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo. You can buy everything from luxury apparel to electronics and books. For a break, dine at one of the 200+ food and beverage outlets or watch the captivating Dubai Fountain show.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (All Days)
2. Mall of the Emirates: Skiing and Shopping
Mall of the Emirates is one of Dubai’s most famous shopping destinations, located on Sheikh Zayed Road. It is home to Ski Dubai, the Middle East’s first indoor ski resort and snow park, offering a unique winter experience in the desert. The mall features a wide range of luxury and high-street brands, making it a great spot for fashion lovers. Visitors can also enjoy a large VOX Cinemas complex, entertainment areas, and many dining options, from quick bites to fine dining. It’s a popular choice for both shoppers and families looking for a full day of activities.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (All Days)
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3. The Gold Souq: The City of Gold
The Gold Souq in Deira is one of Dubai’s most famous traditional markets. It is packed with shops selling gold jewelry in every style, from delicate necklaces to gold bangles. Prices are based on the daily gold rate, and bargaining on making charges is common. The market is a lively place where the shop windows shine with intricate designs and heavy gold pieces, making it a true “City of Gold” experience. It’s a must-visit for anyone looking to buy gold or simply enjoy the unique atmosphere of this historic marketplace.
Visiting Hours: 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM (Sat to Thu) & 4:00 PM to 9:30 PM (On Fridays)
4. The Spice Souq: An Aromatic Journey
The Spice Souq in Deira is a vibrant market filled with the rich scents of spices and herbs. Its narrow lanes are packed with stalls selling saffron, cinnamon, cardamom, dried fruits, nuts, and traditional Arabian spices. You can also find dates, frankincense, and other regional specialties. Shopkeepers are friendly and often share information about the spices and how they are used. Bargaining is part of the experience, so don’t hesitate to negotiate. The Spice Souq is a great place to pick up authentic flavors of Dubai and enjoy its lively, colorful atmosphere.
Visiting Hours: 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM (All Days)
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5. The Perfume Souq: Scents of Arabia
The Perfume Souq in Deira is a must-visit for fragrance lovers. Located near the Gold and Spice Souqs, it offers a wide range of scents, from traditional Arabian attars to modern perfumes. You will find rich oud, amber, floral, and citrus oils, along with incense and bakhoor. One of the best experiences here is creating your own perfume with the help of skilled perfumers. They blend oils to match your preference, giving you a unique fragrance to take home. The Perfume Souq is the perfect place to discover the scents of Arabia and find a special souvenir.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (All Days)
6. The Textile Souq: A Splash of Color
Situated in the historic Bur Dubai district, across the creek from the other souqs, the Textile souq is a vibrant marketplace buzzing with activity. Here you will find a stunning selection of fabrics, including fine silks, airy cottons, and embroidered materials. It's the perfect place to buy ready-made traditional Arabic clothing like abayas and kandoras or to have an outfit custom-tailored. The market’s traditional architecture with its wooden archways adds to its charm. To get here, take a scenic ride across the Dubai Creek on a traditional abra boat for just 1 AED.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (All Days)
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7. Ibn Battuta Mall: A Journey Through History
Ibn Battuta Mall on Sheikh Zayed Road is one of Dubai’s most unique shopping destinations. Inspired by the travels of explorer Ibn Battuta, it has six themed courts such as Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India, and China. Each court is beautifully designed to reflect the culture and architecture of its region, making the mall a visual treat. It offers a mix of high-street fashion, lifestyle stores, and plenty of dining choices. With its striking design and family-friendly atmosphere, Ibn Battuta Mall is perfect for both shopping and sightseeing in one place.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Sunday-Thursday), 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (Friday-Saturday).
8. Souq Madinat Jumeirah: Old-World Charm
This Souq offers a modern re-creation of a traditional Arabian market but with a luxurious, contemporary twist. Located within the Madinat Jumeirah resort, it features winding stone alleyways, gentle waterways, and views of the iconic Burj Al Arab. The shops here focus on unique souvenirs, high-end handicrafts, local art, and boutique fashion brands. It’s a more relaxed shopping environment than the traditional souqs. After shopping, you can enjoy a meal at one of the many waterfront restaurants or take an abra tour through the resort's canals.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (All Days)
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9. City Centre Deira: A Local Favorite
City Centre Deira is one of Dubai’s oldest and most loved malls. Located in the older part of the city, it offers a relaxed and convenient shopping experience. The mall has a good mix of international and local brands, making it easy to shop for fashion, electronics, and everyday needs. It also features a VOX cinema and a Magic Planet entertainment center, perfect for keeping kids entertained. With its friendly atmosphere and less crowded environment, City Centre Deira is a great choice for a family day out or casual shopping in Dubai.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (All Days)
10. Dubai Hills Mall: The New Community Hub
One of the newer additions to Dubai's retail scene, Dubai Hills Mall is located within the lush Dubai Hills Estate. This bright and airy mall is designed as a community-focused destination, offering a relaxed atmosphere. It features a great selection of retail stores, a hypermarket, and a fantastic range of dining options with both indoor and outdoor seating. The mall is also home to an incredible indoor roller coaster, making it a hit with thrill-seekers and families. Its modern design and easy navigation offers a pleasant shopping day out.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 12:00 AM (All Days)
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11. Global Village: A World of Shopping in One Place
Global Village is a seasonal open-air destination that runs from October to April. It's a massive multicultural festival park where different countries are represented in elaborate pavilions. Each pavilion offers goods, food, and cultural performances authentic to its region. You can shop for honey from Yemen, carpets from Iran, argan oil from Morocco, and crafts from all over the world. It is an unparalleled experience for souvenir purchasing and trying global street food. Plan to spend a whole evening here to explore fully.
Visiting Hours: 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM (Sunday-Wednesday), 4:00 PM to 1:00 AM (Thursday-Saturday).
12. The Outlet Village: Luxury for Less
Located near Dubai Parks and Resorts, The Outlet Village is designed to look like a charming Tuscan town. This outdoor mall is the go-to destination for bargain hunters looking for premium brands. It features over 100 high-end fashion and lifestyle brands offering their past-season collections at significantly reduced prices. If you love designer labels but not designer price tags, this is the place for you. It's a bit of a drive from the city center but well worth it for the discounts.
Visiting Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Monday-Thursday), 10:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Friday-Sunday).
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Things to Know Before Shopping in Dubai
- Most malls open around 10:00 AM and close late at night.
- Shops close for a short time during Friday prayers.
- Bargaining is common in souqs but not in malls.
- Gold prices are based on daily rates; only making charges are negotiable.
- Credit cards are widely accepted, but cash is useful in markets.
- Dress modestly in public places out of respect for local customs.
- Winter months (November to March) are the best time for outdoor markets.
- Dubai Shopping Festival offers big discounts and special deals.
- Souqs are busiest in the evenings when the weather is cooler.
- Always check return and exchange policies before buying.
Final Thoughts
Shopping in Dubai offers something for every taste and budget. You can explore huge malls filled with global brands, luxury fashion, and entertainment, or wander through traditional souqs for gold, spices, perfumes, and handmade goods. Bargaining is part of the fun in the markets, while malls provide fixed prices and a modern shopping experience. From high-end designer stores to small shops selling unique souvenirs, the variety is endless. Whether you want to shop for luxury items, local crafts, or everyday products, shopping in Dubai is an experience you should not miss. So what are you waiting for? Book your Dubai tour packages now with Myholidays.
Shopping in Dubai - FAQ’s
Bargaining is a common and expected practice in the traditional souqs, such as the Gold, Spice, and Textile souqs. However, in modern shopping malls, department stores, and supermarkets, prices are fixed and non-negotiable.
Prices can vary widely based on quality and craftsmanship. You might find small souvenirs like camel figurines or magnets for as little as 10-20 AED, while high-quality handmade carpets or lanterns can cost several hundred or even thousands of dirhams.
Dubai is one of the safest cities in the world, and malls and markets are very secure for solo travelers, including women. Standard safety precautions, like being aware of your belongings, are always advisable.
Credit and debit cards are accepted almost everywhere, especially in malls. However, it is a good idea to carry some cash, particularly for small purchases in the traditional souqs or for taxi fares.
Tourists can get a refund on the 5% Value Added Tax (VAT). When shopping, look for the 'Planet Tax-Free' sign. You must present your passport at the point of sale and they will affix a tax-free tag to the back of your receipt. You can then process your refund at the airport before you depart.
For electronics, Sharaf DG and Emax, found in major malls like The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, are excellent choices. For high-end fashion, Fashion Avenue in The Dubai Mall is unbeatable, while The Outlet Village offers luxury brands at a discount.
While you can buy and export gold, there might be limits on the quantity you can bring into your home country tax-free, so check your country's customs regulations. For antiques (items over 100 years old), you may need special permits for export, so always check with the seller.
The dress code in Dubai is generally relaxed, but it is best to be respectful of local culture. In malls and souqs, it's recommended to dress modestly by covering your shoulders and knees. Lightweight, loose-fitting clothing is also practical for the warm climate.
