Discover Dubai’s Iconic Shopping Destinations and Unforgettable Experiences – Luxury and Bedouin Charm

If you want to shop as well as give yourself the opportunity to enjoy some adventure, Dubai, the UAE’s capital city, is where you should go. Here’s your guide to exploring its best.

The Dubai Mall 

This is the obvious heavyweight. The Dubai Mall is no ordinary mall. It happens to be one of the largest in the world, with more than 1,200 stores, huge luxury-brand sections, and tonnes of entertainment options. You can browse high-fashion brands like Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Dior in the ‘Fashion Avenue’ section. The mall doesn’t stop at shopping either – it even houses an aquarium, an ice rink, and a waterfall inside!

You can spend hours exploring luxury or high street stores, then grab a coffee by the fountain and watch the show afterwards.

Try going during a weekday or earlier in the day if you want a more relaxed vibe – later in the afternoon, it can get packed.

Mall of the Emirates 

If The Dubai Mall is the sprawling all-rounder, then Mall of the Emirates brings something unique to the table: indoor skiing. Did you just read that right? Yes, you did – there’s indoor skiing in Dubai! You can spend as much time as you want in the desert, and once you’ve had your fill, you can try a round of skiing at Ski Dubai, found inside the Mall of the Emirates. It also boasts a wide range of stores – both luxury and high street – and plenty of dining options. This is a great choice if you want a day of shopping with a bit of adventure.

If you’re looking for accommodation nearby, you have several choices. One thing to remember when picking your place to stay is proximity to attractions and the desert – and malls, of course, since you’ll want to go shopping. NH Collection Dubai The Palm, one of the beachfront hotels on the Palm Dubai, is less than 20 minutes from the Mall of the Emirates. This calibre of hotel offers various seasonal discounts and stay-longer specials too, so keep an eye out.

Souks and Local Markets 

Your shopping adventure in Dubai isn’t limited to malls; there are several souks worth checking out. With narrow alleyways, stalls bursting with colour, the smells of spices, and the glint of gold, Dubai souks are a feast for all the senses. 

For instance, the Gold Souk in Deira is renowned for jewellery and watches. The best thing about these souks is that you can find things you won’t find elsewhere – perfumed oils, textiles, and incense are all yours for the taking. These make great gifts too. 

Another aspect you’ll enjoy is the display of local life. These are not just tourist attractions; they’re very much a part of local life. Locals come here to browse, haggle, and find the best value for their money. 

Give yourself enough time to explore – you’re not supposed to rush; follow the pace of the locals and soak in the unmistakable Arabian atmosphere of these markets.

Ibn Battuta Mall 

This mall is inspired by the travels of the 14th-century explorer Ibn Battuta, and each section is themed around a region such as China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia, and Andalusia. So, while you’re shopping, you also get to feel like you’re in different regions of the world without even having to get on a plane. 

The architecture and décor change as you move through the mall, which makes it fun. Ibn Battuta Mall is excellent if you want to enjoy a slow day away from downtown.

What to Shop and How to Experience It 

Here’s what you can shop for and how to make the most of your visit: 

• Luxury brands: If you’re into high end labels, head to The Dubai Mall.
• High-street and everyday fashion: Also found in all major malls, so you don’t need to only focus on luxury.
• Local crafts, souvenirs, perfumes, gold – if you want to shop like a local, visit the souks. They carry Dubai’s Bedouin spirit.
• Entertaining and dining: Malls in Dubai are not just for shopping. These malls feature cinemas, ski slopes, aquariums, and lots of eateries. This adds substance to your day – it’s more than just buying stuff. 
• Try to visit outside rush hours or mid-week for a better experience.
• Malls are huge, and you’ll be walking a lot, so dress comfortably. 
• Spend half the day in a big mall, then transition to a souk or a themed destination to get different experiences.