Shopping in Dubai
Discover 23 markets, shops, and shopping spots in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. From local markets to specialty stores — curated from real traveler tips.
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Satwa
a small community much resembling a town, its streets are rowed by textile shops notably opposite the Satwa Mosque ending to the opposite of Satwa clinic. Most of the people flock to Satwa for their textiles, you might sometimes catch offers and discounts but if you don't do so try bargaining the price, this is what most locals do, even if you're a tourist convince the salesman to give you a discount, bargain till you get the lowest price available. Not only is Satwa a hub for textile shops; some tailoring shops on the corners are also found if you want a dress made as soon as possible after purchasing the raw materials. Raw silk might also be available in some shops. Because of the row of textile shops, it might be Dubai's version of Little India and Little Manila as many Indians reside in this district as well as Filipinos.
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Spice Souk
As above, not a mall, but a '''historic market''' that has been a part of Dubai since the origin of Dubai itself. Located at the mouth of the creek, it is not far from the Gold Souk, but has sadly declined a bit in recent years as supermarkets take over the spice trade. If you're actually shopping for spices, odds are you'll get better prices and quality with much less hassle at Carrefour. Both the Spice Souk and the Gold Souq are a rather hot and sweaty experience with limited air-conditioning, so wear appropriately cool, loose clothing if visiting in mid summer. Individual shops are air conditioned. Although regularly visited by tourists, none of the souks are considered a tourist area and as such modest dress should be worn to avoid causing offence or attracting unwanted attention.
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Gold Souk
Not a mall, but a '''historic market''' that has been a part of Dubai since the origin of Dubai itself. Located at the mouth of the creek, it dazzles people by selling gold in large quantities and with little visible security. A must visit for shoppers and sightseers. Most of the gold is 22ct quality and quite expensive - although even here the shopkeepers are prepared to bargain - and the craftsmanship can be remarkably detailed. The gold items are sold by weight with a "making charge" added on top to cover the workmanship. It pays therefore, to go shopping armed with the current gold price and a knowledge of the making charges in order to hone the bargaining process. Many outlets are part of chains that also have branches in malls, so are generally reliable.
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Mall of the Emirates
It was largest shopping mall outside of North America until the Dubai Mall opened in 2008. Over 200 shops, cinemas, plus the Ski Centre. Has many international high street chains as well as luxury brand stores, including Harvey Nichols. Many restaurants and cafés, though cafés tend to be much more crowded than at other malls. It's attached to a Kempinski hotel, which has restaurants licensed to serve alcohol that are accessible from the mall. Very large Carrefour hypermarket attached, next to the Kempinski Hotel. Arabian/Middle Eastern souvenir shops upstairs. It's known for Ski Dubai and it other spectacular attractions. There are all High Street shops around and is very popular with families.
Near 4th interchange on Sheikh Zayed Rd Outside Ramadan: Su-W 10:00-22:00; Th-Sa 10:00-23:59; Ramadan: Su-Sa 10:00-01:00 Website -
Mercato
Mercato (Italian for ''market'') is the only Renaissance-themed shopping mall in the Middle East. It captures Italian, French and Spanish flavors and artistic characteristics, playing host to regular fairs and festivals from each country. Mercato provides a unique shopping experience, the best in international entertainment and popular brand names like Virgin Megastore, Top Shop, Mango and Hugo Boss; Mercato is simply ''The Good Life.'' It houses a big Spinneys Supermarket, a 7 screen Grand Cinema, a Starbucks, and mouth watering restaurants such as Bella Donna who have a balcony overlooking the sea that cannot be missed.
Jumeirah Beach Rd Website -
Dubai Mall
The largest mall in the world, it opened in November 2008. It has over 1,200 shops of brand names from all over the world. It contains an indoor ice rink and indoor aquarium. It is right next door to the Burj Khalifah, and the visitors' entrance to the Burj Khalifa is located at the lower ground floor of the Mall. It houses the Dubai Aquarium (which you can dive tours in) and 1,200 shops for everything. The food court on the lower floor is spectacular in its variety. It's a good place to watch the water games of the Dubai fountain, which plays at night. It is breathtaking, so take time and pick your points of interest.
Su-W 10:00-22:00, Th-Sa 10:00-23:59 Website -
Ibn Battuta Mall
The pavilions are themed according to the voyages of the great voyager Ibn Battuta. Areas themed around six countries (China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and the Andalusia). Wide range of shops, although fewer high class brands. Has various restaurants and cafes (including three Starbucks), and a multiplex cinema including an Imax. No restaurants serve alcohol. Also has extensive, permanent exhibition of Islamic science, invention and astronomy. Attached (access via outside) is one of Dubai's few second-hand bookshops, House of Prose. Has a Geant supermarket attached.
10:00-0:00 Website -
Deira City Centre
By far the most popular mall in Dubai. Debenhams, Virgin Megastore, Zara and other international high street brands. A multiplex cinema, and many restaurants and cafes. Also has a large "Arabian Treasures" souvenir and traditional textiles area. A new extension includes many more high-end boutiques and upmarket mall restaurants. A big Carrefour hypermarket sells just about everything and is nearly always very busy. There is a Sofitel hotel at one end of the centre, where there are bars and restaurants serving alcohol.
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Oasis Center
Oasis Centre is located near Sheikh Zayed Road with retail space of about 1 million sq. ft. and total area of 1.44 million sq. ft. It has wide varieties brands and diverse categories related to beauty, lifestyle, luxury, home decor, furnishing, shoe, sports, electronics, etc. Not just a mall but it also housed spas, saloons, markets, fitness center, cafes, etc. Its two basement parking facility (approx 470,000 sq. ft.) can accommodate approx 1,700 vehicles.
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Mall of Arabia
Mall of Arabia is a shopping mall built as part of the City of Arabia in the Dubailand theme park premises in Dubai. The 10 million square-foot mall contains more than 1,000 retail outlets, a rooftop hotel, waterfront dining and entertainment, a theme park, an earth science museum, and a planetarium. It also contains its own monorail system linked with the Dubai Metro along with a 2-story underground parking garage capable of holding 10,400 vehicles.
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Computer Plaza @ Al-Ain Centre
A mall specializing in computers, laptops, computer parts and computer add-ons like monitors, VoIP phones, hard drives, etc. Prices aren't particularly low, even after haggling, and choices are limited (for example very few shops sell AMD hardware). There used to be an internet cafe here and it may return in 2014. Other malls in this area are also good for computers and computer equipment.
Mankhool Rd Website -
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Includes 75 shops, numerous bars, restaurants and cafés, a nightclub, theatre. More expensive and targeted directly at tourists than other, general malls where residents go. Most bars and restaurants are licensed for alcohol. Nice to wander through as it has been designed to resemble a "traditional" souq, but with the modern comforts of air conditioning. Lots of souvenir-type shops.
Jumeirah Rd Website -
Town Centre Jumeirah
With a bright, open and spacious atmosphere, it is a place to shop, relax and casually dine at a wide selection of eateries like Sumo Sushi, Cafe Ceramique, La Cafette by Carpe Diem and Simply Healthy. It also houses an extensive range of ladies' beauty outlets like the Nail Station, Paris Gallery, Kaya Skin Care Clinic, Wax Lounge and SOS Salon.
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Wafi Mall
Includes Marks & Spencer, Goodies. Focus is almost entirely on luxury brands, jewellery and expensive boutiques. Many upmarket restaurants and bars, many of which serve alcohol. A luxury spa is attached to the complex. The Egypt-themed architecture, which includes quite beautiful stained-glass pyramids, is worth seeing.
Oud Metha Rd Website -
Emirates Towers Boulevard
Part of the Emirates Tower Hotel complex. The shops here match the hotel, very high class, plus a Starbucks. Lipton café has free Wi-Fi. Restaurants and bars all serve alcohol. Quite a popular nightlife spot, with bars and nightclubs and it is considered the most expensive mall in Dubai.
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Emirates Official Store
You can shop Emirates merchandise from the Emirates Official Store that offers offers travel accessories, toys, caps, bags, executive items, collectible lapel pins, numerous aircraft models and other aviation collectables.
Mezzanine Floor, dnata Travel Centre, Sheikh Zayed Road 0900 to 1700 (Sunday - Thursday) -
Times Square Center
Located in the middle of Sheikh Zayed Road, Times Square Centre is an unique mall with exclusive shopping experiences across Dubai. It is different than the rest of the malls in Dubai.
Sheikh Zayed Road, At 3/4 th Interchange, Dubai -
Festival City
Has Dubai's only Ikea, since it relocated from City Centre, and a huge Plug-Ins electronic store. Also an ACE Hardware and an amazing mall that has 550 shops.
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BurJuman
A 4-floor shopping mall housing more than 300 stores. It is one of the oldest, and still one of the largest, malls in Dubai, but has become less popular.
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Mirdif City Centre
A large mall with 500+ stores, over 80 restaurants and cafés and plenty of entertainment and recreation sites inside it.
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Bur Dubai Souk
Also known as the Textile Souk. A few of the shopkeepers can be quite forceful in trying to get you in to their shop.
between the Creek and Ali Bin Abi Taleb St -
Dubai Outlet Mall
A very large mall, with many "factory outlets".
Route E 66 (the road to Al Ain) Website
Travel tips by Wikivoyage contributors (CC BY-SA 3.0). Data may have changed — verify opening hours before visiting.
Shopping Guide for Dubai: Markets, Stores & Souvenirs
Shopping in Dubai is one of the best ways to experience the city's local culture beyond the usual tourist trail. Whether you're browsing open-air markets for fresh produce and local delicacies, hunting for antiques in backstreet shops, or searching for artisan crafts and design goods to take home, Dubai's shopping scene has something for every kind of traveler and every budget.
This guide covers 23 shopping spots in Dubai sourced from Wikivoyage — the traveler-written travel guide — ensuring you're getting recommendations from real visitors who've been there. Unlike algorithmically ranked lists, these are the shops, markets, and stores that travelers actually tell each other about.
Types of Shopping in Dubai
Dubai's shopping landscape includes several distinct categories. Markets are the heart of local commerce — weekly or daily gatherings where you'll find fresh food, second-hand clothing, handmade goods, and antiques at prices far below tourist shops. Specialty stores in Dubai often have decades of history and deep expertise — bookshops, wine merchants, tea rooms, craft suppliers, and independent fashion boutiques. Souvenir and gift shops vary widely in quality: the best ones in Dubai sell locally made products, while others sell identical mass-produced goods found in every city. This guide steers you toward the former.
Shopping Tips for Travelers in Dubai
- Visit markets early. The best stalls at Dubai's markets fill up fast. Arrive in the first hour of opening for the widest selection and freshest goods, especially for food markets.
- Carry local currency. Many independent shops and market vendors in Dubai prefer cash. Have small denomination local currency on hand to avoid problems at card-only or cash-only stalls.
- Check opening days carefully. Many specialist shops in Dubai close on Sundays and some close on Mondays or Wednesday afternoons. Always verify hours before making a special trip.
- Ask about provenance. When buying what appears to be locally made or artisan goods in Dubai, don't hesitate to ask where items are made. Genuine local products make far better souvenirs than imported look-alikes.
- Budget for customs limits. If you're traveling internationally, keep in mind duty-free allowances for your home country, especially for food products, alcohol, and tobacco bought in Dubai.
- Bargaining culture varies. In some markets in Dubai light bargaining is expected; in most established shops, the price is fixed. Follow local cues — if other shoppers are negotiating, it's acceptable; if prices are clearly marked, they typically aren't.
Best Souvenirs to Buy in Dubai
The most meaningful souvenirs from Dubai are the ones that can't be bought elsewhere — locally produced food and drink, handmade objects by local artisans, books published in the city or about the region, and items that reflect the city's distinct cultural identity. Avoid mass-produced miniatures and branded merchandise that you'll find in identical form in every tourist shop. Instead, focus on the specialty stores and markets listed in this guide where authentic local products are the norm.
Shopping Neighborhoods in Dubai
Like most cities, Dubai's best independent shopping is concentrated in specific neighborhoods rather than spread evenly across the city. Historic city centers and old towns tend to have the highest density of specialty shops, antique dealers, and design boutiques. Residential neighborhoods often host the best local food markets and everyday shopping that tourists rarely discover. This guide's listings span the city so you can plan your shopping around whichever neighborhoods you're already visiting.
Meet Fellow Travelers While Exploring Dubai
Solo travel and group shopping are not mutually exclusive. Many Nomax users find travel companions for market days, afternoon shopping strolls, or finding someone who knows the city well enough to point you to the best local stores. Download Nomax to connect with other travelers currently in Dubai — whether you want a market guide, a fellow bargain hunter, or simply someone to share the discovery of a great find.
Frequently Asked Questions: Shopping in Dubai
Where to shop in Dubai?
Dubai has 23 curated shopping spots including markets, specialty stores, and local boutiques. This guide covers the best places to shop, from open-air markets with local produce and handmade goods to bookshops, antique dealers, and souvenir stores. Use the Nomax app to connect with fellow travelers who can share their favourite shopping finds in Dubai.
What souvenirs to buy in Dubai?
The best souvenirs from Dubai are those that reflect the city's culture and craftsmanship — local food specialties, artisan products, books about the city or region, handmade ceramics or textiles, and locally produced beverages. Markets are the best place to find authentic souvenirs at fair prices. Other travelers on Nomax often share tips on where to find genuinely local products versus tourist-trap shops.
Are there any markets in Dubai?
Yes, Dubai has several markets listed in this guide including weekly food markets, antique fairs, and craft markets. Markets are excellent for experiencing local daily life and finding unique items you won't find in chain stores. Opening days and hours vary — check individual listings for current schedules before visiting.
What are the best specialty shops in Dubai?
Dubai has a range of specialty shops covering books, design, fashion, food and drink, antiques, and local crafts. Many of the shops in this guide are independent stores with deep expertise in their niche — a far better experience than mall shopping. The listings here are sourced from traveler community knowledge, so they tend to be the kinds of places locals actually recommend.
How do I find shopping companions in Dubai?
Download Nomax to instantly connect with other travelers in Dubai. Whether you want a local recommendation, a shopping companion for a market day, or someone who knows where to find the best local products, Nomax lets you chat with and meet fellow travelers in the city. It's free and available on iOS and Android.
Is it safe to shop in Dubai as a solo traveler?
Shopping in Dubai is generally safe for solo travelers. At markets, keep an eye on your belongings and use a secure bag. For valuable purchases, ask for receipts and check the return policy. When browsing late-evening markets, stick to well-lit areas. Connect with other travelers on Nomax for up-to-date safety tips from people currently in Dubai.
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