Joanna James
With towering and expansive malls and lavish souks, it's no surprise that Dubai is one of the most famous shopping hubs in the world. Here are the 8 best places to visit on your shopping rounds!
Wafi Mall is located on Sheikh Zayed Road, a mere 10 minutes from the Dubai International Airport, and is impossible to miss. The unique and famous Dubai mall holds true to its Egyptian inspiration both inside and out – its corridors are styled in traditional Egyptian décor and the mall itself is built like a pyramid! Wafi holds almost 350 stores within its walls selling everything from apparel and accessories to crafts and décor. Stop by and rejuvenate yourself at their first class spas while you're at it!
Situated by Port Saeed Road's waterfront, Deira City Centre is one of Dubai's oldest malls and houses just about all major brands of electronics, ornaments and dresses as well as local stores selling cashmere, rugs and silks. The mall also provides shuttle services to and from several hotels in Dubai Deira.
Dubai Mall, located in Financial Centre Road, is the world's largest mall. The colossal shopping complex has no less than 1200 premium and luxury brand stores, an Ice Rink and Theme park, a Cinema, an underwater zoo, the Dubai Aquarium, countless restaurants serving fantastic meals and the Dubai Fountains – the 2nd largest choreographed fountain system in the world!
To get to the Mall of the Emirates you simply need to take the metro to the station of the same name and then take the skywalk. The luxurious complex holds 475 premium stores selling products of fashion, home décor, sports, electronics and lifestyle. There's also a 'magic planet' play zone for kids and a magnificent Ski Resort that guarantees the ultimate skiing adventure.
Clothes and material objects aren't the only things to shop for in Dubai! Stock up on Dubai's aromatic spices that are bursting with colour and flavour at the Spice Souk (marketplace), located in Deira. It comprises of small shops selling a wonderful array of herbs and spices, including cinnamon, pepper, cloves, nutmeg, saffron, coriander, turmeric, sumac and cardamom. The narrow alleys are also full of stalls selling hookah masala, basmati rice, nuts, flavoured tobacco and nuts.
The most famous souk in Dubai, the gold souk, located very close to the Spice Souk, is worth visiting even if you don't plan on buying anything. Walkways are lined with store after store, selling exquisite jewellery made of gold, silver and adorned with precious gems. Every souk mentioned here is located in and around Deira, so if you plan to visit them, staying at a hotel nearby, like AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel, will be highly convenient.
If you've polished up on your haggling skills and are looking for beautiful textiles at incredible bargains, then this is the place to go! The textile souk, located in Bur Dubai, is lined with colourful stalls selling everything from cashmere, silks, wools and cotton to footwear, ready-made clothing and souvenirs.
The Perfume Souk isn't just for purchasing branded international perfumes or local Arabic ittars, but also where you can buy scented incense in wood, powder, rocks and crystals as well! When visiting these souks its best to take public transport as the area is usually packed with people and parking spaces are a rare occurrence.
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