Joanna James
If you are heading to Dubai and planning to shop till you drop (be it figuratively or literally!), then you are in for a treat! This emirate is home to some truly glamorous malls each offering plenty of retail therapy and entertainment for the whole family.
Providing hours of shopping fun, the Mall of the Emirates features more than 600 shops and stores catering to the eclectic needs of those who visit. Carrefour, Marks & Spencer, Harvey Nichols and the Apple Store are amongst the popular anchor stores here. Fashion conscious shoppers can purchase designer items from the likes of Dolce & Gabbana, Alexander McQueen, Salvatore Ferragamo, Chanel and Jimmy Choo. When hunger strikes you can head to one of the over 100 café and dining options, while the mall also as a 24-screen cinema and the ever popular Ski Dubai.
Truly jaw-droppingly massive, The Dubai Mall with more than 1,200 shops is one of the world's largest malls and is bound to leave shopaholics in a state of delirium! Debenhams and Galleries Lafayette are amongst its department stores, while fashionistas should make a beeline to the Fashion Avenue; Alexander McQueen, Prada, Valentino, Gucci, Louis Vuitton, Chloé, Burberry, Dolce & Gabbana and Chanel are just a few of the designer brands on offer. Other onsite highlights include a virtual reality attraction, Kidzania and the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo.
Another mall that offers plenty of options is City Centre Deira. One of the popular things to do in Deira, Dubai is shopping at this mall which has a great balance of retail and entertainment. Located around a 15 minute drive from Avani Deira Dubai Hotel, the mall is home to the French hypermarket Carrefour as well as other key anchor stores including Marks & Spencer and Debenhams. A 20-screen cinema and Magic Planet which is ideal for kids and families can also be found here along with more than 50 venues to enjoy a relaxed meal or drink.
Another must visit for those in search of the latest fashion, BurJuman has a great selection of designer labels like Bvlgari, Burberry, Charles & Keith and Louis Vuitton. Shoppers exploring this mall will also come across brands such as Nine West, Adidas, JYSK, LC Waikiki, Aldo and The Toy Store. The wide selection at the food court provides plenty of options, while entertainment can be found at the 14 screen cinema, Magic Planet or an immersive virtual reality attraction.
Shopping in Dubai doesn't only have to be about splurging on luxury items and places like the Dubai Outlet Mall give you a chance to enjoy some great bargains too. This mall features a huge array of designer brands some of which can be bought for up to 90% off! Emporio Armani, Stella McCartney, Jean Paul Gaultier, Jimmy Choo, Reebok, Adidas, Timberland and Vans are some of the names you will find here. Watches, lingerie, cosmetics, toys, electrical goods and perfumes are also available, while family entrainment awaits at Chuck E Cheese's.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
