Anastasia Smith
As a shopper's paradise in the heart of the desert, Dubai is home to some of the world's largest malls and retail complexes. Here's a list of the must-experience department stores, souks and markets in Dubai.
Calling itself the globe's largest themed shopping compound, there's no denying the impressive size and scale of the Ibn Battuta Mall in Dubai. Located down Sheikh Zayed Road, the venue is not only home to 250 stores but is one of the best family entertainment hotspots in the city. Designed to celebrate the travelling life of the 14th-century explorer the mall is named after, this massive complex also boasts signature outlets of the world's leading fashion and lifestyle brands.
While the Mall of the Emirates may be best known for its indoor ski slopes, it is the 560 retail outlets that keep shoppers returning to this leading department store. Lined with luxurious boutiques and high-street fashion brands, a shopping spree in the Mall of the Emirates is not for the financially constrained even if the sprawling retail centre does house some mid-range boutiques. Considered the best place to spend a Saturday with friends or family, most tourists head to the Mall of Emirates to enjoy its VOX cinemas or to navigate the mall's indoor skiing facilities.
Reputed to be one of the world's most expansive shopping malls, the Dubai Mall is a veritable icon in Dubai's retail landscape. A big hit with families and kids owing to the Dubai Aquarium which is found within its confines, another reason the Dubai Mall is so popular is its proximity to the Dubai Fountain. Situated on Burj Khalifa Lake, the Dubai Fountain is the setting for one of the world's finest water shows.
Tourists based at Oaks Liwa Heights and other conveniently located hotel suites in Dubai must also venture down to the Bur Dubai Souk to experience a traditional Arabian bazaar. The maze-like layout of the Bur Dubai Souk is what makes a shopping spree inside the market an engaging experience for the uninitiated. Considered one of the best places to buy traditional Middle Eastern wares, spices and handicrafts, this conventional thoroughfare which was once known as the Old Souk is where locals come to find basic commodities.
Ideally situated on the banks of the river, down Al Sufouh Road, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is renowned not only for its souvenir vendors but also for its gold and precious jewellery shops. The vibrant alleys that make up the bazaar allow tourists the chance to find the best products for their budget while also allowing them the chance to wine and dine on local delicacies during the shopping spree. Lined with conventional restaurants and cafes, tourists and expats head to Souk Madinat Jumeirah as much for its dining options as for its retail outlets.
Also called the WAFI Mall, this high-end shopping centre is perhaps more famous for its Egyptian architectural features than the stores contained within its ultra-chic spaces. Offering shoppers an array of lifestyle brands and designer fashion outlets, wining and dining at the WAFI Mall can also is a glamorous affair for those willing to splurge.
