Shopping is synonymous with Dubai. Shopping in Dubai is relatively inexpensive, thanks to its tax policies. Dubai offers a wide range of products, from gold to electronic commodities, at great prices. While the Dubai Shopping Festival (held in January or February every year) is the best time to shop, Dubai is a shopper’s paradise year-round. From sparkling shopping malls to traditional Arabic souks, the city offers a unique shopping experience.
A visit to the souk or any of the malls in Dubai would leave you confused and perhaps overwhelmed. There are so many shops and interesting things to buy. To make it easier for you, here are some of the best things you should buy when in Dubai.
Top Dubai Things to Buy
1. Electronic Goods :
We are always looking for the latest version of electronic goods, such as mobile phones, laptops, and tablets. Buying new electronic products on a regular basis can burn your pockets. However, electronic commodities are at low prices in Dubai than in the rest of the world. Since you are in Dubai, this is something you can splurge on. You can buy the latest mobiles, cameras, laptops, and tablets in Dubai at great rates. Many stores also offer combo packages and deals that would help you save money. Nevertheless, you must ensure these products function in your country; otherwise, it would be a waste of money.
Price Range: AED 200 and above
Where to Buy : Electronic stores can be found in malls like the Dubai Mall, Mall of Emirates, Wafi Mall, Deira City Centre, Sharaf DG Store, and Al Fahidi Street in Bur Dubai.
2. Pashmina Shawls :
Price Range : Real Pashmina shawls start at AED 250 and Viscose shawls are AED 30
Where to Buy: Malls, Textile Souk, Pashmina House, and Karama Market.
3. Rugs and Carpets :
If you are looking for something special to take back home as a souvenir, there is nothing better than a Persian carpet. Several stores in Dubai sell handmade Iranian, Persian, and Cashmere rugs and carpets. Although taking a carpet back home can be a little problematic, think about how it would enhance the beauty of your home, and the hassle would seem worth it. Carpets and rugs are seen in different styles, colors, sizes, and patterns. Do not forget to bargain to buy a carpet at the best price.
Price Range : The price depends on the size, material, and design. AED 300 to AED 1000
Where to Buy: Dubai Carpet Souk in Al Fahidi, National Iranian Carpets and Persian Carpet House at Souq Madinat Jumeirah, Lata’s, Al Jaber Gallery, Pride of Kashmir, Dubai Mall, Souq Al Bahar, and Midrif City.
4. Dates and Dried Fruits :
Most of us want to take home something special from the place we visit for our loved ones. And there is nothing better than the dates that represent Dubai and the Arabic culture. Dates are the first thing that the Arabs eat when they break their fast during Ramadan. While the nutritional value of dates is high, you do not need to stick to the regular ones. In Dubai, you will find dates filled with almonds, hazelnuts, etc. and covered with delicious chocolate in beautiful boxes, the perfect gift for a friend or a relative.
Price Range: AED 35 to AED 250 per kilo
Where to Buy : Dates Souk at Deira food market, Burjuman Centre, Bateel outlets in Dubai Mall, Festival City (for premium varieties), Dubai City Centre, and supermarkets.
Things to Buy in Dubai at Affordable Prices
Dubai is a true haven for lovers of shopping. It is the perfect place to get things at low prices. If you want to buy at low prices in Dubai, here are a few things to consider.
1. Gold :
Gold is a precious commodity that does not come at low price. However, buying gold in Dubai is at lower price than buying gold anywhere else in the world. The city’s best places to buy gold are Dubai Gold Souk and Gold and Diamond Park, where you will find rows of stores selling the glittering metal. You would find gold jewelry in different sizes, shapes, and weights, as well as those embedded with different precious stones, including diamonds. With so much variety, you would be confused as to which one to buy. But the best part is that you can bargain to get the best price for the jewelry you want to buy. If you have good bargaining skills, you may be able to buy the jewellery at half the quoted price.
Price Range: AED 222 per gram for 22 Karat (subject to change)
Where to Buy: Dubai Gold Souk, Gold and Diamond Park, Joy Alukkas outlet, PNG outlet, etc.
2. Attar and Perfumes :
Attar is a type of perfume that the Arabs commonly use. Prepared by combining different essential oils, the attar has a strong fragrance. As it is a great gift for friends and loved ones, you must visit the Perfume Souk in Deira to get a few bottles of the precious attar. If you are not able to choose among the perfumes, the vendor will help you do so. On the other hand, you can experiment a bit and make your own fragrance. Even if you do not like attar, you must still visit the Perfume Souk to buy branded perfumes at a low price.
Price Range : AED 90 and above
Where to Buy : Perfume Souk in Deira and perfume shops in malls and supermarkets.
3. Designer Handbags :
Price Range : AED 200 and above
Where to Buy – Malls, Meena Bazaar and shops in Karama
Things to Buy in Dubai Duty Free
Dubai duty free shopping is a great way to save money. Things that you found expensive in the city could be bought from duty free shops at lesser prices. Here are a few things to buy in Dubai duty free shops.
1. Liquor :
Residents need to have a license to buy alcohol in stores. However, everyone of eligible age can buy drinks at bars and restaurants. If you want to take back liquor bottles for your own collection or as gifts, get them from the duty free store at the airport. You would find different varieties of alcohol at the best prices, something that you would never get anywhere else in the world. However, you need to inquire with your airline about the maximum quantity that you are allowed to carry before you make the purchase.
Price Range: AED 90 and above
Where to Buy: Airport Duty Free Shops
2. Chocolates :
Chocolates are great gifts for kids as well as adults. You will find chocolates from all over the world in Dubai. While you can buy chocolates from the supermarkets, malls, and souks of Dubai, the duty-free shop is where you will get the same chocolates at low prices. Apart from the international brands of chocolates, you must also try the camel milk chocolate, which is a delicacy of Dubai. Available in five flavours, these chocolates are shaped in the form of camels and are really delicious.
Price Range: AED 40 to AED 165
Where to Buy: Malls, supermarkets, Al Nassma kiosks, duty free shops
3. Arabic Sweets :
Arabic sweets are rich and scrumptious. Made with generous amounts of butter, sugar, and dry fruits, they will melt in your mouth. Some Arabic or Middle Eastern sweets that you must try include Basbousa, Baklawa, Qatayef, Umm Ali, etc. While you will be able to buy these sweets from anywhere in the city, it is best to buy them from duty free shops, so that you can buy the freshest ones before you head home.
Price Range: AED 50 to AED 500
Where to Buy: Al Baba Sweets, Alreef Lebanese Bakery, Al Samadhi Sweets, Wafi Gourmet, The Hummingbird Bakery, and sweet shops in souqs
What to Buy in Dubai Mall?
Dubai Mall is the largest mall not just in Dubai or the UAE but also in the entire world. It is home to 1200 retail stores, a large food court, an aquarium, an ice rink, movie theaters and other places of entertainment. You can spend an entire day at the Dubai Mall and still not be able to see the whole place. With so many stores, what to buy in Dubai Mall would be your question. The answer is that you can buy anything and everything at the Dubai Mall. From fashion labels and accessories to home decor and electronics, you can shop at the Dubai Mall. The mall also has a huge bookstore, a haven for book lovers. Even if shopping is not on your agenda, there is the fountain show and Dubai Aquarium to visit in Dubai Mall, which should not be missed.
As you now know what to buy in Dubai, it is necessary to add shopping to your itinerary along with visiting the Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Frame as well as going on a desert safari and dhow cruise Dubai. Shopping in Dubai is an experience like no other and a must-do to complete your holiday.