Shopping in Dubai

Shopping is undoubtedly one of the Dubai’s greatest draw cards, with the city often regarded as the ‘Shopping Capital of the Middle East'.

Key areas

The souks, or traditional markets, are one of Dubai's greatest attractions. They are located on both sides of the Dubai Creek, with the most impressive on the Deira side.

Markets

Dubai’s souks offer an atmospheric shopping experience with sights, sounds and aromas that hint of yesteryear. The Spice Souk, Al-Sabkha Road, is more of a tourist attraction, while the buzzing Gold Souk, Sikkat al-Khali Street, offers some great deals on gold necklaces, rings, bangles, earrings and brooches, with gold prices among the lowest in the world. The gold souks are strictly regulated, so there is little chance of customers being ripped off in terms of quality, although prices do vary greatly and bargaining is essential.

The Electronics Souk, near Beniyas Square, might sound a slightly incongruous idea but this is Dubai, which means that, with shopping, anything goes.

Shopping centres

If you love shopping, make it your mission to visit the "Big Five" which are BurJuman, Deira City Centre, Dubai Mall, Ibn Buttuta and Mall of the Emirates.

Opening hours

Dubai’s shops are rarely closed although Friday morning is the one exception, when most stores are shut as it’s the holy day. Larger malls are open 1000-2200 and often even later during festival periods. Dubai’s souks are open Saturday-Thursday 0700-1200 and 1700-1900,  and Friday from1700-1900.

Souvenirs

Spices, gold, designer wear and electronics goods are among the popular souvenirs purchased in Dubai.

Tax information

There is no sales tax in Dubai and the airport is renowned for having one of the finest duty-free opportunities in the world.
This is open to both arriving and departing passengers.