SHOPPING
The city of Dubai is an open port
with low import duties and no taxation, and as such offers
unbeatable value to the bargain hunter. Even major brand name
products, widely available in the city, are often less expensive
in Dubai than in their country of origin. Opening hours vary but
shops are generally open from 08.00 to 13.00 and from 16.00 to
21.00. Although most shops are open on Friday evenings they close
for prayers between 11.30 and 13.30.
The major shopping areas of the city are Al Faheidi Road, Al
Rigga Road, Al Karama, Al Satwa’s Al Dhiyafah Road and
Beniyas Square. The modern shopping malls, located throughout the
city, contrast with the sights, sounds and smells of the
traditional souks.
Bargaining is the norm in the souks and even in shops it is wise
to ask for ‘the best price’, particularly if paying by
cash.
Shopping Malls
Shopping Malls which replaced the word "Souks" of
olden days are main places where shopping taking place throughout
the year. Dubai's Shopping Malls are offering you the
variety of products like Electronic from Japan, Fashion from
Europe and much more. Shopping in Dubai is fun for the whole
family.
Al Dhiyafah Road, Al Satwa
A lively, upmarket shopping area lining the street with
exclusive fashion boutiques, fabric stores, restaurants and
cafés. A good place to buy, or just to stroll and browse.
Al Sabkha Souk
Adjacent to Deira Covered Souk, Al Sabkha Souk is packed with
the latest in electronics. Video, audio and TV systems, home
appliances and photographic equipment are all available at very
competitive prices.
Deira Covered Souk
In this fascinating maze of alleyways can be found a huge
variety of goods, but the Old Souk is visited particularly for
its spices.
The narrow lanes of the smells of cloves, cardamom, cinnamon,
incense, dried fruit and nuts, imported from all over the Middle
East. Produce is sold straight out of large open sacks that
surround the shopkeepers.
Dubai Old Souk and Al Faheidi
Road
The old, narrow alleys of this traditional souk on Dubai side
of the Creek are known for their superb textile bargains. Silks,
cotton, lace, wool, chiffon and other textiles from all over the
world, in a wide variety of designs and textures, are also sold
in the stores which line Al Faheidi Road and the surrounding area
of Bur Dubai. Prices are very low.
Gold Souk
One of the largest retail gold markets in the world, the Gold
Souk sells everything from ingots to intricately worked
jewellery, as well as pearls and precious stones, at bargain
prices. Alleys of small shops are hidden behind the larger street
front stores whose windows are tightly packed with gold jewellery
from all over the world.
Meat, fish and vegetable market
Visitors to the modern fish souk need to be early risers or
night owls to see the fishermen unload their huge variety of fish
twice a day and to witness the fierce bargaining which follows.
The colourful and busy modern fruit and vegetable souks continue
to attract visitors.
Naif Souk
Fully renovated traditional souk.
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