Dubai is one of the richest cities in the whole world and as such, there’s plenty of high-class shopping to be done here. With numerous purpose-built shopping malls home to countless designer brands, if you’re a label lover then you’ll be in heaven. On the flipside, Dubai also has dozens of souks, outdoor markets, that are renowned for their bargain prices for top-quality products. We’ve put together this guide not just on where to shop whilst you’re in Dubai, but also on the rules and regulations surrounding duty, tax and customs, so you don’t get caught out at the airport.
Rules and Regulations
It’s always a good idea to make sure that you are aware of any laws that may differ from your home country. In Dubai, for example, there are different regulations around casino gaming than there are in the USA. If casino gaming is a favourite pastime of yours then sites like Arabian Betting offer information on how you can play at live dealer casinos safely and legally whilst you’re travelling in Dubai. They provide not just sites that are available for those in Dubai to use, but they also provide information on the variety of games that you can expect to find, to make sure that you can always play your favourites. So, if you’re planning some gaming whilst on your breaks from shopping then online is the best place for it.
As well as different gaming laws, Dubai also has some rules that you’ll need to follow if you’re planning on having a particularly large spree. Their duty-free laws will differ from country to country, but British people, for example, should be mindful not to take back more than 42 litres of beer, 4 litres of spirits or more than 200 cigarettes. On top of alcohol and cigarettes, there are also limits on other goods that you can claim the duty back on. Each item that you buy cannot exceed a value of 1800 AED, the limit being per item, not in total. If you buy something over this value, then the amount that you have to pay duty on will be calculated at customs. Up to the 1800AED limit, you’ll pay just 2.5%.
Souks
If you want to get a feel of the real Dubai then you must visit one of the souks, the easiest way to get around them is to take a taxi, but if you’d rather then you could look into hiring a cheap rental car. With transport sorted, it’s time to explore.
The Gold Souk is a must-see for anyone with an interest in jewellery. Here you’ll find independent traders selling gold (obviously), as well as other precious metals, rare gemstones, watches, rings and jewellery art pieces. There are some real one-off’s here so if you see something that you love then don’t hesitate to buy it. With that said, most stall holders are open to bartering, so try to get them down to the best price.
The Perfume Souk and the Spice Souk should also be on your itinerary as just walking around them is a feast for the senses. You’ll be able to find essential oils galore and even people who will create a bespoke scent just for you at the perfume souk, whilst at the spices one you’ll find plenty of exotic spices, as well as dried foods that you can cook with back at home.
Malls
Dubai is most famous for its malls and to be perfectly honest, whichever one you choose, you can’t go wrong. The Dubai Mall is obviously the flagship and deserves at least a day of your time, not just for shopping but also for the other incredible things you’ll find there, including top-quality restaurants, stunning art collections and even an aquarium. Once you’re finished at the Dubai Mall, head to The Mall of the Emirates, which is best known for Dubai’s only indoor ski slope. After tearing it up on the slopes, you’ll be able to hit up Harvey Nichols, the only one in the city, as well as literally hundreds of other luxury stores.
If big bargains from famous fashion houses are what you want from your trip, then you’ll be best off heading to the outskirts of town. The Outlet Village appears like a Mediterranean market, with stunning landscaping and scenery, but don’t be fooled by the charming appearance. This mall is for serious shoppers and is the best place for snagging huge discounts on designer brands.
