Shopper's Paradise

The city is an open port and has low import duties and no taxation. Even major brands are much cheaper in Dubai than in their country of origin. Shopping hours vary from place to place. However, 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.

Although Dubai is well known as a shopper's paradise throughout the year, the month of January and February is particularly good for bargain hunters. Throughout January, over two million visitors flock to Dubai for the month-long Shopping Festival, which seems to involve every shop in the city, with concerts, children's entertainment, firework shows and other events offering a welcome break from the city-wide shopping frenzy. The major shopping destinations for big brands in the city include Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Mall (the world's largest shopping mall by area), Dubai Festival City and Emirates Towers Boulevard.

 

Bargaining is an established norm in the traditional souks, and it is advised to ask for the 'best price', particularly if you are paying cash.

The best places in Dubai for gold and jewellery shopping include the Gold Souk located in Deira, the largest gold market in Dubai located at the mouth of the Creek and is a must see for tourists; and the Gold and Diamond Park located near Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road with over 100 manufacturers and 30 retailers of gold.

For more information on shopping in Dubai,
please visit: http://www.dubaicityguide.com