|
SHOPPING
Dubai is labelled the "shopping capital of
the Middle East". With so many shopping malls and souks,
there's no better place to find products at unbeatable
prices. It is truly a duty free shopper's paradise that
gives you more for your money. Dubai's numerous shopping
malls cater to every consumer need. Cars, haute couture
clothing, jewellery, electronics, furnishing, sporting
equipment, and any other goods will likely all be under the
same roof.
Mall of the Emirates
- near 4th interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road - The largest shopping
mall outside of North America. 200+ shops, cinemas, plus the Ski
Centre. Has many international high street chains as well as luxury
brand stores, including Harvey Nichols. Many restaurants and cafes,
though cafes tend to be much more crowded than at other malls. Very
large Carrefour hypermarket attached. Arabian/Middle Eastern
souvenir shops upstairs.
Ibn Battuta Mall
- Jebel Ali - Areas themed around six countries (China, India,
Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and the Andalusia.) Wide range of shops,
although fewer high class brands. Has various restaurants and cafes
(including three Starbucks), and a multiplex cinema including an
Imax. No restaurants serve alcohol. Also has permanent exhibition of
Islamic science, invention and astronomy. Attached (access via
outside) is one of Dubai's few second-hand bookshops, House of
Prose. Has a Geant supermarket attached.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
- Jumeirah Road, - 75 shops, numerous bars, restaurants and cafes, a
nightclub, theatre. More expensive and targeted directly at tourists
than other, general malls where residents go. Most bars and
restaurants are licensed for alcohol. Nice to wander through as it
has been designed to resemble a "traditional" souq, but with the
modern comforts of air conditioning. Lots of souvenir-type shops.
Burjuman Centre
- Khalifa Bin Zayed Road, - Recently opened after expansion, focus
is on premium brand stores and luxury boutiques, but high street
stores are also available. No restaurants serve alcohol.
Deira City Centre
- This is by far the most popular mall in Dubai and no visit to
Dubai is complete without a visit. Debenhams, Virgin Megastore, Zara
and other international high street brands. A multiplex cinema, and
many restaurants and cafes. Also has a large "Arabian Treasures"
souvenir and traditional textiles area. Big Carrefour hypermarket
attached, which is nearly always very busy. No restaurants serve
alcohol.
Wafi Mall
- Marks & Spencer, Goodies. Focus is almost entirely on luxury
brands, jewellery and expensive boutiques. Many upmarket restaurants
and bars, many of which are licensed (have alcohol available). A
luxury spa is attached to the complex. The Egypt-themed
architecture, which includes quite beautiful stained-glass pyramids,
is worth seeing.
Emirates Towers Boulevard
- Sheikh Zayed Road - Part of the Emirates Tower Hotel complex. The
shops here match the hotel - very high class, plus a Starbucks.
Lipton cafe has free wifi. Restaurants and bars all serve alcohol.
Quite a popular nightlife spot, with bars and nightclubs.
Mercato Mall
- Jumeirah Beach Road. The only Renaissance-themed shopping mall in
the Middle East. Cinemas, Virgin Megastore, high street brands such
as Next, Top Shop. Also has a big Spinneys attached. Some
restaurants, but none are licensed for alcohol.
Gold Souk
- Not a mall, but a historic market that has been a part of Dubai
since the origin of Dubai itself. Located at the mouth of the creek,
it dazzles people by selling gold in large quantities and with no
security. A must visit for shoppers and sightseers.
Spice Souk
- As above, not a mall, but a historic market that has been a part
of Dubai since the origin of Dubai itself. Located at the mouth of
the creek, it is not far from the Gold Souk, but has sadly declined
a bit in recent years as supermarkets take over the spice trade. A
must visit for shoppers and sightseers. Lots of souvenirs are also
available. Both the Spice Souk and the Gold Souq are a rather hot
and sweaty experience with limited air-conditioning, so wear
appropriately cool, loose clothing if visiting in mid summer.
Individual shops are air conditioned.
Gold & Diamond Park
- Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road (South side)- sells gold and
diamond products. None of the character of the more historic gold
souq, but is air-conditioned throughout, and easier to reach and
park at than the historic souq (which is in the depths of downtown
Deira).
Al Ain Plaza
(known locally as Computer Plaza) On Mankhool Road along from the
Ramada Hotel, Bur Dubai heading towards the creek. A mall
specializing in computers, computer parts and computer add ons like
monitors, VOIP Phones, Hard Drives, etc.
TIP: Several malls have a large Carrefour, or
similar, hypermarket where you'll find the lowest cost electronics. |
