Shopping in Dubai

BLUEWATERS , MALL OF THE EMIRATES AND DUBAI DUTY FREE ARE ALL LEADING THE WAY IN THE SHOPPING DEPARTMENT.

WORDS

JAMES JORDAN AND MADELEINE SWAIN

Al Ghurair Centre

Al Ghurair Centre is Dubai’s cool mall with an edgy ambience. This urban hub provides a village square atmosphere in the centre of Deira. Supporting local and international artistic talent, Al Ghurair Centre is known for holding Dubai’s liveliest events. There is also the 18-screen Reel Cinema megaplex and myriad dining options from Din Tai Fung to Man’oushe Street, and of course shops, shops and more shops.

Al Rigga Road, Dubai

Tel: +971 800 24 227 www.alghuraircentre.com

Bluewaters

Bluewaters is a sophisticated waterfront island destination with distinctive residential, retail, hospitality and entertainment experiences. It is home to a blend of tranquil island living with the exhilaration of city life, creating an unrivalled lifestyle experience for residents and visitors. Located 500 metres off the coast, opposite The Beach, the island is home to Ain Dubai, the world’s largest observation wheel at over 250 metres high. And Madame Tussaud’s is due to open shortly. Retail outlets are open daily 10am to 10pm and until 11pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

Tel: +971 800 738 245 www.bluewatersdubai.ae/en

Burjuman Centre

If high fashion and elite brands are your thing, then you’ll love the BurJuman Centre. It is filled with many familiar brands and outlets, with a list of residents including Giordano, Guess Accessories, H&M, Omega and Reebok. The centre itself, which also comprises business space, duplex residences and hotel suites, is one of the oldest malls in Dubai and a testament to style and design with ornate and well thought out architecture being one of its major features. Retail outlets are open daily 10am to 10pm and until 11pm on Thursdays and Fridays.

Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, Dubai

Tel: +971 4 352 0222 www.burjuman.com

City Centre Deira

This is Dubai’s urban shopping and entertainment destination with over 370 international stores featuring popular high street brands such as Virgin Megastore, Zara and H&M, plus stores specialising in traditional Arabic dress such as Dar Al Kashka and Hanayen. Whether you’re here to dine at one of the many restaurants and cafés, catch the latest blockbuster at VOX Cinemas or spend time with the family at Magic Planet, City Centre Deira is where you’ll love to shop, dine and play.

Sheikh Rashid Road, City Centre Deira

Tel: +971 800 226 255 www.citycentredeira.com

Dubai Duty Free

Founded on 20th December 1983, Dubai Duty Free is one of the largest travel retail operators in the world. Operating around 40,000 sqm retail space across Dubai International and Al Maktoum International airports, the operation has consistently raised the benchmark for airport retailing and it continues to grow.

Dubai International Airport Tel: +971 4 216 2453 www.dubaidutyfree.com

Dubai Mall

With around 1200 stores, as well as many activities and attractions such as an aquarium, ice-skating rink and cinema, not to mention more than 150 food vendors ranging from fast-food to fine dining, it would be easy to while away an entire day here. Not that you could miss it, but while you are here, be sure to drop into Galeries Lafayette, which is Dubai’s largest department store and houses the latest in fashion, cosmetics, interior design and gourmet food products, as well as a modern French restaurant. The latest additions include La Martina, Chloé and diptyque.

Financial Centre Road, Downtown Dubai Tel: +971 800 382 246 255 www.thedubaimall.com

Dubai Outlet Mall

Get yourself ready for a bargain at the Middle East’s outlet shopping centre, Dubai Outlet Mall, where you’ll find 240 stores with more than 800 high-end fashion brands at discounted prices. And with 30 to 90 percent off the recommended retail price on most products, it may just be worth your while starting your Dubai shopping safari here. And don’t forget, every Monday is Bargain Monday!

Route 66, Al-Ain Road (Route 66)

Tel: +971 4 423 4666 www.dubaioutletmall.com

Dubai Souks

While Dubai’s traditional marketplaces may not be as big and popular as they once were, they are still vibrant, colourful and exciting, and rival any of the mod cons and glitz of the new malls in their experience and excitement. They are largely located in Deira and Bur Dubai on either side of Dubai creek, so grab an abra to explore the creek for a truly local experience. There is a range of different souks, including spice souks for fresh herbs and spices, gold souks for jewellery, textile souks for brilliant silks and perfume souks where you can get a custom-made scent to perfectly match your personality. There are also several specialised souks, such as Souk Madinat Jumeirah and Meena Bazaar.

www.visitdubai.com/en/articles/ultimate-guide-to-dubaisouks

Ibn Battuta Mall

Designed as homage to the travels of 14th century Arabic explorer Ibn Battuta, this mall lays claim to being the world’s largest themed shopping mall. Its six courts reflect each of the regions Battuta travelled to – China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia and Andalusia. While the centre aims to be an experience in itself, this does not overshadow the 275 retailers, 50 restaurants, bowling alley and 21-screen Novo Cinema, plus Dubai’s only IMAX theatre, which is also located here.

Between Interchanges 5 and 6, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai Tel: +971 800 625 4335 www.ibnbattutamall.com

Forever Rose Flower Shop

This homegrown luxury florist opened its newest boutique location in February 2021.

As an extension to the Forever Rose Cafe, it is designed in the style of a luxury department store, with the outside adorned in illustrations resembling a London high street, while the interiors fashion the traditional Forever Rose black and gold colour scheme. Forever Rose’s exclusive roses have been naturally treated to retain their genuine form, lasting for several years. There are a wide array of striking colours, from refreshing pastels to a dark royal blue hue, that are harvested from the best Ecuadorian farms.

Boxpark by Meraas, Al Wasl Road + Dubai Mall (ground floor)

Tel: +971 506 053 882

Foreverrosecafe.com

La Mer

La Mer is a world-class beachfront destination created by Meraas to diversify the fabric of Dubai’s offering to visitors and residents. Spread over three areas – La Mer South, La Mer North and La Mer Central – the destination has over 130 shops, cafés, restaurants and beach activities that act as a meeting point for people to enjoy a great time, whether looking to eat, shop, play or unwind.

2 A Street, Jumeirah 1

Tel: +971 45 905 090 www.lamerdubai.ae/en

Mall Of The Emirates

A central city hub of shopping, leisure and entertainment, Mall of the Emirates became Dubai’s first ‘shopping resort’ when it opened its doors in 2005. With an eclectic mix of brands such as Harvey Nichols, Cartier, Christian Louboutin, Zara and Versace, Mall of the Emirates caters to every shopper’s needs… every shopper and skier that is, as the world-renowned indoor ski resort, Ski Dubai, is also located here. Open all year round. Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road

Tel: +971 800 663 6255 www.malloftheemirates.com