Dubai is known as a shopping paradise for a reason. Home to beautifully-appointed malls and various luxury retailers, there’s no better place to splash your cash. Here’s our roundup of the city’s hottest shopping spots.
Dubai Mall
Located in Downtown Dubai, this is one of the world’s largest malls. The most-visited retailer in Dubai boasts 502,000 square metres of retail space, and is home to over 1,000 stores. What’s more, the mall is home to an indoor ice rink, an aquarium, and a life-size dinosaur. Make a day of this visit to soak in everything the mall has to offer.
Mall of the Emirates
One of the most visually stunning malls in the city, Mall of the Emirates is home to fun, family-friendly attractions such as Magic Planet and Ski Dubai. Straddled by two luxury hotels – The Kempinski and The Sheraton, the mall is home to a number of quaint cafes and international restaurants to suit every taste.
Ibn Battuta
Based around the travels of its namesake, a 14th Century Moroccan explorer, this mall houses a bowling alley, and children’s entertainment centre, so parents can shop in peace without worrying about children being left unattended. The mall is divided into six zones, named and designed the six regions that Ibn Battuta visited – China, India, Persia, Egypt, Tunisia, and Andalusia.
Souks
Tired of stuffy malls? Indulge in an authentic Dubai shopping experience at one of their traditional markets, or Souks. Textiles, gold, and fresh spices are hawked by local traders, and the market is beloved by locals and some adventurous tourists. The most popular souks are the Gold, Spice, and Perfume Souks, which are all within walking distance of one another on the Deira side of the Dubai Creek.