10 BEST Places for Shopping In Dubai [December 2024]

Dubai has a far-reaching reputation as one of the best places to shop in the world! This reputation is all within good reason because of its superior and innovative shopping scene!

The benefits of shopping in Dubai are endless! These benefits include amazing perks like tax-free shopping all-year-round for tourists.

It also has an unbelievable range of stores to choose from to suit all budgets and styles. If you’re ever in Dubai, it’s only fitting that you experience this new-world of shopping that is unlike any other!

Dubai is one of the most popular shopping capitals of the world! Here’s a list of some of our favorite places to shop to make the most out of your time while you’re here! (getdelmar.com)

We’ve categorized the best shopping spots from the most luxurious to the more budget-friendly!

Accommodation In Dubai

Dubai has a wide range of accommodation options to choose from. Whether you’re looking for the most central hotel or the hotel with the most amenities. Here’s a list of some of our favorites from the most luxurious to the more budget-friendly!

#1 – Burj Al Arab

Best Luxury Hotel In Dubai

Burj Al Arab

Burj Al Arab is our pick for the best luxury hotel In Dubai

  • 5-star hotel
  • Private beach and multiple swimming areas
  • 9 in-house restaurants
  • World-class spa

If you’re looking for the best luxury accommodation that Dubai has to offer, this one of a kind hotel tops the lists as one of the most luxurious hotels in the world.

The unique experience at the Burj Al Arab begins the moment you walk into the reception floor. From that vantage point, it’s easy to see how no costs were spared in the design and construction of this opulent hotel lined with hints of gold!

Here, enjoy the privacy of a dedicated beach and access to nine restaurants and over four swimming areas! When you feel like relaxing, you can make your way to the world-class spa to unwind.

This exceptional hotel also offers dream car rentals and private butler services on request! Whatever the need, it is already, met! Burj Al Arab is one of the best places to stay while in Dubai!

#2 – Rove Downtown

Best Mid-Range Hotel In Dubai

Rove Downtown

Rove Downtown is our pick for the best mid-range hotel In Dubai

  • 3-star hotel
  • Centrally located near the Dubai Mall
  • In-house bar and restaurant with an outdoor pool
  • 24-hour gym

If you’re looking for a clean and comfortable place without breaking the bank, the Rove Hotel is one of your best picks.

It’s perfectly located near some of the most famous sites in Dubai. It’s near the Burj Khalifa (the tallest building in the world), which is right opposite the Dubai Mall (one of the largest malls in the world), where you can do all your shopping!

The hotel itself boasts a hip bar and restaurant as well as an outdoor pool and 24-hour fitness center in its list of amenities. You’ll also get to wake up to the most beautiful views of one of the tallest buildings in the world if you choose to get a Burj view room throughout your stay!

If you happen to make your way to the bar, please note that the legal drinking age in Dubai is 21. Although licensed bars can freely sell alcohol, the act of being drunk in public is extremely frowned upon and illegal!

This mid-range hotel is one of the best places to stay if you’d like to be right in the heart of the city center with easy access to some of the top malls in Dubai!

#3 – Emirates Stars Hotels And Apartments

Best Budget-Friendly Hotel In Dubai

Emirates Stars Hotels And Apartments

Emirates Stars Hotels And Apartments is our pick for the best budget-friendly hotel In Dubai

  • 4-star hotel
  • Catered apartments with kitchens
  • In-house dining and two outdoor pools

The reasonably priced Emirates Stars Hotels And Apartments are located in the upcoming area of Deira in Dubai. This area is surrounded by a number of attractions including the Gold Souk, Heritage House and the Deira City Center Shopping Mall for a different kind of shopping experience!

The Emirates Stars Hotels and Apartments are one of the best budget-friendly offers around Dubai! These apartments are fitted with a balcony, TV, microwave and coffee-making appliances. You’ll have all you need for a convenient self-catering experience at this location!

The hotel itself dons a shared pool area, spa and two different delectable dining options with a bar located on the property!

Luxury And Mid-Range Shopping In Dubai

Dubai is synonymous with luxury! You’ll be spoilt for choice with all the luxurious to mid-range shopping experiences it has on offer. Whether you’re looking for exclusive upscale brands from boutiques or the mid-range wares from popular global brand names, Dubai can cater for all your needs!

Here’s a list of some of our favorite luxury to mid-range shopping experiences in this extravagant city!

  • Overall best: The Dubai Mall
  • Best selection: Burjuman Center
  • Most popular: The Mall Of The Emirates

#1 – The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall (Photo credit – dubai-online.com)

The Dubai Mall is a well-renowned mall with over 1000 different retailers selling a plethora of things across its multiple beautifully built floors. It sets itself apart already by being the largest mall in Dubai and also one of the largest in the world!

This magnificent mall caters to all types of budgets and even has a dedicated section to the more luxurious fashion brands including Rolex, Gucci, Louis Vuitton and Cartier!

When you get tired of shopping, you can make your way to the other interesting attractions within its surrounds! These include the awe-inspiring Dubai Aquarium, the haunted house of Hysteria and for the kids, KidZania.

If you’d like to tick something off your bucket list while you’re here, you can make your way to the tallest building in the world, the Burj Khalifa! This majestic building is a wonder to behold, and definitely one of the things you should definitely do while you’re in Dubai.

This mall is one of the best places to shop in Dubai and it’s also very family-friendly!

Ready to book? Here are our favorite areas to stay in Dubai!

#2 – Mall Of The Emirates

Mall Of The Emirates

Mall Of The Emirates (Photo credit – ahlanlive.com)

The Mall Of The Emirates is one of the most popular malls in Dubai because it has a wide range of things to do.

This mall has an impeccably spacious design, where you can easily get lost in your shopping for hours on end! Here, take your pick at some of the most luxurious to mid-scale shops and restaurants around.

Once you’re tired of the shopping, or even as a separate day excursion, you can make your way to the massive one of a kind Ski Dubai Resort within its surrounds. Soak in the splendor of the wintertime without having to leave the comforts of the mall! At this ski resort, you can take part in a variety of activities including learning how to ski, tubing and zorbing!

It’s easy to spend the whole day at this mall. It even has an extravagant cinema where no costs were spared in creating a comfortable space! At this world-class cinema, movies can be enjoyed with waiter services, plush seating and warm blankets! This cinema is so extravagant that it even has a Michelin-star chef on-call, that prepares your meals on your night out on the town.

This mall is one of the best shopping malls in Dubai!

#3 – Burjuman Center

Burjuman Center

Burjuman Center (Photo credit dubai-online.com)

The Burjuman Center is one of the oldest shopping malls in Dubai, but don’t let that deter you from going to explore it!

This center is one of the most accessible shopping experiences around. It’s centrally located near the Burjuman Metro where you can also make your way to other exciting destinations!

The metro is a very well-priced mode of transport. In the event that you do get onto the metro while it’s overcrowded, make sure to keep all your belongings safely near you or hidden to avoid the possibilities of being pick-pocketed.

Outside of this center’s brilliant location, the Burjuman Center has a wide range of globally recognized brands to choose from. It’s also a firm favorite shopping mall in Dubai amongst mid-range shoppers alike!

If you’d like to have an impeccable shopping experience without the added crowds, the Burjuman Center is one of the most famous malls in Dubai to do just that!

Not yet booked? Take a look at our favorite hotels in Dubai!

Cheap Shopping In Dubai

Dubai has an interesting selection of places to buy amazing souvenirs. If you’re a budget-conscious shopper, who doesn’t mind a bit of haggling, here are some of our favorite places to explore while in Dubai.

  • Overall best: Dragon Mart
  • Best selection: Dubai Outlet Mall
  • Most popular: Bur Dubai Souk

#4 – Bur Dubai Souk

Bur Dubai Souk

Bur Dubai Souk (Photo credit – travelvui.com)

Even if you don’t intend on buying anything, visiting a souk should definitely be on your list of things to do while you’re in Dubai!

This particular marketplace is one of the most popular souks around, where you can unreservedly experience the untouched charm of authentic Dubai!

Although there are expensive items sold at this popular souk, there are also plenty of other budget-friendly options to choose from! Here, haggling is also not frowned upon, so you can try your luck out in certain instances.

The Bur Dubai market is one of the best places to find precious metals, decorative items, spices, textiles and some of the finest Dubai souvenirs.

Although it might be tempting to take pictures of people at the souk amongst other places without permission, be mindful that this is actually prohibited unless people give consent.

Feel free to take pictures of yourself and your surroundings, but avoid taking pictures of unassuming people, government buildings, aircraft and military sites while you’re in Dubai.

Editor’s Tip: Book a hotel near Dubai Mall for a stress free trip!

#5 – Dubai Outlet Mall

Dubai Outlet Mall

Dubai Outlet Mall (Photo credit – bayut.com)

The Dubai Outlet Mall is one of the best places to shop in Dubai when you’re trying to find cheaper alternatives. This mall has ongoing discounted rates on most of its wares throughout the year!

You can get up to 60% or more off designer-wear including on brands like Diesel, Mango, Guess, Gap, Tommy Hilfiger, Mont Blanc and even Adidas!

Outside of the different brand names, this outlet mall also has a range of lovely restaurants to enjoy, a kid’s area for them to play and even a prayer room!

Although this mall is not situated in the city center, the discounted rates are definitely worth the journey there! If you struggle to get transport, there are a number of taxis that frequent the area!

#6 – Dragon Mart

Dragon Mart

Dragon Mart (Photo credit – dragonmart.ae)

This Dubai shopping center is where the bargain hunters unite for unmatched deals on a variety of items!

This mart sells reasonably priced products that are directly imported from China! You can find all types of household goods, fashion, toys and even office fittings in the different shops spread throughout this center.

If you’re looking for something you can’t find anywhere else, this is one of the best places to search.

Another advantage of this bargain hunters paradise is that many of the shops are also open to bargaining! The Dragon Mart is one of the most reasonably-priced shopping spots in Dubai!

If you’re going to Dubai, take a look at some amazing things to do in Dubai while you’re there!

#7 – Dubai Shopping Festival

Dubai Shopping Festival

Dubai Shopping Festival (Photo credit – visitdubaishoppingfestival.com)

The annual Dubai Shopping Festival is the best time of the year to find unmatched deals on all kinds of products. This annual festival attracts thousands of people from different corners of the world, year in and year out without fail!

If one of the main reasons why you’re visiting Dubai is to go shopping, then make sure to align your travel dates with this exceptional festival. It happens from the end of December all the way through January each year!

The discounted rates go up to over 70% in some instances, so you’ll definitely get to save a lot of money. This city-wide festival’s discounts apply on purchases such as perfumes, designer clothes, electronics, gadgets, furniture, food and even gold.

If you’ve been looking to splurge on a designer item for quite some time, then this is one of the best places to do so in Dubai!

Like good weather? These are the best times to visit Dubai!

Precious Metal And Electronics Shopping

Dubai has a range of exciting dedicated shopping areas in malls and other interesting locations where you can buy precious metals and some of the latest electronics at a fraction of the price.

If you’ve been looking to upgrade your phone for a while or if you’ve been wanting to get a precious stone for someone special, take advantage of some of the multiple specials at some of these establishments!

Here’s a list of some of our favorite places to shop for these amazing deals throughout Dubai!

  • Overall best: Dubai Gold Souk
  • Best selection: Sharaf DG
  • Most popular: Al Fahidi Street

#8 – Al Fahidi Street

Al Fahidi Street

Al Fahidi Street (Photo credit – Wikimedia)

If you’re looking for the ultimate gadget-friendly street where you can find electronics at every corner, then Al Fahidi Street is the one for you!

Here, you can easily purchase some of the latest phones and technology at reasonable prices! If the price isn’t right, you can also try your hand out at negotiating the right price for you.

Although Al Fahidi Street is popular for selling quality electronics, you should always be mindful of those trying to peddle fake items along the way.

Excited to visit Dubai? Get excited to take an amazing day trip too!

#9 – Dubai Gold Souk

Dubai Gold Souk

Dubai Gold Souk (Photo credit – gulfnews)

If you’d like to do some gold shopping in Dubai, you can test out your haggling skills at this one of a kind precious metal souk! This souk is one of the best places to buy gold in Dubai! It also has a range of other precious metals to choose from at relatively reasonable prices.

Whether you’re looking for good deals or if you’d just like to have a look around for the sake of it, a trip to this souk is definitely worth your time! Here, you can also personalize any jewelry you’ve purchased in good time as a lovely keepsake and souvenir from Dubai!

Editor’s Note: One of the best ways to get to know Dubai is through its museums!

#10 – Sharaf DG

Sharaf DG

Sharaf DG (Photo credit – yello)

The Sharaf DG franchise is a popular electronics shop with branches all across the world. It’s known to offer some of the most amazing reasonably priced deals on the latest gadgets!

It has a number of branches spread out all over Dubai and is popular amongst locals and tourists alike! This chain is also known for consistently giving out freebies and all kinds of discounts throughout the year.

The staff is knowledgeable and well-versed about the different product offerings and any relevant information current! You’ll find Sharaf DG in some of the best malls in Dubai, including the Dubai Mall itself!

Interested in Dubai? Read up on the history of Dubai!

Final Thoughts On The Best Shopping In Dubai

Shopping in Dubai is a one of a kind experience, with its world-class malls, souks and a range of shops to choose from! While you’re here, take advantage of some of the most amazing perks on offer and explore the shopping scene in Dubai to the fullest!

Make your way through the wonders of one of the largest malls in the world and haggle your way through the different souks for a different, but authentic local feel. Your shopping experience in one of the most ultra-modern cities in the world will definitely leave a lasting impression on you for years to come!

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About the Author Nicola Smart

Gin lover. Coffee addict. Nicola has traveled the world for 7 years and is a staff writer for Hotel Jules. Born in London, Nicola first got the taste of travel studying abroad in Barcelona. Since then she's been hooked - traveling the world non-stop. Passionate about green travel and vegan lifestyle, Nicola spends more of her free time staring at maps wondering where she will head to next!