In Dubai shopping is a leisure activity second to none, visiting the malls is the shopping experience of choice for most visitors to Dubai.
Termed as the shopping capital of the Middle East, Dubai boasts of some
of the biggest and best shopping centers of the world and is the
destination for serious shopaholics.
Part of the appeal is the lack of taxes and duty, which can make for a good deal, even though most of the real bargains are actually found in the city’s souks traditional Arabic market places. Perhaps Dubai's most famous souk is the gold
souk in Deira, near the Hyatt Regency Hotel. It sells other things apart from
gold, but it is definitely the gold that leaves the strongest impression on most visitors.
Most
of the Malls are enormous, with hundreds of shops stocking
international brands and speciality shops. All have food courts and
restaurants, ATM’s etc. and are open to 10 pm or later. With
bracing air conditioning (sometimes too well air-conditioned; bring a
jacket) they provide a welcome break from the intense heat.
If you've come in search of designer knock-offs, Karama is the district to head
to. The Government is trying to crack down on the trade in imitation brand
names, but there are still items to be found, especially if you ask shopkeepers
directly.
Mall of the Emirates in Dubai is one of the best shopping centers in
the world. Wafi Mall, Mirdiff City Centre, Burjuman Center, etc are
some of the other well-known Dubai shopping centers. |
