Dubai's Shopping
Dubai Malls are tourist attractions by themselves. Most
malls in Dubai are themed after a country or after a
period in history. Dubai mall shops have fixed prices
unlike souqs (markets) where you can find bargains and
try your skills at haggling. Most famous of the souqs is
the Dubai Gold Souq where you'll find bargains and a
dazzling variety of jewelry choices. Dubai has tax-free
shopping, so come and enjoy your shopping in Dubai.
Dubai's Malls
The Emirates Mall (Mall of the Emirates)
The Emirates mall is currently the biggest in the
Middle East. This mall also houses Ski Dubai, the
third largest indoor snow skiing facility in the
world.
website:
Mall of the Emirates
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Ibn Battuta Mall is the largest themed mall in the
Middle East. The mall is named after a fourteenth
century Arab Traveler. Ibn Battuta Mall is divided
into six sections, each of which represents an
episode of the famous traveler's quests. The mall
sections are themed after China, India, Persia,
Egypt, Andalusia, and Tunisia.
The mall houses a 20-screen movie theatre, an IMAX
theatre, 44 multi ethnic restaurants, cafes, and
fast food outlets, themed kids entertainment center,
and a Chinese garden.
website:
Ibn Battuta Mall
telephone: +971 4 362 1900
location: Sheikh Zayed Road between exits 5 and
6, Dubai
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Madinat Jumeirah Mall / Souq
Madinat Jumeirah Mall is a bazaar like mall themed
after old Arabia. The Mall offers it's visitors a
unique shopping experience combining an Arabian souq
with a modern mall. Visitors can buy unique hand
crafted merchandise and try their skills at
haggeling. The mall also houses the Trilogy
Nightclub, a movie theater, a bar, restaurants and
cafes.
website:
Madinat Jumeirah Mall / Souq
location: Enterence of Madinat Jumeirah
telephone: +971 4 366 8888
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Mercato Shopping Mall
Mercato Shopping Mall is the first themed mall in
the Middle East and Dubai. This mall is themed after
the Italian Renaissance. Mercanto Mall is beautiful
with it's center looking like a street, and it's
shops like Italian homes with flowery balconies on
both sides of the street.
website:
Mercato Shopping Mall
location: Jumeirah Beach Rd, near the Dubai
Zoo.
telephone: +971 4 344 4161
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Wafi Mall
The Wafi Mall is themed after ancient Egypt. The
mall expresses art and fashion and offers a sense of
relaxation as you walk through it's corridors. The
Wafi mall is famous for it's rejuvenation and
relaxation spas. Some spas offer express
rejuvenation service.
website:
Wafi City Mall
location: Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai
telephone: +971 4 800 95 466
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Dubai City Center
Dubai City Center, also called Deira City Center has
300 beautiful shops, superb dining restaurants, an
11 screen movie theatre, fast food courts, a Magic
Planet family entertainment center, an IKEA store, a
Carrefour supermarket, and access to the 5-star
Sofitel City Centre Hotel. This shopping mall is one
of the most visited spots in Dubai for locals and
tourists alike.
website:
Dubai City Center Mall
location: Deira City Center, Dubai
telephone: +971 4 294 9999
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Dubai's Souqs
The most famous of Dubai's Souqs is the Gold Souq in the
heart of Old Dubai Deira District. It is considered the
biggest gold market in the world. Tourists can find real
bargains in the Gold Market at a fraction of the price
if bought else where.
There is also the Spice Souq which is next to the Gold Souq in Deira. You can find all kinds of spices in this souq arranged in a traditional Arabian market style. back to top
Tips on Haggling in Dubai's Souqs
Consider spending at least a couple of hours shopping by visiting at least 3 or 4 stores, preferably in different areas of the souq. Haggle hard at each store. Ask for the price of something you like. When you get a reply, simply state (in English is fine) that the price is too much. When the salesman replies with another quote, again express that the price is too much. See how much you can lower the price. After haggling ask "what is your best offer?" or in Arabic "Ateeni min el-akher". Promise you'll consider coming back after visiting some more stores. You might find salesmen giving you a better price at this point, but be resolute and again promise you'll consider coming back for the new price. Choose the store with the best deal and/or service. And always have a smile on your face.
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