10 Best Shopping in Jumeirah Beach, Dubai

Undoubtedly one of Dubai's favorite tailoring shops, of which there are many, Dream Girls will make you anything from a simple shirt to a fabulous gown, or you can take in a beloved item of clothing and they'll make a copy of it. There are catalogs full of products that they can make to your exact measurements in whatever material you choose, much of which can be bought on Satwa Road nearby. Make sure you allow at least five days for good workmanship.

At the more affordable end of the spectrum, Gallery One offers mixed art and photography. Owner Gregg Sedgwick took many of the images of Dubai that are for sale, which can be an evocative souvenir of a trip to the emirate. Pieces are prints rather than originals, but most are far from bland and mainstream. You can purchase large framed works, all the way down to postcards and notebooks, meaning pricing is very approachable. This venue is in the delightful Souk Madinat, but others can be found over the emirate, and orders can also be made online.

Images of Mercato's Italian Renaissance style make it into many publicity brochures and travel guides about Dubai. An oldie, but still a goodie, this mall jump-started the themed shopping center craze in the Gulf. It's a well-decorated space, with an endearingly kitsch kind of charm, and plenty of kiosks that make the mall quite unique. By today's standards it's small, with only 140 stores, including Gap, Mango, and Top Shop, as well as many independent stores. The largest store is a Virgin Megastore, and the mall is anchored by a Spinney's supermarket.

Situated in the beautifully replicated (and air-conditioned) Madinat Jumeirah souq, it's hard to walk past this incredible gallery of textiles. Inside, knowledgeable staff members will be happy to explain the traditional patterns and different qualities of carpets, which range from their own, produced in Iran, Turkey, and India, or their imported purchases from all over the world. Prices range from just over 1,000 dirhams for a small tribal piece, through to hundreds of thousands for full-room silk Esfahan carpets. There are branches at Dubai Festival City, Deira City Centre, and Mercato Mall.

The Jumeirah group's modern take on a traditional Arabian souk is a beautiful labyrinth of narrow alleyways packed with fine souvenirs, including high-quality carpets, arts and crafts, jewelry and clothing. Goods often clutter the walkways, giving the feel of an authentic Eastern bazaar where a million and one shiny items catch the eye. Most boutiques here are independent, but you will find some jewelry chains and a couple of mid-level designer brands. There is an excellent theater on-site. The waterside cafés (many of which are licensed to serve alcohol) are a great place to relax with a drink.