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Dubai thrives on trade, and so you'll not be short of somewhere to shop. If it's sheer volume that gets you to part with your dollars there are few spots on earth that can beat it. With tax-free prices and billions of dollars' worth of giveaways for customers, the emirate has gained a reputation as the place to spend up big.Hist
Dubai thrives on trade, and so you'll not be short of somewhere to shop. If it's sheer volume that gets you to part with your dollars there are few spots on earth that can beat it. With tax-free prices and billions of dollars' worth of giveaways for customers, the emira
Dubai thrives on trade, and so you'll not be short of somewhere to shop. If it's sheer volume that gets you to part with
Dubai thrives on trade, and so you'll not be short of somewhere to shop. If it's sheer volume that gets you to part with your dollars there are few spots on earth that can beat it. With tax-free prices and billions of dollars' worth of giveaways for customers, the emirate has gained a reputation as the place to spend up big.
Historically goods have come flooding in from around the Gulf, the Indian subcontinent, and the horn of Africa. Now they stream in from around the globe, as designers hunger to establish a presence in this red-hot town.
The alleyways of the old downtown souks still have the bustling atmosphere of a traditional Arab trading port, and you can get down to some serious haggling here over textiles, spices, and jewelry. But Dubai has also fallen in love with the air-conditioned mall, and these modern retail temples range over millions of square feet. Here there is an emphasis on luxury goods, with a capital "L." Residents are very brand-conscious and you'll find every label you'd also expect to see in Paris, New York, and Milan.
Although Dubai certainly appears to be shopping heaven, it's worthwhile keeping in mind the Latin phrase caveat emptor, or "buyer beware." Although prices are tax free, that doesn't necessarily mean international goods will be cheaper than in your hometown. Numerous shoppers come to Dubai from countries where luxury goods and designer labels are hard to get, so price is less important than availability. Shopping festivals can be filled with bargains, but often involve the retailers bringing out last years' stocks, so be informed if you are making an expensive purchase. Malls and major retailers are safe, but there are many sole traders in parts of Old Dubai around Karama, Satwa, and Bur Dubai, where fakes are rife. This extends over electronics, clothing, and accessories.
The biggest mall in the world (3.77 million square feet and more than 1,200 stores) should need no introduction. There is everything you might possibly need or expect here, from high-end designer labels to mainstream fashion, gadgets galore, Bloomingdale's and Galleries Lafayette department stores, a gold souq, ice rink, aquarium, and underwater zoo, indoor roller coaster, Kidzania theme park, international restaurants, and more. You can also access the world's tallest building and the world's largest fountain display from the mall, and an easy walk across the water will take you to Souk al Bahar, a modern but traditionally styled mall with sleepy ambience, and tremendous restaurants.
Financial Centre Rd., Downtown Dubai, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The DIFC holds many galleries, and is a hub for investors and enthusiasts. It has built a reputation as a leading creative area in the city, and is also the home of Art Dubai together with the smaller Art Nights at the Gate Village. It's hard to choose just one gallery above all others, as each has its niche, but Art Space is a good place to start. With a changing roster of exhibitions of Middle Eastern artists, it is at the forefront of the growing interest in contemporary arts in the region: a great stopover for current and budding collectors.
Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
This sleek development by the same developers who brought us the Dubai Canal manages to project that outside-in feel, perfect for Summer window shopping. It's very cleverly designed to look more like a strip, and covered with purpose-painted street art and stencilling. Stores here are both quirky designer as well top end, providing a point of difference for Dubai, where usually shopping tends to veer toward mainstream. There is an excellent selection of restaurants in the area, some of which are franchised by Michelin-starred chefs (all without liquor license).
39 Al Safa St., Al Wasl, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
MOE is one of Dubai's largest shopping centers at more than 2.5 million square feet, and has more than 630 shops and department stores, with a comprehensive combination of designer and main street brands, fashion, housewares, and souvenirs. Department stores Harvey Nichols and Debenhams have their largest stores in the Middle East here, and more than 60 stores have made their Middle Eastern debut in this mall. A large Carrefour supermarket sells food, inexpensive clothing, and other domestic essentials. The complex was designed to be more than just a retail heaven, with sporting events, arts, and entertainment in addition to shopping. You might want to hit the slopes at Ski Dubai (the first indoor slope in the Gulf area), and there's also a multiscreen cinema complex, Magic Planet (a children's adventure and play area), and a community theater. There are two hotels connected to the mall, and a large variety of restaurants, cafés, and casual dining in two food courts.
Sheikh Zayed Rd. Al Barsha, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
While the rest of Dubai is about all what is new and shiny, Momentum's specialty is vintage timepieces. They also have a range of very rare new pieces and unusual accessories, making it a true collectors destination. Sales are only part of the business. Momentum also promote Dubai Watch Week, and are associated with Dubai's only watch collectors community. With dedicated horologists rather than just jewelry salespeople, this is also the best place in Dubai to get your watch fixed, completely overhauled, or even sold (by consignment).
Dubai International Financial Center, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
The Courtyard is a collection of design studios and art/furniture importers set around a pretty cobbled, covered atrium with internal falaj (an Ancient Arabic water feature). The facade of each enterprise features architectural designs from around the world—including Roman temples and Arabic barjeels. Of note is Total Arts, a cathedral-like vaulted gallery, the work of Dariush Zandi, a local architect and designer who supports local artists by giving them work spaces and exhibitions.
St. 4B, Al Quoz Industrial Area 1, Dubai, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
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