What Are the Best Shopping Spots in Dubai

Tipped to be the Middle East's ultimate shopping destination, Dubai is a shopaholic's dream come true. In addition to hosting countless seasonal retail events such as the Dubai Shopping Festival, the sheer number of iconic malls, department stores, souqs and markets makes this bustling metropolis a must-experience hotspot for shoppers the world over. Here's a rundown of some of the city state's finest retail outlets and traditional thoroughfares.

Dubai Mall

Occupying pride of place close to the Burj Khalifa, the Dubai Mall is a mammoth shopping complex unlike any other in the world.  Holding the record for the largest mall ever constructed, the number of boutiques contained within this mega structure is reportedly a staggering 1200 outlets. Home to not only retail shops but also some of Dubai's most popular recreational attractions, those who venture down to this Financial Centre Road compound can also tour the Dubai Aquarium and the mall's Underwater Zoo. The Dubai Fountains and the Reel Cinema are also part of the shopping complex where an ice skating rink and a theme park are also situated alongside Hershey’s Chocolate World and countless other eateries and restaurants.

Ibn Battuta Mall

While it may not be as large as the Dubai Mall, this Sheikh Zayed Road department store is another one of the city's expansive shopping hotspots. Its unique design and layout encapsulate the travels of the famed explorer Ibn Battuta the mall divides itself into 6 zones dubbed Egypt, India, Andalusia, China Persia and Tunisia. Boasting 275 stores, the Ibn Battuta Mall is a luxury shopper's dream destination with some of the world's leading fashion labels vying for consumer attention.  Tourists who head to the Exhibition Centre at The China Courts can also take part in cultural showcases and other events that take centre stage at the venue.

Dubai Outlet Mall

Travellers looking for great discounts and bargains should visit the Dubai Outlet Mall, where clearance sales are a regular occurrence. This shopping hub is where some of the city's top fashion outlets send their older, branded stock, making it the perfect place to find high-end fashion at lower prices. Common brands found at the mall include Stella McCartney, Wrangler, Harvey Nichols, Bloomingdale’s, Givenchy, Boutique 1, and Adidas. Additionally, home decor items are available at the location, which is situated along Dubai Al-Ain Road.

Dubai Flea Market

Holidaymakers who want to experience Dubai's street shopping scene can't afford to miss the sprawling Dubai Flea Market. A haven for those with a passion for vintage wares and second-hand products, it is a fantastic market for books, ceramics and clothes. As a top shopping location for budget travellers making the most of the best hotel offers in Dubai the flea market is also a good place to search for handicrafts.

Gold Souq

Those based at NH Collection Dubai The Palm or any other hospitality hotspots in the area must also venture down to the Gold Souq. As the most popular traditional market in the city, it's a labyrinth-like space divided into alleys. Even if one is not hankering to purchase the glittering jewellery, diamonds and precious stones on sale, exploring this ancient bazaar near Dubai Creek is a cultural experience in its own right.

Spice Souk

Just a stone's throw away from the Gold Souk lies the aromatic Spice Souq where local residents and chefs find the finest spices money can buy. Specializing in a wide variety of condiments essential for Emirati cuisine, there are bushels full of cinnamon, turmeric, coriander, pepper, cloves and nutmeg in front of every shop along the market's alleys. Tourists on the lookout for dried nuts and fruits or flavoured tobacco can also find what they are looking for at this marketplace.