Shopping

Dubai is fast becoming a shopping Mecca, with many jetting in for a short shopping break.

Not only is Dubai homed to many large shopping malls, Dubai also holds an Annual Shopping Festival which drew over 3 million visitors spending an estimated 5.8 billion dirham’s in 2005. The shopping festival ensures that the whole shopping experience is a pleasant one, with a range of cultural events and entertainment running throughout the month long spectacle.

Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport cannot be ignored. The second largest duty free operation in the world, Dubai Duty free spans across 5,400 square meters of retail space, which will increase by a further 10,000 square meters when the new terminal opens in 2007.

For a more traditional shopping experience visit the Dubai ‘Souks’, offering a wide range of goods with anything from gold and diamond jewellery to intricate rugs. Dubai Gold Souk is located on the north side of Dubai Creek in the old part of town, Deira.

Shopping Hours The majority of malls are open from 10am-10pm.
Most supermarkets stay open until late 7 days a week, some opening for 24 hours a day.
It should be noted that many shops close on Friday’s (during prayer) from 11:30am-1:30pm.
Major supermarkets such as Spinneys, Choithrams, Safestway and the Union Co-op open from 8am to 10pm seven days a week.