SHOPPING
Dubai’s shopping scene is a treasure trove where luxury meets tradition, from glittering malls to vibrant souks. Whether you're hunting for haute couture, haggling for spices and gold, or exploring quirky boutiques tucked in urban corners, every purchase comes with a story. Enjoy mall experiences that blend fashion, entertainment, dining, and architectural spectacle, all part of a global shopper’s paradise.
Dubai
1. Dubai Gold Souq
Discover Dubai’s famous Gold Souq, a dazzling marketplace in Deira lined with hundreds of shops showcasing intricate gold jewelry, precious stones, and traditional designs. Whether you are looking to buy, browse, or simply admire, the Gold Souq offers a glimpse into Dubai’s rich trading heritage and its reputation as the ‘City of Gold.’ Enjoy a walk through its bustling lanes filled with glittering displays and the vibrant atmosphere of one of the city's iconic destinations. Modern shopping available at Deira city centre mall.
2. Global Village
Discover the vibrant world of Global Village, Dubai’s multicultural festival park that blends cultures, entertainment, and shopping from around the globe in one spectacular location. Explore pavilions representing different countries, enjoy cultural shows, and savor international cuisines while browsing for unique crafts and products. Perfect for families, Global Village offers a lively, colorful atmosphere that showcases the diversity and excitement of global cultures.
3. Textile Souq & Meena Bazaar
Discover the vibrant soul of Old Dubai at the Textile Souk & Meena Bazaar, nestled near the Dubai Museum and Al Fahidi Historical District. These twin markets reflect the rich mix of the local culture with influences of Indian, Pakistani, and broader South Asian cultures, offering colorful fabrics, ethnic fashion, perfumes, and traditional goods. As well as budget friendly and tasty traditional food offers.
4. Madinat Souq
Dubai’s most refined marketplace where Arabian heritage meets upscale charm. Nestled beside the iconic Burj Al Arab, this luxurious souk is known for its boutique shopping, artisanal treasures, and waterfront dining. With its sophisticated ambiance and premium offerings, it’s a top destination for those seeking culture wrapped in class. A must-visit for travelers who appreciate tradition with a touch of high-budget indulgence.
5. Dubai Mall
Indulge in retail therapy at The Dubai Mall, a shopper's paradise featuring over 1,300 shops, including renowned luxury boutiques and a sprawling selection of international brands. Discover the mesmerizing Dubai Aquarium, dine by the famous Dubai Fountain, and explore countless entertainment options within this architectural marvel, making your visit a complete experience of shopping, dining, and leisure in the heart of Downtown Dubai.
6. Dragon Mart
For a taste of the exotic, visit Dragon Mart, the largest Chinese trading hub outside of China. Discover an extensive array of products from China and beyond, including electronics, fashion, home decor, toys, and more, all at competitive prices. Dragon Mart offers a unique shopping experience where you can explore diverse stores, enjoy great bargains, and experience the vibrant market atmosphere. Whether you are looking for wholesale goods or unique items, Dragon Mart is a must-visit destination for shoppers seeking variety and value in Dubai.
7. Mall of the Emirates
Experience luxury shopping like never before at Mall of the Emirates. Home to over 600 international brands, this iconic mall features the surreal indoor ski slope, Ski Dubai, alongside a host of world-class dining options. Shop for high-end fashion, electronics, and more in an environment of opulent elegance. Whether you are looking for designer collections, family entertainment, or gourmet experiences, Mall of the Emirates is a premier destination offering a unique blend of luxury and leisure in Dubai.
8. Ibn Battuta Mall
Travel through time and culture at Ibn Battuta Mall, themed after the legendary explorer's journeys. This unique mall offers a diverse shopping experience, with each section representing a different part of the world. Explore eclectic stores, savor global cuisine, and be captivated by the mall's architectural marvels, making it a must-visit for those seeking culture, shopping, and leisure in one destination.
9. Al Quoz Antique Museum
Tucked away in Al Quoz’s industrial maze, the Antique Museum is a sprawling cultural bazaar, packed with handcrafted treasures from across the Middle East, Asia, and Africa. From brass coffee pots and Persian carpets to tribal jewelry and vintage décor, every corner bursts with character and craftsmanship. It’s a favorite haunt for collectors, interior designers, and curious wanderers looking for something truly unique.
10. Al Warsan Pet Market
A sprawling, solar-powered complex that feels more like a vibrant pet city than a traditional marketplace. Located near Dragon Mart, it spans over 20,000 square meters and houses more than 80 shops offering everything from parrots and Persian cats to reptiles, rabbits, and exotic fish. The market includes a veterinary clinic, grooming centers, a pet hotel, and even an auction hall where rare and exotic pets—especially birds—are traded in a regulated, temperature-controlled environment
11. Dubai Marina Mall
Nestled within the picturesque Dubai Marina, this waterfront mall offers a relaxed and upscale shopping experience. Enjoy boutique shopping, dine at chic waterfront restaurants, and take in stunning views of the marina. It's the perfect blend of shopping and leisure, providing visitors with a serene yet vibrant atmosphere ideal for a day out by the water.
12. Mercato Shopping Mall
Step into the charm of Renaissance Italy at Mercato Shopping Mall. This themed mall offers a unique shopping experience with cobbled streets, Mediterranean architecture, and a delightful mix of boutiques, cafes, and artisan shops, allowing visitors to enjoy a European village atmosphere while exploring high-quality retail and dining in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi
1. Mina Zayed Markets
Mina Zayed Markets in Abu Dhabi offer a vibrant mix of tradition and local life. The Fish Market features fresh seafood with on-site cleaning, while the Fruit & Vegetable Souk is bursting with seasonal produce and floral colors. Shoppers can wander through the Spice Souk for aromatic saffron, frankincense, and bakhoor, or explore the Carpet Souk’s handwoven Persian and tribal rugs. The Dates Market rounds things out with year-round offerings of local and imported dates, often paired with golden Emirati honey.
2. Qaryat Al Beri Souq
tradition meets elegance at the Souk Qaryat Al Beri. With its blend of Arabian architecture and Venetian-inspired canals, this waterside souk offers a serene escape filled with boutique shopping, artisanal finds, and gourmet dining. Glide past lantern-lit walkways on an abra boat, sip coffee with views of the Grand Mosque, and browse curated treasures, it’s a sensory journey through culture, craftsmanship, and canal-side charm.
3. Yas Mall
Yas Mall is a vibrant shopping and entertainment hub on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, featuring over 370 international retail brands and 68 dining options. Visitors can catch the latest films at VOX Cinemas, unwind at restaurants overlooking the promenade, and explore nearby attractions like Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, and CLYMB Abu Dhabi—all within easy reach for a full day of excitement. With sleek design and natural lighting, Yas Mall creates a spacious, welcoming atmosphere for visitors from around the world.
4. The Galleria Al Maryah
Abu Dhabi’s premier lifestyle destination, blending luxury retail, fine dining, and immersive entertainment in the heart of the city’s financial district. Home to over 400 international brands and 100 dining venues, it offers everything from haute couture to high-street fashion, Michelin-starred restaurants to casual cafés. Families can enjoy rooftop parks, cutting-edge cinemas, and unique attractions like the National Geographic Ultimate Explorer and Zero Latency VR.
Al Ain
1. Al Zafarana Souq
Souq Al Zafarana in Al Ain is a vibrant marketplace that blends Emirati heritage with a modern twist. It’s known for traditional goods like abayas, oud, henna, spices, and dallah coffee pots, all sold in a warm, welcoming atmosphere. A standout feature is Mubdia Village, a women-only section run entirely by female shopkeepers, offering a unique cultural experience. Located near Al Jimi Mall, the souk is open daily and especially lively in the evenings.
2. Camel Souq
The Camel Souk in Al Ain is the UAE’s last traditional camel market, offering a rare glimpse into Bedouin heritage and livestock trading. Located about 10 km from the city center, it’s a sprawling, dusty maze of pens where traders haggle over camels, goats, and sheep—some destined for racing, others for farming. Visitors can watch mock races, chat with breeders, and even snap photos with baby camels (for a small tip).
Sharjah
1. Blue Souq
The Sharjah Blue Souq, also known as the Central Souk, is a stunning twin-structured marketplace famous for its blue-tiled façade and traditional Islamic architecture. With over 600 shops spread across two levels, it offers everything from Persian carpets and handwoven textiles to gold jewelry and antiques. The souk is a cultural icon, even featured on the UAE’s five-dirham note, and is a favorite spot for photographers and bargain hunters alike.
