SHOPPING IN DUBAI
Quality at an affordable price
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Shopping is to Dubai what the skiing is to Switzerland. As an open port with
low import duties,
Dubai's retail prices are reasonable with a variety of products rarely seen in any part
of the globe. From the haute couture of Paris and Milan to hi-tech electronics from Japan
and the finest Jewellery from around the globe, the shopper will find it right here in Dubai
at the right price.
You will enjoy shopping into the late hours in Dubai. Normal shopping hours in Dubai are
from 9am to 1pm and 4 pm to 9pm or later. Some major shopping malls are now open even in the
afternoon. Most supermarkets stay open all day, except Fridays. All shops close for prayers
on Friday from 11.30am to 1.30pm; most shops are open Friday evenings. During the month of
Ramadan, most shops are closed during the day and are open from 6.30pm to the early hours
of the morning.
WHAT TO BUY
Carpets : You can have your pick. From carpets of Eastern Europe and China to prized works
of art from Iran , Kashmir and Afghanistan, Dubai's carpet souks at the Deira Tower Shopping
Mall and shops adjacent to the Gold souk, Deira, offer a variety that would satisfy both, the
casual buyer as well as the most discerning connoisseur. The 'Carpet Oasis' held annually
during the famous Dubai Shopping Festival (March) is one of the highlights of the month-long
festival.
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Shopper's Tips
- Bargaining : Fixed prices are the norm in most large department stores. However most shopkeepers do expect a fair amount of bargaining. Don't get taken in by the appearance of the shop because even the most glamorous boutiques come down on their price. Gold Jewellery is also open to bargaining.
- Window-shop : Walk around and compare prices before you make up your mind.
- Transport & Duty : It would help if you keep in mind the products that are dutiable back home. Moreover, delicate items may need some very skillful packing over a long haul.
- Payment terms : Credit cards are widely accepted, though it is always better to check with the shopkeeper, his payment policy. Personal cheques are usually not entertained. As always keep the bill with you in case you want to return the goods.
- Guarantee : For high-value goods such as cameras, watches and electronic equipment, make sure you get your international warranty stamped by the dealer. It would always be useful to buy products from companies that would have service stations back home.
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Tip of the Week!!!
Your scent lasts longer if 'layered' with matching products such as soaps, shower gels, body lotion and talc.
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Audio and Video Equipment :
Video cameras and recorders, TV sets, hi-fi systems, compact disc players and other
electronic products are cheaper in Dubai than in most other places. From the unassuming
shops on Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai to the Hypermarket at the Deira City Centre, electronic
products are sold with an international warranty. Make sure the equipment is compatible with
the voltage and systems back home.
Computers :
Major players like IBM, Apple Macintosh, Hewlett packard, Acer, AST, Compaq sell a wide
choice of computers and accessories in Dubai at very attractive prices. GITEX, the annual
IT show held in November, is one of the largest such shows in the world. While buying any
major IT product, keep the import duties to be paid back home, in mind. Most computer shops
are located on the Khalid Ibn Waleed Street, Bur Dubai (Check the
detailed map of Dubai).
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Electrical Appliances
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Murshid Bazaar- Deira, the Al Fahidi Street- Bur Dubai, Dubai Duty
Free and fother speciality shops all over the city sell the best and the cheapest in electrical
appliances. Hair dryers, calculators, shavers, electronic diaries, kettles, food processors,
blenders, sewing machines, vacuum cleaners and other household appliances are ideal buys in
Dubai.
Cameras & Watches:
Dubai is a happy-hunting ground for photography enthusiasts. Get the leading brands at
prices far lower than those back home. As for that ornament on your wrist - you have a choice
between functional Japanese watches to the extravagant timepieces from around the world.
Authorised agents have their own retail outlets in major shopping malls, though smaller
retailers would probably sell the same piece at a much cheaper rate.
Fashion & Fabric
Dubai is really a potpourri of fashion-styles. A fascinating array of saris, sarongs and
abayas (the Arabic attire) mingle with the tailored suits of Versace and Chanel. The
Karama shopping mall for reasonably priced casual wear, Meena Bazaar - Bur Dubai for
eastern fashions and the boutiques in the shopping malls, on Diyafah street - Satwa,
and Deira will leave you spoilt for choice. Indian Silks, natural and synthetic fabrics
from Asia and Europe at the cheapest rates and sold by the yard are a must-buy in Dubai.
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Perfumes and Cosmetics
Every mall and major shopping locality have any number of shops specialising in perfumes,
both eastern and western. Famous European and American brank names are available; in addition
to attar and rich Oriental scents that can be mixed to suit your taste, creating your own
designer fragrance. Look up our tips on how to select a perfume.
Gold, Jewellery and Precious Stones
No trip to Dubai, however brief, is complete without a visit to the Gold Souk. Reserve an
evening for the visit and be prepared to spend a few dirhams. It would be well worth it
because the Gold Souk, Deira, is the largest retail market of its kind in the world. The
narrow alleys are lined with shops whose windows display row upon row of gold bangles,
necklaces, bracelets and earrings from Europe, India and the Far East. Dubai was renowned
as a pearling port and visitors have a wide variety of pearl necklaces and accessories to
choose from. Since Dubai is an open port, there are no restriction s on the import or export
of gems and jewellery.
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