Shopping in Dubai 

The souks on both sides of the Creek are attractive not just for their shopping bargains but also as places for the sightseer and photographer.

The traditional narrow streets of the spice souk is just a stone’s throw from the Creek, to the modern fish souk with the many varieties caught in Gulf waters, and the fruit and vegetable souk with its bustle and vivid colours.

The most famous market of Dubai is the gold souk, where narrow streets are lined with shop windows glinting with bracelets, necklaces and earrings in 18, 21 and 22 carat gold. Bars of 24 carat in any form and weight, and bullion coins in 22 and 24 carat are also available. Prices are largely determined by weight, rather than design and craftsmanship.

In Deira Tower’s shopping mall, carpet traders from countries across the Gulf — Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan — have established a carpet souk.

In Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi Street is noted for its electronic goods shops while nearby Cosmos Lane is lined with stores selling the textiles of West and East.

Attractive modern shopping plazas, housing a wide range of shops, boutiques, supermarkets, restaurants and fast-food outlets.

The annual Dubai Shopping Festival extravaganza has rapidly become an internationally-known event, with thousands of bargains, draws, shows, promotions and some of the world’s lowest prices. This year, the shopping festival will be held between January 15 and February 15.

In addition, the hotels and furnished apartments complexes offer reduce accommodation rates, while Emirates offers great deals on tickets.

The Dubai shopping festival started in 1996 and since then has gained popularity worldwide. The Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF), is one of the leading shopping events in the world.

Over 2,300 retail outlets are participating in this festival. Every imaginable goods from gold, perfume, haute couture, cars, electronics to handicrafts and textiles are offered. 300 Hotels and 130 apartments also get involved offering special offers during the Period.

Most of the airlines flying out of Dubai offer discounted airfares and much needed excess baggage allowances during the festival. There are other events also, including international fashion shows, children's events, street side performances, nightly fireworks, film festivals, and many other cultural events that reflect the emirate's cosmopolitan character. Plus one of the biggest events of them all, the Dubai World Cup also takes place during the festival.

Dubai Summer Surprises is a government initiative begun in 1998 that attracted thousands of tourists during the summer months. Extremely competitive hotel rates, combined with lots of activities, especially for children, meant the first event was a big success.

Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport has won numerous international awards and ranks among the top duty-free operations in the world.

Dubai Duty Free is open 24 hours a day and offers a wide variety of merchandise catering to the multinational passengers using Dubai International Airport.

One of the main attractions at Dubai Duty Free is the Finest Surprise raffle draw which gives passengers the chance to win a luxury car.

Normal Dubai hours are from 9.00am–1.00pm and 4.00–9.00pm or later. Some boutiques in the residential areas do not open until 9.30 or 10.00am. Shopping malls tend to open from 10.00am–10.00pm.

Most supermarkets stay open until late at night seven days a week, while some remain open 24 hours. Shops close for prayers on Fridays from 11.30am–1.30pm. Shopping malls and most shops are open on Friday evenings until late.