Best Shopping in Dubai

Shopping in Dubai is all about its glamorous and exciting malls, allowing shoppers to pursue their hobby unhindered by traffic, heat or crowds.

Furthermore, most of Dubai’s malls offer something more than merely shops; most contain restaurants, hotels and other unique attractions, and for one month in the winter the malls come alive during the Dubai Shopping Festival. Elite has chosen the finest malls in which to experience the best in Dubai’s shopping.

DUBAI MALL

It is the largest retail space on earth and yet Dubai Mall is not as overwhelming as this claim might suggest.

The venue is divided into a variety of entertainments and shopping experiences. There is The Grove, a series of Parisian themed tree–lined walkways, The Gold Souk, showcasing 200 of the region’s most trusted jewelers, and Fashion Avenue, fast becoming a world–renowned fashion destination with Bloomingdale’s and Galeries Lafayette as anchor stores. Moreover, Dubai Mall is home to Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, the Sega Republic theme park, Dubai Ice Rink and The Dubai Fountain. The Mall also acts as a gateway for visitors to the Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building.

MALL OF THE EMIRATES

This 2.4 million-square-foot mall has recently been enlarged.

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Easily accessible in the heart of New Dubai, Mall of Emirates features 476 international brands covering a huge range of genres, including 60 outlets unique to the Emirate. Beyond the shops, Mall of Emirates is also the home of Ski Dubai and the five–star Kempinsky Hotel.

SOUK MADINAT

Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a modern recreation of the souks that once overwhelmed the Middle East.

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Not only have the souks been recreated here, but also the lively trading culture, the sound of craftsmen at work and the galleries that spill on to the paved walkways. The difference is that these souks feature air conditioning, boutique shops and a 442–seat theater.

DUBAI SHOPPING FESTIVAL

JANUARY 20 – FEBRUARY 20, 2012

This month–long event celebrates Dubai’s colorful variety of shopping, and it attracts serious shoppers and fashionistas from around the world.

In Dubai there are over 50 malls, and many more traditional Arabic souks, twisting passageways that conceal more exotic purchases.

FOR SHOPPING ASSISTANCE

AL TAYER

The Al Tayer group was established in 1979 and it has since focused on luxury brands in automobiles, perfumes, cosmetics and interiors as well as food and beverages.

Their Dubai store has amassed a vast portfolio of brands that include Dolce & Gabbana, Emilio Pucci, Giorgio Armani, Gucci and Jimmy Choo amongst others.

BLOOMINGDALE’S

The first Bloomingdale’s store to open outside the US has become quite a phenomenon in Dubai.

Recognized as the anchor store of Dubai Mall, the world’s largest shopping center, it has all the signature elements that you would expect from the original New York store including the black and white Beauty floor, the Gift Registry for miscellaneous and souvenir items and the Forty Carrots Restaurant, home of Bloomingdale’s iconic frozen yoghurt.

BURJUMAN

Burjuman is one of the oldest and finest shopping centers in Dubai, a place of high fashion with world– leading brands.

Its flagship building is made up of 16 floors, all exclusively for shopping and packed with branded clothes, sportswear, beauty products, flowers, shoes, toys, perfumes, jewelry and books. Brands include Burberry, Celine, Christian Lacroix, Dolce & Gabbana, Donna Karan, Dunhill, Fendi, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Moschino, Prada, Roberto Cavalli, Tod’s, Moschino and Versace.

DEIRA CITY CENTRE

Deira City Centre opened in 1995 and has since become one of the most successful shopping malls in the world.

The mall is spread over three floors and includes all the big brands in fashion, electronics and entertainment as well as Magic Planet, one of the region’s most popular indoor family centers.

EMIRATES TOWERS

The Emirates towers are architectural icons of Dubai. Of the two identical towers one is an office tower and the other houses the five–star Emirates Tower Hotel.

Connecting the two towers is the 13,050 square meter Boulevard, housing a variety of dining and shopping options including major labels such as Yves Saint Laurent, Michael Kors and Lanvin amongst many others.

HARVEY NICHOLS DUBAI

The largest Harvey Nichols store outside the UK has become a landmark in luxury and sophisticated retail.

It even features its own restaurant, Almaz by Mono. This store is all about luxury brands and labels.

MERCATO TOWN CENTRE

Mercato Shopping Mall is an extraordinary blend of Tuscan and Venetian architecture and, in keeping with this theme, it features many of Europe’s lavish fashion, jewelry, perfume and cosmetic outlets.

You will also find many antique and carpet shops at the Porto Vecchio Village on the first floor.

RODEO DRIVE

Inspired by the famous street in Beverly Hills that is synonymous with fashion and glamor, Rodeo Drive in Dubai is a high–end, luxury brand chain unique to the United Arab Emirates.

Within the Emirates Towers store one can find brands including Christian Lacroix, Givenchy, Lanvin and Ralph Lauren.

SAKS FIFTH AVENUE

This New York export has been incredibly popular in Dubai.

It features numerous brands that, among others, include Alexander McQueen, Chloe, Hugo Boss, Louis Vuitton, Lulu Guinness and Marc Jacobs.

VILLA MODA DUBAI

Villa Moda has become highly popular with Dubai’s discerning shoppers looking to kit themselves out in high–end fashion.

Among the lavish modern decorations and props you will find more discreet brands such as Anya Hindmarch, Dries Van Noten, Mulberry and Oscar De La Renta.

JEWELRY AND WATCHES