Visit Dubai, a shopper’s haven, where a wide range of manufactured goods, luxury branded items, designer clothes, cosmetics and an overdose of gold and cosmetic jewelry is available for purchase. Travel to Dubai where a superb blend of “exotica” and “extravaganza” spread out over 55 malls in the city awaits the tourist. Listed below are some of the popular malls and markets in Dubai which are renowned for their opulence, retail outlets, restaurants and recreational activities.
Mercato Mall depicts “The Good Life”. The theme here revolves around “Renaissance” and is the only one in the whole of the Middle East which tastefully depicts the Spanish, French and Italian styles and cuisine making its environment one of its kind. Mercato means “Market” in Italian but it has all the facilities of a huge mall with its 12 screen Grand Century Cinemas, and a very large Spinney’s Supermarket. Internationally branded names like Hugo Boss, Mango and Virgin Mega store are housed here. There are many restaurants offering a variety of culinary flavors and some, like the Bella Donna, overlooks the sea, which is an added attraction. It is located off Jumeira Beach Road and offers a holistic lifestyle experience worth visiting when in Dubai.
Address: P.O Box 755, Dubai,
United Arab Emirates.
Tel: 04 3444161
Fax: 04 3490066
E-mail: management@mercatotowncentre.com
Website: http:/www.mercatoshoppingmall.com
Hours: Sat. to Thurs 10 AM to 10 PM
Friday - 2 PM to 10 pm
Town Centre, Jumeira says it like it is - “Just for You” Conveniently located in the heart of the town, it caters to women from accessories, to cosmetics, perfumes, clothing to Beauty Clinics and Skin care clinics. Specialized salons like the Nail Station and a Wax Lounge are added attractions here. Parking facilities are available and you can walk around in this massive mall without any stress as the area is immense. There are many restaurants to choose from ranging from the Japanese Sumo Sushi to Simply Healthy. It is basically a service mall and one can pick up exclusive gifts here.
Address: P.O.Box 755
Off Jumeirah Beach Road, near Jumeirah Beach Park
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: 04 3440111
Fax: 04 3495858
Email: management@mercatotowncentre.com
Website: http://www.towncentrejumeirah.com
Hours: Sat to Thurs 10.AM to 10 PM
Friday 2 PM to 10 PM
Mall of the Emirates is the ultimate for shopping with leisure where entertainment takes a front seat. Whether skiing down a slope at Ski Dubai, enjoying the heady rides at the two-level Magic Planet or enjoying a movie at the 14-screen Cinestar Cinemas, there is so much to take in while shopping. Families and tourists travel to Dubai to partake in this novel setting. It is the largest shopping center second only to North America with over 450 retail outlets. Top luxury brands like Harvey Nichols are anchored here. This mall attaches itself to Kempinski 5 star hotel and the Dubai Community Arts and Theatre which draws tourists all around the year. A huge Carrefour is open from 10 AM to midnight.
Address: Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Tel: 04 3403392
Website: http://www.malloftheemirates.com
Hours: Sun to Wed. 10 AM to 10 PM
Thurs to Sat 10 AM to 12PM
The Ibn Battuta Mall
Named after the 14th century Arabian explorer Ibn Battuta, a travel to Dubai would be incomplete without a historical tour of this mall. This colossal architecture focuses on the 6 countries through which Ibn Battuta traveled and the recreation is so dramatic, one can spend the entire day traveling from Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, and India to China transiting the mall and marvel at the variety from intoxicating to the exotic from these countries.
Address: P.O.Box 261177
Sheikh Zayed Road, (Between Interchange 5 and Interchange 6)
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Tel: 04 3621900
Fax: 04 3685140
Email: info@ibnbbattutamall.com
Website: http://www.ibnbattutamall.com
Hours: Daily 10 AM to 12 midnight.
Souk Madinat Jumeira
Located just 25 minutes from Dubai International Airport, this mall is part of the large Jumeira complex. While the décor incorporates the bazaar atmosphere of the local markets and souks, it is air-conditioned and has over 75 boutiques, beach wear, high quality souvenirs, wonderful food stores and various cultural treasures. Visit Dubai and stroll through winding lanes and paths to the waterfront cafes or dine in restaurants (alcohol is served in most) and interact with lively locals who animatedly interact with the tourists pushing their wares. Worth a visit to this mall
Address: P.O.Box 75157
Dubai, United Arab Emirates,
Tel: 04 3668888
Fax: 04 3667788
Email: info@madinatjumeirah.com
Website: http://www.madinatjumeirah.com/shopping
Hours: Daily 10 AM to 11 PM
Burjuman Centre
Tourists travel to Dubai for shopping and it is a known fact that designer wear, because of Dubai’s low import duties are less expensive here than if it was sold at the country of their origin. Visit Dubai’s Burjuman Centre then for luxurious designer brands ranging from Parisian haute couture, Sak’s Fifth Avenue. Many renowned name brands like Salvatore Ferragamo, Christian Lacroix, Van Cleef & Arpels, not forgetting Cartier, Louis Vitton, Dior and Hermes anchor at this mall. Located at the intersection of the Trade Center Road and Khalid Bin Waleed Street, a central atrium with sunlit courtyards and lush greenery completes an atmosphere for purchasing the best in the range of high fashion.
Address: P.O Box 8022,
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: 04 3520222
Fax: 04 3510824
Email: info@burjuman.com
Website: http://burjuman.com
Hours: Sat – Thurs. 10 AM to 10 PM
Friday - 2PM to 10 PM
Deira City Centre
Visit Dubai’s most popular mall which has over 300 shops and anchors favorite designer brands like Benetton, Forever 21, Top Shop and Debenhams. Located opposite the Dubai Creek and Yacht Club, it houses numerous restaurants and cafes. The “Arabian Treasure” is a huge souvenir shop where one can buy lots of gifts like copper coffee-pots, small camels either wooden or leather stuffed or little glass water pipes called “sheesha”. Textile courts display a wide array of traditional textiles for sale. The Sofitel City Centre Hotel is attached to this mall and many restaurants here serve alcohol. There is a very big Carrefour in Deira City Centre.
Address: P.O.Box 60772
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: 04 2954545
Fax: 04 2955252
Email: dcc@deiracitycentre.com
Website: http://www.deiracitycentre.com
Hours: Sat. to Thurs. 10 AM to 10 PM
Friday 2 PM to 10 PM
Wafi Shopping Mall
A visit to this mall enthralls tourists who feel they are stepping into Egyptian terrain. The theme is Egyptian and lovely stained glass pyramids enhance the décor. A large range of luxury brands are available in expensive boutiques like Marks and Spencer, Focus and Goodies. There are over 200 shops selling high end electronic watches and jewelry. Claires, Tanagra and Chinese Palace are some of the up market jewelry stores anchored here. A Luxury Spa attaches itself to one end of this mall and exclusive bars and restaurants make this an expensive and luxurious shopping area.
Address: P.O. Box 721
Al Wasl Road
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: 04 3244555
Fax: 04 241212
Email: info@waficity.com
Website: http://www.waficity.com
Hours: Sat. to Thurs 10 AM to 10 PM
Friday 4.30 PM to 10 PM
Emirates Towers Boulevard
The designer brand conscious tourist should travel to Dubai’s most expensive boutique on Sheikh Zayed Road. The shopping boulevard links itself to the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel and the Office Towers. Leading designers like Gucci, Armani and Yves Saint Laurent occupy the ground floor. The settings are opulent and plush. As you stroll through Tiffany & co., Prada, Mui Mui, Ghost and several other top designer labels, you feel like a million dollars. Starbucks, Lipton Café and several restaurants serving alcohol draw tourists to this popular nightlife hot spot.
Address: P.O. Box 72127
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: 04 3198999
Fax: 04 3198989
Hours: Daily 10 AM to 10 PM
Friday 4 PM to 10 PM
Gold & Diamond Park
This Specialty Park is a must-see for tourists who travel to Dubai. For the individual who finds the lure of gold and gold products enticing, a visit here is a memorable experience as rows and rows of counters of the world’s finest selection of sparkling gold, diamond and jewelry products are displayed in over 90 huge retail shops. Unlike the gold souks in the market area which are crowded and noisy, the ambience here is plush and the opulence and style used by each jeweler to outvie his counterparts is a joy to behold.
Several restaurants and cafes are attached to this mall.
Address: Next to Internet City,
Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road,
Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
Tel: 04 3477788/3477576
Fax: 04 3473206
E-mail: GDP@emaar-ae
Website: www.goldanddiamondpark.com
Hours: Sat to Thurs 10 AM to 10 PM
Friday 4 PM to 10 PM
Al Ain Plaza
Travel to Dubai’s “computer plaza”, as this shopping mall is otherwise known, for its state-of-the art digital technology. The information technology is of international fame and has over 60 shops selling all computer related components and parts as also lap tops, monitors, hard drives and soft drives. From miles around this mall is visible because of its colored lights draped on the facade and bright purple neon lights highlighting the name of the Plaza in Arabic and English. One of the leading shopping malls, Al Ain Plaza has many restaurants and cafes. Beautiful Palm trees add plenty of green foliage to the décor.
Address: P.O.Box 28629
Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Tel: 04 3526663/3525065
Fax: 04 3535057
E-mail: megroup@emirates.net.ae
Website: www.thecomputerplaza.com
Festival Centre
In 2008, the “International Shopping Centre of the year” award went to Festival Centre at the Global Retail and Leisure International Awards. Overlooking the waterfront, this Festival City anchors nearly 25 flagship stores relating to Beauty and Health, Fashion, home including Ikea, Ace Hardware and Plug-Ins electronic store. The architecture is picture perfect. Over 90 restaurants, bistros and cafes evolve round a 12 screen Grand Festival Cinema which makes a visit to Dubai’s Festival City a rich entertainment experience. The parking area can house over 13,000 cars!!
Tel: 04 2325444
Email: info_retail@dubaifestivalcity.com
Website: http://www.dubaifestivalcity.com/explore_shopping_FWC.asp
Hours: Sat to Friday 10 AM to 10 PM
Dubai Outlet Mall
Large factory outlets make up this mall on the road to Al Ain (Route 66). Food and beverages from big names like McDonald’s, KFC, Cosi, Burger King and French Bakery are all anchored here. Guaranteed savings on big brands when you visit this mall. From garments to accessories and jewelry, cosmetics and perfumes to outlets like Adidas, Aida, Adams kids there is a wide range of manufactured goods including electronic gadgets and gifts for every age group.
Address: P.O.BOX 115648
Dubailand, United Arab Emirates
Tel: 04 679600
Fax: 04 3679009
E-mail: info@dubaioutletmall.com
Website: http://www.dubaioutletmall.com
Hours: Sun to Wed: 10 AM to 10 PM
Thurs: to Sat: 10 AM to 12 midnight
Apart from these malls, there are several traditional souks catering to the locals as well as tourists. From Gold, Spices, Food and Textile, these souks imbibe the essence of Arabian culture and charm. Travel Dubai and head straight for the gold souks which are lined on both sides of the Creek in old Dubai. Gold, rubies, emeralds, pearls are all displayed in rows and rows of winding shops amidst the bustle of shoppers. Loud haggling and animated voices can be heard. The atmosphere is hot, humid and sticky most part of the year. The souks open at 7 AM to 12 noon and again from 5 PM to 7 PM except Fridays. Thursdays and Friday evenings are very crowded with weekenders bargaining over an eclectic variety of goods. A visit to the aromatic Spice Souk is a must. Spices from the eastern countries like India, Malaysia and China all find their way here through the sea carriers.
Click here for a complete list of Shopping Malls in Dubai
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Other shopping areas include the Meena Bazaar, Al Fahidi Street and Karama Market to name a few. These are open markets and sell general manufactured goods, electronic gadgets, textiles and gold. Lesser priced than the malls, you see a lot of tourists taking a stroll through meandering streets and enjoying bargaining with the shopkeepers.
Tourists traveling to Dubai find this a shopper’s delight. The discerning shopper is on a perpetual high trying to match his shopping to his purse. Shopping is truly a national pastime in these gigantic futuristic malls and market places and an experience to be cherished.