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Shopping |
Dubai's shopping muscle draws lifeblood from the thriving contrast of traditional souqs, enormous malls and funky clothing boutiques; each overflowing with fresh produce, old-world exotica, designer collections and new-wave gadgetry. Shopaholics won't know where to begin.
Places to Shop
Ajmal Perfumes
cnr Khalid bin Al-Waleed & Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Rds
Tel: 04 269 0102
This is the best chain of exotic attar makers (Arabian oils and perfumes) in the region and is generally crowded with local women buying up. Part of the fun is testing, but try 'Zikra Al Nawaaem', an exotic spicy sandalwood-based scent in an ornate gold bottle.
Hours: Mon-Thu 10:00am-11:00pm, Fri 4:00pm-10:00pm
Aminian Trading
Al-Garhoud Rd
Tel: 04 295 5379 (info)
For the ultimate souvenir (despite the difficulty fitting it in the overheard locker on your return flight), check out the staggering craftsmanship showcased in the fine selection of classic Persian carpets, along with more contemporary colourful tribal kilims.
Hours: Sun-Wed 10:00am-10:00pm, Thu-Sat 10:00am-12:00am
Now the most gorgeous mall of them all - after some expensive work and a new extension - BurJuman is more popular than ever. Beautiful stores include Saks Fifth Avenue, Dolce and Gabbana, Donna Karan, Kenzo, Calvin Klein, Etro, Christian Lacroix, Cartier and Tiffany's.
Hours: Sat-Thu 10:00am-10:00pm, Fri 2:00pm-10:00pm
Deira City Centre
Al-Garhoud Rd
Tel: 04 295 1010 (info)
Still Dubai's most popular place to spend, despite the opening of bigger, better and more bizarre malls. There's a wide range of shops, with a special arcade devoted to carpets, souvenirs and handicrafts. The city's best supermarket, food courts and cinema complex are the place to be on a Thursday night.
Hours: Sun-Wed 10:00am-10:00pm, Thu-Sat 10:00am-12:00am
Pride of Kashmir
Al-Garhoud Rd
Tel: 04 295 0655 (info)
If the Kashmiri and Persian carpets and silky pashmina shawls here don't entice you, the luxe home furnishings and handicrafts will. You'll also find bedspreads, throws, wall hangings and cushion covers made from rich silks and velvets, patchwork and applique, and embroidered and sequinned fabrics.
Hours: Sat-Thu 10:00am-10:00pm, Fri 2:00pm-10:00pm
Mall of the Emirates
Sheikh Zayed Rd
Tel: 04 409 9000 (info)
Everyone predicted this enormous mall would be struggling to keep customers after we'd all taken a look, but this elegant shopping centre is now one of Dubai's busiest. It's not just the shops that attract attention, there is also that indoor ski resort.
Hours: 10:00am-12:00am
Wafi Gourmet
Al-Qataiyat Rd
Tel: 04 324 4433 (info)
If you're in Dubai during the mild winter months or Ramadan, stock up on some Arabian delicacies at Wafi Gourmet and join the many families having picnic suppers at one of the Creek-side parks. Choose from barrels of juicy olives, spicy peppers, pickles, white cheeses, vine leaves, hummus, tabbouleh and much more.
Hours: Sat-Thu 10:00am-10:00pm, Fri 2:00pm-10:00pm
Rituals
Al-Garhoud Rd
Tel: 04 294 1432 (info)
Rituals' sensual range of products are all about re-establishing a balance in life that is centred on personal rituals - home, tea, laundry and cleaning, purifying, energising and relaxing rituals. Try the mandarin and basil incense, the Jasmine Dream candles, the Samurai Secret travel-sized hydrating cream, or lotus stones for the laundry.
Hours: Sun-Wed 10:00am-10:00pm, Thu-Sat 10:00am-12:00am