Cheap Shopping in Dubai: Souks, Outlet Malls & Bargain Destinations

Mega Malls – Modern Retail Hubs

Here we are with the list of the best malls in Dubai that will give you a luxurious shopping experience.

1. Dubai Mall

One of the largest shopping malls, the Dubai Mall, where you can also find several entertainment and leisure options. It has retail stores, food outlets, and attractions like Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, an ice skating rink, a VR-theme park, etc.

2. Mall of Emirates

Another popular mall in Dubai is the Mall of Emirates, which is a huge multi-level shopping and entertainment destination. Home to Ski Dubai, this mall has 900+ high-end and high-street stores with indoor skiing, fine dining, and the luxe Fashion Dome.

3. Dubai Festival City Mall

The Dubai Festival City Mall is one of the premium shopping centers in Dubai, which is popular for its waterfront location. It has numerous international stores, including IKEA. Get dazzled by a laser, light, and fountain show at Festival Bay, the Imagine Show.

4. Ibn Battuta Mall

Ibn Battuta Mall is a massive shopping mall, which is themed according to the places visited by the famous explorer Ibn Battuta. The malls have six courts representing different regions (Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India, and China), where Ibn Battuta travelled.

5. Nakheel Mall

Nakheel Mall, situated at the heart of the Palm Jumeirah, is a great destination for not just shopping but also for dining and enjoyment. It is a family-friendly place with dedicated play areas for children.

6. Dubai Marina Mall

For a relaxed and stylish ambience, Dubai Marina Mall is the best place, which is located at the center of Dubai Marina. It is home to over 140 retail stores, a variety of dining options, and family-friendly refreshment options.

7. City Centre Mirdif

Another popular mall in Dubai is City Center Mirdif, which also attracts tourists for its family amusement options like Magic Planet arcade, iFLY Dubai, Sky Trail, etc. This mall also has a wide variety of retail stores and dining options.

8. Dubai Hills Mall

A two-level mall, the Dubai Hills Mall, is also a beautiful and entertaining shopping mall, located in a luxurious residential area. It has more than 600 retail outlets, many eating outlets, and exciting options like Adventure Park and a multiplex cinema.

Traditional Souks – Old World Charm

1. Gold Souk

Dubai’s traditional gold market, the Gold Souk, is an ideal place to shop for gold as well as gemstones at reasonable prices. You can purchase 18K to 24K gold jewelry, diamond and gemstone jewelry, customized jewelry, wedding rings, gold bars, and gold coins.

2. Spice Souk

With its name, we can identify that the Spice Souk in Dubai is popular for its exotic collection of spices. Here you can find the best quality saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, biryani masala, dried nuts, cloves, loose teas, and so on.

3. Perfume Souk

For an exclusive collection of perfumes, you must make your visit to the Perfume Souk in Dubai. Here you will find oud-based oils and perfumes, traditional attars (non-alcoholic oils), luxury perfume imitation, incense sticks, and bakhoor.

4. Textile Souk

Textile Souk, also known as Dubai Textile Market, is a place that is regarded as a treasure of colorful fabrics. You can shop for fine silks, velvets, cotton, satin fabrics, Pashmina shawls, hand-embroidered dress materials, and tailor-made outfits and accessories.

5. Souk Madinat Jumeirah

Popular for traditional souk atmosphere with modern amenities, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is one of the most beautiful souks in Dubai. It is a hub where you can shop for souvenirs, international brands, local crafts, antiques, perfumes, and carpets.

6. Meena Bazaar

A bustling market in Dubai offering Indian goods and culture to locals as well as tourists. Here, you will not only get traditional Indian products, but also pure Indian vibes. Shop for textiles, jewelry, spices, and other Indian products in this market.

7. Naif Souk

To explore a more traditional and authentic souk, Naif Souk is a budget-friendly shopping area located in Deira. You can buy a wide variety of products, such as abayas, textiles, garments, leather goods, electronics, and souvenirs.

8. Souk Al Bahar

Souk Al Bahar is a contemporary, upscale market in Dubai where you can also find classy as well as budget dining options. Here, you can buy international brands, souvenirs, handicrafts, perfumes, jewelry, carpets, and antiques.

Budget & Outlet Shopping

• Dubai Outlet Mall: A mall with thousands of shopping outlets where you can even get discounts of up to 30% to 90%. 
• Dragon Mart: The largest Chinese trading destination where you can shop for low-priced Chinese goods, including clothing, shoes, and accessories. 
• Brands For Less: Shop for international branded items, such as clothes, shoes, accessories, etc., at unbeatable prices.
• Al Karama Market: A local market in Dubai with stalls selling good quality products at reasonable and bargain prices.

What to Buy in Dubai?

If you are in Dubai, you should buy items like:

1. Gold Jewelry
2. Perfumes and Ouds
3. Handwoven Persian Rugs
4. Chocolates made with Camel Milk
5. Spices, such as saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, etc.
6. Dry Fruits
7. Textiles from Emirati abayas to Indian sarees. 
8. Tax-free electronic items
9. Designer apparels
10. Branded clothes, accessories, and shoes.

Budget Shopping Tips in Dubai

Here are some shopping tips you must apply while shopping in Dubai.

• You can show your bargaining skills in small shops and souks, but not in malls.
• Keep some cash in hand, not all dealers accept cards or other payment methods.
• Tourists can claim VAT refunds on purchases made for more than AED 250.
• Shop during the Dubai Shopping Festival to get amazing deals and unbeatable discounts.
• Research the same thing at different places, compare prices, and then shop.
• Ramadan sale and End of Season sale also take place in Dubai, so shop from the sale.
• Don’t show aggression while dealing with a dealer; it may cost you a great deal.
• Moving out of small shops could result in being called back by the dealer, and being given the product at your price might work.

Plan Your Shopping Day in Dubai

Here is how you can plan your itinerary for different shopping types:

• Luxury Day: For luxury shopping in Dubai, start your day at Dubai Mall, then go to the Mall of Emirates, and end your day by sightseeing at  Sheikh Zayed Road.
• Cultural Day: Take an Abra ride to Deira souks and for outlet shopping Dubai, visit gold, spice, and perfume souks. You can also make your visit to the Meena Bazaar.
• Budget Day: Shop at Dragon Mall, Dubai Outlet Mall, and Al Karama for budget shopping Dubai. 

Conclusion

Have you ever shopped in Dubai? If not, then we must tell you that shopping in Dubai is a clear scene of opulence, tradition, and unmissable offers. From world-class malls to traditional souks, you will surely find something that will capture your eyes and heart. Whether you are looking for luxury brands or budget-friendly outlets, Dubai has it all. In short, shopping in Dubai is a great experience that one should have once in life. So, when are you visiting Dubai to have this shopping experience?