‘Luxury’ is a word apt for Dubai shopping with the gigantic malls dominating the retail scene more than ever. Tourists and expats alike enjoy the plethora of shopping experiences available in Dubai along with the numerous dining and entertainment options.
However, the shopping at the malls can sometimes be tough on the wallet, especially when there are no promotions happening.
Luckily, some places in Dubai offer affordable goods all year round and being ‘bargain friendly’ allows shoppers to avail the best deals.
Dragon Mart
The Dragon Mart is touted as the China Market in Dubai and indubitably is the largest trading hub of Chinese goods outside its host country.
The gigantic, 1.2 kilometer long dragon shaped China mall in Dubai stocks every item imaginable from the mainland China including clothes, homeware, jewelry, furniture, toys, and even building material. It is also a haggler’s paradise and you are free to bargain as much as possible.
Since items at the China Mall in Dubai are mostly un-returnable, make sure you assess the quality and measurements thoroughly before purchasing.
Souks of Dubai
The different souks or the traditional markets of Emirates are famous all over the world. Some of the most prominent include the Gold souk, Perfume souk, and the Spice souk. There is also a Bur Dubai souk where you can find a variety of Indian items including textiles and accessories.
Take along plenty of time when you visit the souks, as you will need to go from shop to shop for the best variety and rates.
Global Village
Global Village is the world’s largest multicultural festival park and the regions first family destination that combines culture, entertainment, and shopping together.
Spanning over an area of 17,200,000 sq. ft. (1,600,000 m2), the stalls on the vast foreground offers artefacts from more than 90 countries around the world. Besides shopping, the visitors can also enjoy impeccable food options and fun attractions suitable for the whole family.
The festival sees over 5 million visitors annually and is operational from November to April – during the cooler months of Dubai. The gates of the Global Village open from 4:00 pm daily while special days are allotted for families and women.
Dubai Outlet Mall
If you are looking for discounts on international brands, head over to the Dubai Outlet Mall nestled on the Dubai Al Ain Road.
From clothing and accessories to home décor items and electronics – there is nothing you won’t find on a markdown price here. Some of the best designers and brands stock their discounted products at this mall. In fact, on any regular day, you can expect to see discounts ranging from 30% to 90%.
There is no shortage of shopping venues in Dubai but sometimes the mega malls are unable to cater to every budget. For budget friendly options, check out the economical places such as the China Market in Dubai, the souks, and the outlet mall. However, be careful when shopping at these places and always assess the quality thoroughly before making a purchase.
Happy shopping!
