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| Dubai
Shopping |
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Dubai is well known
as the ‘Shopping Capital of the Middle East’.
Shopping is undoubtedly one of the city’s greatest attractions.
It is mostly divided into two main areas– the old souks
in Deira and Dubai Souk in Bur Dubai, and the newer shopping
malls around Beniyas Square on Al-Rigga and Al-Hiyafa Road.
New shops and malls seem to open every other month and there seems
to be something for everyone when it comes to shopping.
The Souks or local markets (see sightseeing section) offer
a unique shopping experience with sights, sounds and aromas of the
yesteryear. The Spice Souk on Al-Sabkha Road, is mostly a
tourist attraction, while the Gold Souk on Sikkat
al-Khali Street, offers great deals on all things gold. Prices for
necklaces, rings, bangles, earrings and brooches are among the lowest
in the world. The Fish Souk in Deira is also a tourist attraction
Visitors are unlikely to want to take fresh fish home with them.
Every morning and late at night, local fishermen unload heaps of
fresh fish, which they bargain and haggle over. Bargaining is normal
practice in all of the Souks and business hours are between 7:00am
and 5:00pm.
The better value items at the larger shopping malls are mainly electrical
goods and designer clothing. Interesting local products
include carpets, Bedouin jewellery and Arabian souvenirs are also
good buys. The Dubai Shopping Festival, held annually in
late March to late April, is a huge event with all the main stores
and almost every shop in Dubai slashing prices in a month-long retail
bonanza.
Dubai’s shops are usually open 8:00am to 1:00pm and 4.30pm
to 8:00pm or 9:00pm. The bigger shopping malls are open from 10:00am
until 10:00pm.
All Souks, malls and shops are
closed on Friday mornings.
There is no sales tax in Dubai. The
Dubai international airport duty free shop is famous for having
one of the finest duty-free shopping in the world. It open to both
arriving and departing passengers. |
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