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Shopping in Dubai is on a
world scale. The city boasts a vast range of malls, from traditional souqs in
Deira and Bur Dubai to modern and spacious malls, featuring boutique, designer
and high street brands. Dubai's retail space is set to quadruple over the next
few years as huge and ambitious new malls, as well as major expansions of
existing malls, are planned. The airport is also a shopping paradise, with
excellent duty-free facilities.
For those wanting a glimpse of history, Dubai's souqs (see Key Attractions )
offer an atmospheric shopping experience with bargains to be found in spice,
silks, gold and precious gems. The Spice Souq , Al-Sabkha Road, is a popular
tourist attraction, with its barrels of cardamon, dried lemons, rose petals and
frankincense. The famous Gold Souq , Sikkat al-Khali Street, offers amazing
deals on beautifully crafted necklaces, rings, bangles, earrings and brooches,
with gold prices among the lowest in the world. The gold souqs are strictly
regulated, guaranteeing quality and authenticity. Prices vary and bargaining is
essential.
The Fish Souq in Deira is an excellent example of a busy working souq, with
restaurants and hotels buying wholesale fresh lobster, shellfish and the famous
Gulf hammour. Early in the morning and late at night, local fishermen unload
mountains of fresh fish, which attract fierce haggling. The Electronics Souq ,
near Beniyas Square, is a great place to get the very lowest price on a new
mobile phone or digital camera. Bargaining is the norm in all of the souks,
which are generally open daily, 0700-1200 and 1700-1900 (closed Friday morning).
The best-value items at the large shopping malls are mainly electrical goods
and designer clothing, although interesting local products include carpets,
Bedouin jewellery and Arabian souvenirs. The Dubai Shopping Festival , held from
January to February, and Dubai Summer Surprises , held in July and August, are
two massive attractions, with all the big stores and almost every shop in Dubai
slashing prices and offering huge prize draws. Other festivals and special
promotions run throughout the year, which further enhance Dubai's reputation as
the Shopping Capital of the Middle East.
Dubai's shops are open 8:00 am-1:00 pm and 4:30 pm - 8 or 9 pm. Many shops are closed on
Friday. Larger malls are open 10:00 am -11:00 pm. Shops, malls and souqs are usually all
closed on Friday mornings. Gas stations and certain supermarkets (Co Op in
Umm Seqeim) are open 24 hours, and there are several all night pharmacies. There is
no sales tax in Dubai and the airport is renowned for having some of the finest
duty-free outlets in the world. This is open to both arriving and departing
passengers.
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