Shopping

SUPERMARKETS

Supermarkets in Dubai are mainly located in the smaller shopping malls, these malls also house dry-cleaners, books shops, sports shops, café, etc . The larger shopping malls house the hypermarkets Carrefour, Hyperpanda, Geant.

Supermarkets are well stocked with fresh good quality produce and carry many recognisable brands from around the world. (Spinney's carry a large range of Waitrose UK products). Watch out for the local produce and try to buy local produce where possible.

Some carry an in-store bakery.

Open from 8am until 10pm.

Friendly staff will pack up your groceries, and help bring to your car (a tip is appreciated).

Food stuffs are reasonably priced but have become more expensive of late.

Recycle centres are located generally in supermarket car parks and collect glass, plastic, paper etc. Many stores now charge for plastic carrier bags and encourage the re-use of carrier bags or alternatively they sell re-usable bags in support of environmental issues.

Some of the larger hypermarkets Carrefour, Geant sell clothing, bedding, household goods etc. these tend to be slightly less
expensive than the smaller stores but quality may be less.

Don't forget to collect your Air miles. Many are affiliated to the Air miles loyalty scheme. Some stores have their own loyalty scheme in operation.

  • Spinney's International Produce/Waitrose UK
  • Carrefour (Hypermarket) French/International produces
  • Geant (Hypermarket) French/ International Produce
  • Choithram International produce
  • Park n' Shop International produce with a British flair
  • Union Co- Op International/local Produce
  • Waitrose International Produce with a British flair

Clothes

Shopping for clothes in Dubai truly a shoppers dream...

All the major designers have a presence, based in the larger shopping malls or in exclusive boutiques in hotels - Boutique 1 , prices are comparable to other major cities. Watch out for sales, they occur throughout the year and offer good reductions, these stores hold on file customer details and will SMS to inform of upcoming sales and invite to pre sale viewings!

High street stores such as Next, Debenhams, and Marks & Spencer (see listings) are also present and represent great choice and good value for casual and kids clothing.

People tend to dress for 2 seasons in Dubai summer & winter and stores stock accordingly. Sizes are the same as UK, & US. Shoes selection is amazing, and depending of course on your choice can be inexpensive.

There is also a large selection of kid's clothes shops - Pumpkin Patch, Osh Gosh, Mothercare, Baby shop, Okaidi. Kids shoes can be got from Clarks, Ecco, Geox, Paplosky etc, ensure feet are measured accurately, ask whether the sales assistant has had training in this area, it is essential that shoes fit properly especially for growing and school going feet. Due to favourable weather in Dubai, flip flops, sandals and crocs prove extremely popular but are not always good for growing feet.

The areas of Karama and Satwa offer street side shopping , textiles, leather goods, watches, sports equipment and replica goods are sold here, it is possible to barter but generally one gets what they pay for...

Dubai Outlet Mall is a large out of town outlet carries end of line stock and stock clearance at much reduced prices.

Shopping Malls

Kids Clothing shop

  • Next                          Mall of Emirates /Mercato
  • Monsoon                 Mall of Emirates/ Festival City
  • Mothercare              Mall of Emirates/Ibn Battuta
  • Osh Gosh                Mall of Emirates
  • Okaidi                       Mall of Emirates
  • Benetton                  Mall of Emirates
  • Marks & Spencers Wafi City/ Dubai Festival City
  • Debenhams            Mall of Emirates/ Deira City Centre

Kids designer clothes shops are available in the larger shopping malls.

School uniforms are available at

Uniform Shop          Umm Suqeim
Stitches                     Beach Road
Magrudy's                 Beach Road / Ibn Battuta/ Festival City Centre

Electronics

All well known brands are available in Dubai along with lesser known, prices tend to be less than in your home country. Always check the warranty duration and conditions, bearing in mind that the receipt may be the warranty.

Research the item you wish to buy online / magazines before shopping as very frequently sale assistants display poor product knowledge.

Check if the item you are purchasing will work in other countries if you intend to travel.

After sales service is poor and is a lengthy process, bear this in mind if you are buying second hand goods. Secondhand goods in Dubai come on the market frequently usually being sold by people relocating or because of upgrading to a newer model. Supermarket notice boards display these advertisements and also on line at http://dubai.dubizzle.com or www.expatwoman.com

Listings

  • DG Sharaf                        Ibn Battuta/ Times Square
  • Jumbo Electronics         Mall of Emirates/ Ibn Battuta/ Deira City Centre
  • Jacky's                              Mall of Emirates/ Ibn Battuta/ Deira City Centre
  • Carrefour                          Mall of Emirates/ Deira City Centre
  • Virgin                                 Mall of Emirates/ Mercato

JEWELLERY

Jewellery shops are found in the shopping malls and also in the Gold & Diamond Souk in old Dubai, items are more expensive in shopping malls and are a set price so no bartering is tolerated. Bartering is expected practice in the souk, along with being great fun one gets an amazing insight into Arabic culture,the souks are especially lively and colourful places at night. There is a air-conditioned jewellery specific shopping mall on the Sheikh Zayed Road. As well as having many beautiful pieces to choose from you can have jewellery designed and created to your own taste.

Cartier, Tiffany & Co, Graff, De Beers have a presence in the major shopping malls.

Gold is valued at international daily rate, so there is little difference in the gold price from store to store, prices vary with the workmanship and the addition of diamonds or precious stones / gems. Ask for a certificate Authentication, it will certainly cost considerably less than in your own country… Have it valued on your next visit if you wish...

Great costume jewellery is to be found in most department stores and ladies fashion outlets, ranging in price and quality.

All well known brands of watches are available in Dubai, less expensive and a huge selection. Ask for the warranty and certificate of Authentication.

Listings

  • Damas                            All Major Shopping Malls
  • Cartier                             Deira City Centre Mall/ Boulevard at Emirates Towers Hotel
  • De Beer                           Mall of the Emirates
  • Tiffany & Co                    Mall of the Emirates/ Dubai Mall
  • Rivoli                                Mall of the Emirates/ Ibn Battuta/ City Centre Mall
  • Gold & Diamond Park  Off Sheikh Zayed Road

Books

'Book worms' are well catered for in Dubai, several spacious book stores exist, located in the major shopping malls. All carry a good range of best-sellers, reference books and kid's books and if not in stock they will be happy order it in. Pay a visit to the local interest section, there are many interesting books on Dubai available.

  • Don't they know its Friday
  • Dubai Explorer
  • Off Road Dubai
  • Gardening in the Middle East and many more......

There are many second-hand book / car boot sales held around Dubai, watch out for flyers that advertise.

Join a book club, it is a good way to make new friends through reading.

Public libraries situated in Umm Sequim/ Mall of the Emirates.

Listings

  • Magrudy's                                   www.magrudy.com
  • Books Plus
  • Borders                                       www.bordersstores.com
  • Book Worm (Kids Book shop)                                           00 971 4 394 5770
  • Virgin Mega Store                      www.virgin.com
  • Book World by kinokuniya        www.thedubaimall.com 

ON-LINE SHOPPING

Online shopping in Dubai is still very much in its infancy, probably due to the fact that shopping malls are within easy reach of all communities. However, a number of unique on line shopping sites are available.

On line shopping from overseas is popular, however many companies will not ship to the UAE and those that do will bear a high delivery charge. Aramex offer a 'shop & ship' service which with the use of a prepaid credit card which can be used on line and a PO Box in the UK/US where goods can be delivered. subsequently Aramex will forwarded to the customer in the UAE.

Listings