It’s no big secret that, here in Dubai, we love to shop.

And the great thing about the city is that you can buy anything you like.

Sure, we’ve got huge glistening malls filled with every designer label under the sun, but there’s so much more to shopping in Dubai than Louis Vuitton and Gucci.

So to let you in on the best places to shop in Dubai, we’ve done the shopping, sorry, hard work for you.

The best places to shop in Dubai

Jump to:

• Mega Dubai malls
• Neighbourhood Dubai malls
• Dubai concept stores

Mega malls in Dubai

City Centre Deira

One of the oldest malls in the city, but still one of our favourite places for shopping in Dubai, City Centre Deira has something for all the family to enjoy. Check out high street stores including H&M, Zara, Forever 21 and Aldo, while for something a little more luxurious head to Tommy Hilfiger or Balmain. There’s also a huge Splash store if you’re looking to bag a bargain.

Restaurants to try: It’s mainly easy eateries in City Centre Deira, so expect the likes of Paul, Gazebo, Shake Shack and Chili’s.

Things to do: The kids could spend hours in Magic Planet, while its VOX Cinemas has VOX MAX, VOX 4DX, VOX Gold and VOX Kids screens.
Mon-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. Port Saeed, Deira. citycentredeira.com (0800 226 255).

Dubai Hills Mall

If you love your fashion or just strolling around the shops, you’ll end up spending hours at this mall as there are almost 600 retail spaces in the Dubai Hills Mall. Fashion-lovers will find a wide variety of popular international brands like American Eagle, H&M, Foot Locker and Victoria’s Secret, plus Zara, Mango, Oysho, Massimo Dutti and Stradivarius. Marks and Spencer also has a stand-alone store on the ground floor of the mall.

Restaurants to try: You’ll be well looked after here. Starbucks, Shake Shack and Pinkberry all have outposts at the mall. You won’t know where to hit first, with options like juicy burgers from CZN Burak Burger, fresh hand-rolled sushi from Miyabi Sushi or some Asian dishes from Wagamama.

Things to do: Not only will you be able to watch the most recent Hollywood blockbusters in the luxury of the stylish Roxy Cinema, and spend hours at the dedicated Adventure Park; the Dubai Hills Mall will be home to the region’s fastest indoor rollercoaster, too.
Daily from 10am-midnight. Al Khail Road dubaihillsmall.ae (04 448 5033).

Dubai Mall

This is the biggest shopping mall in the world. An immense shopping, leisure and entertainment space in the heart of Downtown Dubai, it’s home to more than 1,200 stores including everything from Alexander McQueen, Chanel and Gucci to & Other Stories, Bershka and Kate Spade New York, as well as Level Shoes, Bloomingdale’s, Sun & Sand Sports and Apple.

You might also like: Dubai Mall is getting a massive expansion at a hefty price tag of Dhs1.5billion

Restaurants to try: From fast food to fine dining, you’ll find it all at the Dubai Mall. While new restaurants open monthly, our current top picks are La Maison Ani, New Shanghai, Gia and Kata. If you’re after something a little quirkier, Cereal Killer Café.

Things to do: What isn’t there to do? From the Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo and KidZania to Reel Cinemas, the Olympic-size Dubai Ice Rink and its very own China Town you could basically spend all weekend there and not get bored.
Mon-Thurs 10am-midnight, Fri-Sun 10am-1am. Downtown Dubai. thedubaimall.com (800 38224 6255).

Dubai Outlet Mall

Dubai Outlet Mall is the only shopping centre we can think of in the city that sets discounts as its core value and competes on price rather than ski slopes or aquarium availability. It is a value option, so you might not find what you want on every visit, but including it on your mall rotation is essential for the occasional thrifty shop.

You can often find branded goods at anywhere between 30 and 90 percent off the recommended retail price, so we’re talking serious savings. Adidas, Massimo Dutti, Gap, Kenneth Cole and DKNY are favourite brands from other malls, while designer names such as Alexander McQueen, Stella McCartney and Prada are all shipped and sold here.

Restaurants to try:

As for food and family entertainment, a Chuck E. Cheese has been set up there featuring plenty of games. If you love a bargain as much as we do, this one has your name all over it.

Things to do: Mostly just shop. That’s the real focus here.
Open Sun-Thurs10am-10pm, Fri-Sat10am-midnight. Dubai Al Ain Road. dubaioutletmall.com.(04 423 4666).

Mall of the Emirates

Originally known as the world’s first shopping resort – and the most famous mall in Dubai until The Dubai Mall came along – Mall of the Emirates, affectionately known as MOE, is a shopper’s paradise. Huge department stores such as Harvey Nichols and Debenhams rub shoulders with fashion designers from all over the world (we’re talking Dolce & Gabbana, Dior and Bvlgari to name a few), while you’ll also find all the regular high street heroes, fitness brands, electronics, home, beauty stores and more.

Restaurants to try: Head to Common Grounds for brekkie, Cipriani Dolci for a delicious Italian lunch and Salero Tapas & Bodega for dinner, where you can refuel after a long day of shopping in Dubai with authentic Spanish dishes.

Things to do: Obviously it’s the home of the world’s best indoor ski resort Ski Dubai, but there’s also Magic Planet, Yalla! Bowling and VOX Cinemas where, if you’re feeling flush, you can enjoy a dining experience by Akira Back at THEATRE before catching your movie.
Open Mon-Thur 10am-11pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. Sheikh Zayed Rd, Al Barsha. malloftheemirates.com (800 663 6255).

Mirdif City Centre

Mirdif City Centre is a little out of the way for some, but you’ll be less likely to face a battle for the season’s last Zara ‘it’ dress in your size. There are more than 430 stores here, with brands including Mango, Stradivarius, Adidas and Calvin Klein, and a great Carrefour for your food shop.

Restaurants to try: Bosporus for Turkish food, Five Guys for a killer burger and SushiArt for some of the best sushi in the area.

Things to do: You could always head to the cinema, but if you’re after something a little more action-packed, iFly is the region’s biggest indoor skydiving experience.
Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd, Mirdif citycentremirdif.com (800 226 255).

Nakheel Mall

The best and biggest place to shop on Palm Jumeirah, you’ll find more than 140 shops at Nakheel Mall including H&M, Adventure HQ, Forever 21 and, for all your home needs, Chattels & More. Luxury is covered with the likes of Elie Saab, 963 Ayesha Depala and Pandora, while there’s a Waitrose covering 4,200 sqm too.

Restaurants to try: We recommend the Depachika food hall, Pinkberry for frozen desserts and popular Taiwanese dim sum eatery, Din Tai Fung, for dinner. You’ll also find SushiSamba in the area too.

Things to do: Pop in for a mani-pedi at NStyle Beauty Lounge, take your kids to Trampo Extreme where you’ll find trampolines, interactive walls and a dodgeball zone or, if you’ve got family in town, head up to The View observation deck to admire some of the best panoramic views in the city.
Open Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. Palm Jumeirah nakheelmall.ae (800 625 4335).

The Outlet Village in Jebel Ali

Fancy being transported to the fancy shopping streets of Italy, without having to get on a plane? The Outlet Village is the one for you. Unlike any district in Dubai, the mall has been uniquely designed to feel like you’re in San Gimignano, a quaint hilltop town in the countryside of Tuscany. The best part? The mall boasts some of the hottest deals in all of its stores, sometimes going up to 90 percent off a product’s original price. It’s only a short 15-minute drive from JBR, so hop in that car and get yourself shopping. Everyone loves a bargain, how can you possibly resist?

Restaurants to try: There’s not much to eat at this particular mall, but you can grab yourself some Operation Falafel if you have a hankering for shawarma and a coffee from Starbucks.

Things to do: Shopping is the real focus here.
Mon-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-11pm. Jebel Ali, near Dubai Parks And Resorts (04 317 3999).

Wafi Mall

A healthy mix of luxury fashion brands and popular labels, Wafi Mall is a great spot for shopping in Dubai if you live over at the airport side of town. This Egyptian-themed mall has been open since the 1900s, and today is home to both high street outlets and luxury brands including Chopard and Etoile La Boutique. Don’t forget to browse Souk Khan Murjan, which offers Arabian handicrafts and plenty of artisan treasures from across the Middle East.

Restaurants to try: Top picks include Italian café and pizzeria Biella and Lebanese hotspot Wafi Gourmet.

Things to do: Head to Cleopatra’s Spa for a massage – its treatment list comprises everything from hot stone massages to hydrating facials.
Sun-Thur 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-midnight. Oud Metha Rd. wafi.com (04 324 4555).

Neighbourhood malls

City Centre Me’aisem

Home to a huge Carrefour for all your grocery needs, a decent amount of eateries and a Borders for book lovers, City Centre Me’aisem is ideal for those who live in the area. There’s also a Typo for stationary fans, H&M, Sun & Sand Sports, Centrepoint and loads more.

Restaurants to try: Try out The Açaí Spot’s signature bowls and healthy sandwiches, or tasty shawarmas or shish taouk at Arabic restaurant Leila.

Things to do: There’s a Magic Planet on site complete with adrenaline-pumping rides, simulators and so much more.
Mon-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. E311, Dubai Production City. citycentremeaisem.com.

City Walk

It’s always shop-o-clock according to City Walk, where you’ll find lots of smaller boutique brands amongst bigger names. If you’re in the market for a new pair of jeans then head to 7 For All Mankind, and elsewhere we recommend hitting the Christian Dior fragrance boutique, Ted Baker, and Sephora for all the latest beauty buys.

Restaurants to try: There are heaps of great restaurants at City Walk including L’Antica Pizzeria Da Michele and Home by McGettigan’s. Flaky Pastry, Dubai’s first croissanterie (where coffee meets croissants) recently opened its doors too.

Things to do: There are plenty of beauty salons for both ladies and gents including Sisters and 1847, a plush Roxy Cinema and, for little ones, a state-of-the-art creative edutainment space from The Green Planet.
Daily 10am-11pm. Al Wasl and Al Safa Road junction, accessible from Sheikh Zayed Rd (04 590 5090).

Dubai Marina Mall

Dubai Marina dwellers rejoiced when this waterfront neighbourhood mall opened its doors back in 2000, and not just for the huge Waitrose that was now right on their doorstep. Inside you’ll also find plenty of shops including Adidas, Aldo, Charles & Keith, H&M and La Senza, and there’s plenty more where that came from.

Restaurants to try: While there’s your typical food court, Dubai Marina Mall backs onto Pier 7 so it’s here you’ll want to head for a top-notch meal. Make Asia Asia your first port of call.

Things to do: Catch a new release at Reel Cinemas – its chairs are some of the comfiest in the business.
Sun-Thurs 10am-10pm, Fri-Sat 10am-11pm. Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai Marina. dubaimarinamall.com (04 436 1020).

Mercato Mall

With its picturesque cobbled streets and charming piazzas, step inside Jumeirah’s Mercato Mall and you’d be forgiven for thinking you’ve ended up in Renaissance-era Italy – albeit with loads of great shops. Not only does Mercato have Spinneys for all your grocery needs, but there’s also a whole host of fashion shops including Gap, H&M, Mango, Massimo Dutti, Nike, Pull&Bear and many more.

Restaurants to try: Those with a sweet tooth should head to Kansai for some delicious Japanese sweets, otherwise SLAB is a stellar spot for Latin American cuisine.

Things to do: There’s a VOX cinema on hand where you can catch all the latest blockbusters, while Fun City is a great playground to tempt your kids into a little retail therapy.
Daily from 10am-10pm. Jumeirah Beach Road. mercatoshoppingmall.com (04 344 4161).

Springs Souk

A shopping haven for residents of Emirates Living communities The Springs and The Meadows, the Springs Souk is home to roughly retail 100 shops and a humongous Carrefour Market. Highlights include Bath and Body Works, Borders and Marks & Spencer, while there’s a pretty good African + Eastern on site too.

Restaurants to try: Han Cuisine if you’re craving Chinese, Russo’s for pizza or The Lime Tree Kitchen & Café if you’re a lady who lunches.

Things to do: Workout. Trendy fitness centre Warehouse Gym set up shop in the Springs Souk in 2018, while it’s also home to F45, the high-intensity sporting chain loved by the likes of David Beckham, Cindy Crawford and Hugh Jackman.
Daily from 10am-10pm. Al Afnan Street, The Springs 7 thespringssouk.com (800 36227).

Sunset Mall

Looking for somewhere a bit different to shop in Dubai? It may not be the biggest of Dubai malls, but as the saying goes – it’s quality over quantity – and Sunset Mall sure has plenty of the latter. Home to hard-to-find brands, quirky homewares and affordable fashion, check out Ahmed Seddiqi and Sons for watches and fine jewellery, Shell Designs for on-trend abayas and Fashion Vault for kitsch clothes you won’t find anywhere else in the city.

Restaurants to try: There is plenty to eat with options like Wafi Gourmet, Jigarchi Restaurant, FireFly Burger Dubai, Pappa Roti and Baskin Robbins.

Things to do: Take a quick pit stop at Elata Beauty Salon for nails, hair, waxing and more.
Daily from 10am-10pm. Jumeirah 3, Jumeirah Beach Road. sunsetmall.ae (04 330 7333).

Times Square Center

Some of Dubai’s smallest malls are some of our favourites, and that’s definitely the case with Times Square Center. While there are some smaller fashion stores, you’re more likely to check out Sharaf DG for new tech purchases, Mums & Bumps for maternity clothes or Divine Flowers for a bunch of lovely new blooms. Go on, treat yourself.

Restaurants to try: Barry’s Bench serves up authentic Mexican cuisine, while The Coffee Club is perfect for a quick caffeine hit.

Things to do: Picnic Square at Times Square Center is a community space complete with artisan cafés, healthy dining spots, an event space, co-working areas and play areas for tiny tots, basically covering all bases. Be sure to check it out after your shopping spree. The Ripe Market is held here on certain Sundays, too.
Mon-Thu 10am-10pm, Fri-Sun 10am-11pm. Sheikh Zayed Rd, Al Quoz timessquarecenter.ae (04 341 8020).

Concept stores in Dubai

amongst few

Easily one of the trendiest concept stores in the city – and one of the best places to shop in Dubai for a wide range of premium streetwear brands – you’ll find everything from Nike to Yeezy, plus it’s very own collection of graphic tees, hoodies, track pants and even coffee at amongst few. While you’re there, make sure to browse the rare vinyl collection, get your shoes cleaned at its handy Sneaker Laundry and lastly, if your barnet needs a tidy, there’s an equally cool barbershop to check out, too.
Daily from 9am-9pm. Al Wasl Rd, Umm Suqeim amongstfew.com (04 236 0031).

Comptoir 102

An organic café meets stylish concept store, Parisienne cool-meets-boho chic at Comptoir 102. Nestled along Jumeirah Beach Road, it’s a super cool spot to shop in Dubai, with an eclectic mix of fashion, interior design and furniture from around the globe. From niche beauty brands (it’s currently the exclusive supplier of Susanne Kaufmann skincare in the region) to raffia bags handmade in Madagascar, jewellery inspired by contemporary art, sustainable scented candles, and hand-painted ceramics made in France, we’re warning you now: a trip here will do no favours to your bank balance.
Daily from 8am-10pm. 102 Beach Road, Jumeirah 1 comptoir102.com (04 385 4555).

gigi

This Dubai concept store in Barsha showcases a specially curated selection of regional brands and designers spanning fashion, fragrance and homeware – think Al Sham Gallery, Fabula, Kaftish and Bangle Up. The on-trend (and very Insta-worthy) boutique also encompasses a pretty espresso bar if you need a little pick-me-up.
Daily from 10am-10pm. Galleria Mall, Al Barsha, instagram.com/gigi.galleria (04 399 1550).

Kulture House

Skincare, fashion, homeware, stationary – you can find it all at Kulture House, a café, concept store and art pop-up featuring work by local artists on Jumeirah Beach Road. Looking to buy some trinkets for your home? There’s a range of fair-trade items on sale sourced from all around the globe including the UAE, Peru, Kenya, Egypt, Cuba, Morocco, Azerbaijan and Italy. The café’s menu is just as wide-ranging, with highlights including jalapeño eggs benedict, shakshouka, mezze, fresh salads and delicious desserts.
Mon-Fri 9am-7pm, Sat-Sun 9am-8pm. 106 Jumeirah Street, Jumeirah 1. kulturehousedubai.com (04 399 1790).

O concept store

From shoes to clothes to art, O concept store houses a treasure trove of unique trendy items that sees Dubai’s style set flock there in droves. Great for shopping in Dubai, the Instagramable space is guaranteed to get the fashion inspo flowing with a selection of local and international brands that you will most certainly want to browse, many of which are exclusive to O concept store.
Sat-Wed 10am-10pm, Thu 10am-11pm, Fri 2pm-10pm Shop No.2, Saltbox Suites, Al Hudaiba Rd, Jumeirah 1, Dubai, instagram.com/oconceptstore (04 345 5557).

O’de rose

If unique finds, statement pieces and bold colours are your things, you’ll want to make a beeline for O’de Rose. Home to an assortment of unique items spanning homeware to fashion and jewellery, the eclectic space offers up a selection of artisan pieces, which you can shop both in-store and online. Expect floral crockery, vintage-inspired jewellery and bold smock dresses. The sales are pretty great too.
Daily from 10am-8pm. O’de Rose 999 Al Wasl Rd, Umm Suqeim 2, Dubai, www.o-derose.com (043487990).

THAT Concept Store

Spread over two floors at Mall of the Emirates, it doesn’t get much fresher than THAT Concept Store. This futuristic space is so much more than a concept store – it’s a hub for beauty, creativity and wellness too, stocking brands including All Saints, Bose, Victoria Beckham, BSides Denim, Erdem and Eve Lom. It’s also a super cute spot for gifts, too – think artwork, coffee table books and glassware that will take pride of place in any fashionista’s home.
Daily from 10am-midnight. Via Rodeo, Mall of the Emirates. thatconceptstore.com (800 8428).

thegoodlife

Pioneering sneaker culture here in the region, thegoodlife has developed a well-earned reputation by bringing sneaker fans the latest, and often hard to come by, releases. The cool concept store in Dubai’s Alserkal Avenue is a major player in the Dubai sneaker scene and it continues to go from strength to strength. (Basically, they know their stuff.) Sneakerhead? You’ll find what you’re looking for here.
Daily 10am-8pm. Street 8, Alserkal Avenue thegoodlifespace.com (04 346 0004).

VAO Concept store

With its handpicked selection of the hottest international designers and luxury labels that your wardrobe is crying out for, prepare to be inspired at VAO Concept in City Walk. Expect the likes of Fendi, Alexander Wang, Isabel Marant, Givenchy and Christian Louboutin all under one roof.
Open Mon-Thu 10am-11pm, Fri-Sun 10am-midnight. City Walk 2, Dubai. vaoconceptstore.com (04 349 4904).

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