Dubai has no sales tax in the traditional sense — just 5% VAT, which tourists can partially reclaim at the airport on departure. Add the January Shopping Festival, summer sales, and gold sold at spot price by weight, and it's easy to see why people fly here specifically to shop. Here's a breakdown of where to go depending on what you're after.
Reference information: confirm prices, ratings and schedules with the operator. Official website
Malls: From Mega to Neighborhood
Air-conditioned and all-in-oneReference information: confirm prices, ratings and schedules with the operator.
Mega Mall · Downtown Dubai
The Dubai Mall
1,200+ stores, Fashion Avenue with luxury boutiques, an aquarium, an ice rink, and direct access to the fountains. Less of a mall, more of a city in itself.
Photo: Dubai Mall / Google
Mall · Al Barsha
Mall of the Emirates
The city's second flagship mall: Ski Dubai with a real ski slope, Harvey Nichols department store, and a strong mix of luxury and mid-range retail.
Photo: Mall of the Emirates / Google
Mall · Dubai Hills
Dubai Hills Mall
Reference information: confirm prices, ratings and schedules with the operator.
Photo: Ibbi, Doody & Deeju Adventures / Google
Mall · Festival City
Festival City Mall
Home to IKEA, ACE Hardware, and the spectacular IMAGINE fountain and laser show on the waterfront. Conveniently located for arrivals from the airport and the historic city centre.
Photo: Shahzad Faisal / Google
Open-air district · Jumeirah
City Walk
An open-air lifestyle destination with boutique shopping, dining, street art, and The Green Planet. Think leisurely stroll, not enclosed shopping box.
Photo: سيتي ووك / Google
Mall · Jebel Ali
Ibn Battuta Mall
The most architecturally distinctive mall in Dubai: six themed "countries" recreating the legendary journey of Ibn Battuta. Mid-range price point.
Photo: The Kazombie Perspective / Google
Mall · Marina
Dubai Marina Mall
A compact waterfront mall right on the Marina promenade — no overwhelming scale, ideal for residents of Marina and JBR.
Photo: Dubai Shopping Malls / Google
Mall · Palm Jumeirah
Nakheel Mall
The Palm's main mall, sitting beneath The Palm Tower: everyday brands, a supermarket, and a direct elevator up to The View observation deck.
Photo: SH Han / Google
Souks & Markets: bargaining is welcome
Old DubaiThis is where you come for gold, spices, fabrics, and authentic atmosphere. A full walking route through the old city is covered in a separate guide.
Boutique souk · Jumeirah
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
A polished, resort-style bazaar: souvenirs and galleries without the hustle, abra-lined canals, and stunning views of Burj Al Arab. Pricier than the Deira markets.
Photo: CELSO SAMPAIO DA SILVA / Google
Souk · Downtown
Souk Al Bahar
Dubai's Arabic answer to Dubai Mall, just a bridge away — souvenirs, restaurants with fountain views, and Burj Khalifa as your backdrop.
Photo: Souk Al Bahar / Google
Gold Souk · Deira
Gold Souk
Hundreds of display cases, priced by weight at the day's spot rate. Haggling over craftsmanship is expected — not the metal itself.
Photo: Shahma Abu / Google
Market · DeiraSpice Souk
Saffron, cinnamon, frankincense, and dried limes right by the Creek. Start by cutting the asking price in half.
Photo: Sara got reviews / Google
Fabric market · Bur DubaiTextile Souk
Silk, linen, and pashmina along the abra crossing — tailoring available in just a couple of days.
Photo: Klaus Johner on Tour / Google
Outlet Shopping: Designer Brands at a Discount
30–90% off year-roundBoth are outside the city — budget for a taxi or car and half a day.
Outlet · Jebel Ali
The Outlet Village
A Tuscan-themed outlet next to Parks and Resorts: premium brands (Armani, Coach, Kate Spade) at discounted prices.
Photo: AHMAD Kuwaiti / Google
Outlet · Al Ain Road
Dubai Outlet Mall
The emirate's largest outlet: 200+ stores with 30–90% off year-round, 20 minutes from Downtown.
Photo: Srujan Shetty / Google
What to buy where
- Luxury & designer brandsDubai Mall (Fashion Avenue), Mall of the Emirates
- Gold & JewelryGold Souk — priced by weight; malls charge more, but offer boutique service
- ElectronicsMalls (Sharaf DG, Virgin) — consistent pricing, with discounts during DSF
- Souvenirs & SpicesDeira souks — budget-friendly; Souk Madinat — stunning atmosphere, but pricier
- Fabrics & TailoringBur Dubai Textile Souk: get a suit made in 2–3 days
- Brand Outlet ShoppingDubai Outlet Mall, The Outlet Village
Reference information: confirm prices, ratings and schedules with the operator.
VAT refund and shopping seasons
- VAT 5%tourists get ~85% of the tax back via Planet Tax Free
- How it worksReference information: confirm prices, ratings and schedules with the operator.
- DSFDubai Shopping Festival: December–January, discounts up to 75% storewide
- DSSDubai Summer Surprises: July–August, the second wave of deals
- HoursReference information: confirm prices, ratings and schedules with the operator.
Reference information: confirm prices, ratings and schedules with the operator.
How to shop smart in Dubai
- •Buying gold at the souk: ask them to weigh it in front of you and show you the day's spot price — you only haggle the craftsmanship markup. Purity is government-regulated, so fakes are virtually unheard of.
- •Reference information: confirm prices, ratings and schedules with the operator.
- •There's little point bringing electronics from Europe: prices are roughly the same. The real savings show up during DSF and at outlet stores.
- •Reference information: confirm prices, ratings and schedules with the operator.
- •If you're planning a serious shopping trip, stay near a mall — you'll save half a day just on travel. Areas close to Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates are covered in our "Where to Stay" guide.
Frequently asked questions
- Is shopping in Dubai actually cheap?
- Depends what you're after: gold, perfume, local brands, and anything during sale season — yes, noticeably cheaper than Europe. Luxury goods and electronics at full price — about the same as anywhere; the gains come from the VAT refund and exchange rate. The real savings are in the outlets and during DSF in December–January.
- How does VAT refund work for tourists?
- Reference information: confirm prices, ratings and schedules with the operator.
- Is bargaining possible, and where?
- In the souks — absolutely: prices quoted to tourists are typically 1.5–2x higher than what's expected, and haggling is both anticipated and friendly. Malls have fixed prices, but asking for a small discount when buying several items at an independent boutique is perfectly normal.
- When are the best sales?
- Dubai Shopping Festival runs from mid-December through late January: discounts up to 75%, prize draws, and pop-up markets. In summer (July–August), there's Dubai Summer Surprises. In between, malls run 3-day Super Sale events — keep an eye on Visit Dubai announcements.
- One day for shopping — where to go?
- If you want "all of Dubai at once" — Dubai Mall: luxury, mid-range, an aquarium, and the fountains in the evening. For bargains, head to Dubai Outlet Mall first thing in the morning. For atmosphere and gifts, Deira's souks followed by Souk Madinat at sunset.
Already shopping at Dubai Mall? The city's most liquid residential market is right on your doorstep.
Downtown and Business Bay around the mall are neighborhoods where apartments rent year-round — tourists, shoppers, business travelers. We'll show you real DLD transaction prices and rental yields.
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Read also
Attractions
30 must-see spots in the city
Old Dubai
A walking route through the souks and the Creek
Where to stay
Neighborhoods near the malls
Itineraries for 1–7 days
Where to Fit in a Shopping Day
Downtown: investment guide
Living Near Dubai Mall
Dubai Hills: An Investor's Guide
The New Hills Mall Neighborhood