Dubai

From chic outdoor precincts to super-sized retail giants, Dubai is made for serious shopping. Start with the big names like The Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates for luxury, entertainment, and sheer spectacle. Then discover other favourites such as Palm Jumeirah Mall, Dubai Festival City Mall, Ibn Battuta Mall with its themed courts, and Dubai Hills Mall set in a leafy residential area. For a more relaxed vibe, The Beach opposite JBR and City Walk are perfect for combining shopping with a seaside stroll.

Dubai’s souks are a true feast for the senses, where you’ll find everything from gold jewellery and hand-woven fabrics to oud fragrances and spices. For a classic experience, head to Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Perfume Souk in Deira, or the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai, where traditional trading practices are still alive. Naif Souq nearby is worth a stroll for textiles, accessories, and everyday bargains. And for a more modern twist, explore Souk Madinat Jumeirah or Souk Al Bahar, which combine boutique shopping, cafés, and restaurants in a beautifully designed setting along the water.

For a mix of boutiques, cafés, and a lively promenade, head to The Walk at JBR, where shops, restaurants, and pop-ups line the 1.7-km waterfront. For more seaside fun, La Mer in Jumeirah 1 offers shops, dining, Laguna Waterpark, and Hawa Hawa inflatable playgrounds.

Go off the beaten track for something more personal — the Dubai Design District (d3) is still a top spot for creative boutiques, concept stores, and galleries featuring design, art and fashion. Comptoir 102 in Old Jumeirah remains a favourite for curated fashion, homeware, and organic café vibes. Local labels like All Things Mochi (based in d3, known for sustainable, artisan-crafted pieces) continue to attract style-conscious shoppers.

Meena Bazaar in Bur Dubai is the place to go for South Asian fashion, handicrafts, and souvenirs. Stretching between Al Fahidi Street and Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, the colourful market is often called 'Bur Dubai’s Little India' and has been bustling since the 1970s. Come here for fabrics, traditional garments, shoes, jewellery, spices, perfumes, and street snacks.

Mirzam Chocolate Makers is a bean-to-bar chocolatier crafting award-winning chocolates inspired by the ancient Spice Route. Founded in 2016 by New Zealander Kathy Johnston, the factory and shop offer guided chocolate-making workshops, tastings, and a café serving specialty drinks and light bites. Their chocolate bars and gift boxes make for a perfect souvenir.