The Art of Retail Therapy: How to Shop for Happiness in Dubai

Dubai is known for being the shopping capital of the world. With your fill of high-end shops and enormous sprawling luxurious malls, you will be sure to find all the world-famous brands as well as charming local shops, cheap wholesale stores and handicraft centres. There isn’t only high-end shopping available because in Dubai the shops are interspersed with movie theatres, high-end cafes, restaurants and spas that will make sure that your retail therapy will leave you with your hands full.

Dubai Mall

At Dubai Mall, you can shop for everything you desire. With over 1200 retail stores and 200 of the most famous luxury brands and a large variety of stores, restaurants and even an Aquarium and Underwater Zoo there is plenty to see and do.  Tickets for the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo can be purchased at the mall or online and it is definitely an attraction to not miss out on. Be sure to check out the indoor fountain and The Village, which features a retractable roof for the winter months to offer shoppers an outdoor experience. The nearby Burj Khalifa is located right next to the Dubai Mall as well as the Dubai Opera which are both walking distance away.

Ibn Battuta Mall

Another equally impressive mall that you should check out is the Ibn Battuta Mall which is the world's largest themed mall. The theme is centred around the life and travels of the 14th-century Moroccan explorer who shares the same name. The mall consists of six courts: The Andalusia Court, China Court, Egypt Court, Tunisia Court, Persia Court, and the India Court which features a working reproduction of an elephant clock. You can shop your way through the countless retail stores, restaurants and cafes and be entertained at the IMAX theatre, bowling alley and entertainment centre. The mall is within walking distance of many prestigious hotels such as the Oaks Ibn Battuta Gate Dubai which offer a variety of apartments, suites and rooms such as their Premier King or Twin rooms which offer magnificent views of the mall and city.

Shahroozporia, Ibn Battuta Mall Persian Court, CC BY-SA 3.0 

Mall of the Emirates

This sprawling mall has an indoor ski resort, a 500-seat capacity community theatre, an Arts Centre and Magic Planet making it one of the largest indoor family entertainment centres in Dubai. The Mall of the Emirates is a must-stop on your retail therapy trip where you will be able to shop, dine and stroll beneath its glamorous Fashion Dome. Visitors to the mall can take advantage of premium services such as booking personal stylists for one-on-one sessions, access a digital concierge and buy limited-edition products. The mall is easily accessible via the Dubai Metro or by bus, taxi or personal vehicle. Ski Dubai is the large indoor skiing facility at the Mall of the Emirates, where you can snowboard, and go on ski lessons and even has a children’s play area and café.

Bur Dubai Souk

The Bur Dubai Souk is also known as the Old Souk and is definitely a must-visit on your retail therapy visit. This souk is known for its textiles and fabrics, which make it an ideal stop for purchasing souvenirs to take back home. The souk sprawls out in a maze-like traditional market where you can stroll about and see many interesting sights, sounds and smells. There are plenty of bargains to be had here with many tailors ready to hand make you the best suit at the best price. Be sure to sample the perfumes, spices, and wares that the shopkeepers have on offer here and of course, be ready with your bargaining skills and carry plenty of change. The Bur Dubai Souk can easily be reached via the metro or by bus.