Shopping
SPLENDID SHOPPING Dubai’s glittering malls packed with luxury brands and offering a sophisticated lifestyle experience have earned it the vote of the ‘World’s Best Shopping Destination’
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ubai’s shopping fields are the perfect place to practice the art of acquisition. In its grandiose malls and traditional souqs shoppers are sure to discover something unique and even find unbelievable bargains. Whatever your pursuit – conventional east or trendy west, bargain or upscale, fashion or food – Dubai has the potential to satisfy every retail craving. The glittering shopping experience begins the moment you fly into Dubai’s award-winning airport where Dubai Duty Free is the region’s top travel retailer offering an array of designer fragrances, chocolates, dates, cosmetics and the latest technology. The retail extravaganza continues in the city with exciting promotions, discounts and offers being offered throughout the year. One-stop retreats for every shopping need from exclusive lifestyle choices to action packed entertainment, Dubai’s malls have now evolved into miniature leisure destinations. Sensational shopping festivals such as Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) and Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS) capture the cherry on the shopping cake for the international buyer. Every mall in the emirate is an active participant of these shopping festivals and offers shoppers incredible discounts. Apart from its alluring malls, a range of hypermarkets, consumer electronics shops and department stores have a mushrooming presence in the emirate too. Adding a touch of heritage to this shopping wonderland are the traditional souqs that sell impressive collections of authentic Arabian merchandise such as hand woven carpets, pashmina shawls, silver jewellery, souvenirs and other memorabilia.
Dubai DuTy Free Operating 18,000 square metres of retail space across Terminals 1, 2 and 3; Dubai Duty Free (DDF) is one of the world’s largest airport retailers. Founded on the principle of providing travellers with a first class retail experience in a shopper friendly environment; its diverse range of products cover delicatessen, fine chocolates, cheese, gold and jewellery, perfumes, books, leather goods and the latest in technology. In July 2012 , DDF made its first foray into border shop retailing with the inauguration of its Hatta Border Shop located at the Customs and Immigration Offices at the Hatta-Oman border. In the same month, DDF also opened its first hotel, the Jumeirah Creekside Hotel. Developed by DDF, the 292-room property is managed by the Jumeirah Group and is located on the grounds of the Aviation Club in Garhoud. Tourism Manual 2013
SOuKS For an authentic Arabian shopping excursion, head to any of the emirate’s exotic souqs. Prepare to be mesmerised as mounds of succulent dates, aromatic herbs and spices, intricately carved trunks, Dallahs or Arabic coffee pots, framed khanjars or traditional daggers, prayer beads, figurines in soapstone, goblets of marble, antique silver jewellery or brass items vie for attention. In these vibrant markets, guests are sure to find the perfect souvenir for friends and family or a relic to commemorate their own Arabian experience. The Deira Gold Souk is the largest gold market in the world. 22 karat Indian extravaganzas, 18 karat delicate Italian pieces, diamond encrusted ornaments and strings of pearls glint from each window demonstrating why Dubai is also known as the ‘City of Gold’. The Carpet Souq in Deira Towers offers exquisite carpets from Iran, Afghanistan, Pakistan and Turkey in wool and silk that may leave you poorer by a few hundred dirhams to a several thousand! Bur Dubai’s IT street boasts the latest in technology ranging from smart handhelds and laptops to digital cameras. The Miraj Islamic Art Centre displays unique works of art from across the world. The rich influences of Persian, Byzantine, Sassanian and Turkish techniques, styles and forms are prominently evident in their art offerings. Heirloom connoisseurs can choose from exquisite Mughal jewellery encrusted with precious stones; Astrolabes; vessels cast in silver, bronze and copper such as surahis (long necked pitchers), samawars (tea maker), table ware, candle holders and oil lamps; striking paintings that narrate the tales of yore; elaborately knotted carpets, both Persian and bejeweled masterpieces embellished with lapis lazuli, turquoise, carnelian and pure gold thread and exotic tapestries made of velvet, silk and linen. Visitors will also behold amazing displays of Islamic weaponry – daggers, swords, shields and helmets inlaid with precious stones and decorated with intricate calligraphy. Contact: 04 394 1084 Website: www.mirajislamicartcentre.com
SHOppinG FeSTivaLS
Dubai SHOppinG FeSTivaL A dynamic diffusion of culture and shopping, the Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) is the most important shopping event on Dubai’s retail calendar. A sense of euphoria dissipates across the city with over 2,300 participating retail outlets offering attractive discounts and offers on gold, perfumes, haute couture, cars, electronics, handicrafts and textiles. The vibrant Global Village gains further zest during the DSF. Hoards of people 45