What to Buy in Dubai

You won't be short of things to do on holiday in Dubai, but it's pretty much a given that you'll spend some of your time in the city shopping. The place is a shopping paradise, but it's good to go in forearmed as to what sort of things you may want to buy, so here's a guide to Dubai's finest exports. Bear in mind that bartering is the name of the game here, so try to avoid accepting the first price you're offered on any of these items...

Traditional Goods

Carpets are an old favourite for those enjoying a luxury holiday in Dubai and the choice can be simply overwhelming. Have a good look around, but the majority of traditional carpets are well made and of a high quality and excellent craftsmanship. If you have your heart set on a carpet as the souvenir of choice, look out for the Dubai Shopping Festival - a carpet souk is set up within a large air-conditioned tent and the range here is simply astounding.

If carpets aren't your cup of tea, than maybe coffee will be! Traditional coffee pots and cups are favourite trinkets to bring back, as are assorted wooden crafts and prayer beads. Genuine antiques are becoming scarcer throughout the UAE and will cost you a pretty penny, but if you're happy with accurate imitations, then these are widely available at a competitive price.

Clothes

For fashion fans, there are few places in the world as good for outfit hunting than Dubai. What's more, everyone's tastes are catered for with expensive boutiques and famous designer stores set against bargain warehouses chock-full of cheap outfits. You can't go far in the shopping centres without coming face to face with a designer shop, but most have their fair share of cheaper options if budget is an issue. Of course, those luxury Dubai holiday makers with cash to burn can also have their own outfit tailor made for them, and there are a number of places around the city offering this service.

Those who wish to walk the line between reasonable prices but fashionable up to date clothing should check out the shopping areas of Karama and Satwa, where there are some excellent clothing shops and boutiques.





Gold

Perhaps Dubai's most famous shopping delight is the gold market. Obviously this isn't one for the bargain hunters, but Dubai's luxury holiday makers will be pleasantly surprised by the prices compared to the quality of goods available at the gold souk. Even if you're not buying, a stroll around this market is definitely recommended, purely to see the sheer variety on offer - from delicate pieces of jewellery to massive solid gold ingots. Each is available in 18, 21, 22 or 24 carat gold and the prices fluctuate according to the international daily gold rate.

It's unsurprising, given the city is renowned for its gold, that the jewellery and watches are also of great quality. Prices range between a few dirhams to several thousands so there should be something for everyone's budget.

Leather Goods

It's worth paying a little extra for good quality leather goods which are sure to pass the test of time, and thankfully Dubai's leather bits and pieces are both of high quality and durable. A vast array of products is available, from small key rings all the way up to handbags and suitcases. The prices vary, so don't be afraid to bargain - especially if you think you can get a better deal elsewhere. Leather goods make perfect gifts to bring back from your holiday to Dubai, and offer the kind of quality often missing locally.

Cosmetics

A huge array of perfumes and cosmetics are available throughout Dubai, and you can probably track down almost every fragrance in the world here - new ranges are added virtually the second they appear in their original country! The best experience is to get a more personalised fragrance by visiting a local perfumery. Here you will get a tailor made perfume, made with a mix of Arabian oils, individually blended to your tastes. The perfect treat to bring back from your luxury holiday in Dubai.

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About the Author

Peter Vasilou

Peter Vasilou is a Dubai specialist for key2holidays, an online tour operator specialising in luxury Dubai holidays, as well as holidays in...