More than Just Fun in the Sun and Sands: Dubai Showcases its Fantastic Shopping

Dubai has risen from a regional centre to a global trade hub over the last thirty years and prides itself on being an ambitious, far-sighted city, fearless when it comes to innovation and inventiveness. This striving for excellence can be seen in the many beautiful and cutting edge buildings that make Dubai instantly recognisable, not least of which is the Burj Khalifa: the world’s tallest building exquisitely designed to look like a sailing ship made of glass and steel.

Dubai is the perfect holiday destination offering near constant sunshine and superb, internationally-acclaimed accommodations and restaurants. There is an air-conditioned Dolphinarium and a small, but well-stocked zoo. Dubai Zoo has a good range of endemic, or local, animals, and also boasts some really special creatures, like the sadly endangered, beautiful and elegant Bengal tiger.

Sports and activities are available too, with something bound to please everyone in the wide range of facilities; from ice skating and indoor skiing to more traditional Middle Eastern pursuits like taking a camel ride and visiting a Bedouin village, with just about everything else in between!

But it is for shopping opportunities that Dubai really sets itself apart. Some tourists visit Dubai for the shopping alone, and it is certainly well worth it- what with the great variety of Dubai deals and offers available in this bustling Emirate! International brands and products of all descriptions are sold in Dubai’s many malls, shops and souks, all at fantastic prices thanks to products sold being duty-free.

Some of the world-class malls offer a one-stop-shop, having products of all kinds under one roof, but there are entire malls or shopping areas dedicated to one particular product range; such as Karama which stocks clothing, and the computer plaza found in Bur Dubai.

Most malls and the bigger stores will accept credit cards, but the smaller shops and the market will probably require cash. There is a wealth of currency exchange kiosks and banks should you need to draw out some cash or convert currency.

Do not worry about purchasing large items in Dubai; as a global logistics centre there are over 125 shipping companies and 120 airlines that operate out of Dubai and you will easily be able to get a good quote for sending your new acquisitions home, to be waiting for you on your return.

If you are visiting Dubai, be sure to save up some extra pennies as it would be a shame to miss out on the many wonderful bargains and treats available for less than you might expect.