|
One of Dubai’s greatest visitor attractions is its superb shopping.
The city draws shopping tourists from all over the globe.
Dubai is located at the gateway between East and West. This, along
with an open port policy, has attracted traders from all over the
world to establish their business within the emirate. An additional
bonus for traders is the low import duties and tax-free facilities.
This all adds up to bargains galore for all those bargain hunters.
The city is a modern cosmopolitan hub which is widely illustrated by
the various retail outlets. Whether shoppers are looking for French
fashion, Japanese electronics, Italian accessories and footwear or
Bedouin jewellery and textiles, it can all be found in the numerous
ethnic souks (markets) or the modern shopping malls.
Shopping Hours
Normal shopping hours are from 9am to 1pm and 4pm to 9pm or later.
The majority of shopping malls open between 10am and 10pm. All shops
are closed for prayers on Friday morning.
During the Holy Month of Ramadan shops open later in the morning and
close for Iftar (the breaking of the fast) in the evening. Many
shops then stay open until midnight or later.
Dubai Shopping Festival
The ninth annual Dubai Shopping Festival will be held from 15
January to 15 February 2004. The event in 2002 had up to 2,300
stores participating with discounts from 20 up to 70 per cent. The
number of visitors to the 2002 Dubai Shopping Festival totalled over
2.68 million. Sales during the month-long event were estimated at
Dh4.6 billion (£901 million).
The Dubai Shopping Festival is organised and promoted by a unique
partnership between the Government of Dubai and the city’s
enterprising corporate sector. It is the largest retailing event in
the Middle East and has been a catalyst in the development of
Dubai’s growing retail sector and establishing Dubai’s place on the
regional and international map.
The Gold and Diamond Park
The Gold and Diamond Park, owned by Emaar Properties, was opened in
May 2001 by HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to
enhance Dubai’s position as the ‘City of Gold’. The enclosed park
covers an area of 167,885 square feet and is fully air-conditioned
with 30 retail outlets and 118 individual manufacturing units.
Gold and diamond jewellery manufactured at the park features an
exclusive hallmark, branding the quality of the product purchased.
Visitors to the Gold and Diamond Park who are interested to see how
the jewellery is manufactured or how a diamond is set are welcome to
ask for a guided tour around the manufacturing units. There is also
a small museum displaying Arabic jewellery.
The Gold and Diamond Park opens daily from 10.00am until 10.00pm and
from 4.00pm to 10.00pm on Fridays.
Bargaining
In Dubai, shopping can be entertaining as well as profitable, and
bargaining is expected. In the souks the price could be up to two
thirds more than the original purchase price, which provides a
fantastic opportunity to practice ones bartering technique. It must
be noted that prices can vary from trader to trader so it is
recommended to ‘shop around’. However, in the shopping malls the
price is generally fixed.
Travellers’ cheques in sterling, euros or dollars are widely
accepted. Credit cards are accepted in major stores and restaurants,
however in the souks, one can get a better deal if bartering with
cash.
Souks
Souks are markets which usually focus on one type of product. The
most awe inspiring is Dubai’s famous Gold Souk in Deira. It is one
of the largest retail gold markets in the world with some 320
outlets. Here, narrow streets are lined with shop windows glinting
with bracelets, necklaces and earrings in 18, 21 and 22 carat.
Additionally, 24 carat gold can be bought as bars or designed into
any form desired. Unusually, the price of jewellery is determined by
weight rather than by design or craftsmanship.
The ancient spice souk offers spices, dried fruits and nuts imported
from around the Middle East. The produce is sold directly from the
large open sacks displayed by the trader.
The carpet souk can be found at Bani Yas Square in Deira Tower,
where shoppers can barter for a variety of majestic carpets from
around the Arabian Gulf. These can vary from low-priced rugs to
expensive carpets, all with spectacular designs.
Along Cosmos Lane in Bur Dubai and the surrounding area one can find
a wealth of luxurious materials. This is known as the textile souk.
There is no end of choice to the fabric, texture, colour, style or
design. Tailors are also on hand to create any desired outfit.
The fish souk and the fruit and vegetable souk are of interest for
their wide variety of fresh produce. The fish souk is open from
6.30am to 2pm and 7pm to midnight. While the fruit and vegetable
souk is open from 7.30am to 2pm and 4.30pm to 10pm.
Some streets are also known for their particular items for sale in
the shops. For example, Al Fahidi Street and Al Sabkha are renowned
for electronic appliances. Khalid Bin Walid Road towards the Falcon
roundabout has several shops specialising in computers. The Naif
Souk, also on the Deira side, is a fully renovated traditional souk.
Al Diyafah Street is the area to visit for everything in designer
evening wear. In the evening this street becomes a thriving
nightlife centre with a wide range of restaurants offering
international cuisine.
Duty Free Shopping at Dubai International Airport
Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport is about ten minutes
from the city centre. It ranks among one of the largest duty-free
operations in the world. The new Sheikh Rashid Terminal that opened
in April 2000 contains a total of 5,400 square metres allocated to
Dubai Duty Free.
At the beginning of 2003 Dubai Duty Free announced a record annual
turnover of Dhs1.1 billion (£190 million), representing a 23 per
cent increase over 2001. Year-end figures also revealed a new
monthly sales record of Dhs107.7 million (£18.6 million) which was
achieved in December 2002 and surpasses the previous monthly record
of Dhs102.6 million (£17.7 million) which was set in October 2002.
Dubai Duty Free gold sales topped Dhs13 million (£2.24 million)
representing a 24 per cent increase over sales in January 2002.
Electronics sales for January 2003 topped Dhs12.4 million (£2.1
million), representing a massive 50 per cent increase over sales in
January 2002, while perfume sales of Dhs11.5 million (£1.98 million)
resulted in a 34 per cent increase over the same period last year.
Banks are open 24 hours in the arrival and departure terminals. The
post office, open 24 hours, sell stamps and mail is collected twice
daily. Restaurants are also 24 hours, offering à la carte menus.
There are also snack bars and coffee shops scattered throughout the
terminals.
Overnight accommodation is available for transit passengers at the
Dubai International Hotel, which consists of 78 deluxe five star
rooms, six junior suites and two royal suites. The hotel is situated
within the new Concourse and offers a fantastic view of the runway
and the Dubai Duty Free. For reservations: tel: (+971 4) 2064300,
fax: (+971 4) 2245957
A children’s play area with a play zone and a mother’s lounge is
located between gates 12 and 14.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Duty free allowance into UK
200 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 250 grams tobacco
Two litres wine or one litre spirits
50 grams perfume
Duty is paid on over £145 worth of gifts
Duty free allowance into Dubai
2,000 cigarettes
400 cigars
two kilos tobacco
two litres wine (non-Muslims)
two litres spirits (non-Muslims)
a ‘reasonable amount’ of perfume
Useful Numbers:
(International code for Dubai – 00 971 4)
Duty Free Shopping 2245444 / 2066444
Dubai International Airport/Dept.
Civil Aviation 2066333
Flight Information 2245777 / 2066666 |