Shopping in Dubai - A Muslim Shopper's Guide

By Halal Trip | 07, Oct, 2015
Shopping in Dubai - A Muslim Shopper's Guide

Dubai’s reputation as one of the world’s best shopping destinations is no exaggeration. The city has long been known as a shopper’s paradise, offering something for all tastes and budgets. Whether its electronics you’re looking for, or designer clothing items, jewelry, perfumes, or even food items, shopping in Dubai offers a plethora of options that will keep you coming back for more.

It has also grown in popularity due to the fact that Muslim-friendly facilities in Dubai such as prayer facilities can be easily found, due to it being a Muslim city. A great way to truly experience Dubai’s history and culture would be for tourists to visit one of the city’s renowned souks. The malls found in Dubai are also well-worth a visit. Over-the-top, home to a variety of facilities, Dubai’s shopping malls are some of the best across the world. Because individual’s from around the globe to Dubai for some retail therapy, we thought it would be a good idea to outline some of the best places to shop in Dubai, and to also highlight the facilities for Muslim shoppers in Dubai such as Halal food and prayer facilities; which can be found with ease pretty much anywhere in the city.

Click here for a Muslim-friendly city guide to Dubai.

 

Dubai Gold Souk

Dubai’s most popular souk is the Gold Souk, which comes as no surprise. Located in Deira, the Gold Souk consists of hundreds of shops situated on either side of narrow streets. Rings, bracelets, earrings, and necklaces, made out of gold, silver and precious stones can be found throughout. When shopping in Dubai, shoppers must remember that bargaining is an absolute must while at one of Dubai’s Souk’s, especially at the Gold Souk. Muslim shoppers will find numerous mosques in the area, some offering facilities for both men and women, and a variety of Halal cafés; most serving delicious Arabic, Pakistani and Indian cuisine. Just a few minutes away is one of Dubai’s other well-known souks; the Spice Souk. Selling spices ranging from nutmeg to cinnamon and sumac, the Spice Souk is also an absolute must-visit.

 

Dubai Mall

The Dubai Mall is renowned for being one of the world's largest shopping malls. It is so large that visitors must expect the possibility of losing their way, while walking around. Home to electronic stores, confectionery stores, designer boutiques, department stores, accessory stores, supermarkets and a variety of entertainment options, the Dubai Mall is a one-stop-shop for all of your needs and desires! Apart from the fantastic stores found here, other highlights of the mall include the Dubai Fountain shows which take place daily, the Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, the gigantic candy store – Candylicious, and the Dubai Ice Rink. Muslims visiting Dubai Mall will find prayer rooms for men and women throughout. After a tiring day of shopping, visitors can dine at one of the hundreds of Halal cafés or restaurants found at the mall. 

 

Mall of the Emirates

Mall of the Emirates, one of the UAE’s most popular malls is not only a shopaholic’s haven, but is also home to an indoor ski slope! Yes, you heard that right. Ski Dubai, at MOE, offers a variety of fun options for visitors of all ages. Shoppers will find an array of stores selling anything they could ever need or want. Just like in Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates also has prayer facilities for men and women, as well as Halal restaurants and cafés; ranging from fine dining to fast food. 

 

Deira City Centre

The Deira City Centre may be smaller than both the malls mentioned above, but don’t be fooled by its size. In this case, great things do come in little packages. Home to department stores, play areas, a hypermarket, designer boutiques and shops of all kinds, the Deira City Centre is ideal for visitors who wish to experience one of Dubai’s malls, yet do not have much time to spend exploring. The large food court found here is great for groups, as it caters to the dining needs of every individual. All of the restaurants found within the food court, as well as those located in other parts of the mall, serve Halal food. Muslim shoppers will also find prayer rooms within Deira City Centre.

 

Mirdif City Centre

City Centre Mirdiff, located in Mirdif, is newer that the one found in Deira, but houses all of the facilities found at the Deira City Centre, just on a larger scale.

 

Ibn Battuta Mall

Last on our list of must-visit shopping places in Dubai is the Ibn Battuta Mall. The largest themed shopping mall in the world, Ibn Battuta Mall celebrates the travels of Ibn Battuta; a famous Arabic explorer. The mall is divided into China Court, India Court, Persia Court, Egypt Court, Tunisia Court, and Andalusia Court, making it truly unique. Like any of the malls mentioned above, Ibn Battuta Mall also has shops that visitors could browse for hours, as well as entertainment options, and a fantastic food court; home to plethora of Halal restaurants and cafés. Prayer rooms for men and women are also available.

It is impossible for Muslims to visit Dubai for shopping and not purchase items like shawls, scarves and abayas. While Muslim shoppers will be able to buy these at shops located at all of the locations above when shopping in Dubai, the Souks in Deira and Bur Dubai are two of the most popular places to purchase them. Tourists could also visit the nearby Emirate of Sharjah in order to find these items at more affordable rates.   .

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