UAE shopping is one of the major attractions in the UAE and tourists flock to the country for this reason and moreover it is something of a national past time for the people. Tourists would just love the plush state-of-the-art malls abound, but have not replaced traditional souqs (markets). One will find an exciting mix of old and new where the very latest twenty-first century retail delights co-exist with ancient family run businesses which are centuries old. With the country being tax free and low custom duties, finds people coming to UAE to shop. The Dubai Airport duty-free shop is one of the cheapest in the world. Dubai and Abu Dhabi too have their own share of shopping malls along with lively souks (markets). Be sure to experience both. UAE shopping truly has something to offer for everyone.
The highlight of the UAE shopping being its traditionally souqs which were as much meeting places as trading centers with tea and coffee houses where men would gather to discuss the day’s events over a shisha pipe or cup of tea or gahwa, Arabic coffee. A visit to the souq is one of the quickest ways to experience the country’s cultural heritage. In recent years the range of goods sold has increased radically to include everything from electrical goods to spare car parts. Generally souqs are divided into areas selling similar items and many are colloquially known by what they sell – such as the spice souq, the fabric souq and the plant souq.
UAE is now witnessing a new trend with the UAE online shopping gaining its ground in the shopping arena. UAE shopping sees prices which are generally competitive and the key being to bargain wherever possible for the lowest price. One will see the souqs prices dropping dramatically and bargaining is expected, but increasingly major outlets in shopping malls quote ‘fixed prices’ and bargaining is no longer possible. Shopping malls offer an unbelievable array of international brands – American, European and Asian.
Dubai is considered as the shopping capital of the country and undoubtedly it is. Now other cities like Abu Dhabi is catching up fast and Sharjah, Ajman and Ra’s al-Khaimah have recently come up with new malls. Many malls include multi-screen cinema complexes, all have numerous coffee shops and many have childcare facilities. With Dubai hosting the Dubai Shopping Festival, it has become a shopping paradise for tourists across the globe. The city lays down a red carpet during shopping festival month, with over 2,300 retails outlets participating, which offer everything imaginable from gold, perfume, haute couture, cars, and electronics to handicrafts and textiles. |
