File:Dubai Gold Souk.jpg

Theodore Scott, Dubai Gold Souk, CC BY 2.0

Whatever your heart desires, you can probably buy it in Dubai. The city is jam-packed with mega shopping malls built alongside old traditional souks, where merchants sell everything from aromatic spices and dried fruits, to clothing and carpets. Goods in Dubai come from all over the world and include luxury designer merchandise. Shopping malls in Dubai offer an escape from the blazing desert heat during the summer months, and thus, provide plenty of excellent dining options as well as entertainment for families.

Located on the east side of the Dubai Creek is Deira, one of the oldest parts of the city and home to several big shopping malls, souks and luxury hotels, such as the AVANI Deira Dubai Hotel. There are plenty of interesting things to do in Deira – Dubai, but shopping tops the list, especially since it is the location of the largest shopping mall in the world. A shoppers dream come true, the Dubai Mall has over 1,200 retail stores, which offers everything from clothing to electronics. In addition, entertainment at the mall ranges from an ice rink, kids’ zones, cinema complex, art exhibitions and much more, all spread across 12 million sq ft. The famous the Underwater Aquarium and the Burj Khalifa, can both be accessed via the Dubai Mall.

For a more traditional shopping experience, head to Deira Dubai, where you can find charming souks that sell everything from heady spices to glimmering gold. As you near the souks, you’ll be hit by the perfumed aromas of cinnamon, cloves and other spices combined with frankincense. The Gold Souk is surrounded by smaller shops, each one showcasing gold and unset stones, ready for any bespoke order. Haggling is the norm here – the first price given is usually your starting point, so take your time and if you’re not satisfied, you can generally find another shop selling something similar.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+