Shopping & markets

Sand-coloured walls and wind towers in traditional Gulf style in Dubai, in daylight

Updated 18 October 2026

Souk Madinat Jumeirah: A Souk Built Indoors

An air-conditioned market inside a resort complex, with waterways, restaurants and the best free view of the Burj Al Arab. What it is good for.

Global Village Dubai illuminated country pavilions and crowds on a winter evening

Updated 16 October 2026

Global Village Dubai, a Seasonal Night Out

Global Village Dubai is the city's best-value night out: country pavilions, street food and shows. Here's when it runs, what to eat and how much to budget.

The Dubai skyline seen across the water at sunset, United Arab Emirates

Updated 15 October 2026

Old Dubai: The Creek, the Souks and the Wind Tower Quarter

The half of Dubai that existed before the towers: gold and spice souks, a saltwater creek crossed by wooden boats, and a restored coral stone quarter.

A brightly lit shopping mall interior in Dubai decorated for a festival period

Updated 11 October 2026

Dubai Shopping Festival: What Is Actually Discounted

Weeks of sales, raffles and late openings across the malls in the cool season. When it runs, what really drops in price, and whether to move your dates.

The bright interior atrium of a large Dubai shopping mall with shoppers carrying bags in daylight

Updated 30 September 2026

How tourists claim the VAT refund in Dubai: kiosks, minimum spend and what actually qualifies

The UAE refunds most of the VAT on shopping taken out of the country. Who qualifies, the minimum spend, what is excluded, and the airport step people miss.