All over the world there are certain places that are worth shopping in, and Dubai is one of them. Dubai City draws several tourists from all over the world just for shopping. What makes Dubai so attractive? Low import duties with an open port, plus retail prices that are very affordable and reasonable. These prices belong to a vast collection of products that suits everyone’s interest.

No Taxes!

Products in Dubai are tax free and many goods sold here are inexpensive compared to other countries. Regardless of what you need and your taste, -- be it clothing, jewelry, food, gadgets or shoes, Dubai has it all. Not only do they sell goods of their own making but also those that are made in other countries. These products are found all over the city in boutiques, shopping malls and souk districts.

Where to Shop

There are plenty of modern shopping malls in Dubai and they all offer a variety of shops, boutiques, supermarkets, restaurants and fast-food kiosks. Even Dubai’s very own Duty Free located at the airport has won many awards and it is no surprise that it is counted as one of the top ranking Duty free operations world wide.

If you are into the latest electronic gadgets then the place for you is Al Fahidi Street in Bur Dubai. This area in Dubai is famous for the electronic good shops that have all sorts of electronics, especially with the biggest brands. Although right across of Al Fahidi Street is the Cosmos Lane known for the textiles of West and east, from calm printed cottons to striking brocades. There is a place that has been widely regulated as the bargain area of Dubai and it is Karama. It has prosperous goods to sell such as toys, household items, textiles, clothing, accessories and more.

The heart of urban Arabia is what the souks are called. Dubai has a wide and varied selection for tourists and locals to enjoy and shop in. It is amazing to peruse through Dubai’s popular souks. All the products you may need or are looking for you will surely find. The atmosphere is very busy but this gives you the traditional feel of authentic Dubai trading. The prices are set permanently for customers are always allowed to negotiate in this market.

Among all the souks there is one special souk in Dubai and also known as the most popular market- the Gold Souk. The most fashionable thing to shop for in Dubai is gold. You will discover that the Gold souk streets are filled with shops that are shimmering with bracelets, necklaces and earrings in spectacular design. More surprising is how they sell bars of gold and gold coins. The pricing of these products are judged by weight, not by design or craftsmanship.

A spree to the Gold Souk will present to you reasons Dubai has earned the label City of Gold. The pure level and assortment of gold on offer will fascinate even the most seasoned gold trader. Prices of these gold items are actually very practical and largely determined by weight rather than the design created with it. The souk really is worth your visit even if your intention is just to window shop. The atmosphere of pure gold around you is enough to entice you the wealth of this part of the world.

When buying gold, always remember that there is always a chance to bargain and negotiate in this market. The first price isn’t exactly the price they are still willing to sell it in. Look around before you shop around for some shops sell goods cheaper than the others. Also, prices vary depending on where and who made the item. It could be made by a machine or a craftsman.

Right beside the Gold Souk is the spice souk which holds countless Arabic fragrances and seasonings. The lanes of shops are filled with scents from nuts, dried fruits, incense, cinnamon cardamom and cloves that are brought in from all over the Middle East. What they produce is directly sold out of sizable open sacks and the gracious shopkeepers are always willing to present you with what lies in the sack, especially made for visitors. It is a perfect gift for those who love certain aromas for their home.

Aromas for the body could be found in the Perfume Souk. Factually you can find thousands of fragrances. Even in times when you do not find what you are looking for, shopkeepers are able to juggle up a unique blend that suits you what you want precisely.

Arab Perfumes are actually very spicy and strong which is contradictory to the light floral taste of the perfumes of the west. Arabic perfumes are mostly oil based and they actually leave a mark on fabric or clothing. Many souks are open for you to choose fragrances from but remember that the stalls are mostly closed from 12 till 7 pm.

Other than Iran and Turkey (previously known as Persia), Dubai is one of the best places to purchase Persian Carpets. A great collection of carpets are set all year and the quality is critiqued type of dyes used, the number of knots per square inch, size as well as the family name of the creators of the certain carpet.

Other than the carpets that are sown, silk carpets are more valuable than the rest. The Carpets that came from Iran are commonly priced higher than those from Turkey and Kashmir. Another difference between the carpets is that the carpets that have natural dyes used on it are more expensive that those that were used with artificial dyes.

Each time you buy a rug you will be given a certificate of authentication which is guaranteed by the Dubai Chamber of Commerce and Industry. This makes certain that the expensive carpet you purchased is really worth its price. For a traveler or tourist, purchasing a carpet in Dubai without getting ripped off takes great patience and skill. It is important to understand that you must not feel persuaded to by just for the reason that the shopkeeper has unrolled several carpets for you.

Dubai being one of the greatest tourist spots in the entire Arabic region, you can get the best bargain on all sorts of Arabian souvenirs. Regular souvenirs that tourists purchase are metal food platters, Sheesha Pipes, carved wooden camels, copper coffee pots, leather stuffed camels, woolen camel bags, and glass water pipes. So take advantage of the gifts from the East and shop in Dubai!