The Dubai Shopping Festival is a must-visit for all shopaholics. There is so much to splurge on in every mall and souk during this time. Even if you are not a compulsive shopper, you will find it difficult to keep yourself from spending when you visit during this shopping extravaganza. This time the Dubai Shopping Festival starts on 26 December 2019 and ends on 5 February 2020. Millions of shoppers from across the world come to Dubai to experience this decadent retail shopping festival.
Before you set off on your great shopping fiesta in Dubai, there are ten important points you must know. These points will help you enjoy your visit to Dubai and make it much more memorable. You will have a great shopping experience and not feel out of breath at the end of the journey.
- Be prepared for crowds
The Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the most famous shopping festivals in the world. Millions of people from across the world come to Dubai to shop during this month-long retail extravaganza. You must expect extreme crowds at all the malls, souks, and even the metros all the time. Both locals and tourists flock to the restaurants and food courts in the malls. You must prepare yourself for long waiting times. December and January are also peak tourist season for Dubai, and people come from all over the world to experience the opulence of this city. It is also the best time to see Dubai at its bustling best. It is a melting pot of humanity and a glorious celebration of life.
- Book your arrangements well in advance
The Dubai Shopping Festival is one of the most popular events in the world, and you may find hotels booked to capacity for the dates. Therefore, you should book your rooms as soon as you can. This way you can avoid paying more and get the hotel of your choice. It is the same with air tickets. You can get good deals on airfares if you book in advance. It is also a good idea to book your Dubai sightseeing tours before you arrive in the city. This way you do not have to pay ad hoc prices charged by local vendors which are more expensive.
- Carry a trolley suitcase when you go shopping
You should carry a trolley bag or a suitcase if you want to indulge in serious shopping. This is helpful because you will not need to carry multiple shopping bags throughout the day. Trolleys are easier to pull, and you can store all your shopping in one place. It is also a good way to keep track of all your shopping and minimize the risk of leaving something behind.
- Carry water and snacks
Most restaurants in Dubai do not give free water with meals. Bottled water is extremely expensive in restaurants. You can buy large bottles from the supermarkets and distribute the water in smaller bottles. You can carry these small bottles with you on your shopping expeditions and sightseeing tours. If you want to avoid spending too much on food at restaurants, then you must carry your snacks. You can take snack breaks between your shopping and sightseeing to rest and rejuvenate. You can spend the money you save on food and water on more shopping.
- Research what you want and where you will get it
The malls in Dubai are huge and it is often not possible to visit more than one place in a day. Therefore, you should research well about what you want, and which stores are giving the best discounts or offering the best deals. It is also a good idea to carry printouts of the malls’ store plans with the stores you want to visit highlighted. You must also realize that not all brands offer discounts or deals during the Dubai Shopping Festivals. The international designer brands especially do not offer any discounts. So, you must do your homework about the labels that you want and what prices, offers, or discounts they are extending especially for the festival.
- Download mobile apps of malls
Many malls in Dubai have mobile applications that help you navigate its stores, entertainment, and culinary offerings better. You can get maps, offers, and other details on these apps. There are also store guides on such apps. These apps are especially useful for you as they give you restaurant guides and reviews, suggestions for shopping, store timings, and of course discounts. You can also find out about in-house entertainment specials organized by the malls, contests, giveaways, and much more. The apps are handy guides for you on your Dubai Shopping Festival expedition.
- Wear comfortable shoes and clothes
It is tempting to wear high heels and fashionable clothes when you see the glitz and glamour of Dubai. However, if you are going during the Shopping Festival, then it is best to wear comfortable shoes and clothes. There is plenty of walking involved and the souks can get hot. You can be both comfortable and fashionable by choosing the right outfits such as trendy sneakers, linen trousers, and shirts, or smart dresses. Remember to carry hats, sunscreen, and sunglasses, especially if you are planning to include sightseeing in your shopping festival tour. The desert sun is quite fierce.
- Carry a light jacket or shawl
Dubai is a desert city and it can get very cold in the night and early morning. It is best to carry a light warm layer to keep yourself comfortable in this case. If you are going on a desert safari in the evening, then you will need this. During the day, the temperature is extremely hot. However, be prepared for a sudden chill in the air following sunset. Therefore, it is a good idea to take a light shawl or a wrap in your bag when you are out sightseeing or shopping.
- Use the metro to travel within the city
Taxis and car hiring services are extremely expensive in Dubai. It is best to use the metro service to travel within the city to avoid crossing your budget. You can book yourself on group tour packages or shared sightseeing packages to save money. Group tours are wallet-friendly and are more cost-effective than booking a private tour. The metro connects the major malls and hotels in the city center. You can easily commute between your hotel and the shopping malls such as The Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Gold and Diamond Park using the metro.
Check our Dubai Holiday Packages
- Beware of fakes
There are markets in Dubai that specialize in selling fake branded clothes, bags, and shoes. Be careful when you are visiting these markets or buying from local shops as these products may not be of good quality. These shops give rock-bottom prices, but there is no guarantee of quality.
Get the most out of your shopping spree
Visiting the Dubai Shopping Festival is a dream come true for any avid shopper. Even if shopping is not your main aim, the sheer opulence of the festival is going to impress you. You can marvel at the architectural wonders of Dubai, or feast on the delicious Arabic cuisine. Immerse yourself in the cultural heritage of the Arabic people and learn about their traditional way of life. Experience the thrill of a desert safari and the romance in a meal under the stars. Visit for the retail extravaganza unlike any other and leave with a lifetime’s worth of memories of this glamourous cosmopolitan Emirati jewel.
Latest posts by Manuj Mishra (see all)
- Top 10 Must Do Things in Darjeeling - 8 May 2020
- 6 Indian Art Forms You Should Travel to See - 10 April 2020
- 5 Best Places to Travel on a Budget - 30 March 2020
- Forts You Must Visit in India - 20 March 2020