The Cheapest Shopping Centers in Dubai: A Guide to Affordable Shopping in Dubai

The most indulgent thing to do on any trip is to visit and shop in traditional markets or modern glamorous malls. And Dubai’s malls are almost impossible to ignore, if it was not for the ultra luxurious brands and shops that will make your pocket weep.

All costs considered, traveling to Dubai isn’t that expensive on its own. The fancy restaurants, thrilling adventures offered in theme parks and what might even accidentally catch your eye when window shopping usually drives up the cost. But what if there was a way around that, in a dream scenario that you get to shop to your heart’s content without breaking the bank?

After all, the mere notion of saving a little extra when traveling is always alluring. Today we will introduce some of Dubai’s cheap shopping centers, stores, and markets just to prove Dubai truly does have something to suit everyone and anyone’s taste and budget, you just need to come and see it for yourself!

Traditional Markets in Dubai

In the traditional markets of Dubai, you can find any exotic item from gold to jewelry, or fresh fruits and vegetables, which is basically not that different from the bazaars in your own country, wherever you are from. These markets are packed with independent traders  putting everything out for sale and at a much lower price than what you may expect. So, if you are looking for affordable shopping and a bit of adventure, under no circumstances should you be missing traditional markets in Dubai:

Bur Dubai Souk Market

First in our list, and deserving of its rank, is The Bur Dubai Souk, a traditional and absolutely beautiful market filled with shops that are old hands in selling a wide variety of exquisite fabrics and textiles. You could find fabrics such as velvet, silk, satin, wool, and more, and to top it off, there are many shops selling Indian garments and Kashmiri shawls as well. If time permits, we suggest buying any kind of fabric you fancy and ordering a custom-tailored outfit for yourself tight there. If souvenirs are in your mind, you’ll also be able to buy more conventional ones such as shoes, Dubai-themed T-shirts, and Burj Khalifa symbols at a very reasonable price.

• Hours: 10:00 AM to 10:30 PM
• Address: Al Fahidi

Naif Souk

Most of the traditional and affordable yet crowded markets in Dubai are situated in the old parts of the city. The Naif souk is not an exception. It is situated in Deira and has been a camel market in the past, but then and most fortunately it was converted into a retail hub for textiles, leather goods, electronics, and other items. In the 1980s, the market experienced many renovations to attract a new wave of customers. Today, Naif Souk houses around 200 shops and offers a diverse range of affordable products. So, if you’re looking for a budget-friendly experience, Naif Souk is an excellent destination. This Bazaar showcases the cultural heritage of Dubai, inviting you to enjoy the city’s spirit through its traditional markets.

• Hours: 9:00 AM to 10:00 PM
• Address: Deira

Al Fahidi Street

We have got a good one here and might have already heard of this one. Al Fahidi Street is fairly famous for its stores selling the cheapest electronics, Indian clothing, shoes, wallets, souvenirs, and more. Electronic items like mobile phones, cameras, laptops, and household appliances are all available at a very competitive price here. Although, you must be a little bit experienced in haggling over the prices, as bargaining significantly lowers the final cost. Al Fahidi Street is highly appropriated as one of the most affordable shopping areas in Dubai.

Meena Bazaar

Meena Bazaar provides you with a wonderful picture of the traditional market in the heart of Dubai. We are talking about the city’s abundance in cultural beauty and historical charm. Meena Bazaar narrow alleys and chaotic bazaars are ideal for those who like to stick with more traditional, local shopping experiences. Meena offers has earned its place on the list of cheap shopping places in Dubai, offering a culturally submersible shopping experience. There are seemingly endless amounts of stores, kiosks, and boutiques selling different arrays of products, including fabrics, clothes, accessories, spices, and souvenirs.

You could mingle with local traders, see the traditional ability of craftsmanship in the city, and fully enjoy Emirati hospitality.

• Location: Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai

Advice and Strategies for Shopping in Dubai

Tips for Navigating Dubai’s Souks

Although Dubai’s souks provide a traditional, authentic shopping experience compared to modern malls, they have their own set of rules and shopping rituals one needs to understand before going in. Here’s what will help you have a great, affordable shopping experience:

• Shop around, negotiate: it’s wise to take your time visiting different stalls to compare prices across the souks. Bargaining is part of the culture, so a good starting point is offering 50% of the initial price and working your way up. If you’re not satisfied, walk away. The shop owner may lower their price to bring you back.
• Pay in cash: Paying in cash often gives you an edge in negotiations.
• Visit multiple souks: Dubai’s major souks are located near each other, so it is easy to explore them all in one trip.
• Know the current gold price: Gold sold at Deira’s Gold Souk is government-certified, ensuring its authenticity. Check the daily gold rate displayed on electronic boards.
• Dress modestly: As traditional venues, Dubai’s souks reflect local cultural norms. It’s advisable to wear clothing that covers your shoulders and legs out of respect.
• Consider a guided tour: If you’re uncertain about navigating or shopping in the souks, joining a guided tour can be very helpful. These tours provide insights into what each market offers, along with practical advice on bargaining and making purchases.

Cheap Stores in Dubai

Now that we are done with traditional market, although history enthusiast may never get enough of it, we can proceed to the most affordable stores in Dubai:

Day to Day

Day to Day is among the oldest, most affordable stores in Dubai. If you haven’t been in it, you have probably heard of it once or twice. Most fortunately, It has expanded over the years into several branches across the UAE and you can find it in more than seven locations in Dubai alone. Day to Day is a one-stop place for all affordable clothes for kids and adults, gifts, toys, and other accessories. It also deals in kitchenware and storage-related products. Most items here are between 1 AED and 10 AED.

• Locations: Various, including Deira, BurJuman, Union, and Al Nahda
• Hours: 9:00 AM to 12:00 AM

1 to 10 Center (24-Hour Store)

You might be busy with sightseeing all day, we understand, must-visit museums and one 10 Best Trampoline Parks in Dubai are all to be enjoyed in daylight. But it is also impossible to refuse shopping when you are in Dubai, and that is exactly when the 1 to 10 Center in Deira saves the day, as it is open 24/7. You’ll find everything you possibly need here, from clothing, beauty products, accessories, toys, household essentials, electronics, and more. The price? You don’t even need to ask as it is all clear and easy to guess by the store’s name. In their own words, they are not just a hypermarket; they are your one-stop destination for all your household needs, delivering a seamless shopping experience that caters to every aspect of your life.

• Location: Hor Al Anz Street, Hor Al Anz, Dubai
• Hours: Open 24 hours

Gift King by Novelties

As the name would suggest, this 1-10 dirham store in Dubai holds the ultimate crown for gifts and souvenirs. You’ll find miniature Burj Khalifa models, Dubai souvenir plates, mugs, traditional lanterns, and incense burners here, the perfect gifts for your loved ones when you do not want to spend too much. This all comes under 10 dirhams. However, this 1-10 dirham shop isn’t just famous for gifts. You can also find clothing, household items, and electronics here. What a treat!

• Location: Deira, Dubai
• Timings: 8:30 AM to 11:30 PM

Al Bassam Center

Amongst the most reasonably-priced yet high quality stores in Dubai is the Al Bassam Center. Everything in the store is available for less than 20 dirhams. That starts from the most ‘daily’ items, like household goods, clothes, and cosmetics to special home accessories, all at a very affordable price. You can also get some of the best skincare products, toys, and gifts here as well. Al Bassam Center has discount cards available, too, as if they needed more customers to come in. This is a very handy center for all Dubai residents, especially for those living in the Al Rigga area.

• Location: Abu Bakr Al Siddique Road, opposite Ramee Hotel, Deira
• Timing: 8:30 AM to 2:00 AM

Marjan Discount Center

The Marjan Discount Center is also among the best 1-20 dirham shops in Dubai, located near Deira. This Dubai affordable shopping center is calling your name with its unique selection of shoes, cosmetics, bags, perfumes, household items, and accessories. If that isn’t enough to get you there, we must tell you that you can find a great variety of groceries, beauty products, and jewelry there as well. This store also sells clothes, including dresses, shirts, traditional kanduras, and formal wear. If you live in Deira, we have many congratulations in order as this can be considered a one-stop store to get all your daily needs.

• Location: Omar Bin Al Khattab Street, near Fish Roundabout
• Timing: 9:30 AM to 1:00 AM

Mercado

At Mercado, you will be able to purchase several affordable products, and that starts with clothes to home decor accessories. This retail centre, part of Al Mankhool, also sells daily needs such as antibacterial dishwashing liquid, detergents, cookies, shampoo, and so on. It is at a close distance from the BurJuman Metro Station, from which you can reach this store by metro. Besides offering a vast variety, this store is one of the ideal places to purchase the finest school accessories!

• Location: Al Abbas Building 1, Al Mankhool
• Timing: 9:00 AM to 1:00 AM (Saturday to Thursday), 10:00 AM to 1:00 AM (Friday)

Dream Island Discount

Another affordable place to shop in Dubai is the Dream Island Discount Center. It carries high-quality items, from casual shoes to fancy dresses. Accessories, jewelry, and decorative things for homes are also sold in this retail center. Located near Salah Al Din Metro Station, it is a perfect place to shop for residents of Deira and other nearby areas. You can easily take the metro to come to this affordable shopper’s paradise. If you are not sure how to, we have gathered everything you need to know on How to Use Public Transportation in Dubai.

• Location: Salah Al Din Street, opposite City Star Hotel
• Timing: 9:00 AM to 2:00 AM

Where are the Best Affordable Shopping Centers in Dubai?

You might not appreciate the traditional vibe of the Bazaar or find affordable stores in Dubai a bit limited, if so, we do not have anything bigger and more modern than Shopping Centers in Dubai.

In Dubai’s cheap shopping malls, you will find both well-known international brands and less recognised ones. These markets let you shop without constantly checking your pocket and you won’t waste your precious time wandering around expensive malls. Budgeting experts suggest visiting outlet centers in Dubai during daytime hours on weekdays in order to beat the crowds and to find what you need. Furthermore, Dubai’s peak season for shopping is October to March, as there is great weather and celebrations going on. But for budget travelers, summer offers discounts on hotels, flights, and especially, shopping . You better not worry about the heat, as most malls in Dubai are air-conditioned and indoors. Here are few of the cheapest shopping centers in Dubai:

Dubai Outlet Mall

Dubai Outlet Mall is one of the best budget-friendly shopping centers in Dubai. The stores in this mall cater to all your needs. If you’re looking to buy fashionable clothing, jewelry, or cosmetics, this shopping center is a good choice. Many different brands have outlets here. It is located in the southeastern part of the city. Every Monday here, you get to enjoy the ultimate shopping experience with additional discounts on top of already discounted merchandise.

• Hours: 10 AM–10 PM
• Address: Route 66 – Al Ain – Dubai Rd – Madinat Hind 1 – Dubai Outlet Mall – Dubai – United Arab Emirate.

Dubai Festival City Mall

This one’s shopping options are so diverse that we have also introduced it in the best shopping malls in Dubai, where the budget isn’t a deciding factor. It all depends on what you are looking for as they, unlike other ultra luxurious malls in Dubai, cater to all budgets and preferences.

This shopping mall contains not only different shops but also a theme park, dancing fountains, a cinema, a food court, and a beautiful open space. Dubai Festival City Mall hosts more than 400 global brands that offer high-quality products at reasonable prices. This shopping center will be ideal both for shopping and having fun.

• Hours: Monday to Thursday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM- Friday and Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 Midnight
• Address: Crescent Rd – Dubai Festival City – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

Dragon Mart

The largest Chinese market in Dubai and UAE, where everything related to Chinese goods is found, though the quality of what you are buying should be fully inspected before payment. Dragon Mart is one of the biggest and cheapest shopping centres in Dubai, which is ideal for those who seek highly affordable but valuable items. You will find really cheap clothes, besides reasonably priced electronics, here. Though you need to keep in mind that most items sold here may be unreturnable. Visit them to explore more than 5000 shops and kiosks under one roof!

• Timings: 10:00 AM-10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday – up to 11:00 PM
• Location: Al Awir Road, International City

BurJuman Mall

BurJuman is one of the oldest but still one of the most affordable shopping malls in Dubai. You can find best-sellers and popular brands, over 200 stores include Adidas, H&M, and a Carrefour hypermarket. Brands for Less located inside this mall is one of the most famous affordable stores not just in Dubai but all over the United Arab Emirates. This very popular store is a holistic shopping destination where you get great clothes at great prices.

The children’s play area, cinema, and many restaurants and cafes earn BurJuman Mall a proper name amongst Dubai’s most complete entertainment centers.

• Working Hours: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM / Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight
• Address: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Rd – Al Mankhool – Dubai – United Arab Emirates

The Outlet Village

People often confuse this one with the Dubai outlet mall we previously introduced, but there is no need to choose when you can visit both. The Outlet Village is among the most famous and affordable shopping malls in Dubai, offering a relaxed shopping experience in an unique and lovely environment. This complex is not just a mall, it is considered a fashion dream land for every tourist visiting Dubai. And trust us when we say, a huge food court adds to the joy of shopping after you have walked a couple of hours shopping to your heart’s content. Plus, the pathways at The Outlet Village, very insta-worthy, gives you a glimpse of an Italian vibe. This budget-friendly mall offers you a lineup of international brands while being very careful of your pocket limitations.

• Working Hours: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM, Friday and Saturday up to 11:00 PM
• Address: Mina Jebel Ali, adjacent to Dubai Parks and Resorts

Wafi City Mall

Wafi Mall is among the most reasonably priced shopping malls in Dubai, get yourself there to see its great architecture for yourself. The mall is in the Wafi City complex that also includes a 5-star hotel, there are also restaurants and a nightclub.

Get yourself there and see for yourself that It has been built in an ancient Egyptian style, like all those mysterious temples and pyramids. Along, yet in a sweet contrast with such ancient-style architecture, modern boutiques will have on display most of the global brands, making your shopping experience quite interesting.

• Working Hours: Sunday to Thursday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM / Friday and Saturday 10:00 AM to 12:00 Midnight
• Address:

Al Karama Shopping Centre

Another affordable shopping center in Dubai is Al Karama. Here, you’ll find the best products like handbags, watches, lovely shoes, and excellent souvenirs. Bargaining is very common, even needed here, so shopping here makes a lot of sense when it comes to affordable shopping in Dubai. Al Karama is also located in the old part of Dubai, near Dubai Creek, so you’ll be blissfully far from the frenzy of Dubai’s luxurious malls.

• Working Hours: 10:30 AM to 10:00 PM
• Address: Al Karama, 20 A Street

What to Buy from Dubai for Profit?

The answer is clear: many things, which we will introduce below. Before your trip, you must know exactly what products you need and make a list, so you won’t regret anything after the trip. Although, your shopping list also depends on where you live, for example tourists pouring from Iran usually appreciate the reasonably priced electronics here, as it is hard to find the same quality products at home. Plus, when bought in bulk, the final price is relatively low since there’s exemption from customs fees.

Now we will introduce the most popular items most travelers buy from Dubai:

• Clothes: doesn’t matter if you are picking something up for yourself, for a loved one or buying in bulk, clothing is almost always the main item on everyone’s shopping list when they are in Dubai. The fashion market is always hot, you can find extremely cheap ones here and enjoy the profit.
• Perfume and Fragrance: buying branded, original perfumes and fragrances is always tempting when you come to shop in Dubai. Dubai is highly popular for its Arabian Perfumes and Attars, which are slightly different from the French Fragrances. Perfumes here are of good quality in terms of silage and longevity. Fortunately, there are no heavy taxes on these perfumes as they come from countries where taxation is lighter.
• Spices: The spice markets of Dubai provide good, reasonably priced opportunities for buying authentic and unique spices in bulk. Some of these shops have been available for several decades, with some about to reach almost 50 years. Popular finds include staples like cumin, turmeric, and cinnamon, alongside regional favorites like sumac and fragrant saffron threads.
• Gold: Gold trading in Dubai comes with a long, rich history, and the gold market is among the most popular shopping destinations for tourists. You may argue that gold should be on the list of cheap or affordable shopping opportunities in Dubai, but one of the most wonderful advantages of Dubai’s gold market compared to other countries is the absence of craftsmanship fees on gold items. This means you wouldn’t need to pay any additional manufacturing costs, making gold way more affordable.

On your way back and to the airport, you see a special section for tourists to recover VAT paid on your expenses in the UAE. You better not forget to keep your shopping bills and food bills ready to get a tax refund before you leave the country.

Dubai’s Shopping Festivals and Discounts Opportunities

Now it’s time to discuss Dubai’s shopping festivals and find out how they get better and bigger every year? And is there a difference in their offerings or entertainment options?

For instance, DSF and DSS shopping festivals have both been around for over 25 years, bringing delight to all in their own special seasons and setting. While both of them have similarities in that they showcase an abundance of offerings throughout Dubai, what are their differences and what other discount opportunities are waiting for us in Dubai? Let’s find out:

Dubai Summer Surprises

Summer Surprises Festival is one of the most famous and exciting shopping festivals in Dubai. When you come to Dubai in summer, ignoring the hot humid weather, you are likely to find many interesting events that will make it worth your while. Yes, the weather conditions may restrict your activities outdoors but the city’s attractions are also impossible to resist. Fortunately, the good news is that on presenting your boarding pass, certain retail stores, recreational activities, and spas have set exclusive discounts. If such budget friendly entertainment pleases you, we invite you to also check out our Best Free Things to Do in Dubai. You can combine joining in these festivals and free activities for a highly entertaining trip. The entire Summer Surprises Festival festival runs from 25th May to 31st August, 2024.

Dubai Shopping Festival

If you can’t get yourself to deal with heat, come to visit Dubai during winter as the weather is mild without heat or humidity, making it a great season for discount shopping.

DSF is the longest running festival in Dubai’s retail calendar, highlighting the strength of Dubai’s retail sector. The Dubai Shopping Festival takes place from the 6 of December 2024 to 12 January 2025 with jaw-dropping discounts across a wide range of products, promotions, and raffles. During this festival, stores and shopping centers place those lovely and tempting labels on their windows and sell their products at very high discounts. Everything from clothing to gold is included in the festival, you can finally grab that designer handbag or tech gadget you’ve been eyeing at a great cost.

Black Friday in Dubai

Undoubtedly, Black Friday is Dubai’s most thrilling shopping festival. Black Friday is the time when several brands sell their products at up to 90% off. During Black Friday, Dubai’s malls see some of their busiest days, from global names like Amazon to local retailer Namshi and even hotels slashing prices for the event, making it the perfect time for you to grab high-end products at unbeatable prices.

Final Words

Dubai is a shopper’s paradise indeed, you can get your hands on varieties of high quality products with a reasonable price. That is of course if you know what exactly you need and where exactly you need to go to get it from. From clothes and perfumes to spices and gold, Dubai’s strategic location, favorable trade policies, and fantastic festivals attract shoppers from all over the world. Apart from these, the various advantages offered to traders by importing goods from Dubai, which include reduced transport costs, exemption from customs duty, and short delivery periods, make the place a business magnet.

Whether you are a tourist looking to shop on a budget, or an entrepreneur looking to export at lucrative prices, Dubai has something to suit your wishes. Planning your travel around visiting cheap shopping centres in Dubai or exciting discount oriented events will definitely be worth your time and effort.