Shopping in Dubai

Now I understand what people meant by Dubai having the highest density of malls! A lot of the souks and malls are not just for shopping, but also attractions in themselves.

Dubai Mall   ( map | official site )  
10 am - 2 am

An attraction in itself, the world's largest shopping mall stands next to Burj Khalifa. Dubai Fountain, in front of Souk AL Bahar, is the largest performing fountain that gives free shows synchronized to music every 30 minutes after 6 pm. There's also an aquarium inside.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah   ( map | official site )
10 am - midnight

Absolutely gorgeous souk, with a view of 7-star Burj Al Arab. You might not want to buy anything here, but it's a marvelous place to just wander around. Not to be missed.
Ibn Battuta   ( map | official site )
SUN - WED : 10 am - 10 pm
THU - SAT : 10 am - midnight


I was blown away by the luxurious decor of this gigantic mall. Sections of this mall are themed on Andalusia, Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India, and China accordingly.
Mall of The Emirates   ( map | official site )
SAT - WED : 10 am - 1 am
THU - FRI : 10 am - 2 am


Another large shopping mall that houses Ski Dubai, indoor ski slopes.
WAFI   ( map | official site )
SAT - WED : 10 am – 10 pm
THU - FRI : 10 am - midnight


Cool pyramid exterior/interior, with free light projection shows during Christmas. Not really that great as far as shops go and it's very easy to get lost the way it's organized, but the underground souk is quite beautiful and worth having a look.
Festival City   ( map | official site )
SUN - WED : 10 am - 10 pm
THU - SAT : 10 am - midnight


A giant nice shopping mall complex by the water with IKEA nearby. Accessible by ferry, stop #23.
Mercato   ( map | official site )
10 am - 10 pm

Lovely Italian themed mall in Jumeriah, once you get past the fakeness.
Global Village   ( map | official site )
SAT - WED : 4 pm - midnight
THU - FRI : 4 pm - 1am


Basically a large outdoor market that's divided into different countries and requires a paid admission of 10 AED. Not the most authentic/interesting but could be a nice change from going to the mall.
Gold Souk   ( map )  
7 am - noon (not Fridays) ; 5 pm - 7 pm

A covered shopping area with not just gold and jewelry but also clothes and more.

Naif Souk   ( map )
A good place
to buy an abaya!

BurJuman   ( map )
SAT - WED : 10 am - 12 am
THU - FRI : 10 am - 1 am

Deira City Centre ( map )
SAT - WED : 10 am - 1 am
THU - FRI : 10 am - 2 am