Dubai has ranked as the fourth best city for an unforgettable shopping experience in a list of 20 must-visit cities for shopping lovers that has been drawn up by travel experts at London-based Away Holidays.

With a 156% increase in searches for ‘shopping cities’ as well as an increase in those searching ‘best cities for shopping’ (+22%) in the last 12 months, retail, or shopping tourism is fast becoming a popular travel trend, reveals Away Holidays, as it lists out the best shopping locations, which combine new cultural experiences and must-visit stores.

The rankings have been based on factors such as number of stores and malls, dining options, cultural attractions, and safety scores.

Here are the top 20 shopping hotspots:

1. Tokyo, Japan

2. London, United Kingdom

3. Mumbai, India

4. Dubai, United Arab Emirates

5. Istanbul, Türkiye

6. Rome, Italy

7. Bangkok, Thailand

8. Seoul, South Korea

9. São Paulo, Brazil

10. Singapore, Singapore

11. Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates

12. Taipei, Taiwan

13. Hong Kong, Hong Kong (China)

14. Lisbon, Portugal

15. Buenos Aires, Argentina

16. Accra, Ghana

17. Berlin, Germany

18. Paris, France

19. Osaka, Japan

20. Madrid, Spain

Dubai is synonymous with luxury shopping

With the world’s largest mall, The Dubai Mall, and its famous Gold Souk, the city is a paradise for both high-end shoppers and lovers of traditional Middle Eastern crafts.

Dubai’s luxury can come with a hefty price tag, but there are ways to experience the city on a budget. We recommend using the Entertainer App, which offers buy-one-get-one-free deals on dining, attractions, and activities with a free trial available to tourists.

Many restaurants and bars also offer happy hour deals with significant discounts on food and drinks. A visit to traditional markets like the Gold Souk and Spice Souk allows you to experience local culture while bargaining for better prices.

It also offers authentic Emirati street food at local markets, where budget-friendly treats like Mandi, Khuzi, Falafel, and fresh juices await.

Here’s some advice on visiting local restaurants to experience authentic Emirati cuisine:

Al Fanar Restaurant & Cafe: This place offers a traditional Emirati dining experience with a menu featuring classic dishes like Al Harees and Al Madrooba. The restaurant’s decor and ambiance also reflect traditional Emirati culture.

Local Food Markets: Exploring local food markets or souks can be a great way to sample Emirati street food and snacks. Look for stalls or vendors selling items like shawarma, falafel, or fresh juices.

The Royal Budha Restaurant: Located in the Raffles Hotel, this spot offers a mix of Emirati and international dishes, giving you a taste of both traditional and contemporary flavours.

Aseelah: Situated in the Radisson Blu Hotel, Aseelah is known for its authentic Emirati dishes served in a chic setting. Their menu includes traditional dishes prepared with a modern twist.

Local Cafes: For a more casual dining experience, visit local cafes that serve traditional Emirati dishes alongside coffee and sweets.

Hidden gems

Dubai has several hidden gems when it comes to shopping. Here are a few lesser-known spots where you can find great deals and unique items:

Al Barsha Mall: This neighbourhood mall is home to Kata and Asana, a dedicated yoga and fitness apparel store offering everything from natural rubber mats to stylish leggings.

Al Ghurair Centre: Located in Deira, this mall features Eleven Paris, a trendy French label store with contemporary styles for men and women; Ipanema, a vibrant store for beachwear, and The Face Shop, which focuses on natural beauty products.

Ibn Battuta Mall: Known for its themed sections, this mall has a Topshop outlet that offers discounted shoes, clothes, and outerwear.

J3 Mall: This smaller mall on Al Wasl Road features Coquette Boutique, known for its bold statement costume jewellery and unique fashion pieces.

Gianni Leone, Senior Business Development Director Hotels & Ground Products from Away Holidays, said: “For those looking for amazing destinations where they can find fantastic food, retail therapy and luxury accommodation, all of the top cities have so much to offer.

“Whether you're wanting to explore local markets or wander through massive malls, these destinations offer truly unique shopping adventures.” – TradeArabia News Service