Soft golden sands; vast, oasis-like swimming pools; plush waterfront restaurants; brilliant beach bars…all things that make the blood boil for northern Europeans more accustomed to cold, windy days and cancelled barbecues. But one other aspect of Dubai life is capable of sending westerners weak at the knees like no other; the words alone are often enough to make fashion conscious females and gadget-hungry guys more excitable than an orgy of randy baboons. Whisper it…‘tax free’.

Rumour has it that, having been used as a headline so many times by lazy magazine and newspaper subeditors the world over, Dubai authorities are considering officially renaming the emirate “Dubai – A Shoppers’ Paradise”. While those rumours may be completely scurrilous, in-no-way-founded-on-reality and merely the machinations of a web copywriter trying to fill enough space to earn another unfulfilling night of drunken reminiscing in the local ‘trendy bar’, they do go some way to demonstrating the brilliance of Dubai as a destination for those with money to spend and empty suitcases to fill.

The only slight disappointment is that, if you’re after a taste of Arabia, there are very few home-grown brands or stores. But if gorgeous garments, glittering gold, exhilarating electronics or tasteful textiles flick your switch then prepare yourself for a spine-tingling experience.
To dress yourself head-to-toe in designer gear, DKNY, Valentino, Calvin Klein, Hermes and Loewe await at The BurJuman Mall, as does just about every other label you’ll find at the major fashion weeks. High street stores such as Monsoon, Next and Gap are also present for more moderate spenders. Wafi City, Reef Mall, Warba Centre, The Village Mall…the list of giant shopping developments in Dubai is almost as endless as the 6.5 million-square-foot Mall of the Emirates.

For a more authentic shopping experience, you might prefer to head to one of Dubai’s famous souks. In the heart of the city’s Old Deira district lies the ‘City of Gold’ – a vivid gathering of more than 300 jewellers, where prices are typically half of European ones. The spice and perfume souk offer much the same, with all the odours under the sun at extremely fragrant prices. Al Fahidi Street, alternatively, should be your target if you like your purchases to be mains or battery operated.

Shopping in Dubai – much like a 16oz rump steak, greasy fries and 12 pints of lager – is probably not best enjoyed at lunch time. In general, malls, stores and souks are open between 9am and 1pm and then reopen from 4 until 7pm. Supermarkets, on the other hand, tend to be open all day. And remember that the Emirates have a hazy definition of the weekend – it traditionally began Thursday afternoon, although many companies now work through on Thursday and take Saturday instead – but it does definitely include Friday. Most larger stores, markets, souks and malls will still open on Fridays but times may vary.
So, take comfortable shoes, think large purchases and small prices and make sure you’ve enough room in the suitcase to get it all home. If you do overindulge a little on the bargains, however, it’s not the end of the world – just buy yourself a great property to keep them in!