As an open port with low import duties, Dubai s retail prices are reasonable and the variety of products available is virtually unrivalled. Free of tax, many top brand-name products are cheaper in Dubai than in the countries of their origin. In addition to the souk districts and shopping malls listed below, there are many top-class department stores and boutiques throughout the city. These range from the traditional narrow streets of the spice souk just a stone s throw from the Cr eek, to the modern fish souk with the many varieties caught in Gulf waters, and the fruit and vegetable souk with its bustle and vivid colours. Bars of 24 carat in any form and weight, and bullion coins in 22 and 24 carat are also available.
Prices are very reasonable and largely determined by weight, rather than design and craftsmanship.
In Deira Tow er s shopping mall, carpet traders from countries across the Gulf Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan have established a carpet souk where prices in the 40 shops range from a few hundred dirhams to many thousands. Further out from the city centre, Karama is Dubai s bargain basement with an array of busy shops selling toys, household goods, textiles, fashions, accessories and much more. Shopping Malls Attractive modern shopping plazas are conveniently located throughout the city, housing a wide range of shops, boutiques, supermarkets, restaurants and fast-food outlets. The Jumeirah district has Magrudy s Shopping Mall, Markaz Al Jumeirah, Jumaira Plaza, The Beach Centre and Palm Strip. Dubai Duty Free Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport has won numerous international awards and ranks among the top duty-free operations in the world.