Shopping in Dubai is definitely a phenomenon as there are numerous shopping malls to cater your every need. And because Dubai is also notable for its open port, low import duties and the tax-free status! You can say that it is literally a paradise for all the shoppers!

So don't let a day of your stay goes by without visiting the fabulous shopping malls. Start with Jumeirah Road, this road is lined with chic cafes and shopping malls, you can easily spend the whole day going from one mall to another!

Mercato Mall

This renaissance-style shopping mall is located on Jumeirah Beach road ,directly across the Jumeirah beach on the other side. The name "Mercato" means market in italian so yeah it's a themed shopping mall. I just adore the architecture and the decorations cuz it makes me feel like I'm in Venice! The italian restaurant and open-air cafes are all very nice too, we had an afternoon snack at Paul cafe...it's great! Mercato might be small if you compare it to the Mall of the Emirates or Deira City Centre but it's really a nice place for a peaceful shopping day.

Dubai Festival city mall

The mall is one of the projects inside this Middle East's largest lifestyle complex. It's a great place for a relax shopping day for every member of the family because there're over hundreds of retail stores including DKNY, Guess, Hugo Boss, Sephora etc. There're also over 100 of restaurants and cafes, a 12-screen movie theater, a huge Magrudy's bookstore, Toys R Us, HyperPanda supermarket and IKEA furniture store.

Walking from one side to another will take some times due to the mall's huge size...but worry not as there's a water taxi service that goes along the canal (yes there's a canal inside the complex!) I also love how they design the interior that includes water pool with small fountains and high glass ceiling. The canal walk is also a great place to pick an open-air cafe and have a delicious lunch while sighting people out :)

So comparing the Festival City Mall to the Mall of the Emirates, it's absolutely a more peaceful place to chill out with your friends.

I went there by taxi and I think it's the best way to get there cuz it's quite far from where I live (around Al Dhiyafa road) Getting a taxi back is a totally different story...there's a taxi queue outside the mall and that's the only spot where you can get a taxi. There will be a staff waiting outside to organize the line, you have to get a queue number from the guy and then wait for your call...we had to wait an hour before getting our taxi!

Deira City Centre

Enjoy yourself and get lost in this 300 outlets complex offers you international fashion houses, restaurants, a supermarket, a movie theater and "Magic Planet" for children. This is a very popular mall among the tourists and Dubai residents as it's located in the heart of Deira, on the crossroad between Bur Dubai and the airport. There's everything for everyone and the customer service was really freindly!

Because of its popularity, there're usually a tons of people shopping...especially in the evening and during the weekends so if you prefer a less packed crowd then I would recommend you to visit during the morning of weekdays. If shopping is a serious business for you...then I assure you that Deira City Centre won't be a disappointment!

After visiting all these glitzy malls...I have no doubt that Dubai is proudly living up to its name as the shopping capitol of the Middle East.