4 Best Shopping in Dubai, United Arab Emirates

An entire district rather than just one gallery, Alserkal is an entire creative zone where one could happily spend an entire afternoon; 500,000 square feet of architect-designed warehouses now hold some of Dubai's most progressive and sought-after collections. It's a large space to navigate, but you can book tours that give you a more in-depth look at the galleries. Other events include photography courses, family programs, film and music festivals, markets, and pop-up chefs producing art on a plate. Check out their website for updated happenings before you go, to ensure you get the most of your visit.

With its glamorous finishing, 19th-century chocolate factory paraphernalia, life-size chocolate sculptures and the design work of some of the world's best chocolatiers, this is more art gallery than sweets shop. Try and buy chocolates made in-store and all over the world, and even participate in a chocolate "experience" to design your own blend. You can even design your own labels. With more than 700 flavors and 13,000 square feet dedicated to the worship of the cacao bean, this is a must for all chocolate lovers.

Three cousins from Lebanon have brought their love of art and design through New York and London, and delivered them into this eclectic and exotic boutique that expresses the vibrancy of Dubai beautifully. Housewares, fashion, art, and accessories are all unique and hand crafted, chic and kooky. There is an emphasis on the promotion of traditional art, and a wide range of products that support underprivileged artisans. Their own words describe the store as "Aladdin’s cave meets urban loft," which we think is a perfect description.

The biggest mall in the world (3.77 million square feet and more than 1,200 stores) should need no introduction. There is everything you might possibly need or expect here, from high-end designer labels to mainstream fashion, gadgets galore, Bloomingdale's and Galleries Lafayette department stores, a gold souq, ice rink, aquarium, and underwater zoo, indoor roller coaster, Kidzania theme park, international restaurants, and more. You can also access the world's tallest building and the world's largest fountain display from the mall, and an easy walk across the water will take you to Souk al Bahar, a modern but traditionally styled mall with sleepy ambience, and tremendous restaurants.