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Karama Souq
Savvy shoppers and lovers of kitsch (Burj Al Arab paperweight, anyone?) save their souvenir shopping for Karama. It's cheaper than the malls and those keen on under-the-counter designer fakes will welcome the repetitive call of 'copy watches, copy bags, Madam'. (You'll also find counterfeit sports gear and teenage streetwear here.
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Lata's
Our favourite one-stop shop for Arabian and Middle Eastern souvenirs, such as Moroccan lamps, brass coffee tables, khanjars (Bedouin daggers), and silver prayer holders. It also stocks some fabulous silver jewellery, and some not-so-fabulous costume pieces. Tell the staff what you're after, and they'll steer you right.
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Le Stock
If you're not above wearing last season's fashions, hit this clearinghouse for overstock from Le Stock's main branch (Wafi City Mall). Look for designer gear by the likes of Tata-Naka, Juicy Couture and Willow - all marked down 50% to 90%.
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Magrudy's
Of Magrudy's Dubai branches, this one's the best. It stocks a wide selection of English-language books, with a stand-out collection of travel, language and children's titles; intriguing books on Middle East history and politics; and a complete selection of coffee-table books on Dubai. Alas, the magazine selection is weak.
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Mall of the Emirates
The most popular mall in Dubai - and formerly the biggest - sprawls with acres of polished white marble. The curiosity of Ski Dubai is a major draw, as are the remarkably good food court and Dubai's best cinema, Gold Class. The major drawback is crowds at peak periods. Along with the usual brands, there's also a Harvey Nichols and a great big Borders with an awesome selection of travel books (be nice and they may show you the banned-book list).
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Marc By Marc Jacobs
The famous designer's diffusion line features downscaled, democratised sportswear by the reigning king of prêt-à-porter. But it ain't cheap: a T-shirt will set you back around Dh700 .
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Mercato Mall
At first glance Mercato looks like a European train station with an arched glass ceiling. A closer look reveals fake facades of palazzos and soaring murals of Venice, leaving you wondering, why? (Ah, Dubai.) Still it's fun to wander the brick colonnades, and the compact size makes shopping here easy.
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Mikyajy
You feel like you're walking into a candy-coloured gift box at tiny Mikyajy, the Gulf's own home-grown make-up brand. Developed to suit the colouring of Arabian girls, its popularity has extended to foreigners who appreciate vibrant colours like turquoise, fuchsia and tangerine.
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Mothercare
Out of the way, but open Friday mornings, Mothercare is one of the most popular and affordable shops for kid's necessities, from cute clothes and cuddly toys to baby carriers and car seats. There are other branches, but this one's close to several other children's shops at slightly downmarket Lamcy Plaza.
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Mumbai Se
Star in your own Bollywood movie with Mumbai Se's cool Indian-inspired collection. Styles combine contemporary elements with classic designs, like kaftans adorned with Indian beading and seashell trim, bejewelled mandarin tunics, and tiny handcrafted bags embellished with semiprecious stones, spiritual emblems, and engravings.
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Nail Spa at Aviation Club
Our first choice for nail salons.
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Nail Spa at Ibn Battuta Mall
Our first choice for nail salons.
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National Iranian Carpets
This exceptional carpet business deals in the finest quality Iranian carpets (the best in the world) and their patient and knowledgeable staff will give you all the time in the world to ensure you find the right carpet. It's in their best interests after all. Bring photos of your home and they'll happily try to match your décor and style.
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Organic Foods & Café
Despite the massive amounts of jet fuel required to ship them in, the fruits and veggies are 100% organic (if not environmentally friendly) at Dubai's first natural supermarket, providing a refreshing, much-needed alternative to the flavourless produce sold elsewhere and in restaurants. Also on offer are an onsite bakery, fresh-roasted coffee and an extensive selection of gluten-free products you won't find anywhere else in town.
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Paris Gallery
The best branch of the UAE's most popular beauty chain stocks an enormous range of international perfumes and cosmetics, handbags and accessories. There's also a Comfort Zone spa, a Perfume Cocktail Bar where you can have your own perfumes mixed, and a chocolate, coffee shop and juice bar. Sales staff can be pushy but they give discounts, and regular promotions mean there's always something extra dropped into your shopping bag.
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Paul & Joe
Named for the proprietor's sons, Paul & Joe's French clothing is playfully post-modern - think coat dresses and flouncy peasant blouses - and a welcome change from standard mall fashions.
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Pixi
This Swedish make-up and skincare line offers sublime cosmetics and beauty products. Try the honey-almond polish, beauty serum with evening primrose, cucumber-juice toner or the quick-fix mask, a five-minute revival treatment after a night on the town.
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Plug-Ins
If you left your digital camera on the back seat of a taxi, Plug-Ins carries a big selection of tiny digital cameras, as well as MP3 players, hand-held organizers and home-theatre systems. Prices are competitive, but you may do better at Carrefour.
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Praias
Emirati women wouldn't be caught dead wearing Praias' skimpy candy-coloured bikinis and swirly-patterned beach dresses in public. You shouldn't either unless you've first gotten a Brazilian wax.
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Pride of Kashmir
If the Kashmiri and Persian carpets and silky pashmina shawls here don't entice you, the luxe home furnishings and handicrafts will. You'll also find bedspreads, throws, wall hangings and cushion covers made from rich silks and velvets, patchwork and applique, and embroidered and sequinned fabrics.
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Rectangle Jaune
Finally a store for men, with a terrific selection of dress shirts in snappy stripes and bold patterns by a Lebanese team of fashion-savvy designers. This is the only branch outside Lebanon.
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Rituals
Rituals' natural products seek to make quotidian chores more sensuous. Though you probably won't want to weigh down your luggage with minty dishwashing soap, you may appreciate the invigorating mandarin-and-mint shower gel, lotus-flower massage oil, or ginger-and-basil shaving balm, all available in travel sizes.
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S*uce
S*uce was the first of an increasing number of eclectic, independently owned boutiques in Dubai. Loyal customers flock here for idiosyncratic women's fashion - think skirts trimmed with ribbons and pompons, and bubblegum mini-kaftans - from Nicola Finetti, Third Millenium, Tata-Naka, Sass and Bide, Ashish and local designer Essa. Check out the quirky accessories - funky beads, baubles and crocheted flowers on chains.
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Showcase Antiques, Art & Frames
Browse this three-storey Jumeirah villa for antique khanjars, firearms, Arabian coffee pots, Bedouin jewellery and costumes. It's one of few places in Dubai to carry quality collectables and antiques, with certificates of authenticity to back them up.
