A comprehensive list of shopping centres in Dubai giving details of where to get to designer stuff or the cheaper stuff. From Chanel to Dorothy Perkins.

AL GHURAIR CITY Tel +971 4 222 5222 Taxi Directions Riqqa Road

This 20-year-old mall (the oldest in Dubai) combines Arabic decor with modern design. Popular outlets include French Connection, Guess, Nine West, Virgin Cosmetics and Book Corner. The mall is a bit of a maze and spread over two floors, with corridors branching out at all angles, but it’s worth persevering: tucked in the alleyways are excellent speciality stores selling everything from Arabic jewellery and rugs to South African beauty products and children’s Italian dresses. There is also an eight-screen cineplex and numerous food and coffee outlets.

AL MULLA PLAZA Tel +971 4 298 8999 Taxi Directions Dubai-Sharjah Rd, opp. Dubai Police HQ

Al Mulla Plaza is a bit of a Dubai landmark: you can see it from miles off. It’s one of the city’s older malls and houses dozens of local independent shops and stalls. Located on the Sharjah Road heading out of the city, in front of the Rashid Stadium, it’s home to a host of women’s fashion shops and jewellery stores. But by far the pick of the lot is Peshawar Furniture, an ‘antique’ furniture shop that has a huge selection of odd and very old-looking furniture. 

BURJUMAN CENTRE Tel +971 4 352 0222 Taxi Directions Trade Centre Road 

The BurJuman is a classy affair, with plenty of exclusive outlets selling designer brands: Donna Karan, Christian Lacroix, Calvin Klein, Cartier, Tiffany and Louis Vuitton. A Dhs1.4 million extension has just been completed, expanding the BurJuman to four times its former size. New shops to look out for include Saks Fifth Avenue, Prada and Chanel. Electronics, home furnishings, perfume and cosmetic retailers can also be found.

DEIRA CITY CENTRE Tel +971 4 295 1010 Taxi Directions Opposite Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club 

Has more than 280 shops, two food courts, an entertainment centre and cinema multiplex spread over three floors. Chain stores include Debenhams, Ikea and high-street fashion names Top Shop and River Island, while giant hypermarket Carrefour dominates the first floor. But the mall also contains plenty of independent outlets trading in local artefacts and cut-price jewellery; try the Jewellery Court, Textile Court and themed mini-souk Arabian Treasures, selling carpets, antiques and gifts. Among the 30-plus eateries are Burger King, McDonald’s, Starbucks and Costa Coffee. There’s even an eight-lane bowling alley. Children can go wild in the sprawling amusement centre, Magic Planet. Note that parking here can become ridiculously congested at peak times, even though there are 4,000 spaces. 

DUNE CENTRE Tel +971 4 345 5042 Taxi Directions Al Dhiyafah Street

This is the pink building opposite Al Diyafah Street’s many pavement cafes and restaurants. Shops are on the ground floor level only, with offices and a hospital above. Not too glam as Dubai shopping centres go, but there are some interesting and varied shops, including rent-a-frock Formal Wear and petrolhead favourite Motorcycle 3000. Saad Flowers in the forecourt sells a refreshing array of fresh flowers and bouquets.

EMIRATES TOWER BOULEVARD Tel +971 4 319 8999 Taxi Directions Emirates Towers Hotel

The Shopping Boulevard links the Emirates Hotel and Office towers, and is mapped out over two floors. As befits the location, this is a place for some serious, smart shopping. Designer-label boutiques superstars Gucci, Giorgio Armani, Yves Saint Laurent and leather accessory store Bottega Veneta dominate the ground floor. Upstairs there’s anchor shop Villa Moda, housing top-notch designs from the likes of Prada, Alexander McQueen and Stella McCartney. For glamorous shoes and bags to accessorise, head to Jimmy Choo, before rounding off your spree with some lingerie from Janet Reger next door. 

HAMARAIN CENTRE Tel +971 4 262 1110 Taxi Directions Adjacent to Marriott Hotel

This large mall near the clock tower in Deira is missed by most people out on a shopping binge but there’s plenty here to prise your hard-earned dirhams from your pocket. It’s a mix of the traditional and the cutting edge: retailers selling abayas sit next to chic fashion boutiques offering modern designer creations. Elsewhere, furniture shops offer mock antique chests and embroidered wall hangings, while excitable stall owners try to offload the latest in mobile phones and consumer technology. Add the large selection of cheap eateries and you have one of the best malls in the area. 

HOLIDAY CENTRE Tel +971 4 331 1113 Taxi Directions Sheikh Zayed Rd, adjacent to Holiday Inn Crowne Plaza Hotel

Guests at the Crowne Plaza Hotel need only travel down a few steps to reach the two floors of shops and boutiques. Within are designer fashion outlets such as Rodeo Drive, a wonderful instrument retailer named The Music Chamber, Middle Eastern food and gift stores, sports shops, hair salons and an internet café. There’s a surprisingly big Choitrams on the first floor, a supermarket which is open all day every day from 8am-10pm. A spacious exhibition area hosts regular events. 

IBN BATTUTA SHOPPING MALL Tel +971 4 368 5888 / 882 1414 Taxi Directions Sheikh Zayed Road, Interchange 5 & 6

This mall is a fair stretch out of town, but is nearby if you are staying at hotels such as the Oasis Beach or Hilton etc. Now the second largest in the UAE, it boasts five themed shopping zones with influences taken from Morocco, Egypt, Persia, India and China. Outlets include Next, Top Shop, Evisu and Fidel, while French hypermarket Géant offers groceries, textiles, fashion, electronics and household items. It's a vast affair in one level. Ibn Battuta was a well known Arab traveller and throughout the mall you will see exhibits relating to travel, astronomy and science.

JUMEIRAH CENTRE Tel +971 4 349 9702 Taxi Directions Jumeirah Beach Road

This small, attractive mall is very popular with Jumeirah residents. Benetton, Emirates Sport and Body Shop are located downstairs, while upstairs discounted designer fashions can be found at Blue Cactus and local handicrafts at Sunny Days. Textiles and Persian rugs are further highlights. Or just sit back with a coffee at La Brioche and soak up the quiet, calm surroundings. 

JUMEIRAH PLAZA Tel +971 4 349 7111 Taxi Directions Jumeirah Beach Road

A small shopping centre with an eye-catching pink front. Stores include gift shop Susan Walpole and the excellent second-hand bookshop House of Prose. There are also a few craft and rug shops upstairs, plus a safe play area for children.

LAMCY PLAZA Tel +971 4 335 9999 Taxi Directions Close to the American Hospital 

Lamcy is not an especially good-looking mall – the decor is dated, the layout is confusing and the huge waterfall and replica Tower Bridge are tacky to say the least. Escalators connect the levels, but they’re well hidden, so finding your way round can be tiresome. However, if you’re looking for cheap ‘n’ cheerful goods, from footwear to home accessories, Lamcy is the place to go. High-street fashion outlets include Dorothy Perkins, Tammy and Jeffrey Rogers, while cut-price outlets encompass Shoemart, Fashion Factory and Mr Price. The feng shui shop on the ground floor, with its oriental knick-knacks, candles, wall hangings and Buddha statues, is also worth a visit. Lamcy is always full of shoppers taking advantage of the constant promotions, so be prepared for the crowds. If it all gets too much, the Pizza Hut and Mongolian BBQ should help to keep you going. 

MALL OF THE EMIRATES Tel +971 4 409 9000 Taxi Directions Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road

Mall of the Emirates, the ultimate leisure, entertainment and shopping resort opened on September 28th 2005, and is the largest shopping centre outside of North America. Strategically located in the heart of what is now deemed ‘New Dubai,’ this 223,000 square metre centre offers a full range of shopping, leisure, and entertainment. Mall of the Emirates is home to over 400 retailers and also features a complete range of entertainment options including Ski Dubai, the first indoor ski destination in the Middle East, a two-level Magic Planet, the largest indoor family entertainment centre in the country, a 14-screen Cinestar Cinemas and the Dubai Community Arts and Theatre with a 500 seat-theatre and art gallery. It also has 65 restaurants and coffee shops with everything from fast food to themed restaurants and exclusive dining alternatives. 

MAZAYA CENTRE Tel +971 4 343 1092 Taxi Directions Sheikh Zayed Road, Interchange 1

Massed foliage and a mildly alarming water sculpture go some way to cheering up the rather dark and gloomy interior of this mall. It’s a popular stop for Western expats because of the Homes R Us furnishings store and convenient Spinneys supermarket. Among the smaller outlets is Gulf Greetings, selling gifts and greetings cards; Intelligent Homes, purveyor of projector clocks and more toys for the high-tech and house-proud; and Crafters’ Home, a creative arts centre for adults and children alike. Covered parking to the rear of the mall is a bonus. 

MERCATO Tel +971 4 344 4161 Taxi Directions Jumeriah Beach Road, close to Dubai Zoo 

When it comes to looks this brave new mall takes top prize, with its richly coloured walls, Venetian murals and numerous meandering passageways. While Spinneys supermarket caters for foodies, and Home Centre offers a range of furnishings, the mall has developed a reputation for innovative clothes stores. Make sure you check out the funky swimwear at Moda Brazil, dresses at Fleurt and the cute, affordable shoes at PrettyFIT. You’ll also find Top Shop and Mango for mainstream trends and Massimo Dutti and Hugo Boss for the more mature shopper. Other stores worth visiting are funky home interiors shops Kas Australia and Living Zone, cosmetic outlets Areej and MAC, and a Virgin Megastore for all your music and DVD needs. The Mall is more compact and is a favourite for locals as well as visitors.

OASIS CENTRE Tel +971 4 339 5111 Taxi Directions Sheikh Zayed Road

This glass-fronted, elongated mall is often overlooked because it’s located away from the hub of Dubai action, a ten-minute drive along Sheikh Zayed Road heading towards Jumeirah. Shops are spread over two floors, focussed around the Home Centre which stocks quality furniture and furnishings at affordable prices. The Lifestyles store is also good for bargain brand-name cosmetics, bath accessories and gift items, while other cheap outlets include fashion store Splash and sensible footwear shop Shoemart. There’s also a jungle-themed food court and free play area for children, plus Cyborg, a noisy, neon venue with a ten-pin bowling alley. 

PALM STRIP Tel +971 4 346 1462 Taxi Directions Jumeirah Beach Road

This small whitewashed mall is the only open-air shopping centre in Dubai. Downstairs is dominated by the monolithic Mango clothes store, Starbucks coffee shop and Japengo restaurant, while upstairs you’ll find CD shop Music Master and the N-Bar (nail bar). Other fashionable outlets include Karen Millen, Young Designers Emporium and Escada Sport. Because it’s an open-air mall there’s no dire piped music, but there is also no air-con, making it quite uncomfortable in the summer months. 

SOUK MADINAT JUMIERAH Tel +971 4 366 8888 Taxi Directions Madinat Jumeirah, close to Burj Al Arab 

A massive site just past the Burj Al Arab at the end of Jumeirah Road, Madinat Jumeirah has been built to resemble a traditional Arabic marketplace. Fans of fashion, jewellery, antiques and art will all find their appetites sated by the high quality stores on offer, but tourists are plentiful and prices high. The Madinat Jumeirah really comes into its own with a massive selection of excellent bars and restaurants. Left Bank, BarZar and Trilogy have already become firm favourites with the city’s barflies.

TWIN TOWERS Tel +971 4 224 9222 Taxi Directions Beniyas Road, next to Intercontinental Hotel

Aka The Mall on the Creek, this is an ideal refuge from the chaotic Deira traffic (assuming you can find a parking space). Luxury shopping is the flavour, with mostly men’s designer fashion labels on the ground floor. Other shops offer upmarket shoes, carpets and jewellery. There is a fabulous view of the Creek and its bustling wharf from the open-air terrace of the Apple Café & Restaurant among the third floor food outlets.

THE VILLAGE Tel +971 4 344 9514 Taxi Directions Jumeriah Beach Road

The Village is an avant-garde shopaholic’s dream. The shops are exclusive, international and unusual particularly given Dubai’s penchant for the international chain store. Just as refreshing is the centre’s style – archways over water, plants, mosaics and fountains arranged in a higgledy-piggledy Mediterranean fashion. Highlights include the gift-wrapping masterpieces of Cadorim, the bread sculptures at Shakespeare and Co. and the South Pacific wonders at Irony. Hidden on the ground floor is a very practical Post Office. 

WAFI SHOPPING MALL Tel +971 4 324 4555 Taxi Directions Next to Grand Hyatt Hotel 

Wafi is easy to spot, thanks to the three glass pyramids which surround it. A quiet, upmarket mall, it is spread over four floors. Modern and elegant in design, it competes with BurJuman on the chic label front. Chanel, Givenchy and Jaeger are just some of the international names that share floor space with regional designer labels. On the first floor are shops with more affordable price tags, such as Miss Sixty, Jumbo Electronics and shoe store Connexion. There’s a good range of coffee shops and restaurants, from the much-loved Indian eaterie, Asha’s, to the laid-back Elements café. There’s also the Lebanese delicatessen Goodies, which dishes out Arabic and continental cuisine to take away or enjoy on the terrace. A children’s entertainment centre, Encounter Zone, is on the third floor, and there are pizzas and burgers at the food court next door.