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Over 300 stores, including a swish Harvey Nichols, make this the city’s most sumptuous mall. If you’re in a rush, use the mall’s website to create an itinerary identifying the most direct route to the shops you wish to visit (see Mall of the Emirates ).

This glamorous mall houses exclusive designer stores such as Chanel, Dior and Kenzo, and jewellers like Cartier and Tiffany. There’s a Sax Fifth Avenue, the second largest outside the USA, and shops selling books, music, perfumes and cosmetics (see Bur Juman Mall ).

This mall may not be as spectacular as the newer shopping centres, but it’s a local favourite. While you’ll find all the usual Dubai stores here, most visitors come mainly for the excellent people watching (see Deira City Centre ).

This elegant shopping centre is packed with style gurus such as Georgio Armani, Gucci, Pucci and Jimmy Choo. But Villa Moda is the most chic of all, with its niche cosmetics and coveted brands such as Chloe and Miu Miu.

One look at the five themed malls within this mall and you won’t regret your long drive! The decor for each is inspired by the countries Arabia’s own Marco Polo, Ibn Battuta, travelled to: Tunisia, Egypt, Persia, India and China (see Ibn Battuta Mall ).

You’ll find a gamut of global franchises here as well as delightful local shops, from date sellers Bateel to boutiques selling Emirati dresses and sandals (see Abu Dhabi Mall ).

This glamorous mall has over 300 shops and a new extension adding even more. Expect big name brands, exclusive stores such as Rolex and Tiffany & Co, and traditional Arabian perfume, sweets and clothes shops. There’s an excellent range of cafés including Hediard from Paris (see Marina Mall ).

The nights are the liveliest at the Shopping Centre, home to global brands and local speciality shops. The glitzy Gold Centre, or new Gold “Souq”, specializes in jewellery and watches (see Madinat Zayed Shopping Centre & New Gold “Souq” ).

This low-key souq specializes in kitchenware and garden plants, as well as decorative crafts, souvenirs and rugs from Iran (see Iranian Souq ).

These markets are worth a visit just to take in the atmosphere. It’s fascinating to find out where the fresh fruit and vegetables come from. Learn the Arabic words for your favourite fish and other seafood.