Oh, Dubai, the jewel in the desert shimmering with grandeur from its sparkling skyline, deep culture, and about everything else; perhaps shopping is the best way. With a rental car, sailing through this shopping paradise will be an unforgettable journey, for each mall unravelling its quintessential story and each souk concealing an extraordinary treasure.
With excitement welling up inside you, my dear shopper, get ready to cover the highlights of Dubai shopping, from sprawling megamalls to charming local markets, all from the comfort of renting a BMW in Dubai. Let's hit the road and immerse in this ultimate Dubai shopping extravaganza!
Choosing the Right Rental Car
When embarking on a shopping spree in Dubai, selecting the perfect rental car can significantly enhance your experience. Consider these essential factors to ensure your chosen vehicle complements your retail therapy journey.
Space for Shopping Bags
Dubai is a shopping destination alive with kaleidoscopic options of fashion, apparels, and souvenirs. A car with sufficient trunk space will help you manage all the shopping bags you acquire.
Compact and mid-size cars create a nice balance of fuel efficiency without compromising on cargo capabilities. But if you intend to shop until you drop or will be accompanied by a company, an SUV would be more than capable of accommodating your luggage and your companions as well.
Ease of Parking
The legitimate problem is that when you visit Dubai for shopping, you would likely have parking challenges due to the busy shopping centres and outlets. Hence, you want to choose a car that is easy to maneuver and parking on crowded streets is manageable. Go for a compact small car, such as the Toyota Yaris or Hyundai i10.
These cars are maneuverable for zigzagging or parallel parking in a shopping mall parking lot. It might also give you an edge to check your car's height because some parking garages in malls can be a little low to accommodate larger SUVs.
Recommended Car Types
1. Compact/Small Cars
Toyota Yaris: Spacious interior, excellent fuel efficiency and easy parking.
Hyundai i10: Stylish design, generous features and a comfortable ride.
2. Mid-size Cars
Toyota Corolla: Reliable, spacious and offers a good balance between comfort and fuel efficiency.
Honda Civic: Known for its sporty handling, comfortable interior and fuel-efficient engine options.
3. SUVs
Toyota RAV4: Spacious interior, generous cargo capacity and available all-wheel drive for exploring Dubai's diverse landscapes.
Nissan X-Trail: Offers ample space for passengers and luggage, with a user-friendly interior and confident road presence.
Rental Car Tips
1. Book in Advance
Planning ahead ensures you secure the perfect car for your shopping trip. Booking early also allows you to take advantage of better rates and vehicle availability.
2. Check for Discounts or Promotions
Websites and apps like ours often offer special deals and discounts on rental cars. Be sure to explore these options to maximize your savings and enjoy more shopping funds.
3. Inspect the Car Upon Pickup
Upon receipt of the vehicle, examine it from top to bottom to note any damage that existed before your rental. Notify the renting agent about such things so you are not blamed later. Also, get yourself acquainted with the controls and features of your car that will allow you to have a hassle-free and delightful shopping experience.
By keeping these in mind and choosing the right rental car, you have an edge in having an excellent shopping experience in Dubai. Happy retail therapy!
Dubai's Major Shopping Malls
A perfect oblate for combining tradition with modernity, Dubai offers an exotic variety of shopping destinations. One features gigantic megamalls, while the other boasts its own varied, themed destinations, each selling an exquisite world of retail therapy, dining and entertainment. Take a look into what some of the best shopping malls in Dubai feature in store and create delightful memories while doing so.
Dubai Mall
Location and Parking
Located in the heart of Downtown Dubai, Dubai Mall is easily accessible from the Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Khail Road. It serves its customers with more than 14,000 parking spaces, making the hassle of finding a place to park a rare occurrence. Valet parking makes this even easier.
Key Stores and Attractions
The Dubai Mall Fashion Avenue: This section is home to more than 130 luxurious boutiques, including, but not limited to, Louis Vuitton, Chanel, and Prada.
Dubai Aquarium & Underwater Zoo: Get a glimpse of the magical underwater world through the world`s largest acrylic panel, go for a glass-bottomed boat tour, or try cage snorkeling.
The Dubai Fountain: Enjoy the evening spectacle of water, light and music, set against the popular Burj Khalifa.
Dining Options
Dubai Mall provides more than 200 dining venues, including every type of establishment imaginable. From fine dining to casual eateries, it specializes in international cuisine and local tastes at its Food Court.
Mall of the Emirates
Location and Parking
Located on Sheikh Zayed Road near the interchange for Al Barsha, Mall of the Emirates has over 10,000 parking spaces, providing ample space for shoppers.
Key Stores and Attractions
It is part of a fashion district: This dedicated fashion precinct is home to various high street and designer brands, thus the go-to place for all fashion lovers.
Ski Dubai: Escape the desert heat and have fun at this indoor ski resort equipped with five slopes, a snow park, and penguin encounters.
Vox Cinemas: Watch the latest blockbuster or relish a unique cinema experience at the region's famed first IMAX with Laser as well as 4DX theaters.
Dining Options
With over 220 outlets, the Mall of the Emirates is a feast for your taste buds whether that is international cuisine, local flavor, or relaxing with a coffee at one of the many cafes.
Ibn Battuta Mall
Location and Parking
Situated just a short drive from Dubai Marina and easily accessible from Sheikh Zayed Road and Al Yalayis Road, Ibn Battuta Mall offers over 5,000 car parking spaces.
Key Stores and Attractions
Themed Courts: Divided into six courts, each thematically inspired by a different region explored by the famous Moroccan traveller Ibn Battuta, Ibn Battuta Mall offers a unique shopping and dining experience in the China Court, India Court, Persia Court and many others.
Cinema: Latest blockbusters play on the 21 screens of Novo Cinemas, offering state-of-the-art technology and sumptuous seating.
Dubai Ice Rink: Strap on your skates and enjoy a full day of fun at the Olympic-sized skating rink.
Dining Options
Ibn Battuta Mall has a variety of both international and local cuisines with over 75 restaurants and cafes to choose from. The mall has Middle Eastern, Asian, and European flavor offerings or is perfect for a quick bite at the Food Court.
Mercato Shopping Mall
Location and Parking
Jumeirah in Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, and Al Wasl Road are well placed for easy access to Mercato. With ample space, there are parking slots for over 2,500 vehicles.
Key Stores and Attractions
Each distinctively located, Mercato is a little magical town, garnished with cobbled pathways, wrought-iron terraces, and a marvellous fountain, such that the atmosphere is of a welcoming and picturesque Italian piazza.
The Family Attractions: While there is a soft play area for the kids, the Vox Cinemas take care of the latest flicks.
Great Italian restaurant: La Taverna is still another enchanting Italian restaurant where delicious food is served in a lovely and quite rustic chakra.
Dining Options
With over 140 restaurants and cafes, you will surely have countless options to satisfy your taste buds and cravings, be it Italian, Lebanese, or Indian food, or even a quick meal at the Food Court!
Each one of Dubai's shopping malls beckons toward its unique, fabulous surroundings of shopping, eating, and entertainment. Venture into these magnificent shopping oases and create unforgettable memories on your sojourn of Dubai. Happy shopping!
