The UAE is famous for its many shopping festivals and deals; but the year-round saver shops are worth a try.
Gift Village
This is a good place to get souvenir items, little finds for friends especially for tourists before they go home. They also have casual to formal wear for ladies, men, teenagers, kids and babies; food items; school supplies and home and kitchen needs. There are also gift items you can buy in bulk if you plan to bring some to your home country.
Locations Salahuddin Road Branch (Opposite Reef Mall), Nasser Square Branch, and Sharjah Branch Price Vary Timings 9am to 1am Contact +971 4 2946858
Tip Always check sealed packs before purchase to make sure your items are intact.
Bollywood Fashion
Most items are between Dh1 and Dh10, but everything you find at their Al Rigga branch, for example, are priced under Dh29. They have reasonably priced garments, household items, fashion accessories, toys, gift items and even luggage. There's an area which is mainly for food items like chocolates and groceries. It's open 24 hours so you know where to go for emergency purchases in the wee hours of the night.
Locations Al Rigga, BurJuman, Al Ghubaiba, Rak 1, Rak 2, Al Fahidi, Creek, Souq Al Fahidi 1, Souq Al Fahidi 2, and Sharjah Prices Vary Timings Open 24 hours Contact 04 353 5395
Tip Get budget clothes here as they are of good quality.
Day to Day
This discount shopping centre has four branches in Dubai that are easily accessible via the Dubai Metro. Each branch has everything you need, from school and office supplies, to toys, kitchenware, appliances and other generic crockeries. From scented candles to mirrors, and even wall decors for your home, they have it all. Guys are often found searching for car accessories and other handyman tools here too.
Locations Across Union Metro Station, Across Al Fahidi Metro Station, Across Deira City Center Metro Station and Near Baniyas Metro Station Prices Vary Timings 9am to 12am Contact 04 294 7200
Tip Go to the branch opposite Union Metro Station if you want to get all items priced from Dh1 to Dh10.
Al Bassam Centre
Upon entrance, ask the sales staff for their discount-shopping card by giving your registered mobile number. This card automatically saves you 10 per cent per transaction whenever you buy their regular-price items. You'll enjoy their discounted chocolates and other food items, generic shoes and apparel, household items, perfumes, branded toiletries and toys. They also offer free Wi-Fi service.
Location Abu Baker Al Siddique Road, Port Saeed | Near Clock Tower Price Dh19.95 and below Timings 9am to 3am Contact 04 268 9091
Tip Best to buy toiletries and shoes. It's crowded during weekends especially evenings.
Al Kabayl Discount Centre
This is one of the biggest discount shopping centres and has a higher price range than the other discount stores. The items are generally of higher quality as well. You can buy bigger souvenir items, office and home appliances, household and kitchenware, and clothing mainly from Turkey at the first floor. They also have branded perfumes, appliances, kitchen items, gadgets, mobile phones and accessories but with lower prices compared to other shopping centres. Aside from the gift and practical items, the discount centre also has its own grocery.
Location Abu Baker Al Siddique Rd Prices Vary Timings Open 24 hours Contact 04 269 6255
Tip A good place to buy home items for new expatriates if moving to a new place.
Toys for less
This place is a spin-off of another popular discount shopping centre here in the UAE, Brands For Less. It focuses more on the children’s retail needs and of course, lots of toys. They have everything from puzzles and building blocks to the latest action and Disney characters, all at affordable prices. Shoes and clothes for babies are also available.
Locations Abu Shagara, Sharjah; Al Muraqqabat, Deira; and Al Barsha Prices Vary Timings 10am to 11pm Contact 04 880 6768
Tip They have plenty of toys that develop kids' psychomotor skills.
