Retail
Souks, Deira
Deira’s souks remain working marketplaces rather than tourist set pieces, offering a glimpse into the trading rhythms that shaped Dubai. Alongside the famous Gold Souk, where jewellers crowd glittering windows with diamonds and precious stones, backstreets reveal mattress, utensil and textile markets still serving daily needs. Dubai’s position along historic Silk Route networks is felt most vividly at the Spice Souk. Expect lively banter and determined bargaining: haggle with humour and you’ll leave with both well-priced goods and a story or two to tell.
Nappa Dori, Alserkal Avenue
Nappa Dori brings its refined Indian leather craftsmanship to Alserkal Avenue, offering beautifully made bags, wallets and travel accessories with a restrained, European-leaning aesthetic. Founded in New Delhi, the brand has expanded thoughtfully across India and into London and Dubai. Its luggage is particularly strong: the steamer suitcase nods to the golden age of rail travel, while the Viceroy bag’s balance of canvas and leather works as well in a resort hotel as it does in the office. The Dubai outpost also carries stationery, homeware, clothing and footwear.
Kalemat Bookstore, Al Wasl
This literary haven is part of a small independent chain that has branches across the Gulf specialising in new Arabic titles and translations of Western favourites. The bookshop has created a particularly welcoming environment for browsing, with a rocking chair under an olive tree and a button-back leather sofa on which to sit and read. There’s also a quiet café tucked away on the first floor, with views of Dubai’s impressive skyline.
Tailor Five, Downtown Dubai
With a sharp eye for contemporary design, this modern tailoring studio is run by a husband-and-wife team from a small, homely space. It favours relaxed precision over ceremony, attracting professionals and style-conscious visitors seeking made-to-measure men’s and womenswear. Japanese textiles and clean, modern cuts form the backbone of the work, while fittings are unhurried and personal.
The Flip Side, Al Quoz
Ark to Ashes record-label founder Shadi Megallaa opened independent vinyl shop The Flip Side in 2017. Regional sounds are shelved alongside Western imports in the warehouse-like space, which hosts charity fundraisers, in-shop sets by local talent and DJ courses.
Depachika Food Hall, Palm Jumeirah
This market in Palm Jumeirah Mall is inspired by depachika emporiums, the luxurious underground food halls often located in Japanese department stores. The central counters offer artfully packaged edible gifts, while the perimeter is mostly reserved for dining outlets, including Peruvian tapas restaurant La Barra and Kilikio by Mythos, which serves souvlaki bowls and Greek doughnuts.
Orient 499, Alserkal Avenue
Beirut-born boutique Orient 499 brings together handcrafted fashion, accessories and home decor. Made by Lebanese artisans, elaborately embroidered kaftans, ceramics and objets d’art all have a story to tell.
Goshá, Al Quoz
Flower studio Goshá began as a collaboration between floral designer Gurgen Yeritsyan and fashion entrepreneur Natalia Shustova. It quickly garnered clients such as Gucci, Prada and Dior – but you don’t need to be a major brand to enjoy its handiwork. Bespoke orders are welcome and you can also receive fresh arrangements through a weekly subscription.
Montroi, Alserkal Avenue
Montroi creates travel bags, accessories and fragrances inspired by the ancient Silk Road. The brand has also extended its olfactory expertise to hospitality, creating a custom scent for One&Only Resorts properties across Dubai.
