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If you are planning on a trip to Dubai any time soon, you may be thinking about some retail therapy and asking the question, are luxury brands cheaper in Dubai? Find out everything you need to know here!
Dubai in the United Arab Emirates is known for stunning beaches, sparkling clear blue seas, incredible architecture including the Burj Khalifa, and enormous shopping malls!
The Dubai Mall is one of the biggest malls in the world, with countless luxury brand retail stores as well as an aquarium and an ice rink. There are also many other malls and shopping centers in Dubai, so on the surface, it could seem as one of the best places to head to for some retail therapy.
If you are headed to Dubai any time soon, you may be wondering whether clothing, jewelry, and accessories are cheaper in Dubai compared to the rest of the world and wondering how to get the best deals while you are away. This article is going to answer the question, are luxury brands cheaper in Dubai, so you can find out everything you need to know before you catch your flight!
Are luxury brands cheaper in Dubai?
On the whole, luxury brands are not cheaper in Dubai compared to Europe and the United Kingdom – they are more in line with prices in the US. However, if you are visiting from China, India, or a South East Asian country, the prices will be approximately 15-25% cheaper.
With this said, the city remains one of the top luxury shopping destinations and offers a lot of variety. As the prices of luxury goods in Dubai are about the same as the prices in the United States, there is no financial benefit to buying a new handbag, for example, unless you are looking for a specific piece that happens to be available in Dubai, and not in your hometown in America.
Although expensive items are eligible for a 5 per cent VAT refund, they still end up at about the same price or higher as they would be in the USA.
We speculate that the main reason for this could be that Dubai is a tourist hot spot, and so the brand will raise their prices as they know tourists are likely to buy these goods while they are on holiday. Another reason could be that the population of Dubai, and thus demand for luxury products, is relatively small compared to the US and Europe, which have much larger populations.
European countries still remain as the best places to buy luxury goods, with prices being on average 15% less than they are in Dubai and US.
This is due to a combination of the sales tax refund scheme that is available when shopping in an EU country, and the fact that many designer brands hail from Europe. This typically results in slightly lower prices across the EU area, as a lot of their inventory will be partially manufactured there and will be cheaper to distribute in the EU (although luxury brands do try to maintain relatively coherent pricing on their products globally).
On top of all this, if you are visiting from the US, you can also take advantage of the fluctuations in currency exchanges – the dollar is particularly strong at the moment!
Where to Shop in Dubai For Deals
There is some good news, though! There are plenty of options for incredible places for cheap shopping in Dubai, not just retail stores but outlet stores and luxury second-hand stores so you can still find a great deal.
1. Dubai Shopping Festival
Firstly, you have to check out the Dubai Shopping Festival, which is held between December and February every year.
This shopping festival is held in the Dubai Mall, and usually, around 700 brands participate, offering massive discounts of up to 90% off! If you are planning a trip to Dubai, the winter months are a great time to go as your trip will coincide with the heavy discounts of the Dubai Shopping Festival.
2. Dubai Outlet Mall
If you are visiting the Dubai Mall and the Mall of the Emirates, then you really need to go to the Dubai Outlet Mall. You could spend an entire day at this shopping center as there are 1,200 different top brands and fashion houses, so you are bound to find something you love for a lower price!
3. The outlet village
If you are willing to go a little further from the main shopping malls, The Outlet Village is a great place to visit while you are in the United Arab Emirates. There are plenty of shops and brands that are worth checking out to see if you can find some great deals on real designer items.
4. luxury second-hand stores
There are also several second-hand luxury goods stores that you will find in the malls in Dubai, such as Seconds, The Closet, and Style For Less. All of these stores have stunning bags, shoes, and luxury items on sale from some of the biggest fashion brands at reasonable prices.
You could find a second-hand Alexander McQueen, Marc Jacobs, Michael Kors, Stella McCartney, or Louis Vuitton handbag for a discounted price! You can also visit the Al Karama area of Dubai, where you will find plenty of thrift stores for some fashion shopping at a cheaper price.
Top Luxury brands to look out for
Here are just a couple of ideas for some incredible luxury goods and top fashion houses that you should keep an eye out for while in Dubai! Or buy in the United States for a similar sort of price!
1. Gucci
The Gucci Marmont is a classic handbag by a beloved Italian luxury brand that really is an essential item in any luxury handbag collection. The Marmont is available in a variety of different sizes and colors so you can pick the option that best suits you.
This edition of the Marmont is in a small size and is crafted from high-quality black matelassé leather, which has been quilted to give a tactile, plush finish. The bag is embellished with antique gold-toned hardware and fitted with a sliding chain strap so the bag can be worn on the shoulder or across the body.
The front flap opens to an organized interior that is fitted with a zipper and smartphone pockets – just perfect!
2. Balmain
We love the striking monogram and gleaming gold hardware on this Balmain B-Buzz 23 Monogram Jacquard Top Handle Bag that makes it a super stylish designer bag you need in your life!
This Balmain Bag is crafted from black and white monogrammed canvas, then finished with black leather trim and embellished with gold hardware for a luxurious, eye-catching look. This bag features a leather top handle and a detachable shoulder strap so you can style this bag in a range of different ways, making it ideal for both day and night wear.
The B logo twist lock opens to reveal a roomy interior, fitted with a handy zip pocket. Get your hands on this bold bag from the Balmain fashion house for just $2,650.
3. Saint Laurent
Saint Laurent produces a whole plethora of beautiful handbags so it is really difficult to narrow it down to just one bag! The Kate Leather Chain Shoulder Bag is a sophisticated classic that will never go out of style.
Over the years, this bag has been made in a range of different colors and fabrics, but you can never go wrong with the timeless black leather option.
The gold through chain strap ensures versatility, while the compact yet organized interior can hold everything you need for everyday life, or just those night-out essentials. The front of the bag is minimally decorated with the iconic YSL logo for a stunning finish.
We hope you found this article answering the question, are luxury brands cheaper in Dubai, helpful! For more luxury fashion content, check out the links below.
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