Shopping

Bargaining

Bargaining is common practice in the souks and certain shopping areas of the UAE; you’ll need to give it a go to get the best prices. Here's some advice to help you:

  1. Before you take the plunge, try to get an idea of prices from a few shops, as there can often be a significant difference.
  2. Once you’ve decided how much to spend, offer an initial bid that is roughly around half that price. Stay laidback and vaguely uninterested.
  3. When your initial offer is rejected (and it will be), keep going until you reach an agreement or until you have reached your limit.
  4. If the price isn’t right, say so and walk out – the vendor will often follow and suggest a compromise price.
  5. The more you buy, the better the discount. When the price is agreed, it is considered bad form to back out of the sale.
Bargaining isn’t commonly accepted in malls and independent shops. However, some shops such as jewellery stores and smaller electronics stores do operate a set discount system so you never know: ask whether there is a discount on the marked price and you may bag a bargain.

Write to us

Latest News

View More

  • Broadway nights

    Downtown Dubai, dubbed the ‘Centre of Now’, and the nearby dynamic financial district, are hotspots for t...

  • An alternative mall experience

    There is much more than stores and eateries at The Dubai Mall, one of the world’s largest shopping destinations...

  • Dubai's stunning architecture

    The UAE continues to develop at pace and almost every week makes incredible announcements. There are too many formid...

  • Eats, engines & entertainment

    The culinary culture in Dubai takes a detour from its usual gastronomic delights to introduce a new breed of ‘m...

  • Innovative workspaces around Dubai

    Traditional office settings too mundane? Or perhaps one too many distractions while working from home? We have the so...

Newsletter Subscription

View Newsletter
About us Contact us Join us Advertise Corporate Shop