Shopping tours in Dubai blend retail therapy with cultural experiences. The standout Global Village tour impresses with its mix of international pavilions and authentic bazaar atmosphere – perfect for souvenir hunters and culture buffs alike. I love the Old Dubai walking tour through traditional souks, where you’ll haggle for spices and gold like a local while learning about the city’s humble trading roots. For families, combining the Dubai Mall’s massive shopping complex with its Aquarium and Kidzania makes practical sense, keeping everyone engaged. The Desert Morning Tour offers a nice shopping break, though it’s more about adventure than retail.
Let’s explore Dubai’s most worthwhile shopping tours…
Key Points
- The Global Village at the Dubai Miracle Garden offers diverse shopping, dining, and cultural experiences, with a 97% recommendation rate from travelers.
- The Dubai Mall Aquarium & Underwater Zoo provides access to a vast collection of marine life, including the aquarium tunnel and Penguin Cove.
- The Walking Tour of Old Dubai showcases iconic markets and is praised for its knowledgeable guides, with a 100% recommendation rate.
- KidZania at Dubai Mall offers over 80 role-playing activities for children, with a wheelchair-accessible design and supervisor guidance.
- The Dubai Desert Morning Tour includes a quad bike tour, sandboarding experience, and camel-related activities, with a 90% traveler recommendation rate.
Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village Shopping Tour
The Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village Shopping Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore two of Dubai’s premier attractions.
With a 97% recommendation rate from travelers, the tour provides a comprehensive experience, including hotel pickup, admission to both sites, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle.
Highlights include the stunning floral displays and photo opportunities at the Miracle Garden, followed by the diverse shopping, dining, and cultural experiences at the Global Village.
While the tour generally receives positive reviews, some travelers have reported issues with driver communication and timing, suggesting the need for improved coordination.
Read our full review: Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village Shopping Tour Review
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Dubai Desert Morning Tour in 4WD Vehicle: Camel Ride, Quad Bike Tour, Sandboarding, and Camel Farm
Embarking on the Dubai Desert Morning Tour in a 4WD vehicle, visitors can enjoy a captivating blend of Bedouin-inspired experiences.
The tour includes a camel ride, where they’ll explore a camel farm and capture memorable photos. An adrenaline-pumping quad bike tour through desert trails follows, with a safety briefing beforehand.
Sandboarding down steep dunes is another highlight, offering opportunities for racing and photography.
The 4-hour tour, including transportation, is priced at $82 per person and is recommended by 90% of travelers.
While some found the pace a bit rushed, the majority praised the friendly guides and excellent value for an introduction to Dubai’s desert activities.
Read our full review: Dubai Desert Morning Tour in 4WD Vehicle: Camel Ride, Quad Bike Tour, Sandboarding, and Camel Farm Review
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Dubai Mall Aquarium & Underwater Zoo
Situated within the iconic Dubai Mall, the Dubai Mall Aquarium & Underwater Zoo captivates visitors with its diverse collection of marine life.
Featuring a stunning aquarium tunnel, an underwater zoo, and the Penguin Cove, the attraction offers a unique and immersive experience. Priced at $54.52 per person, the tour includes guided behind-the-scenes access and round-trip transfers from centrally located hotels.
Though not wheelchair accessible, the experience is suitable for families and children. While reviews praise the close encounters with live animals and the beautiful setup, some visitors have noted a lack of organization and perceived high entrance fees.
Read our full review: Dubai Mall Aquarium & Underwater Zoo Review
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Walking Tour Old Dubai With Historical Places & Gold Market
Stepping away from the captivating Dubai Mall Aquarium & Underwater Zoo, the Walking Old Dubai Tour with Gold Market & Spice Market Private offers visitors a chance to enjoy the rich history and vibrant culture of the city’s oldest neighborhood.
This highly reviewed 3-hour tour, priced at $80 per person, takes guests on a journey through the charming streets of Old Dubai, showcasing the iconic Gold Market and Spice Market.
Travelers can expect private transportation, professional guidance, and complimentary refreshments. While the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible, most travelers can participate.
With a 100% recommendation rate and highlights like a “knowledgeable guide” and an “educational and fun” experience, this tour is a must-do for those seeking to explore the heart of Dubai.
Read our full review: Walking Tour Old Dubai With Historical Places & Gold Market Review
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Kidzania- Dubai Mall – Admission Ticket
Visitors to Dubai Mall can enjoy the world of KidZania, an interactive city designed specifically for children. The all-day general admission ticket provides access to over 80 role-playing activities that foster social development. Guests receive 100 KidZos, the park’s currency, to use within the experiential city.
Parents appreciate the supervisor guidance and wheelchair accessibility, ensuring an optimal and inclusive experience. Though some have reported staff friendliness and ticket acquisition concerns, many reviewers highlight positive experiences for a variety of age groups, praising specific activities like the firefighter and supermarket roles.
With a flexible cancellation policy and a reserve now, pay later option, KidZania offers a unique and engaging educational adventure for families in Dubai.
Read our full review: Kidzania- Dubai Mall – Admission Ticket Review
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Combo Dubai Mall Aquarium + Skyview Observatory Tickets
Nestled within the iconic Dubai Mall, the Combo Dubai Mall Aquarium + Skyview Observatory Tickets offer visitors a captivating dual-attraction experience.
Priced from $97.68 per person, this package provides access to the impressive Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, as well as the breathtaking Skyview Observatory. The experience includes a one-time glass slide, adding an extra thrill.
With a 3.5-star rating from 19 reviews, this combo ticket is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and easily accessible via public transportation.
Guests can take advantage of the free cancellation policy up to 24 hours before the experience and the Reserve Now, Pay Later option for added convenience.
Read our full review: Combo Dubai Mall Aquarium + Skyview Observatory Tickets Review
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Aquarium and Underwater With Penguin Cove Zoo Dubai Mall
The Dubai Aquarium and Underwater Zoo, housed within the iconic Dubai Mall, offers visitors an immersive journey through the wonders of the underwater world.
Boasting the world’s largest suspended aquarium, the attraction showcases over 140 species of exotic sea creatures across its expansive 10 million-liter tank.
Visitors can embark on a glass-bottom boat tour of the underwater zoo, getting up-close with penguins and other marine life.
Priced at $55.82 per person, the aquarium provides both entertainment and educational experiences, making it an ideal destination for family outings.
While reviews are generally positive, there are no 5-star ratings, indicating room for improvement in certain areas.
Read our full review: Aquarium and Underwater With Penguin Cove Zoo Dubai Mall Review
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Ekart Zabeel Dubai At Dubai Mall
Conveniently located within the iconic Dubai Mall, EKart Zabeel offers thrill-seekers an exhilarating go-karting experience on an open-air rooftop track.
This electric-powered attraction features a safety briefing, jumpsuit, helmet, and go-kart, allowing participants to race against the clock and their friends and family.
With a minimum age of 14 and height requirement of 140 cm, the activity caters to a wide range of visitors, though it’s not suitable for pregnant travelers or those with mobility issues.
Priced from $30 per person, the non-refundable sessions are ideal for both family outings and corporate events, offering recorded lap times for a competitive edge.
Read our full review: Ekart Zabeel Dubai At Dubai Mall Review
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Frequently Asked Questions
What Are the Dress Codes for the Shopping Tours?
The dress code for shopping tours is typically casual and comfortable. Visitors should wear lightweight, breathable clothing and comfortable walking shoes. Modest attire that covers the shoulders and knees is recommended, especially when visiting more conservative areas.
Are the Tours Suitable for Children With Special Needs?
The tours may be suitable for children with special needs, but it’s best to check with the tour operator first to ensure they can accommodate any specific requirements. They may be able to provide additional assistance or make necessary arrangements.
Can We Customize the Itinerary of the Shopping Tours?
Yes, the shopping tours can be customized to suit individual needs. Tour operators are typically willing to work with customers to create an itinerary that meets their specific interests and requirements, including accommodating children with special needs.
Do the Tours Provide Transportation to and From the Hotels?
Yes, most shopping tours in Dubai provide transportation to and from hotels. This makes it convenient for travelers to explore the city’s diverse shopping destinations without the hassle of navigating on their own.
Are There Any Discounts or Packages Available for the Tours?
Many shopping tour providers offer discounts or packages that can include transportation, admission fees, and exclusive access. Customers should inquire about available deals when booking to get the best value for their money.
Recap
Dubai offers a variety of shopping tours that cater to different interests. From exploring the Dubai Miracle Garden and Global Village to experiencing the desert in a 4WD and visiting the impressive Dubai Mall, there’s something for all. Whether you’re interested in wildlife, history, or thrilling activities, Dubai’s shopping tours provide a well-rounded experience for visitors.