SUPERMARKETS
During your stay in Dubai, you have a variety of options for eating out: numerous restaurants, cafés and fast-food outlets in the shopping malls. Alternatively, supermarkets offer a cost-effective solution for buying bottled water, drinks, sandwiches and other foods. In particular, water is much cheaper. These stores also offer a variety of exotic products, especially in older neighborhoods such as Dubai Creek and Deira, where migrants often buy ingredients typical of India, Bangladesh and Pakistan to prepare traditional dishes.
1. International variety
Dubai’s supermarkets reflect the city’s cosmopolitan population, with an impressive range of food products from all over the world. You’ll find typical products from the Middle East, Asia, Europe and America. This diversity allows residents and tourists alike to find familiar products as well as discover new flavors.
2. Major chains
Several major international and local chains operate in Dubai. Among the best-known are Carrefour, which has numerous stores across the city, Spinneys, known for its high-quality products, and Waitrose, which offers a selection of mainly British products. Local supermarkets such as Union Coop and Lulu Hypermarket are also very popular, offering a wide range of products at competitive prices.
3. Accessibility and comfort
Supermarkets in Dubai are designed to offer maximum convenience with extended opening hours, some being open 24 hours a day. They are often located in or near shopping malls, making them easy to get to for the usual shopping trips.
4. Luxury and specialty products
In addition to everyday products, many supermarkets in Dubai offer luxury goods sections and gourmet specialties. You’ll find fine cheeses, imported meats, organic products and gourmet items.
5. Promotions and offers
Supermarkets in Dubai are renowned for their regular promotions and seasonal offers, often linked to major festivals and events such as Ramadan and the Dubai Shopping Festival.
6. Local supermarkets
In Dubai’s older districts, such as Deira and Bur Dubai, small neighborhood supermarkets offer a more local atmosphere. These stores often specialize in food products from specific regions, catering to the needs of the city’s many expatriate communities.
In short, shopping in a supermarket in Dubai is an experience that goes far beyond the simple acquisition of daily necessities. It’s a chance to discover the world’s culinary riches and enjoy services designed to meet the expectations of a diverse population.
For those who love their favorite brands, Dubai is the place to be. Whether for sodas, cookies or chocolate, well-known brands such as Coca-Cola, Lays, Mars, Oreo and Milka are readily available in large hypermarkets and small grocery stores alike.