MY ACCOUNT
Create an account to take advantage of the member rate.
My Bookings
Hello,
Member status:
Reward points:
Logout
Book
Book Your Stay
Select Destination
Book
Check Rates Check Rates
Book
Book Your Stay
Select Destination
Destinations
View All Destinations
MY ACCOUNT
Create an account to take advantage of the member rate.
My Bookings
Hello,
Member status:
Reward points:
Logout
Book Your Stay
Select Destination

Raffles 1887

Grand Shopping Mall Interior
RAFFLES READS

Dubai: Forever luxury

A city of bright new technologies, Dubai is a dazzling hub of modernity and aspiration. It is also still very much a luxury city, driven by the global market for luxury consumer goods. Raffles 1887 goes shopping in the city where even the police drive supercars

Raffles Dubaï

IN just over 50 years, Dubai has become a global hub of modernity and aspiration: a city of bright new technologies amid soaring skyscrapers and beautiful man-made islands. More recently, it has become a world capital for crypto, artificial intelligence, real estate and the advancement of green tech. But it’s also still very much driven by a resilient market for luxury consumer goods, contributing to nearly 19 million international visitors in 2024 – a nine per cent increase on 2023. After all, where but Dubai can you enjoy a luxury desert tour in the morning, sail across the Arabian Gulf on a private yacht in the afternoon, and snap up an item from Chanel‘s latest collection in the evening? In Dubai even the police drive supercars.

Retail in the emirate began with humble open-air souks, with the first malls and a slew of boutiques arriving in the late 1980s. American luxury retailer Saks Fifth Avenue opened in 2005 in the Bur Juman Centre; it was followed two years later by Dubai Mall, then the largest mall in the world with more than 1,200 retail outlets including a whole section, Fashion Avenue, dedicated to luxury brands – Chanel, Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Gucci, Hermès and Alexander McQueen to name but a few.

Raffles Dubaï
Man with Hermès Shopping Bag

Today Dubai Mall is the most visited mall on earth, with 111 million visitors in 2024, and while luxury store openings on Fashion Avenue have been relatively few in recent years, this has been due to limited availability rather than lack of demand from the brands. One notable exception was Tom Ford’s flagship store which opened in 2023 and now spans three glorious floors. “There’s a real understanding of quality here. People simply want the best things,” said Tom Ford in a recent interview. 

Developing Chinese brands – keen to capitalise on the expected growth of the luxury market in the Middle East – see Dubai as a good fit; while heritage superbrands are looking for new ways to attract consumers. In 2021, for example, Gucci celebrated its centenary and the UAE’S 50th anniversary with a pop-up in the Burj Al Arab while Louis Vuitton launched a menswear pop-up in the Mall of the Emirates. Fashion brands, from Valentino and Michael Kors to Louis Vuitton and Dior, recognising that they share a client base, are looking to innovate and collaborate with luxury brands from hospitality and other sectors.

At the same time, independent niche brands are emerging as younger and increasingly knowledgeable local consumers take a more individual, nuanced approach to fashion. Demand for sustainability, particularly pre-loved luxury, is growing too.

"Meticulous planning, ensuring that modernity is melded with tradition and even ultra-modern enclaves echo the strong cultural roots of the nation, make this a place where people really want to come and shop"

Raffles Dubaï

Dubai’s enduring success as a luxury hub is due, in the main, to soaring local wealth and a strong economy, coupled with booming tourism – the emirate went from 632,903 visitors in 1990 to a record 18.72 million in 2024. Meticulous planning, ensuring that modernity is melded with tradition and that even the most ultra-modern enclaves still echo the strong cultural roots of the nation, make this a place where people really want to come and shop – and then shop some more.

The future is bright. Analysts expect the Middle Eastern luxury market to grow exponentially in the coming years, and Dubai’s luxury offer to grow with it. It’s already happening: in June 2023 Dubai Mall announced an expansion plan set to cost AED1.5 billion, reflecting, as its owners put it, “Dubai’s ambitious vision to remain at the forefront of global innovation and culture.”

Can luxury really get any more luxurious? Watch this space.

A bustling shopping mall with a stunning glass dome ceiling. Shoppers stroll along the mall's various levels, browsing the numerous high-end stores. The mall's elegant architecture, with its intricate details and warm lighting, creates a luxurious and inviting atmosphere.

From lifestyle concept stores to specialised fashion and jewellery boutiques, Dubai local ROMY HUNT highlights her shopping favourites for Raffles 1887

BAYT DAMAS 

Discreetly sited in a residential street, Bayt Damas is an elegant fusion of jewellery, fashion and art, transforming a four-storey villa into an opulent lifestyle destination with appointment-only shopping. Every nook is filled with regional and international craftsmanship; while past pop-ups have featured renowned designers such as Stephen Webster and Tony Ward Couture. 
Al Wasl Road

THE CLOSET 

The brainchild of Emirati fashionista Hadir, The Closet marries preloved designer goods with big-city glamour. The boutique-style spaces are reminiscent of a sparkling walk-in wardrobe, crammed with myriad designer shoes, bags and accessories for both men and women.  
Jumeirah Centre, Jumeirah Road

D3/DESIGN DISTRICT

Dubai's Design District, defined by sleek, futuristic architecture, is a trendy destination exuding avant-garde flair. Sophisticated boutique-style shopping showcases emerging regional brands such as Lebanese Dima Ayad, and features couture, jewellery, art and interior design. Lined with chic cafés and restaurants, this area is frequented by locals in pristine thobes, savouring coffees with the backdrop of Downtown Dubai.  
Za’abeel

FASHION AVENUE

Quiet and plush carpeted walkways offer shoppers a haven of serenity in Dubai Mall, enveloping them in the luxury world of Chanel, Cartier, Bulgari, Versace, Gucci and Oscar de la Renta. Stop off at Ladurée for a delicate macaron. 
Dubai Mall

Bustling Shopping Scene at Galeries Lafayette

GALERIES LAFAYETTE

This prestigious French department store exudes international excellence across its four floors. Featuring luxury brands such as Red Valentino, Missoni and Carolina Herrera, alongside contemporary labels such as Zadig & Voltaire, it is a clarion call to all ardent shoppers. Add personalised touches to your purchases with in-house tailoring or recharge at its stylish boutique café.  
Dubai Mall

GOLD & DIAMOND PARK

Epitomising the convergence between luxury and local culture, this stylish marketplace hosts 90 jewellery houses, each brimming with charming local hospitality. As well as selling ready-made designs, outlets here also create pieces to order; so visit early in your trip.   
Sheik Zayed Road

GARDEROBE 

Opening in 2010, Garderobe taps into the city’s affluent closets, curating a prestigious collection of preloved designer items. In cosy surroundings you’ll find labels such as Hermès, Louis Vuitton, Saint Laurent, Burberry and Chanel with a selection of bags, sandals, scarves and clothing.  
Al Wasl Road

LEVEL SHOES 

A sleek shoe emporium where prestigious designers from Louboutin and Jimmy Choo to Manolo Blahnik take centre stage. London’s Margaret Dabbs Spa offers treatments to pamper your feet while bespoke fitting, personal stylists and concierge services complete the personalised experience.  
Dubai Mall

RAMI AL ALI

Syrian-born designer Rami Al Ali has been cultivating his brand at his stylish atelier in Dubai since 2010. He is renowned for fusing heritage with modernity to create exquisite bridal and kaftan pieces, and has dressed the likes of Naomi Campbell and Jennifer Lopez – earning him features in Vogue and collaborations with global brands such as Swarovski.

Al Wasl Road

Raffles Dubai - United Arab Emirates

VISIT

RAFFLES DUBAI

Discover more

  • Asia Pacific

    • Indonesia

      Bali

      Raffles Bali

      /bali/

      /bali/booking/

      b695

    • China

      Hainan

      Raffles Hainan Clear Water Bay

      /hainan/

      /hainan/booking/

      a5d7

    • India

      Jaipur

      Raffles Jaipur

      /jaipur/

      /jaipur/booking/

      b5n1

    • Indonesia

      Jakarta

      Raffles Jakarta

      /jakarta/

      /jakarta/booking/

      a5y7

    • China

      Macao

      Raffles at Galaxy Macau

      /macau/

      /macau/booking/

      b824

    • Phillippines

      Manila

      Raffles Makati

      /makati/

      /makati/booking/

      a5e3

    • Cambodia

      Phnom Penh

      Raffles Hotel Le Royal

      /phnom-penh/

      /phnom-penh/booking/

      a5e0

    • Singapore

      Sentosa

      Raffles Sentosa Singapore

      /sentosa/

      /sentosa/booking/

      b5q2

    • China

      Shenzhen

      Raffles Shenzhen

      /shenzhen/

      /shenzhen/booking/

      a7z7

    • Cambodia

      Siem Reap

      Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor

      /siem-reap/

      /siem-reap/booking/

      a5d9

    • Singapore

      Singapore

      Raffles Singapore

      /singapore/

      /singapore/booking/

      a5e1

    • India

      Udaipur

      Raffles Udaipur

      /udaipur/

      /udaipur/booking/

      b068

  • Europe

    • Turkey

      Istanbul

      Raffles Istanbul

      /istanbul/

      /istanbul/booking/

      a5e2

    • United Kingdom

      London

      Raffles London at The OWO

      /london/

      /london/booking/

      b1c0

    • France

      Paris

      Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris

      /paris/

      /paris/booking/

      a5d5

    • Poland

      Warsaw

      Raffles Europejski Warsaw

      /warsaw/

      /warsaw/booking/

      a7w6

  • Indian Ocean

    • Maldives

      Meradhoo

      Raffles Maldives Meradhoo

      /maldives/

      /maldives/booking/

      b1y8

    • Seychelles

      Praslin Island

      Raffles Seychelles

      /seychelles/

      /seychelles/booking/

      a5e5

  • Middle East

    • Bahrain

      Bahrain

      Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain

      /bahrain/

      /bahrain/booking/

      b6d1

    • Qatar

      Doha

      Raffles Doha

      /doha/

      /doha/booking/

      b662

    • UAE

      Dubai

      Raffles Dubai

      /dubai/

      /dubai/booking/

      a5d8

    • Saudi Arabia

      Mecca

      Raffles Makkah Palace

      /makkah/

      /makkah/booking/

      a5e4

    • UAE

      The Palm Jumeirah

      Raffles The Palm Dubai

      /thepalm-dubai/

      /thepalm-dubai/booking/

      b8y0

  • North America

    • United States

      Boston

      Raffles Boston

      /boston/

      /boston/booking/

      b3x2

Your Search
Destination
Select Destination
Please Select
Asia Pacific
Bali,
Indonesia
Raffles Bali
Hainan,
China
Raffles Hainan Clear Water Bay
Jaipur,
India
Raffles Jaipur
Jakarta,
Indonesia
Raffles Jakarta
Macao,
China
Raffles at Galaxy Macau
Manila,
Phillippines
Raffles Makati
Phnom Penh,
Cambodia
Raffles Hotel Le Royal
Sentosa,
Singapore
Raffles Sentosa Singapore
Shenzhen,
China
Raffles Shenzhen
Siem Reap,
Cambodia
Raffles Grand Hotel D'Angkor
Singapore,
Singapore
Raffles Singapore
Udaipur,
India
Raffles Udaipur
Europe
Istanbul,
Turkey
Raffles Istanbul
London,
United Kingdom
Raffles London at The OWO
Paris,
France
Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris
Warsaw,
Poland
Raffles Europejski Warsaw
Indian Ocean
Meradhoo,
Maldives
Raffles Maldives Meradhoo
Praslin Island,
Seychelles
Raffles Seychelles
Middle East
Bahrain,
Bahrain
Raffles Al Areen Palace Bahrain
Doha,
Qatar
Raffles Doha
Dubai,
UAE
Raffles Dubai
Mecca,
Saudi Arabia
Raffles Makkah Palace
The Palm Jumeirah,
UAE
Raffles The Palm Dubai
North America
Boston,
United States
Raffles Boston
Check-in
Select Dates
Please select dates to continue
Clear Dates
From
{currency} {price} for {nightsQuantity} night
Taxes and fees included
Prices are in {currency} (taxes and fees included)
Check-out
Rooms & Guests
2 Adults
Room 1
Adults
2
Children
0
ALL Loyalty number
16-digit subscription number
Loyalty number not found.
Promo Code
Codes that unlock special rates
Promo code doesn't exist.
Travel Agent
8-digit IATA Code
The code you entered is not valid.

GET THE APP

The best trip is the one we haven't taken yet... Find it on Accor ALL App on Apple store and Google Play.