Affordable for luxury lifestyle

The best luxury shopping experiences on a budget

Home to five-star resorts, extravagant all-you-can-eat brunches, and indulgent spa experiences, Dubai never shies away from luxury. Fortunately, Dubai is also one of the best cities in the world to find competitive deals on pampering, shopping and dining. If you’re visiting Dubai during summer, you’re sure to find special offers on everything from massages to dinners and even hotel rooms. Here are some of our favourite luxury finds on a budget.

De La Mer Day Spa

This ladies-only pampering spot on Jumeirah Beach Road is a must-visit for luxe spa treatments at low prices. Housed inside a converted villa, De La Mer Day Spa adopts an all-natural approach in its menu; everything from the Voya facials to the body wraps is organic. Book in for the Sugarlicious body scrub, which includes a 15-minute back massage for only AED 290. It’s ideal for prepping your skin for summer.

Villa 783, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 2

+971 4 328 2775

Saffron at Spice Souk

More expensive per ounce than gold, this fiery-hued spice derives from the purple crocus flower and its hefty price tag is due to the laborious nature of the harvesting process. But at The Spice Souk in Deira, where haggling is expected, you’ll find that saffron is very affordable. Here, you can buy Iranian saffron for anywhere between AED 10 and AED 30 a gram. Add it to rice dishes or simply sprinkle a few threads in warm water for saffron-flavoured tea.

Spice Souk, between Baniyas Road, Al Ras Road & Al Abra Street, Deira

Brunch at Q43

Friday brunch has become something of a tradition in Dubai and one of these four-hour, all-you-can-eat-and-drink sittings is a must-do when you’re visiting the emirate. While some of Dubai’s most luxurious venues offer jaw-dropping spreads and price tags upwards of AED 500 per person, The Q43 Brunch is great value at AED 350 a head. Situated on the 43rd floor of Media One Hotel, Q43 is accessed via private elevator, and the floor-to-ceiling windows of the restaurant offer spectacular views of the Palm Jumeirah. As for the food? The menu of sushi, tapas, roasted meats and dessert station is hard to beat.

Media One Hotel, Dubai Media City

+971 4 443 5403

Red-carpet ready at Be Bar

The co-owner of this light and airy expat-run, women-only hair salon in is LA-trained and it shows. Blow dries are the forte; from glam vintage curls to effortless beach waves. Head here before brunch or dinner to get a glamorous hair makeover from just AED 150, or bring a friend on Tuesdays and take advantage of the 2-for-1 deal.

Villa 594, Jumeirah Beach Road, Umm Suqeim 1

+971 4 321 2348

Shopping for discount designer goods at My Ex Wardrobe

Held monthly at nightspots and restaurants around the city, this pop-up concept sees the unwanted wardrobes of some of Dubai’s most avid shoppers on sale for much lower prices. You’ll find everything from Christian Louboutin and Jimmy Choo pumps to Louis Vuitton bags as well as high-street buys from brands including Zara and H&M. Follow their website for upcoming event dates.

Various locations across Dubai

+971 50 524 5721