Dubai, the glitzy financial capital of the United Arab Emirates, becomes home to nearly 3.5 million visitors during the famous Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF). Known in Arabic as 'Layali Dubai', DSF was started in February 1996 by the Dubai government as a pure retail event to promote trade. Today it is an annual shopping, entertainment, and cultural extravaganza that continues to draw tourism in Dubai. Held between January and February, the festival has incredible bargains, promotions and raffle draws in store. Imagine - with a AED 200 raffle coupon, you could drive away in a Lexus or win a Nissan. Whether you are flying out from the UK or from India, your local carriers too will have attractive packages on offer in this period.

The rest of the year too, shopaholics would find Dubai a shopper’s paradise. Ikea, Carrefour, Tiffany & Co, Rivoli, Spinney’s, Giordano, Delsey to name a few, world-famous brands occupy prime retail space in Dubai. Its sprawling malls have an average of 250 retails outlets across multiple levels. Plan your stay meticulously. Book a hotel close to the big shopping malls like the Mall of Emirates. If the 5 star hotel in the Mall does not fit your bill, you could book into a budget, luxury, 3 star hotel right across there.

The general consensus for the shoppers in Dubai is to go big or go home; an idea amplified at the duty-free shopping at Dubai International Airport as well. It recorded sales of $1.1bn last year, placing it ahead of London's Heathrow and Seoul's Incheon International Airport. Even the busy, overnight business traveler would find it irresistible not to stop by the duty-free.

With the choicest places to shop at, you can save on other activities by keeping an eye out on new budget offers geared to offer comfort at a price that suits your purse. Even if you are a busy, overnight business traveler drop in to this duty-free shopping haven, it is easier than ever to make the most of your trip with such attractive traveler friendly offers.

must admit that the biggest draw of the middle east right now is that the formula 1 world championship has two rounds there now.
if they were closer together then i would be tempted to go and watch both, no doubt that would be rather expensive though

even if it is a shoppers haven overseas you'll still need to pay taxes on the return to the uk

you spoil sport you. don't ruin someone elses holiday dream.