In a previous post we talked about large markets and bazaars where you can shop with a lot of charm, where local craftsmanship and traditional products are still present. And now it’s the turn of another type of shopping: luxury shopping in Muslim countries, often in large structures of contemporary and futuristic architecture. Here are some of the most iconic streets, neighborhoods and shopping malls that you can discover with us.
Dubai, world epicenter of luxury
If one had to designate which is the luxury capital of the world today, probably everyone would answer Dubai. Thanks to the great wealth generated by the sale of oil and the enormous capacity to beat the desert, the city of Dubai, capital of the emirate of the same name, has attracted large fortunes, both to reside and to spend a vacation centered, to a large extent, on exclusive shopping.
Therefore, two of the must-see places in the city tours are, precisely, its shopping malls: Mall of the Emirates and Dubai Mall. The latter is considered the largest in the world and has attractions beyond the stores, such as a huge aquarium in its facilities. In addition, strolling through the surrounding neighborhoods and the Marina, it is also possible to give free rein to the passion for shopping.
Turkey: Istanbul or Ankara? Both
Turkey is a country in economic expansion, and nothing better than visiting its two main cities to prove it. Istanbul, being halfway between Europe and Asia, is one of the most cosmopolitan and open to tourism. Here, the most commercial street is Istiklal Caddesi, in the central Beyoglu district. On the eastern edge of the city, where the atmosphere is quieter, the commercial spaces are larger, as in the long and elegant Bagdat Street.
For its part, Ankara also has upscale shopping areas, driven by increasingly buoyant local shoppers, in many cases officials of the capital or businessmen. One very commercial store is Tunali Hilmi, while the big shopping mall is Armada, with a large office building included.
Zamalek and Hurghada, a benchmark for shopping in Egypt
In Egypt, several cities offer ample opportunities for luxury shopping. In the capital, Cairo, the area is concentrated in Zamalek, located on Gezira Island and promoted since the 19th century as the home of high society. The main boutiques and restaurants are located here, at the foot of the city’s great skyscraper: the Cairo Tower.
More linked to international tourism are the big cities of the Red Sea: Hurghada and Sharm el-Sheikh. The first on the continental shore and the second on the Sinai Peninsula, both have large shopping malls where there is no shortage of major international fashion and accessories firms.
Luxury shopping in other destinations
The above are just a few examples, as there are many other destinations in our catalog where it is possible to purchase products of the highest quality and elegance. In Morocco, for example, some streets in the Gueliz district of Marrakech combine Western luxury and local ethnic refinement. Casablanca, which is the country’s major financial city, also has interesting proposals for premium shopping: its Morocco Mall is one of the largest on the African continent and competes in exclusivity with the Anfa Place, of the same character but in an even more select area.
And in Jordan, another key destination for Mandala Tours, you can stop in the capital Amman for high-end shopping in the Sweifieh district, with several shopping malls, such as Avenue Mall or Galleria Mall.
