Posted by Grocery shopping in Dubai is a small experience: between Arabic specialties and international brands, you can find everything in the supermarkets – from fresh fruit from Africa to German bread.
Here you’ll learn which supermarkets in Dubai are the best, how expensive groceries are, and when they are open.
1. Supermarkets in Dubai – Overview
Dubai has a very modern supermarket system. In addition to local chains, there are many international brands.
The most important supermarkets are:
- Carrefour – largest selection, fair prices, many branches
- Lulu Hypermarket – Arab-Indian chain, popular for fresh produce
- Spinneys – Western-style, many European products
- Waitrose – British, high quality
- Union Coop – local cooperative, inexpensive
- Choithrams – good mix of regional and international
In almost every neighborhood you’ll also find small mini-markets called **Baqala** – ideal for drinks or snacks around the clock.
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2. Grocery prices
Prices in Dubai are about the same as in Germany; some products are cheaper (e.g., fruit, chicken, water), while imported items are significantly more expensive.
Here is an overview of typical prices:
| Product | Price (approx.) |
|---|---|
| 1 liter water | 1.5 AED (€0.40) |
| 1 l milk | 6 AED (€1.50) |
| 1 kg apples | 7 AED (€1.80) |
| 1 kg tomatoes | 5 AED (€1.30) |
| 1 kg chicken | 12 AED (€3.00) |
| 500 g cheese | 18 AED (€4.50) |
| Bread (1 loaf) | 4–8 AED (€1–2) |
| 1 l olive oil | 25 AED (€6.30) |
| 1 l petrol | 3 AED (€0.75) |
Tip: Imported brand products (e.g., Nutella, Dr. Oetker, Milka) can cost up to twice as much as in Germany.
If you want to save money, choose regional alternatives or store brands.
3. Opening hours
Supermarkets in Dubai are usually open from 8:00 to 24:00 – many even 24/7.
Major chains (Carrefour, Lulu, Spinneys) are open until midnight, while small shops are open around the clock.
Fridays (Muslim holiday), most markets open around 10–11 am but stay open late into the night.
4. Carrefour – the classic
Carrefour is the most famous supermarket chain in Dubai.
Branches are found in almost every mall, such as Dubai Mall, Mall of the Emirates, and Ibn Battuta Mall.
You can get everything from electronics to fruit under one roof.
5. Lulu Hypermarket – popular with locals
Lulu is particularly popular with locals and expats from India or the Philippines.
Here you’ll find fresh vegetables, fish, and meat at low prices.
Many products come from Asia or Africa.
- Branches: Al Barsha, Deira, Al Qusais, Silicon Oasis
- Large selection of vegetarian and halal products
- Very good value for money
6. Spinneys & Waitrose – for Western products
If you’re looking for European brands, Spinneys and Waitrose are the best choice.
Both offer a wide selection of imported products, fresh bread, cheese, and cold cuts.
Prices are slightly above average, but quality is very high.
7. Union Coop & Choithrams – local & affordable
Union Coop is a local cooperative with particularly low prices.
Many locals shop here.
Choithrams is also popular – especially for groceries from the UK.
- Union Coop: several branches, often in residential areas
- Choithrams: compact, but high quality
8. Organic & specialty stores
Dubai has a growing scene for organic and health products.
In stores like Organic Foods & Café or Ripe Market you’ll find organic produce, vegan foods, and gluten-free items.
- Ripe Market: weekly market with local farmers
- Organic Foods & Café: in Dubai Mall & Palm Jumeirah
- Life Pharmacy: large selection of supplements & organic snacks
9. Online delivery services
You can also order groceries conveniently online – with fast delivery straight to your hotel or apartment.
- InstaShop – market leader, many supermarkets connected
- Carrefour Online – delivery within hours
- Talabat Mart – for snacks & drinks
10. Alcohol sales in supermarkets
Regular supermarkets do not sell alcohol.
Alcohol is only available in licensed shops (e.g., MMI or African + Eastern) or hotel bars.
Tourists are allowed to buy and consume there legally – an “Alcohol Permit” has not been required since 2020.
11. Shopping tips
- Prices are shown in AED (1 AED ≈ €0.25)
- No alcohol & pork in standard markets
- Credit cards accepted everywhere
- Bring bags – plastic is often charged extra
- Fresh fruit and dates are very affordable
Conclusion – shopping made easy
Supermarkets in Dubai are modern, clean, and available around the clock.
Whether you shop cheaply at Lulu or look for European products at Spinneys – the selection is huge.
The mix of Arabian hospitality and international variety makes grocery shopping a pleasant experience.