So you’ve done your research, you’ve written your shopping list, and now it’s time to fill the nursery, from furniture to nappies, bottles to bootees. The only problem is the cost – buying everything you need is eye-wateringly expensive if you don’t know where to shop. Here are my favourite finds in Dubai that won’t leave your bank account bare.
Baby Bazaar
Sharpen your elbows for Dubai’s best pre-loved market. Taking place every fortnight at two locations across the city (Sunset Mall in Jumeirah and Times Square Mall, off Sheikh Zayed Road), these events bring together buyers and sellers, with the focus firmly on baby clothes, toys and essentials such as strollers, travel cots and car seats. My advice? Get there early to scope out what’s for sale, bring cash in small denominations and haggle. And don’t forget that, once your kids have outgrown everything you buy, you can book a table (from AED 250) to sell the pieces on.
Mamas & Papas outlet
Well-known for quality clothes, nursery furniture and travel systems, British brand Mamas & Papas is on every mum-to-be’s hit list. The real must-visit destination, however, is the new store in The Outlet Village in Jebel Ali. You’ll find big discounts on all stock, but may need to visit a few times if you’re looking for one item in particular. It’s a solid choice for packs of sleepsuits, baby shower gifts and bedding.
Toys For Less
This really isn’t an enjoyable shopping experience, but sometimes you gotta do what you gotta do. Located next to Brands For Less, near Mall of the Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road, this shop offers (really) big savings on toys and clothing. You’ll find wooden Melissa & Doug jigsaws for AED 11, Barbies for AED 34, and Disney backpacks from AED 45, plus products by V-Tech, Cartoon Network, Hot Wheels and more. You can also buy branded clothes (there are often winter pieces available), shoes and swimming gear, plus stationery. Parking outside isn’t easy, but there’s a valet option. Basically, if you’re feeling brave and looking for rock-bottom prices, this is the place.
Mini Exchange
An online store offering designer kids’ clothes at high-street prices, Mini Exchange is ideal if you can’t face leaving the house, but have the urge to shop. Alongside labels including Burberry and Chloe discounted by up to 80%, you’ll also find essentials by Pampers, Tommee Tippee and Ella’s Kitchen, all of which can be delivered to your door. There are regular sales, so it’s worth signing up to the newsletter for alerts.
One of the best ways to get a bargain is to join groups on Facebook where members can buy and sell second-hand goods, and you can take advantage of the UAE’s transient nature. The community you live in may well have a group for residents, which makes it even easier for picking up items, or join British Mums Dubai or The Real Mums of Dubai (depending on your passport), where fellow mothers post everything from maternity clothes to mini Range Rovers. Be warned, though: it’s fastest finger first, so if you don’t act quickly you’ll miss out.
Helen Farmer is founder of The Mothership, a blog that takes an honest look at living, working and parenting in the UAE, covering everything from family-friendly activities to real issues facing mums. She has been in the Middle East for 10 years, working in publishing and broadcasting, and has one daughter – and another baby on the way. The Mothership won the Time Out Dubai Kids award for Parent Blog of 2016.
