Top 8 Eid Shopping Destinations
For most of us having a full-time job, Eid shopping tends to get quite chaotic; since most of it has to be done while balancing office during Ramadan, and socializing with friends and family. However, if you have the time and the money to splurge, here are some of the top Eid shopping destinations that you can visit:
Dubai, UAE
If designer clothes and gold jewelry are on your shopping list, then you have to go to Dubai. There are many shopping malls with luxury stores, and most stores have incredible Eid discount offers for shoppers. For those of you who love planning ahead; the Dubai Shopping Festival 2020 will be from December 26th 2019-January 26th 2020—you can go then to stock up for next year’s Eid!
Kolkata, India
Businesses in Kolkata have a lot to offer—be it streetwear, leather goods, books, clothes or jewellery (gold/cosmetic). Shops like Sreeleathers, Adi Dhakeshwari Bostraloy and Oxford Bookstore, and street markets like Bara Bazaar, Sunshine, College Street and Hatibagan—have anything and everything you may want to buy for Eid.
Read more: Kolkata Trip Report
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Hari Raya Aidilfitri (Eid-Ul-Fitr in English) is one of the biggest holidays in Malaysia, so if this is your destination of choice; be ready to face huge crowds everywhere. Malls like Suria KLCC, Pavilion KL and the Sunway Pyramid have local and international luxury and mid-range brands; while Jalan Masjid India and Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman are dreams of bargain lovers who can stand running around in the hot summer sun.
Lucknow, India
Since this time Eid-ul-Fitr will fall in summer, it might be a good choice to opt for simple cotton textiles for garments. In case you do that, Lucknow is a great shopping destination—particularly as their world- famous Chikankari (done on cotton) textiles can be bought as readymade clothes or in unstitched form. The city is also renowned for ethnic silver jewellery, so do check out some jewellery stores while visiting. Ramadan in Lucknow is amazing for foodies—you’ll find an assortment of Mughal and other Indian delicacies to enjoy for Iftar.
Abu Dhabi, UAE
To boost summer tourism in 2018, Abu Dhabi’s Department of Culture and Tourism held a 24 hour Mega Sale for Eid—which had remarkable offers, deals and discounts for shoppers. Although they haven’t announced anything yet this year, stores and malls will still have great bargains during Ramadan; as well as in-store entertainment, and chances to win prizes with shopping. Definitely worth a try!
Istanbul, Turkey
Some of you probably have been saving up vacation days to go Eid shopping abroad, for which Istanbul is a great option. Like Abu Dhabi and Dubai, it has some great modern shopping malls for luxury buys—but if you want spices, dry fruit, and traditional/funky Turkish attire and souvenirs; then the Grand Bazaar, Egyptian Spice Bazaar and Serdar-I Ekrem must be on your list to visit!
Cairo, Egypt
Like Istanbul, Cairo is a hub for local handicrafts, for which the Tawfikeya and the Khan el Khalili markets are the best to visit. Woodwork, brassware, marble objects etc. can all be found here, as well as local textiles, sandals, jewellery and more. Even though there are malls like The First Mall and Oum El Dounia Gallery, the local tourist markets will provide more unique products authentically Egyptian.
As Ramadan is knocking on our doors, many of us are looking to stock up on unique buys for ourselves, friends and family. If you can and want to go abroad to shop for Eid, the top 7 are all wonderful shopping destinations—and I am sure you’ll have a great trip choosing one of these places!