The Expat’s Guide to Getting UK Brands and Products in Dubai
With its grand architecture, vibrant nightlife and luxurious shopping, Dubai is an exciting place to explore. Alongside being one of the top holiday destinations in the world, it’s an increasingly popular place for people from across the globe to move to and become expats.
When it comes to shopping in Dubai, you’re spoilt for choice. Home to some of the World’s most high-end malls, it’s a hub for luxury goods — offering everything from designer fashion to gourmet dining.
But even with so many shopping options, if you’re one of the 240,000 Brits living in Dubai, you might occasionally find yourself missing some of your favourite British brands and products.
Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to get your hands on the things you miss from back home. In this guide, we’ll explore some of the best ways to get UK brands and products in Dubai.
Method #1 — Shop at UK Retailers in the UAE
Your first port of call for getting UK brands and products in the UAE is to find UK retailers that have stores there. Many UK brands have shops in the UAE, including Marks & Spencer, Boots, and Waitrose.
Shopping at a UK retailer in the UAE is a great way to get the products you love from back home without worrying about international shipping or import fees. You will also benefit from seeing and touching the products before you buy them.
The only downside with this method is that you may have limited choices. Most British shops in Dubai cater for an international customer base, so you might not be able to find what you’re searching for.
Shop Online
If you can’t find what you’re looking for in a shop, one of the easiest and most convenient ways to get UK brands and products is by shopping online. Many UK brands now offer international shipping, including to the UAE. This means you can order your favourite products from the comfort of your home and deliver them directly to your door.
There are a few things to remember when shopping online for UK products in the UAE. First, check the retailer’s shipping policies before placing an order. Some retailers may not ship to the UAE or charge high shipping fees. Second, be aware of any import duties or taxes that may be applied to your order. Finally, be mindful that you may need to pay additional fees when your order arrives in the UAE, so factor this into your budget.
Use a Parcel Forwarding Service
If your favourite UK brands don’t offer international shipping to the UAE, you can use a forwarding service to deliver your products. A parcel forwarding service provides you with a UK address to use when ordering products online. The company will then forward your package to the UAE for a fee.
A few different forwarding services are available, so it’s worth researching a few to find the one that’s right for you. Some services charge a flat fee per package, while others
charge a percentage of the total cost of your order. You’ll also want to look for a forwarding service with a good reputation for reliability and speed.
One of the best things about using a parcel forwarding service is that you can consolidate your packages. This means that you can order from a bunch of your favourite brands, and they will put it all into one package, saving shipping costs.
Join UK Expat Groups
Finally, joining UK expat groups is one of the best ways to find UK products in the UAE. Plenty of online and offline groups bring together expats living in Dubai. These groups are a fantastic resource for finding where to buy UK products in the UAE and making new friends.
You can ask other expats for recommendations, get advice on import fees and taxes, and even find out about special deals and discounts. Plus, you might be able to order from the UK as a group to save on shipping costs.
Get Your Favourite UK Brands Today
Living abroad can be a thrilling experience, but it can also be challenging when you miss home. The good news is that there are many ways to stay connected to home without needing to get an 8-hour flight back to the UK.
Whether you are craving your favourite British chocolates or you need to stock up on your favourite toiletries, there are plenty of ways to get UK brands and products in Dubai. But don’t forget that Dubai has a wealth of local and international products worth exploring.
Trying out new brands and products can be a great way to experience the local culture, broaden your horizons and help make Dubai feel like home.
