Which supermarkets in Dubai have the best prices and selection?

For inexpensive sweets, dates, and budget versions of Dubai chocolate, try Day To Day. The chain has many branches, including near City Centre Deira, Baniyas Square, and Al Ghurair Centre; some items start at around AED 5.

Carrefour and Lulu hypermarkets carry a wide range of ready-made meals, which can be one of the most budget-friendly food options.

Baby food and diapers are notably expensive at the Dubai Mall supermarket: fruit purée costs about RUB 150–200 per pack, while a 42-pack of Huggies is around RUB 2,500. For travel with a child, it may be cheaper to bring these supplies with you.

To save money and control product quality, it is better to shop in person: delivery orders may include poor substitutions or low-quality produce. Delivery options include Talabat, noon, and supermarket-run services such as the Carrefour app.

Lulu Hypermarket in Dubai Mall is a solid alternative to Waitrose — lower prices and a broader selection. Worth considering as your main grocery stop.

For newcomers, major chains like Carrefour and Lulu are the go-to options. Supermarkets inside malls (such as Dubai Hills Mall) tend to charge a premium due to higher rents.

Seafood at fish markets is slightly cheaper than in supermarkets. The further from Dubai, the lower the prices and the more room to negotiate. The freshest and cheapest catches arrive after 9 PM or early morning during unloading.