Feeling homesick, expats? This might help…
Sure, we’ve got several Marks and Spencer branches, as well as Topshop and high-street favourites such as New Look, Zara and Mango.
But sometimes a weekend spent at Dubai’s malls just doesn’t scratch the itch you have for a wander down Oxford Street.
However, thanks to the wonder that is online shopping, you can get a piece of Knightsbridge or the West End sent right to your door.
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So, whether you want to treat yourself or get a head-start on Christmas shopping, here are nine British institutions you might not have realised ship to the UAE.
1. Liberty of London
Possibly the prettiest of British department stores, Liberty is a London institution for shoppers in the know. You must visit the luxury retailer with a Tudor shop front when you’re in the UK capital, but for now you can get a piece of the action delivered to your door. Shipping will set you back £10 (Dhs49), and you can get your hands on a range of boutique beauty brands, contemporary designer womenswear, and a selection of accessories clad in Liberty’s iconic signature prints.
2. Boden
If you’re after classic Breton stripes (think the Duchess of Cambridge on her down-time), cosy winter knits and swimwear that isn’t horribly skimpy, you’ll want to bookmark this British favourite. Delivery to the UAE will cost you £12 (Dhs58), and they also have some seriously cute childrenswear that you’ll struggle not to put in your virtual shopping bag.
3. ASOS Marketplace
So ASOS is hardly a surprise – they ship everywhere – but did you know about their portal for vintage and independent boutique brands? You can get your mitts on American labels such as Levi’s, Scandi-inspired underground labels, and reams of floaty, festival-appropriate dresses that will see you through summer. Delivery options are set by suppliers (who have to set up their own ’boutique’ in the Marketplace), but you can message sellers to ask if they’ll ship to the UAE, if they don’t already.
4. Cult Beauty
You know all those niche beauty brands that you read about in blogs, but have no idea how to get your hands on? Well this is a one-stop shop for most of them. Whether you want Korean sheet masks, Swedish haircare or all-natural cosmetics, Cult Beauty has curated edits of products that actually work. Standard delivery is free on orders over £40 (Dhs195) plus you get to choose a couple of free samples every time you shop.
5. Harrods
Obviously a trip to the sprawling Knightsbridge HQ is half the fun, but at least online you can get all the designer brands without having to lug shopping bags on the Tube. Here you’ll find an abundance of heritage labels such as Burberry, Chloe, Givenchy and Valentino, plus you can also pick up a range of Harrods’ signature souvenirs. Delivery to the UAE costs £25 (Dhs122).
6. Whistles
If you need some smart, looks-tailored-but-is-off-the-rack workwear, or a chic midi dress for a summer wedding, this is a good place to start. Whistles’ range of buttery leather accessories are a highlight each season, plus you’ll consistently find a decent range of office-appropriate culottes and jumpsuits. Delivery to the UAE is £8 (Dhs40).
7. Selfridges
Well, we can’t have all the other big department stores without mentioning this place, can we? Here you’ll get all the big luxury labels, but there’s also a noteworthy mix of younger brands including Self-Portrait, Maje, Acne, and The Kooples. There’s also some high street options like Warehouse thrown in, and the fine jewellery section is worth a virtual window shop (and if you choose to splurge, delivery is Dhs122).
8. Look Fantastic
Whereas Cult Beauty has all your hard-to-find brands, Look Fantastic has pretty much everything else covered. From high street heroes like Revlon, French pharmacy favourites such as Vichy and Avène, and pricier options such as Dermalogica and Estée Lauder, here you’ll be able to completely restock your bathroom cabinet, and delivery is only Dhs22.
9. Young British Designers
No, you don’t have to be in the country to shop the cream of the UK’s latest crop. With labels such as Eudon Choi, Sophie Hulme and HAVVA, a few bits and pieces from here will seamlessly blend in with your UAE staples, and have people asking, “Ooh, where did you get that, I’ve not seen anything like that here.” Delivery to the UAE costs £20 (Dhs98).
Top image: Whistles, Selfridges
