Dubai - Post Report Question and Answers
How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Availability is similar to Canada, though there more limited cuts of meat (especially for pork), cheeses, and deli products. Cost depends on where you shop. Vegetables, meats and bread can be cheaper than Canada if you shop at Lulu or Union Coop (though keep in mind that it can get very crowded and the quality isn't great). It can get even cheaper if you shop at the Fruit & Vegetable market and the Central Souq in Sharjah. For quality and convenience, though, you will more than likely shop in British supermarkets such as Waitrose or Spinneys; expect to pay 25-30% more, especially for packaged goods and snacks. - Mar 2021
Almost everything is widely available. Imported food is around 20% more expensive than the US, but there are lots of local options that are affordable. - Jan 2021
A bit more expensive but if you shop around you learn which grocery chains carry cheaper produce/items. - Dec 2016
All goods are available in Dubai. 15 percent more expensive than in the U.S. - Jul 2013
Everything is available but more expensive than in the USA - Aug 2011
You can get everything for a price. Fresh food does not last long and can even be starting to turn before you get it home. Prices vary, you can get cheaper options in local supermarkets or the more western supermarkets have everything that's familiar but it costs more. Products are not always readily avialable and some things can just disappear of shelves for months inexplicably before you see them again. - Jan 2011
Again, you can get just about anything, for a price, including locally-produced organic foods. We spend a small fortune on fresh fruits and veggies from the local grocery stores (17-29 AED/Kg for grapes or melons or peaches) A bag of baby spinach runs about 32AED. 4 liters of long-shelf-life milk: 14 AED. Household supplies are readily available and range in price greatly due to manufacturer. Many western brands are available, as are cheaper local and South Asian products. - Sep 2009
