Top 4 Grocery Stores in Dubai to Shop at in 2025
Dubai’s grocery retail scene in 2025 is a picture of innovation, diversity, and sheer convenience. Whether you’re an expat on the hunt for familiar international brands, a local looking for fresh halal meats, or a deal-seeker aiming to fill your pantry on a budget, Dubai has something for everyone. With growing demand, the city’s grocery stores have evolved to provide not just products—but full-fledged shopping experiences.
From boutique supermarkets offering gourmet selections to large-format hypermarkets delivering everything under one roof, the choices can be overwhelming. That’s where this guide comes in. We’ve narrowed down the finest four grocery stores in Dubai for 2025 based on variety, pricing, service, and shopper satisfaction.
These stores stand out because they’re not just places to pick up bread and milk—they’re community hubs, value centers, and lifestyle companions. Let’s explore what makes them shine.
1. Waitrose & Partners – The Premium British Experience
Specialty Foods & Imported Products
When it comes to premium grocery shopping, Waitrose has set the benchmark in Dubai. Located in high-end areas and catering to a discerning clientele, this British chain offers a shopping experience that oozes sophistication. For expats and foodies, Waitrose is a haven of imported gourmet products, organic groceries, and hard-to-find international brands.
Here’s what you’ll typically find on Waitrose shelves:
- British teas, shortbread, and classic spreads
- Organic produce and grass-fed meat
- Artisan cheeses, European charcuterie, gluten-free selections
- International wines (where permitted), pastas, and sauces
Their own-label products are especially popular, known for high quality at relatively competitive prices. You’ll also find vegan and plant-based options growing in number to meet Dubai’s evolving dietary trends in 2025.
In-Store Experience and Services
Shopping at Waitrose isn’t just about what you buy—it’s how you feel while buying it. The store interiors are clean, spacious, and beautifully organized. Everything from the soft lighting to the scent of fresh baked goods creates an upscale ambiance.
Services include:
- Fresh deli and bakery counters
- Pre-packed gourmet meals
- Gift baskets and custom hampers
- Waitrose loyalty programs for exclusive perks
You can also find customer service desks staffed with multilingual professionals, ready to assist with product recommendations or dietary questions.
Pricing and Value
Yes, Waitrose comes with a premium price tag—but that’s part of the deal. Shoppers know they’re paying for:
- High product quality
- Rigorous food safety standards
- A refined in-store experience
- Reliable imported goods
However, if you’re smart, you can save through loyalty discounts, clearance sections, and bulk promotions often held monthly. And in 2025, Waitrose has doubled down on eco-friendly, recyclable packaging, winning more hearts in sustainability-conscious households.
Ideal Shopper Profile
Waitrose is ideal for:
- Expatriates missing home flavors
- Affluent families who prefer organic and premium brands
- Health-conscious buyers seeking allergen-free or specialty foods
If you value quality over cost and appreciate shopping in a calm, premium environment, Waitrose is your destination.
Visit At: https://www.waitrose.ae/
2. MallMart LLC – The Neighborhood Essentials Hub
Store Network & Accessibility
Sometimes, convenience is king—and that’s where MallMart LLC excels. With a growing presence across Dubai’s residential zones, this community-based grocery chain is designed to serve neighborhoods with speed, accessibility, and value.
Their outlets are typically located near apartments, villas, or metro hubs, making it easy to pop in for essentials. In 2025, MallMart has grown its footprint across Al Barsha, JVC, Karama, and Deira, offering urban dwellers a hassle-free way to restock their fridges and pantries.
Product Range & Private Labels
MallMart’s strength lies in its versatile inventory that balances quality with affordability. You’ll find:
- Fresh produce, meat, and dairy
- Everyday pantry staples like rice, flour, lentils, oils
- Ready-to-eat meals and frozen snacks
- Household goods and cleaning supplies
- A strong line-up of budget-friendly private label products
These private labels offer up to 30% savings over branded goods without compromising on quality—making it a hit with families and budget-conscious shoppers.
Convenience & Community Focus
Beyond pricing, MallMart emphasizes community-driven convenience. Their stores are known for:
- Quick checkouts and self-service kiosks
- Local delivery via WhatsApp or their mobile app
- Multi-language staff catering to Dubai’s diverse population
- In-store promotions during festive seasons
During Ramadan and Eid, MallMart rolls out exclusive bundle offers, family-sized meal packs, and donation kits—a thoughtful nod to cultural needs.
Who Should Shop Here
MallMart is perfect for:
- Daily or weekly shoppers looking for convenience and speed
- Families managing a tight budget
- Local residents who prefer walking to their neighborhood store
If you appreciate friendly service, practical prices, and the ability to do your weekly shopping in under 20 minutes, MallMart hits the mark.
Visit At: http://www.mallmartllc.com/
3. Baqer Mohebi Supermarket – Gulf Foods Specialist
Emirati & Gulf Product Range
If you’re looking to shop local while embracing rich Emirati flavors, Baqer Mohebi Supermarket is the place to be in 2025. With roots dating back to the 1930s, this homegrown store has evolved into a respected destination for traditional Gulf ingredients, regional delicacies, and culturally rooted brands.
Baqer Mohebi specializes in:
- Dates, nuts, and dried fruits from top local farms
- Emirati condiments like tahini, labneh, and za’atar
- Traditional Arabic sweets and fresh baklava
- Halal meats and marinated grills
- Unique regional spice blends and oils
It’s one of the few stores where shoppers can feel deep cultural authenticity in every aisle—making it not just a place to buy groceries, but to connect with regional heritage.
Fresh Produce & Meat Quality
The fresh food section at Baqer Mohebi deserves special mention. Their meat is halal-certified, neatly packaged, and available in both pre-cut and butcher-serviced options. The produce section often features local farm partnerships and rotates stock daily to ensure freshness.
Whether you’re prepping for a traditional feast or planning a healthy home-cooked meal, the variety and freshness here are hard to match.
Their dry goods section is also one of the most extensive among mid-sized supermarkets. Think bulk sacks of rice, lentils, beans, and wheat, catering perfectly to both families and businesses like restaurants or caterers.
Cultural Events & Promotions
Where Baqer Mohebi truly shines is in how they celebrate the region’s heritage through regular in-store cultural promotions. Shoppers often enjoy:
- Ramadan and Eid bundles including juices, dates, sweets, and prayer mats
- Gifting baskets and hampers designed around UAE National Day or special occasions
- Free samples and tasting booths of new local products
- Seasonal offers on traditional cooking essentials like ghee, nuts, and flour
In 2025, they’ve also expanded their online ordering and delivery options, making it easier than ever to stock your pantry with traditional Emirati staples, right from your phone.
Shopper Profile
Baqer Mohebi is ideal for:
- Local Emirati and Gulf families
- Shoppers seeking halal-certified, traditional foods
- Anyone interested in discovering authentic Middle Eastern cooking
If cultural connection and quality are more important to you than mainstream brand names, Baqer Mohebi will become your favorite stop.
Visit At: http://baqermohebi.com/
4. Carrefour – The One-Stop Hypermarket
Extensive Product Range
Ask any Dubai resident where they do their bulk shopping and chances are you’ll hear one name: Carrefour. This hypermarket giant needs no introduction. Known for its massive product selection, competitive prices, and multiple locations, Carrefour remains a household favorite in 2025.
You can find almost everything under one roof:
- Fresh produce, meat, dairy, and bakery items
- Imported and local snacks, pantry staples, frozen meals
- Electronics, kitchen appliances, home goods, and fashion
- Health and wellness products, pet supplies, and more
What makes Carrefour unique is that it seamlessly blends grocery retail with general merchandise, making it the perfect weekly or monthly shopping destination.
Online Shopping & Click-and-Collect
Carrefour’s digital infrastructure in 2025 is among the best in Dubai’s retail scene. Their app is fast, user-friendly, and packed with features:
- Smart cart suggestions based on previous purchases
- One-click reordering
- Flash sales, app-exclusive coupons, and bundle deals
- Click-and-collect or home delivery options across the city
The store has also partnered with various delivery services to ensure on-time fulfillment, even during high-demand periods like Ramadan or DSF.
Pricing Strategy & Sales Events
Carrefour is known for its affordability, but what really draws crowds is its frequent promotions. These include:
- Red Tag deals with massive discounts on essentials
- Multi-buy offers (buy 2 get 1 free, bulk packs, etc.)
- Flash sales both in-store and online
- Loyalty programs that accumulate points redeemable for future purchases
They also offer exclusive branded products and budget ranges that compete well with local competitors.
In 2025, Carrefour continues to be the go-to for:
- Bulk grocery purchases
- School season stationery and supplies
- Ramadan and Eid bundles
- Big-ticket home items and kitchen appliances
Customer Profile
Carrefour is ideal for:
- Families who shop in bulk
- Bargain hunters and promo chasers
- Expats and locals looking for a wide variety of products
- Busy professionals who prefer shopping via app or delivery
If you want everything in one place with budget-friendly options and smart digital features, Carrefour should be your #1 choice.
Visit At: https://www.carrefouruae.com
Tips for Choosing the Right Grocery Store
With so many grocery options in Dubai, each catering to different preferences, how do you decide which one fits your lifestyle? Whether you’re a weekly planner, a spontaneous shopper, or someone focused on traditional foods, here are a few tips to help you make the most of your grocery experience in 2025.
Matching Store to Shopper Type
- Premium and Gourmet Shoppers:
If you’re all about organic, high-quality ingredients, and global food trends, Waitrose is your ideal store. You’ll find rare imports, health-conscious labels, and curated food items you won’t find elsewhere. - Neighborhood Convenience Seekers:
Need to grab items on the go or shop in smaller, frequent batches? MallMart delivers quick access, decent variety, and daily essentials without the crowd. - Traditional and Cultural Buyers:
For those prioritizing local, halal, and Gulf-region foods, Baqer Mohebi offers an experience rooted in heritage and authenticity. You’ll also find specific ingredients used in traditional cooking that are hard to locate elsewhere. - Bulk Buyers and Family Shoppers:
Looking to stock up your pantry, fridge, and even your electronics shelf in one visit? Carrefour checks every box, offering great deals and the ultimate all-in-one experience.
Timing Your Shopping Trips
Dubai’s grocery scene is fast-paced, with promotions and seasonal offers popping up frequently. Here’s when to shop smart:
- Ramadan and Eid – Most stores offer bundle promotions and bulk discounts.
- Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) – Carrefour and Waitrose often launch extended sales.
- Weekend evenings – Expect less crowd at premium stores like Waitrose, while MallMart gets busy.
- Weekday mornings – Best for fresh stock and faster checkouts, especially at Baqer Mohebi.
Timing your visits right can help you avoid queues and grab the freshest stock or limited-time deals.
Using Loyalty Programs & Apps
In 2025, loyalty programs and shopping apps have become essential money-saving tools. Here’s how each of our top 4 grocery stores helps you save more:
- Waitrose Rewards – Offers members-only discounts, early access to new products, and exclusive holiday baskets.
- MallMart App – Allows for fast checkouts, WhatsApp orders, and alerts for flash deals.
- Baqer Mohebi Community Points – Includes cultural engagement bonuses, traditional holiday offers, and food sampling invites.
- Carrefour MyCLUB – One of the best in the UAE, giving users cashback points, digital coupons, and app-only deals.
Make sure to download the official apps and register for loyalty programs. Over time, you can accumulate significant savings—and even qualify for freebies!
Conclusion
Dubai’s grocery market in 2025 is a rich tapestry of flavors, cultures, and convenience. From the boutique elegance of Waitrose to the cultural roots of Baqer Mohebi, and from MallMart’s neighborhood charm to Carrefour’s megastore dominance, there’s no shortage of quality, variety, or value.
These four grocery stores aren’t just places to buy food—they’re reflections of Dubai’s diverse community and fast-paced lifestyle. They bring people together over fresh produce, traditional spices, and international favorites. Whether you’re filling your basket for one meal or stocking up for the month, these stores make it easy—and even enjoyable.
So next time your fridge is running low or you’re craving something unique, choose smart, shop local, and experience the best of Dubai’s grocery scene.
FAQs
- Which grocery store offers the best imported food range in Dubai 2025?
Waitrose is the top choice for premium imported groceries, with a wide selection of British and European food products. - Can I use loyalty apps for extra discounts at these stores?
Yes. Carrefour, Waitrose, and MallMart all offer apps and loyalty programs with points, discounts, and exclusive offers. - Do these supermarkets offer same-day delivery in Dubai?
Absolutely. Carrefour and MallMart have reliable same-day delivery services, while Waitrose and Baqer Mohebi are expanding their delivery options. - Where can I buy fresh halal meat and traditional Gulf spices?
Baqer Mohebi specializes in halal meats, Arabic sweets, and regional spices, making it the ideal store for traditional foods. - Which store has the best deals during Ramadan and DSF?
Carrefour consistently rolls out big Ramadan bundles and DSF mega discounts. Baqer Mohebi also launches seasonal value packs during holidays.