Shopping in the UAE feels like a dream — endless malls, flashy sales banners, and discounts everywhere you look. But here’s the truth most people don’t realise: many shoppers in the UAE consistently overpay, even when they believe they’re getting a “great deal.”
After analysing online shopping habits, pricing patterns, and seasonal sales in the region, one thing becomes clear — overspending usually comes down to avoidable mistakes, not high prices.
Below are the 10 most common shopping mistakes that quietly drain your budget in the UAE — and how to avoid them.
1. Trusting “Big Sale” Labels Without Checking the Original Price
“Up to 70% OFF” looks tempting, but discounts don’t always mean savings.
Retailers often raise prices shortly before a sale, then apply a discount that brings the price back to normal. According to research shared by Forbes, fake discounts are one of the most common pricing tactics worldwide — and the UAE is no exception.
How to avoid it:
Always compare prices across multiple platforms before buying, especially during major sales.
2. Not Comparing Prices Across Different Stores
Many shoppers assume prices are standard across UAE retailers. They’re not.
The same product can be listed at very different prices depending on:
- the platform
- delivery fees
- payment method
- hidden service charges
Consumer studies highlighted by Consumer Reports consistently show that price comparison is one of the most effective ways to reduce overspending.
Tip:
Make price comparison a habit — it takes minutes and saves hundreds over time.
3. Ignoring Coupon Codes Before Checkout
This is one of the most expensive mistakes.
Many online stores support promo codes, but shoppers either:
- forget to search for them
- assume they don’t work
- believe discounts are already applied
In reality, coupon stacking is a major money-saving strategy, especially when using platforms that focus on best coupons and deals like 👉 ClickMyDeals.
4. Buying Impulsively During Flash Sales
Flash sales are designed to trigger urgency, not savings.
According to behavioural insights published by Harvard Business Review, limited-time offers significantly increase impulse purchases — even when the deal isn’t good.
Ask yourself before buying:
- Did I plan to buy this today?
- Would I buy it without the discount?
- Have I checked alternatives?
If the answer is “no,” skip it.
5. Shopping Without a Clear Budget
Without a budget, discounts feel like permission to overspend.
Many UAE shoppers justify purchases by saying:
“I saved money because it was on sale.”
But spending AED 800 instead of AED 1,000 is still spending AED 800.
Solution:
Set a monthly shopping budget and treat discounts as a bonus — not an excuse.
6. Falling for “Free Delivery” Traps
Free delivery isn’t always free.
Some retailers:
- inflate product prices
- increase minimum order value
- add service fees at checkout
Always compare the final price, not just the headline offer.
7. Not Understanding Seasonal Sales in UAE
Timing matters more than most people think.
In the UAE, real discounts usually happen during:
- major seasonal events
- clearance periods
- end-of-collection sales
Buying too early often means paying a premium. Waiting strategically can cut prices dramatically.
8. Skipping Reviews and Product Research
A cheap product that breaks quickly is not a deal.
Before buying, check:
- customer reviews
- return policies
- warranty coverage
A product with slightly higher upfront cost often saves money long-term.
9. Overlooking Loyalty Programs and Cashback
Many UAE retailers offer:
- loyalty points
- cashback rewards
- member-only discounts
Ignoring these programs means leaving money on the table — especially if you shop regularly.
10. Buying From the First Website You See
Search results don’t equal best price.
Just because a store appears first on Google doesn’t mean it’s the cheapest. Smart shoppers compare, wait, and use verified deal sources before committing.
Final Thoughts: Smart Shopping Beats Big Discounts
Overspending in the UAE rarely happens because prices are too high. It happens because shoppers rush decisions, trust labels, and skip simple checks.
By avoiding these mistakes and using reliable platforms that focus on best coupons and deals, you can dramatically reduce unnecessary spending — without changing your lifestyle.
If you want to shop smarter, not harder, start treating every purchase as a decision, not a reaction.