Dubai Pro Photographic Equipment Suppliers

[LewisShermer]

I'm tasked with starting a photographic department in Dubai for a sister branch of my firm. Having never been there or knowing what's available, what is the Dubai version of Calumet? Is there a store in the city where I can get hold of Canon/Bowens/Colourama? I need a 1Dx, 3 Bowens Heads/soft boxes & boom stand/arm, etc... so it's pretty high end stuff.

Reliability & customer service is a must

Cheers x

[LewisShermer]

I have done internet research but I'd rather have a professionals opinion that frequents such a store

[sanj]

There is a big Canon store on a new mall on Shekh Zaid road. Unfortunately I forget its name... 3rd floor... BUT camera equipment is not cheap in Dubai.

[AmbientLight]

In Dubai you are pretty much lost, if you search for a professional photo store. To my knowledge only two stores would even sell you a 1D-X, one being in the Dubai Mall, the other being at Dubai Airport. I seriously doubt that you will get Bowens or other professional lighting equipment at these places.

This information might be somewhat outdated as I have not been in Dubai for some time. Prices for photographic equipment in the Middle East are ridiculously expensive. You would be better off to bring in the gear, purchasing it elsewhere.

[LewisShermer]

Thanks, I'm having someone source over there just to make sure on the prices. It's quite difficult to get information. buying it in the uk and taking it over does seem to be the best option though

[wickidwombat]

what about just ordering from B&H?
cheaper than the UK great service, reliable

[Menace]

Order from one of the larger US stores and have it shipped to the Middle East.

[LewisShermer]

how would the tax work with doing such a thing?

[AmbientLight]

I expect you will setup a legal entity in the U.A.E.. In this case I would recommend checking conditions on ordering gear through the internet using your U.A.E. company. My expectation is that you will get away with lower taxation compared to importing through the U.K., but you should really verify this.

U.K. prices are not outlandish, so this should give you a good starting point, but there may be better options depending on product and price range and availability of international deliveries to the U.A.E. by online stores.