| Among the many charms of Dubai is shopping. | | | | and pendants in a stunning variety of designs. A |
| Whether it's haggling over Persian carpets in the | | | | specialty of the local gold craftsmen is creating items |
| centuries-old souks or shopping for French perfumes in | | | | in shades of pink, white, yellow or green by varying the |
| the air-conditioned hush of the most modern | | | | alloys. |
| department store, Dubai offers every shopper a great | | | | The nearby Spice Souk is filled with baskets piled with |
| experience. And as an open port with low import | | | | cloves, cardamom, cinnamon, incense, dried fruit and |
| duties, prices are very attractive. Trade is at the heart | | | | nuts. Browsing here is an aromatic adventure which |
| of Middle-eastern culture, so the variety of products is | | | | you can continue in the Perfume Souk. And there's |
| staggering. | | | | even a Fish Souk to sell the morning's catch of fish |
| So if you're moving for that new job in Dubai , or just | | | | from the Arabian Sea. |
| spending a few weeks vacation, shopping will be one | | | | So there's no shortage of places to shop in Dubai. |
| of the highlights of your visit. Here's the lowdown on | | | | Now let's look at some of the practicalities of shopping. |
| the shopping scene in Dubai. First, let's look at where to | | | | Traditional shopping hours from Saturday to Thursday |
| go. We'll refer to locations relative to the Dubai Creek, | | | | run from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. with a break between |
| the waterway that splits the city into the two halves of | | | | 1:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Most modern outlets such as |
| Deira and Bur Dubai. | | | | malls and supermarkets stay open all day. All outlets |
| For sheer comfort, you can't beat Dubai's many | | | | close for prayers on Friday between 11.30 a.m. to 1.30 |
| modern shopping plazas. Air-conditioned and furnished | | | | p.m. and many shops stay open late on Fridays. |
| with escalators, these multi-storey emporia sell | | | | Bargaining is a traditional part of shopping in Dubai. |
| everything from designer fashions to the latest | | | | While most modern outlets have fixed prices, for |
| Japanese televisions. They also house restaurants, | | | | family businesses and markets, negotiation is a key |
| cafes and movie theaters for the total day out. | | | | component of the buying process. One good tip is to |
| Among the most prestigious in Bur Dubai is the | | | | check out prices at the fixed-priced outlets before |
| centrally-located Bur Juman Center, an enormous | | | | heading to the souks. This will give you an idea of a |
| shopping mall with180 prestigious stores selling high | | | | fair price before you start haggling. |
| fashion labels for the uber chiq. | | | | As an entrepot port, you can buy products from all |
| Leading malls in the Deira district include Al Mulla Plaza, | | | | over the world in Dubai. And electronic goods, |
| the Intercontinental Plaza, Abu Hail Shopping Centre, | | | | watches, cameras and such items are competitively |
| The Galleria, and Al Ghurair Centre Bur Dubai features | | | | priced. You can often pick up fashion items for less |
| the Wafi Mall and Holiday Centre Plus there are a host | | | | than you'd pay in the country of origin due to the low |
| of top class department stores and boutiques spread | | | | taxes. But don't leave Dubai without picking up some |
| throughout the city. Emirates mall is one of the most | | | | local delights. |
| exclusive shopping properties in Dubai, and should not | | | | If you're looking for authentic local souvenirs you have |
| be missed. | | | | many choices. You can't go wrong with Arabic coffee |
| Modern malls offer the most convenient and | | | | pots to remind you of the aromatic local brew. Then |
| comfortable way to shop. But to uncover the exotic | | | | there are silver and brass sword and daggers, prayer |
| past of this futuristic city, and to savor the sights and | | | | beads, frankincense, Arabian perfumes, rugs and |
| smells of the authentic Arab world, you need to head | | | | Persian carpets. And don't forget pearls. Before oil |
| to one of Dubai's souks. These are the traditional | | | | was discovered in the UAE in the 1950s, the country's |
| markets of Dubai and you'll find them on both sides of | | | | economy was built on fishing and pearling. |
| the creek. | | | | The important thing about shopping in Dubai is to enjoy |
| Souks are usually organized into areas selling similar | | | | yourself. There are bargains to be found and you can |
| items and are often named after a product. Thus the | | | | acquire rare and exotic items that will grace your life |
| Gold Souk is the place to pick up gold ornaments. Here | | | | for many years to come. |
| you can browse earrings, rings, necklaces, bracelets | | | | |