For followers of designer fashion and bargain hunters alike, Dubai can be all things to all men – provided you are equipped with plenty of money or a substantial credit on the plastic. Shops are open from 9 a.m. until 10 p.m. and they are all dedicated to relieving you of your money.
Gold Souks in Deira
The row upon row of shops in the gold souk with windows overflowing with sparkling jewels, gold and pearls acts like a magnet for people from all over the world. The price of gold is set daily but you pay a lot of value added which means the real price is in the intricacy of the design. To ensure a bargain, therefore, check out the price of gold in the morning newspaper (or ask the concierge at your hotel) so that you know how much the value added amount is before beginning to haggle. Of course, you need not bother with the gold souks if you are not into jewellry, or not into the particular type of jewellry that the shops here specialize in. The gold is invariably 24 carat which can look a trifle brassy to the western eye, and as it is usually of a highly ornate design the whole effect can be overwhelming.
You may think of buying a mobile 'phone but do you really want one that is diamond encrusted? Or even one that has a gold plated cover? Maybe settle for a plain one but buy a jewel encrusted leather cover to encase it in?
Shopping Malls in Dubai
Designer shops are ubiquitous in the malls and boutiques of the city. Even the major hotels now sport shopping malls so you need never leave the confines of your chosen hotel if you wish. Deira City Centre and BurJuman Centre are two particular favourites with most visitors as they have boutique stores as well as brand outlets. Wafi City is smaller in size but offers a very good range of affordable goods, and along Beach Road there are smaller and more intimate malls. Hyatt Regency Hotel has its own in-house mall. There is even an IKEA in Dubai.
Souk Shopping
For genuine bargains head for the spice souks with the quaint narrow streets and pungent smells. Shop here for spices, for saffron and cinnamon, for pistachios, pecan nuts, and fresh dates, and take advantage of the free 'tasters' you'll be offered.
Bar Dubai is where the electronic shops are located, a chaotic place of flashing lights and hustling traders. It's an entertaining place and a good place to hone your haggling skills, but make sure you know the price in your own country of the item you wish to buy. Get access to a computer and look it up on a site you trust.
Along the side of the creek is the textile souk and hundreds of stores selling silks, satins, cottons and all sorts of fabrics and designs you never imagined. Some will even offer to make garments up (or have them made up by 'a cousin') and materials are sold in sari lengths. The other good buys here are pashminas and kaftans.
The main shopping event of course, is the Dubai Shopping Festival that takes place yearly on a dedicated site in the city. Here you will find goods from all over the world at realistic prices, but the pleasure of the DFS lies in just being there and feeling the enjoyment of the locals. This year's dates have not yet been announced but it is usually in March/April.
Mari Nicholson - Award Winning travel writer and historian, member of British Guild of Travel Writers.Travelwriters.co.uk, and Society of Women Writers and ...
