Shopping in Dubai

A few weeks ago the Desert Rat and I headed off to Dubai for a week. While he was stuck in the office, I explored this bizarre city in the desert. Dubai prides itself on its shopping and has been a trading port for centuries. The modern day Dubai has taken the shopping experience to a new level by building huge shopping malls with not only shops but restaurants, cinemas and other attractions such as ice rinks, aquariums and even indoor ski slopes!

However, after all the glam of the shopping malls (see below), the highlight in Dubai for me was the chance to wander through the souks (markets). You can buy everything and anything - from food to gold to fabric to flowers.

Although small, the spice souk was the place to take in the scents of exotic spices, herbs and dried goods. This is where I got the cheapest vanilla pods ever! As you can also see, they also do a fine trade in leather camels.

The fish souk was bustling with lots of people picking out their seafood needs. Although I wasn't buying anything, everyone was friendly and let me take photos of their wares.

The fruit and veg souk is right next door. I chatted with one of the stall vendors who told me that the fresh produce is brought in from all over the place, in particular Oman and India.

The variety of dates was incredible, though I have to say I prefer our local Libyan dates.

And then there were the shopping centres: The Mall of the Emirates below has an indoor ski slope. Not being a skiier myself, I was content just looking in through the window:

The Wafi Shopping Mall and the Raffles Hotel which is connected to it has chosen a faux Egyptian theme for their decor!

It was all quite amaxing to see, but I must admit I did suffer a little shopping fatigue by the time we left!

Sahara Gal