Sunday 22 March 2015

SHOPPING MALLS AND MARKETS IN UAE


SHOPPING
Shopping is something of a national past time in the UAE and one of the major attractions for visitors. Elegant state-of-the-art malls abound, but have not replaced traditional souks (markets). The result is a thrilling mix of old and new where twenty-first century retail co-exists with ancient family run businesses that trade as they have done for centuries.

Traditionally souks were as much meeting places as trading center’s; a hotchpotch of sandy alleys crammed with individual stalls interspersed with tea and coffee houses where men would gather to discuss the day’s events over a shisha pipe or a gahwa ( Arabic coffee). Throughout the country souks have been preserved and refurbished carefully so that they retain their traditional charm. In some emirates it is possible to buy anything in the souk, from a bag of frankincense, to a gold necklace or a camel. A visit to the souk is one of the quickest ways to immerse you in the country’s cultural heritage. In recent years the range of goods sold has increased dramatically to include everything from electrical goods to spare car parts. Generally souks are divided into areas selling similar items and many are named after the goods they stock – such as the spice souk, the fabric souk and the plant souk.

Shopping malls offer an incredible array of international brands – American, European and Asian. The shopping capital of the country is undoubtedly Dubai, hailed as ‘the shopping capital of the Middle East’, but Abu Dhabi is catching up fast, a number of high-end souks having opened up recently. Sharjah, Ajman and Ra’s al-Khaimah have also opened new malls. Many malls include multi-screen cinema complexes, all have numerous coffee shops and many have childcare facilities and child-centered entertainment. In twenty-first century Gulf living, the shopping mall has become a social outlet replacing the role of the souk in earlier times.

Prices are generally competitive. Bargaining is expected in souks, but major outlets in shopping malls quote ‘fixed prices’.

WHAT TO BUY
Gold
A visit to any of the gold souks or gold centers is a delightful experience. All cities have dedicated gold souks as well as an assortment of individual stores in upmarket malls. The range is largest in the souks and many exclusive jewelry boutiques are based in souks. Row upon row of shops with dazzling displays of gold jewelry in every conceivable design and purity line the corridors: 18- and 22-carat are common, but 24-karat is also popular, although the deep yellow hue of this high-carat jewelry is not to everyone’s taste. Kilo bars, ten tola bars, small minted bars and gold bullion bars are also available for purchase. The basic cost of the gold is set by weight daily. But the quoted price does not include ‘making changes’, the cost of which varies according to shop and style of jewelry.

Precious gems and pearls, along with a wide selection of costume jewelry, are also readily available.

Spices
In the spice souks, sacks of exotic spices spill out into the narrow alleyways, filling the area with a heady aroma.
Try some of the following:
Bazar – a mix of Arabian spices
Cumin (kamoun)
Coriander (jiljalan) can be fresh green leaves, seeds or ground.
Cardamom (Hal) picks pods that are pale brown or green in color. Good for flavouring gahwa (Arab coffee)
Cinnamon (jerfah)
Cloves (mismar)
Turmeric (curcum)
Saffron (saffron), considered to be the most expensive spice in the world, is actually a crocus stigma. An important flavoring agent in Arabic cookery.
Rosewater and orange blossom water (my ward WA mye al-zahr) distilled from flower petals are a traditional Arab flavoring for deserts, pastries and salads.
Chili powder (filfil ahmar) used in moderation in Arabic cookery.
Ginger (zanjabeel) a popular ingredient in many Middle Eastern dishes; it is also served infused in milk as a night-time drink.
Pine nuts

Perfume and Incense
Every conceivable perfume is available in the UAE. Large perfume stores sell global brands at very good prices. Smaller shops in the souks stock local perfumes, a fragrant mix of Arabian oil blended to suit individual taste.
Sacks of frankincense line most alleyways in spice souks. Frankincense was once more valuable than gold and the world’s most expensive fragrance, Amoebae, contains the finest frankincense from Oman. The clearer the crystals the better the frankincense. Most shops also sell traditional burners. Oud, the rare scented wood is also available in perfume shops. It can be mixed with frankincense to waft a wonderful scent when burnt.

Fabrics and Textiles
some of the finest silks from the Far East are to be found in the UAE. Fabrics are normally good value and high quality. Pashminas are a popular purchase, although they can vary hugely in quality and price.

Carpets
There are carpet outlets in most shopping centers but a visit to a carpet souk is by far the most rewarding. The Blue Souk in Sharjah offers the widest range of carpets at some of the keenest prices. Most carpet souks will carry an assortment of ancient and modern carpets, some of which are not of the highest quality.

The finest carpets come from Iran – the traditional Persian carpets. Handmade from silk, an authentic carpet will bear the signature of its creator woven into the design. The designs are many, each individual and usually specific to particular families or tribes.

Persian carpets are at the top of the price scale and many are so exquisite that putting them on the floor is practically unthinkable. There are cheaper options and most are just as hard wearing. India, Kashmir, Pakistan and to a lesser degree Afghanistan all produce high quality carpets. Most carpet traders are knowledgeable about their wares and will be happy to explain the difference between a machine-made or handwoven carpet, as well as describe in detail how carpets are made and from which villages they originate.

Most traders will buy carpets back or swap them for similar products. Traditionally, carpets are intended to last a lifetime and many on sale are far older.

Traditional Goods
Soups and antique shops stock wonderful old oriental carpets, exotic wall hangings, elegant Arabic coffeepots made of hand-beaten copper, carved wooden chests, ornamental khan jars (traditional daggers), chunky silver jewelry, shishas, intricate jewelry boxes, woven camel-hair goods, worry beads and brass. Some good quality antique goods are available but many items are reproductions.

Asian tapestries are popular and make superb wall-hangings and table runners. Embroidered Syrian cushions add a touch of luxury to all sofas and many come with matching tablecloths.

Fresh Vegetables and Fish
Soups specializing in vegetables and fish are well worth a visit to view the enormous selection of produce and drink in the atmosphere of the bustling marketplace.

Fresh fish from local waters are landed in the early morning and late at night and are on display alongside imported fish and seafood. The fish souks are busiest on Thursdays, Fridays, and on public holidays. For a small fee a helper will carry your bags, bargain for you if you wish to purchase a fish and even arrange to have your fish filleted and scaled.

Fruit and vegetables are mainly imported but some are home-grown and organic fruit and vegetables from the UAE are also available.
SOUQS AND SHOPPING AREAS
ABU DHABI
Many of the carpets on offer at the bustling Carpet Souk near Mina Zayed are machine-made copies. But a determined search should uncover handmade goods and tribal handcrafted designs.
The Free Zone Market near the Dhow Harbor in Al Mina stocks a plethora of knick-knacks, pottery and other goods.
Also near the Dhow Harbor, the Fish Market provides a very enjoyable traditional shopping experience for early risers. The wholesale market starts trading around 4.30 a.m. and closes at 6.30 a.m. Traders sell the freshest fare in bulk for the first two hours of trading before moving on to smaller quantities after 6.30 a.m. as the daily market prepares to open.
Just before the Dhow Harbor and the Free Zone Market, Al Mina Vegetable Market stocks a wide range of local and imported fresh produce. This is also best visited early in the morning.
Central Market in the central Markaziyah area of Abu Dhabi is a very striking example of contemporary Islamic architecture. A reinterpretation rather than reconstruction of the original souk, this beautifully designed air-conditioned bazaar has many little nooks, crannies, rooftop areas and shaded courtyards to explore and enjoy.
The modern Gold Souk beside Madinah Zayed Shopping Centre houses numerous well-stocked shops specializing in jewelry made from gold and precious stones.
On the waterfront between two bridges connecting Abu Dhabi Island to the mainland, Qaryat Al Beri Souk is a delightful recreated Arabian souk with a Venetian theme. It also has a spectacular view of Sheikh Zayed Mosque.
DUBAI
Deira Old souk & Spice souk by the Creek is a traders' paradise where everything from plastic toys to spices are piled high and tiny stores are crammed with the useless and the much sought after. Meander through the fragrance-filled alleyways towards the nearby Gold souk.

The Gold souk is one of the city’s most popular tourist attractions and it is easy to understand why. Covered alleyways are lined with small shops displaying tray after tray of ornate gold jewelry and precious stones.

Bur Dubai souk near Dubai Museum is also known as the Textile souk. Souvenirs and knick-knacks are on sale here, but the area is best known for its stunning array of fabrics.

Karama souk in Bur Dubai is not technically a souk. This tucked away treasure trove of bargains is housed in two 'modern' buildings.

The Fruit and Vegetable Market near the Deira end of Shindagha Tunnel houses the largest array of fresh produce in Dubai.

Nearby is the Fish Market stocked with local and imported fish and seafood.
Recreating the traditional souk architecture of narrow stone corridors, high archways and subdued lighting, Souk Al Bahar is an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants and cafés along the waterfront in ‘Downtown Dubai’ (beside Dubai Mall).
The meandering alleyways, heavy wooden doors and curving arches of Souk Madinah Jumeirah replicate ancient Arabian bazaars. Wind towers, palm-trees and winding canals add to the overall effect, whilst retail outlets, restaurants, bars and cafés provide endless shopping, dining and entertainment.
SHARJAH
Sympathetically renovated, souk al-Arsah or the Old souk near Al Burj Avenue retains its traditional charm. In times gone by the souk was a meeting place for Bedouin who travelled from the desert to trade charcoal for rice and goods imported from Iran and India.

The most famous souk in Sharjah, the Blue Souk, is also known as the new souk or Central Market. Built in 1979, this is one of the most striking buildings in the emirate. A double row of vaulted, blue tiled structures are linked by bridges and cooled by wind towers that catch sea breezes from the nearby lagoon.

A variety of retail outlets fill the ground floor and the upper story is crammed with carpet shops selling silk and wool masterpieces from Iran, Pakistan and India. Bridges joining the upper floor house numerous silver jewelry shops.

Sharjah's Gold Centre is located at the intersection of Al Qasimi and Al Wahda Streets. Built in traditional Islamic style, it has become a local shopping landmark.

Housed in another striking building, the central gold dome of Al Majarrah souk rises majestically above the Creek’s skyline. Some 50 shops sell handicrafts, perfumes, textiles and shoes.

The Fish souk, close to the Blue souk provides an exciting traditional shopping experience. The daily catch comes in all shapes and sizes.

In the Fruit and Vegetable souk, opposite the Fish souk, traders perch precariously atop their goods and greet every potential purchaser as a long lost friend.

The Plant and Pot souk is close to the fruit and vegetable souk: bougainvillea, oleanders, hibiscus and periwinkles tumble in abundance from pots and trellises.

Historically, the Iranian Bazaar along the Creek traded in clothes and gold, but today the goods on offer are mostly spices, herbs and textiles.

The Friday Market lies between Dhaid and Masafi on the road to Fujairah. Originally, as the name suggests, a Friday market for local traders, the roadside market is now a daily occurrence and has grown into a favorite stopping place for tourists visiting the east coast. Open-air stalls sell carpets, pottery, plants, fruit and vegetables and a confusing array of household goods and inflatable toys.

Sharjah’s only east coast town boasts one of the prettiest souks in the country. Overlooking the Gulf of Oman, the traditional arched Khor Fakkan souk, topped by wind towers, is the town’s best known landmark. Small outlets sell a mixture of textiles and household goods.

AJMAN

Ajman souk on Ra’s al-Khaimah Road is
a small purpose-built souk filled with individual outlets.

RA'S AL-KHAIMAH

The souk in Ra's al Khaimah is essentially two adjoining streets. Outlets sell mainly traditional Arabic and Pakistani clothes, fabric and household goods.

FUJAIRAH

The souk in Fujairah town Centre is along traditional lines trading in everything from textiles to household goods. Most fresh produce is locally grown on nearby farms.

Split between Oman, Sharjah and Fujairah, the east coast town of Dibba is uniquely cultural and traditional. Opening hours at Dibba Fish Market on the shore are more than a little erratic with stalls opening when fishermen arrive with the day’s catch and closing when everything is sold. Salted fish is available all day.

DUBAI
Shopping malls in the UAE are destinations in themselves: large, well-designed venues with excellent restaurants, cafés and a wide range of entertainment facilities. Some of the biggest malls in the region are located here.
 Mall of the Emirates on Sheikh Zayed Road retains its popularity as one of the most user-friendly malls and is home to the UAE's only indoor ski slope. Dubai Festival City by the Creek is in a delightful waterfront setting. Ibn Battuta Mall is a huge themed mall centered on the travels of the renowned fourteenth-century Arab explorer. The huge Dubai Mall, by the mesmeric Burj Khalifa, houses every conceivable outlet under the sun, as well as an enthralling aquarium and a giant ice rink. The eclectic Souk Al Bahar is next door in the heart of ‘Downtown Dubai'. Souk Madinat Jumeirah near the Burj al-Arab is a reconstruction of a traditional Arabian bazaar but with a modern twist. On the other side of town, the newish Midriff City Centre has good leisure and entertainment facilities and you can find just about anything at a bargain price in DragonMart on the road to Hatta.
Other longer-established malls continue to improve their range of outlets, Emirates Boulevard next to the elegant Jumeirah Emirates Towers, BurjumanCity CentreLamcy PlazaWafi City , Al Mamzar Shopping Centre and Mercato Mall, are just a few worth visiting. The Gold and Diamond Park, although technically not a mall, is also a destination on every shoppers’ list.

ABU DHABI
For years, shopping in Abu Dhabi was overshadowed by Dubai. However, the capital is rapidly catching up with its sister emirate and retail space in Abu Dhabi is expected to double to almost 1.8 million square meters by 2015. The delightful 
Marina Mall on the breakwater has over 400 high-end outlets, whilst centrally located Abu Dhabi Mall retains its popularity with shoppers and has a busy bowling alley. Khalidiyah Mall on King Khalid bin Abdul Aziz St, Foutouh Al Khair Centre (also known as Marks and Spencer’s Mall) near Qasr al Hosn, and Mushrif Mall on Airport Road are old favorites. Al Wahda Mall on Hazza bin Zayed St has built up a large following and Madinat Zayed Gold Centre specializes in gold and other jewelry.

The Souk, a beautifully redesigned traditional market with delightful courtyard cafés and the Emporium are both in the impressive rebuilt 
Central Market. The Souk at Qaryat Al Berialso features a range of shops in a contemporary adaptation of a typical Arabian souk. The Avenue is dedicated to high fashion and luxury is also in evidence at The Galleria in the new commercial Centre in Sowwah Square, Al Mariah Island. New ventures will include Yas Mall, which is set to open at the end of 2014.
Abu Dhabi's suburbs are also well-served by shopping malls: Dalma Mall and Mall cater to Mohammed bin Zayed City, Al Raha Mall services the Al Raha community, whilst Deerfields Town Square is situated further out on the Abu Dhabi to Dubai highway.

AL AIN

The renovated 
Al Ain Mall, in the heart of the city has a wide ranges of shops, an ice-rink and other entertainment facilities. Other malls in Al Ain include Al Jimi Mall and Al Bawdy Mall.

SHARJAH

The Blue Souk (Souk Al Markazi) or Central Market, beside Khaled Lagoon, is a landmark in Sharjah, noteworthy for its Islamic design. Inside, the elegant building houses fashion outlets, jewelry, carpet and antique stores. 
Sahara CentreSharjah Megamall, and Sharjah also offer the discerning shopper the usual mix of high-end fashion, food and fun.

AJMAN

Ajman City Centre, a cornucopia of shopping and entertainment, is on the coast road from Sharjah to Ra’s al-Khaimah, whilst Safeer Mall is also a popular retail destination.

RA'S AL-KHAIMAH

Manar Mall in the heart of the city is the oldest and one of the most popular shopping malls in the emirate. It has been joined in recent years by Safeer Mall, which also has outlets in Sharjah and Ajman, and Al Hamra Mall. Both are medium-sized stores with a wide range of shops and entertainment.
FUJAIRAH
Fujairah City Centre introduces a diverse mix of new and internationally renowned brands, plus state-of-the-art entertainment and a mix of food and beverage options to the UAE's east coast. The 
Trade Centre Shopping Mall is a relatively small but useful collection of stores. Dana Plaza Shopping Centre is another small shopping Centre, this time 

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