Souk in Arabic means a place where any kind of product can be exchanged or bought. For centuries, dhows (wooden boats) from the Far East, Sri Lanka and India would anchor in Dubai to sell their exotic wares. Today, these souks still exist and represent a vast part of Dubai's traditional trading culture. The perfect place to spend a day, trawling through the stalls and discovering the art of haggling is the Gold Souk, where you can find some of the world's cheapest yellow metal. Head down this street and be dazzled as you pass row upon row of gleaming shops selling diamonds and bright gold. Prices vary, depending on weight, but rest assured that whatever you buy will be at a snip, sometimes even as little as quarter of what you might pay back home.
Many visitors enjoy a trip to the Spice Souk as another top destination. With its bustling narrow streets and fragrant spices precariously stacked up against one another, you'll be sure to appreciate the smells and ambience of this market. Stock up on saffron, thyme, vanilla pods, dried cinnamon and dried orange and lemon (loomi) for a spicy and fragrant treat.
The Souk Al Kabeer and the Meena Bazaar area are great places to visit if you're in search of some colourful material. With many shops offering wares from India and Pakistan, there's a huge range of jewel-encrusted silks, brightly coloured satins, paisley printed crepe and pastel chiffons to choose from - ideal for mocking up that one-of-a-kind cocktail or prom dress. Prices are reasonable and what's more, you're sure to get something original you won't find at home.
Seeking electronics? Then hop down to Bur Dubai where the neon lights and fluorescent signage jump out. Haggle yourself a cheap TV, DVD or MP3 player, but just make sure the frequencies are compatible with those back home.
If you're in Dubai from January to February or making a visit between June and September, take advantage of either DSF (Dubai Shopping Festival) or DSS (Dubai Summer Surprises). Throughout these festivals you can enjoy sizeable discounts (up to 80% off in some cases) and bag some amazing bargains, from clothing to electronics. Not only that, you'll also be able to enjoy many cultural and educational activities. During DSF, nightly shows take place along with street carnivals, fireworks and fairgrounds, providing great amusement for youngsters and the young at heart. Throughout DSS, children's activities take place all around the city, offering educational and fun zones to entertain the little ones. Modhesh Fun City is a major attraction with non-stop entertainment for kids around the clock. Raffles galore take place in both festivals, but these are not your usual bunch of flowers and chocolate affairs, by any stretch of the imagination. Enter one of these and you could find yourself winning the latest BMW, millions of dirhams of cash, gold bars, luxury holidays and even an apartment. Some lucky winners in the past have swiped up to three cars per household and with raffle ticket numbers often capped, the chances of winning are better than expected and the prizes quite unlike any other raffle in the world.
Meanwhile, falling at the end of Ramadan and the beginning of December last year, the two editions of the Eid in Dubai festival offered sales, promotions and entertainment galore. The Global Village site also offers shopping opportunities at more than 40 international pavilions. Hop from China to Vietnam and beyond, picking up authentic souvenirs from an A-Z of nations
Many visitors enjoy a trip to the Spice Souk as another top destination. With its bustling narrow streets and fragrant spices precariously stacked up against one another, you'll be sure to appreciate the smells and ambience of this market. Stock up on saffron, thyme, vanilla pods, dried cinnamon and dried orange and lemon (loomi) for a spicy and fragrant treat.
The Souk Al Kabeer and the Meena Bazaar area are great places to visit if you're in search of some colourful material. With many shops offering wares from India and Pakistan, there's a huge range of jewel-encrusted silks, brightly coloured satins, paisley printed crepe and pastel chiffons to choose from - ideal for mocking up that one-of-a-kind cocktail or prom dress. Prices are reasonable and what's more, you're sure to get something original you won't find at home.
Seeking electronics? Then hop down to Bur Dubai where the neon lights and fluorescent signage jump out. Haggle yourself a cheap TV, DVD or MP3 player, but just make sure the frequencies are compatible with those back home.
If you're in Dubai from January to February or making a visit between June and September, take advantage of either DSF (Dubai Shopping Festival) or DSS (Dubai Summer Surprises). Throughout these festivals you can enjoy sizeable discounts (up to 80% off in some cases) and bag some amazing bargains, from clothing to electronics. Not only that, you'll also be able to enjoy many cultural and educational activities. During DSF, nightly shows take place along with street carnivals, fireworks and fairgrounds, providing great amusement for youngsters and the young at heart. Throughout DSS, children's activities take place all around the city, offering educational and fun zones to entertain the little ones. Modhesh Fun City is a major attraction with non-stop entertainment for kids around the clock. Raffles galore take place in both festivals, but these are not your usual bunch of flowers and chocolate affairs, by any stretch of the imagination. Enter one of these and you could find yourself winning the latest BMW, millions of dirhams of cash, gold bars, luxury holidays and even an apartment. Some lucky winners in the past have swiped up to three cars per household and with raffle ticket numbers often capped, the chances of winning are better than expected and the prizes quite unlike any other raffle in the world.
Meanwhile, falling at the end of Ramadan and the beginning of December last year, the two editions of the Eid in Dubai festival offered sales, promotions and entertainment galore. The Global Village site also offers shopping opportunities at more than 40 international pavilions. Hop from China to Vietnam and beyond, picking up authentic souvenirs from an A-Z of nations
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