Shopping in the United Arab Emirates, UAE
Airing Date: Jan 1st, 2002
Di visits Dubai in the United Arab Emirates. Dubai is known as the City of Gold and is one of the largest retail gold markets in the world. The Gold Souk has over 300 shop windows adorned with gold bracelets, rings, head and body dresses. You'll get good deals here as the gold is sold by weight which means the price will change almost daily and bargaining is expected - so never accept the first price. Shopping malls abound in Dubai but the Deira City Centre is the most popular one. Deira City Centre is open everyday from 10am to 11pm and it has the best range of shops in Dubai as well as a wonderful amusement park for the kids. You can get a good deal on Persian carpets, however, the clothes are comparatively priced to Australian prices.The Karama is probably the only place in Dubai where clothes are really cheap. Along with designer copies you'll find t-shirts for $5, shorts for about $7 and a good range of souvenirs. The Wafi Centre is the most upmarket shopping mall in Dubai where designer labels are mixed with traditional businesses. Across the car park from the Wafi Centre is Cleopatra's Spa which is open 7 days a week. Treatments range from baths to wraps to facials, and make-up lessons and an hour massage will cost about $100.The last chance to spend is at Dubai International Airport which has the reputation of being one of the best duty-free zones in the world. The recent $900 million overhaul means the shopping is now bigger and better than ever before.
The facts:
Emirates flies to Dubai daily from Melbourne and four times a week from Sydney. Return airfares start from $1760.
In Dubai we stayed at Le Meridien Hotel, just a few minutes from the International Airport. Prices start from $275 per double, per night.
Further information:
Emirates
Ph: 1300 303 777
Le Meridien Reservations Worldwide
Ph: 1800 622 240
