Souks, sand and... shopping

In little more than a generation, the United Arab Emirates, and Dubai in particular, have managed to shed their dependence on pumping black gold from the desert sands and, like the proverbial phoenix, a vibrant, cosmopolitan city has risen from the sands.

With its central location (it’s less than eight hours flight from almost anywhere in the world) Dubai has become a major hub for travellers from around the globe. While many tourists (Europeans in particular) spend a week or two in Dubai soaking up the ubiquitous sun, Dubai is proving especially popular as a stopover destination. Whether you’re on your way to the USA, Europe, the Maldives or Asia, Dubai is a great place to break your journey for a few days. The age-old question though, is what to do and where to go, so if you’re in need of a bit of advice, read on…

The Tower of Arabia
Stretched out along the Arabian Gulf, the seaside area of Jumeirah is one of the best places to base yourself for your holiday in Dubai. While still close enough to the city centre shopping and markets (more about those later), the beach hotels each have a private stretch of beach for their guests. For South Africans used to chilly seas, the Arabian Gulf will come as a pleasant surprise.

The warm water is perfectly suited to afternoons splashing about, but if you’re looking for something a bit more exciting Dubai boasts a range of water activities. Each hotel will offer the usual complement of water-skiing, sailing etc, but will also be able to arrange excursions to go scuba diving and deep sea fishing, two of Dubai’s most popular activities.

While you’re wallowing in the warm Arabian waters, be sure to cast an eye towards the landmark hotel, the Burj Al Arab (Tower of Arabia). To say that ‘The Burj’ is a hotel would be to call a Ferrari a mere car. The Burj does not have rooms; it has suites. 202 of them in fact; each one a duplex suite boasting wall to wall, floor to ceiling windows. A better view of Dubai you’re unlikely to find. But then, for $1000 a night I’d expect nothing less.

Perhaps it’s just as well that you can’t afford it, as if you’ve only got a few days in Dubai you don’t want to spend all your time lazing next to the hotel pool. Or perhaps you do, but keep that to a day at the most, as there’s lots else to see and do. Once you’ve gotten over that jetlag, soaked up some sun and had a cocktail or two by the pool, it’s time for a bit of sightseeing…

Shopping, souks and sights...
Ask anyone what there is to do in Dubai and they’ll tell you shopping, shopping and more shopping. With tax-free shopping in some of the largest malls in the world Dubai is certainly the world’s biggest couch for retail therapy. For glitz and glamour, malls like Lamcy Plaza, Mercator and Deira City Centre are the places to go, offering top brands from around the world at affordable prices… even for South Africans. Most hotels will run shuttle buses throughout the day to the main shopping centres, so you won't even have to fork out for a taxi.

In 2006 shopaholics will be even better catered for in Dubai, with the opening of the Mall of Dubai – offering more than 1000 shops spread over five million square feet, it will be the largest mall in the world. If you don’t mind slumming it, you can also pop over to the Mall of the Emirates, which although it’ll have a paltry 350 shops, will boast the world’s third-largest indoor ski slope.

But for all the glitz and glamour of Dubai’s uber-malls, some of the best shopping is still to be found in Dubai’s souks, so make sure you set aside some time to have a wander. Most famous of these traditional markets is the Gold Souk, one of the largest retail gold markets in the world. Selling everything from raw ingots to finely crafted jewellery, you’ll be sure to find a glistening bargain here.

Closer to Dubai Creek, a natural seawater inlet separating ‘old’ from ‘new’ Dubai, is the Spice Souk. Although much smaller than the gold market, the spice souk is more evocative; tiny shops just big enough for shopkeeper and buyer are filled with every spice imaginable, with the exotic scents of cardamom, cinnamon and incense spilling out onto the narrow paved alleyways threading between the shops.

Bargaining tips! Pick a shop where you will get one-on-one service. Ask for a calculator and do some furious calculations. Mention that you're from SA and that the currency isn't very strong.

From the spice souk it’s just a 50 fils (about R1) abra, or water taxi, ride across Dubai Creek to the electronics souk, famed for its low priced goods of dubious origin. Spread out around the slightly scruffy Al Fahidi Street in Bur (old) Dubai, it’s the place to visit for low-priced electronics of all description. You may not get a full warranty, but the prices here are certainly cheaper than the malls. Remember, bargaining is king in the souks, so never pay the initial asking price.

Whether it's the glitz of the malls or the exotic atmosphere of the souks, Dubai is a world class shopping experience offering the best in the world at the world's best prices. If you're in need of a little time on the retail therapy couch, Dubai is without doubt the place to visit.

		Dubai fact file Emirates airlines flies twice-daily direct from Johannesburg to Dubai, with plans for a direct flight from Cape Town in the pipeline. Click here to book flights online. Dubai is part of an Arabic country, but is at the same time extremely liberal. Modest dress is expected in the city and in public places, but swimming costumes and bikinis are quite acceptable at the beach or pool. Arabic is the official language, but English is widely spoken and understood. The official currency of Dubai is the dirham (dhs), with the echange rate at roughly R1.8 to the dirham. Click here for the latest exchange rates Summers in Dubai can be extremely hot, with temperatures reaching 50°, and humidity above 80 percent. The best time to visit is in winter (Nov – April), when the temperature is a more moderate 25°. South Africans require a visa to visit the UAE. Click here for information on foreign embassies in South Africa. And 'What about alcohol?' I hear you ask. Alcohol is freely available in hotel restaurants and bars, but not outside the hotels. Penalties for being drunk in public and drunk driving are strict though, so don't take any chances! Click here for more information from the Dubai Department of Tourism.