Whether traditional or cosmopolitan shopping there are myriads of shopping destinations in UAE. The country is the home of some of the world’s prestigious brand names in fashion arena. As you shop either in shopping centers or in local markets you can really find what you are looking for.

SOUQS

The word souq comes from the Arabic word that means “market”. It is where locals buy different goods in affordable costs. Unlike in modern shopping malls, you can haggle until the last price. Souqs is a must-visit shopping place if you are looking for cheap yet quality items.


• Gold Souq  -  this is the ideal place if you want to find beautiful gold jewelry that comes in different designs. Along with the various designs are the different shades of gold including pink, white and green hues. Temptation is so hard that you cannot help yourself but buy them. Here in Gold Souq, there are hundreds of shops that are worth to visit even if you have no plan of buying.


• Al Meena Souq  -  otherwise known as Afghan Souq, this must visit place stores numerous antiques and local items for souvenirs. Al Meena is widely famous for oriental carpets, Persian rugs and colorful fabrics. In addition, there are also camel blankets, bed sheets and hand-woven baskets. There are large number of local and foreign shoppers frequent Al Meena as it offers true value for money.


• Spice Souq  -  fragrances and aroma of spices welcome you as you reach this market. This is also called as the Deira Old Souk. This market for fresh Arabic spices and seasonings is the place to be if you want only the best ingredients for your recipe. Loads of beautiful Persian rugs and glassware await you at the end of the spice trail in Spice Souq.


• Iranian Souq  -  the most authentic souq in the city of Abu Dhabi that is very famous to foreign and local travelers. The Iranian Souq houses numerous small shops selling antiques, rugs, wooden furniture, baskets and painstakingly carved jewelry boxes. The atmosphere of this traditional market is surrounded with rustic yet charming environment. Hence, this is certainly the place to go if you are seeking for nice items in a pleasant location.


• Dubai Perfume Souq  -  tens of thousands different perfumes are sold in here. Every scent or fragrance are available from very strong to floral western perfumes. At Dubai Perfume Souq, you can haggle and save some extra money. There are also incense available in Dubai Perfume Souq that comes in compressed powder, crystal rock and wood form.


• Fish Souq  -  a unique attraction in the morning and late at nights in the city of Dubai wherein local anglers bring loads of fresh seafoods and different varieties of fish. In fish souq, the wholesale market usually starts 4:30 am and ends around 6:30 am. Hence, if you want to be a part of their trading come early before it is too late.


• The Blue Souq  -  in the district of Sharjah, another famous souq stands- the Blue Souq or Central Market. It was established in 1979 in which its striking edifice dominates in the emirate. A wide array of retail stores fill the floors of The Blue Souq jam-packed with different varieties from carpets, silks, wool and jewelries.