UAE-A tourist view
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Dubai may not be an ideal place to buy old Arabian souvenirs. However, there're things that may still interest you. There're Bedouin ( nomadic Arab race ) jewellery which you can buy. I've heard my Muslim friends saying gold in Dubai is cheap, I don't know how true is it. You can try out the Gold souk (market) in Dubai.
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A shop in Gold Souk |
I didn't count but I think there're more than hundred of gold shops there.
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If you like Arabic spice, spice souk is just another street across Gold souk. Ask for the direction if you're not sure. If you're near, your nose will tell you. However, compare to gold shops, the number of spice shops are much lesser in number. For carpet lovers, I saw a lot of carpet shops in Sharjah's new souk, on second storey. If you wanna buy key chains, you can find better quality key chains in Dubai duty free shops in airport at a very reasonable price. One souvenir I like is the seven different color sands from seven different emirates.
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Spice Souk |
For electronics goods, I find it more expensive than the one I can buy in Singapore. You'll have to find out the price yourself.
These suggestions are only my personal view, and it's mostly limited mostly in Dubai
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Dubai CreekDubai Creek divides Dubai into Deira( east ) and Bur Dubai ( West ). Deira is the commercial district of Dubai, and land is more expensive.
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Why not take an abra ride along the creek? It'll definitely cost more than just taking you from Deira to Bur Dubai and vice versa but it's worth the experience. If you're an independent traveller, bargain is necessary. For a relax stroll along Dubai Creek, 'Creek Side Park' is a good choice, with admission fees of 5 Dhs. There's a wonderland beside the park. From the park, you can see 'Dubai Creek Golf and yacht club'.
Dubai Creek Golf and yacht club |
Deira side of Dubai Creek
Bur Dubai side of Dubai Creek |
2. Dubai Museum
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Dubai Museum |
The building of Dubai Museum is the Al-Fahaidi Fort. Most of the buildings in Dubai is very new and modern, so this Museum really stands out. Wax Figures |
Dubai Museum |
There're many wax figures inside the museum. It tells about the history and culture of it's country and people.
3. Gold Souk and Spice Souk
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Even if you're not buying gold, gold souk is still my recommendation. They start business at 4:30pm to 5:00pm. Spice souk is just near too. Then there're many shops near the souks and it's vibrant. Actually, night time is the best time to walk along the streets there. There's neon lights and a lot of people. |
Gold Souk |
