Dubai, Oct 28: Shopping is the word that flashes our minds as soon as we hear Dubai! King Midas himself would have gone green with envy at the mountains of glittering yellow metal hanging from the windows of Dubai`s famous gold markets (souks).
Thousands of high-quality chains of various designs lined the glass above an array of gold, diamond and gemstone rings – a dazzling smorgasbord. Bargaining is the name of the game in Dubai, with the deal of the century lurking out there for buyers with the gift of the gab and a willingness to walk away to prove a point.
But gold is not the only bargain up for grabs in the Dubai souks.
Buyers can get their hands on a variety of textiles, rugs, shoes, spices, perfumes, paintings and metalwork – in fact, almost any ware you can imagine is sure to be available in one of the small shopfronts. For those after couture clothing and designer accessories, a number of centres are ready and willing to provide what is widely acknowledged as the best shopping in the world.
Part of the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is an interesting contrast of ancient culture and modern civilisation. Although it has existed since the mid 1800s, the modern city was built in the 1960s upon the proceeds of oil discovered in the Emirates.
From such humble beginnings, Dubai has blossomed into one of the wealthiest nations in the world – not many countries can claim to have Rolex clocks in their international airport.
Gearing itself for the time when its oil wells stop pumping out black gold, the emirate has quickly made a name for itself as a haven for the rich and famous.
Nothing screams "exclusive" (and excessive) more than Dubai`s Burj Al Arab, the world`s only seven-star hotel. Built on a man-made island, its distinctive sail-like architecture serves as a national flagship of attention to detail and service.
Imagine truckloads of real gold tiles, dancing fountains, separate check-in and maid and butler service on each floor, and travellers would understand only an inkling of the luxury on offer at the Burj.
It`s the 202 suites – there are no rooms – are advertised at 3800 dirham (about $1430) a night.
Regardless of its humble beginnings, Dubai is a regular in the Guinness Book of Records, usually for being the biggest and the best. Eighty per cent of its population is made up of expatriates, with pay scales dependent on a worker`s country of origin.
Despite the lack of greenery, it`s sometimes easy to forget Dubai is a city shaped from desert sands.
Upon hitting the open highway, however, Dubai`s origins immediately become clear, with the tarmac slicing through flowing orange sand dunes and the desert constantly trying to reclaim its own. Barrier fences – designed to keep roaming camels at bay – line these roadways for thousands of kilometres. The dunes themselves are an enticement not to be missed, with tour companies taking top-of-the-line Toyota LandCruisers out for a spin through the desert.
Racing up and down steep dunes is more fun than most show amusement rides. At a camel farm pit stop, it was ironic to note the most expensive male stud camel had been imported from Australia where the breeding stock is apparently bigger, stronger and more healthy.
The best way to end a tour is back at a desert camp with a huge feast under the stars, tucking into a variety of meats, vegetables, rice and breads while watching a belly dancer weaving the magic of the Middle East.
Bureau Report
