Abu Dhabi

Whether you choose to haggle for a bargain at a bustling market – otherwise known as a souk – or spend time in a lavish air-conditioned mall just off the Corniche, shopping in Abu Dhabi will be a memorable experience.

Traditional purchases include carpets, rugs, textiles, gold and spices, all of which can be found in dedicated souks where lots of stalls selling the same thing are grouped together. An example is the Gold Souk, not far from Sheikh Rashid Bin Saeed Al-Maktoum Street. Such items can be found in general souks too, or in specialist shops.

Souks are also good for finding antiques or craft items to take home as souvenirs. In contrast, shopping malls tend to be full of expensive jewellery and designer fashion.