Called the "shopping capital of the Middle East", Dubai draws tourists simply by its irresistible shopping opportunities. Numerous shopping malls and souks, duty and tax free merchandise for every conceivable need and a month long Dubai Shopping Festival (DSF) every year lures shopaholics from all over the globe. If you are in Dubai for the pleasure of shopping you are in mall-heaven! DSF 2003 is scheculed from January 15th to February 15th. The gold souk in Dubai is quite unlike anything you will see in the world. Row upon row of shops, glitzy and glittering with gold ornaments – the souk is a must visit even if you aren’t shopping for gold.
Although most shops display “fixed price” signs, in most cases bargaining will reduce the price especially if you are paying in cash. Start with quoting half the price and gradually go upwards!