Souk Shopping With Dubai and Sharm El Sheikh Hotels

Shopping in Sharm el Sheikh and Dubai for souvenirs or mementos, can be an unforgettable experience for tourists. As well as the opportunity to pick up something locally made that is representative of the area, there is also the opportunity to participate in that most peculiar of price negoitation, haggling. There are many local markets, or souks in the area, not far from Sharm el Sheikh hotels selling a variety to things. As well as the local souks,Sharm el Sheikh also has modern shopping malls at Naama Bay.

Be prepared to haggle for what you want and don’t pay the first price quoted. This is generally far in excess of what the vendor expects and is simply an opening gambit to discussion. Over a glass of mint tea, you both have to reach a mutually acceptable price. You will probably be told that the article you want is worth far more than you’re quoting. Don’t believe it! Always be prepared to pay what you can afford. If you don’t seem to be getting anywhere in your negotiations, walk away. If he wants to make a sale, he will accept your price. If he doesn’t, another vendor will.

The souks are definitely aimed at the tourist market and there are many Egyptian themed goods available, from pyramids to statues of Egyptian gods and goddesses. Many tourists go home with a papyrus with their name in hieroglyphics. Egyptian cotton goods are a good buy, as are the perfumes and locally made jewellery. Shishas (water pipes) are very popular and be sure to buy some flavoured tobacco to smoke in it. A word of warning though, be sure to pack the Shisha in your main luggage. It will be confiscated if you put it in with your hand luggage. As well as a lot of designer name fakes, the stalls also do big business in incense holders, Turkish delight, T shirts and stuffed camels for the children. One enterprising stall even sells belly dancing outfits.

Many tourists stay at hotels in Dubai just to visit the shopping malls. The malls in Dubai are a lot bigger than European malls. Probably the biggest is The Mall of The Emirates. Bigger than 73 football pitches, it was opened in October 2005 and is the biggest mall, outside North America. Boasting over 400 retail outlets, it also has its own ski slope. The Lamcy Plaza, located next to the American Hospital near Sheikh Zayed Road, has one of the best children’s play areas. Many people take taxis from their hotels when planning to shop at this mall, with its 150 retail outlets, as it is very popular. The Wafi Mall is considered to be Dubai’s most elegant mall with lots of designer boutiques. It was built with an Egyptian theme and three giant pyramids form the central point of the mall. As with most malls in Dubai, the Wafiu has an indoor play area for children called the ‘Encounter Zone’. Just the place to drop the kids off whilst you shop for that designer dress.

One of the biggest attractions in Dubai is the Gold Souk, located in Deira. More than 300 goldsmiths work in the strip, producing a range of gold jewellery and other items. As you can imagine, competition is rife and you can pick up some gold artefact at an amazing price. The entrance is easily recognisable with 2 massive wooden doors leading to the street where gold glistens behind every window.