capital expenditure

Not only will you find a huge selection of mainstream items, authentic antiques and some unusual discoveries, all at excellent prices, but with shops staying open late into the evenings you can really shop at leisure. Carpets, gold, spices and wooden antiques are all hot items that find their way into many a homebound tourist’s luggage. It’s up to you whether you want to spend thousands on a genuine antique or finely woven silk carpet, or whether you want to use your pocket change to buy a few cheap souvenirs. Many stores can arrange to ship your purchases back to your home country.

The size and architecture of Abu Dhabi’s malls can be a surprise to some visitors. These huge structures are spacious and fully air-conditioned, and packed with a range of international brands. Apart from everyday shops likesupermarkets, clothing stores, card shops and electronics outlets, most malls also have several shops selling local souvenirs, carpets and perfume. Malls are much more than just a place to shop, equipped with a range of entertainment and leisure facilities; they are meeting points for families and friends – which make them perennially popular.

If you’re after a more authentic Arabian shopping experience, head for the traditional markets, or souks. Apart from an eclectic range of goods for sale, the markets are great for an abundance of photo opportunities and a bustling atmosphere that you can see, hear and smell all at once. Items to look out for in the souks include spices, silks, perfumes, souvenirs and antiques. Often, shops specialising in  certain products can be found side by side, so it’s easy to compare prices. If you find a brand name item selling for an unbelievable price, it could well be a fake. Souks are usually open from 08:00 to 13:00 and 16:00 to 19:00, except Fridays when they only open in the afternoon.