Shopping
On moving to Dubai you will be leaving well behind the high street shopping scenario, walk into the exquisitely ornate shopping malls, air conditioned, well maintained and spotlessly clean offering not just fantastic shopping opportunities, but all round family entertainment - there are well staffed kids entertainment areas, soft play areas for younger kids, cafes, restaurants, nail bars, massage centre's and even a ski slope adjacent to the Mall of The Emirates.
Shopping malls in Dubai offer a wide variety of shops from clothes, sports equipment, furniture, electrical, stationary etc many offer a large supermarket and in many cases a liquor retailer adjacent. The liquor store will have its own private entrance and will not be clearly signed. Malls open 10am to 10pm, supermarkets open 9am. There is ample shaded or multi-storey car parking provided and in the case of larger malls, valet parking is an option. Street side shops are found in Satwa, Karama selling textiles, replica items, sportswear etc.
Souks which are lively colourful Arabian bazaars are found in old Dubai - spice souk, gold and diamond souk is very popular with the ladies, textile souk. Modern takes on these are now opening up in various locations around Dubai, Madinat Souq, Souq Al Bahar in Old Town Dubai, Khan Murjan in Wafi City are fine examples.
HSBC Middle East ATM's along with those of all the main banks are conveniently located in all shopping mall and at strategic locations around Dubai. All major credit cards are accepted and foreign currency can easily be exchanged in the many Bureau de Change, also present in the shopping malls. Hotels will also offer competitive rates on money exchange.
