Shopping

Malls, souks and the markets that are still markets. The UAE’s shopping splits cleanly in two: the air-conditioned mega-malls, which are as much attractions as shops, and the old trading souks around Dubai Creek and in Sharjah, where the price on the label is the opening of a conversation. Entries say which is which, what the anchor draw is, and whether the trip is worth making for the shopping alone or only if you are already nearby. Gold is sold by weight against the daily rate — the making charge is the part you negotiate.