It is almost unbelievable that a century ago Dubai was just a peaceful desert-strewn town. Nowadays Dubai has gained enough revenue from trade that new skyscrapers and gleaming offices have sprung up next to the mosques and wind towers of Old Dubai.
Because of a combination of exoticism, absence of sales taxes, and a wide range of products, Dubai has become a favorite destination of tourists from all over the world. You can buy carpets and other traditional goods, such as Arabic coffee pots, swords, marble goblets, and woodworks. Dubai’s most famous bazaar is the Gold Souk at Sikkat al-Khali Street, where jewelry shops are lined up to temp your eyes.The Spice Souk, known as Old Souk, on Al-Sabkha Road is where bags bursting with exotic spices of various colors are on display. Top brand-name goods are sold at cheaper price in Dubai’s huge modern shopping malls around Beniyas Al-Rigga and Al-Hiyafa Road. The nearby Cosmos Lane is lined with stores selling textiles, from cool cottons to exotic brocades.