Dubai villas, Dubai villa rental

Dubai is located at the gateway between East and West. This, along with an open port policy, has attracted traders from all over the world to establish their business within the emirate. An additional bonus for traders is the low import duties and tax-free facilities. This all adds up to good deals galore for all those bargain hunters.

The city is a modern cosmopolitan hub which is widely illustrated by the various retail outlets. Whether shoppers are looking for French fashion, Japanese electronics, Italian accessories and footwear or Bedouin jewellery and textiles, it can all be found in the numerous ethnic souks (markets) or the modern shopping malls.

The Dubai Shopping Festival is organised and promoted by a unique partnership between the Government of Dubai and the city?s enterprising corporate sector. It is the largest retailing event in the Middle East and has been a catalyst in the development of Dubai?s growing retail sector and establishing Dubai?s place on the regional and international map.

Due to the sad demise of His Highness Shaikh Maktoum bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Ruler of Dubai the eleventh annual Dubai Shopping Festival, due to be held from 4 January to 4 February 2006, has been postponed until 20 December 2006 ? 2 February 2007. The number of visitors to the 2005 Dubai Shopping Festival totalled over 3.3 million, an increase of six per cent when compared to 2004. Sales during the month-long event in 2004 were estimated at Dhs. 6.7 billion (Approx ?1.03 billion).

As part of a larger approach to developing the city as the tourist capital of the Middle East, Dubai is trying hard to rival Hong Kong and Singapore as a shop-til-you-drop destination. They've made shopping largely tax free and allowed merchants to import products from other countries with very few duties or tariffs. The result is that everything from gold chains to Ipods, Gucci purses to Persian rugs can be found in the malls and suoqs of Dubai at rock bottom prices.

The Gold and Diamond Park is owned by Emaar Properties and was opened in May 2001 by HH General Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum to enhance Dubai?s position as the ?City of Gold?. The enclosed park covers an area of 167,885 square feet and is fully air-conditioned. Its architecture reflects the region's Arabic heritage while maintaining a balance of space and comfort in its interiors. The park now consists of more than 38 retail outlets and 118 manufacturing units.

The project has proved to be a glowing success, the number of gold and jewellery shoppers has exceeded all expectations. It has become literally the heart of the gold and diamond jewellery market in Dubai. The success to-date of the park has laid the groundwork for an impressive expansion plan.

The new expansion will comprise of 154 manufacturing units for gold and diamond jewellery, three office blocks include 200 offices, and additional 52 retail outlets.

The Gold & Diamond Park is located at the heart of the "City of Gold", on Sheikh Zayed Road - the new growth corridor of Dubai. From its vantage point, the park is within close proximity to the new financial district, Internet City, Media City, and an ever growing number of luxury hotels and shopping malls.

In Dubai, shopping can be entertaining as well as profitable, and bargaining is expected. In the souks the price could be up to two thirds more than the original purchase price, which provides a fantastic opportunity to practice one?s bartering technique. It must be noted that prices can vary from trader to trader so it is recommended to ?shop around?. However, in the shopping malls the price is generally fixed.

Travellers? cheques in sterling, euros or dollars are widely accepted. Credit cards are accepted in major stores and restaurants, however in the souks, one can sometimes get a better deal if bartering with cash.

Souks are markets which usually focus on one type of product. The most awe-inspiring is Dubai?s famous Gold Souk in Deira. It is one of the largest retail gold markets in the world with some 320 outlets. Here, narrow streets are lined with shop windows glinting with bracelets, necklaces and earrings in 18, 21 and 22 carat. Additionally, 24 carat gold can be bought as bars or designed into any form desired. Unusually, the price of jewellery is determined by weight rather than by design or craftsmanship.

The ancient spice souk offers spices, dried fruits and nuts imported from around the Middle East. The produce is sold directly from the large open sacks displayed by the trader.

The carpet souk can be found at Bani Yas Square in Deira Tower, where shoppers can barter for a variety of majestic carpets from around the Arabian Gulf. These can vary from low-priced rugs to expensive carpets, all with spectacular designs.

Along Cosmos Lane in Bur Dubai and the surrounding area visitors can find a wealth of luxurious materials. This is known as the textile souk. There is no end of choice to the fabric, texture, colour, style or design. Tailors are also on hand to create any desired outfit.

The fish souk and the fruit and vegetable souk are of interest for their wide variety of fresh produce. The fish souk is open from 06.30 to 14.00 and 19.00 to midnight. While the fruit and vegetable souk is open from 07.30 to 11.00 and 16.30 to 22.00.

Some streets are also known for their particular items for sale in the shops. For example, Al Fahidi Street and Al Sabkha are renowned for electronic appliances. Khalid Bin Walid Road towards the Falcon roundabout has several shops specialising in computers. The Naif Souk, also on the Deira side, is a fully renovated traditional souk.

Al Diyafah Street is the area to visit for everything in designer evening wear. In the evening this street becomes a thriving nightlife centre with a wide range of restaurants offering international cuisine.

Dubai Duty Free at Dubai International Airport is about ten minutes from the city centre. It ranks among one of the largest duty-free operations in the world. The new Sheikh Rashid Terminal that opened in April 2000 contains a total of 5,400 square metres allocated to Dubai Duty Free. By the end of 2006 Dubai Duty Free will design, build and operate a new shopping area covering over 10,000 square metres.

Sales at Dubai Duty Free rose by 32 per cent in 2004 compared with 2003. Dubai Duty Free is currently ranked third among the world?s airport retailers with sales of US$500 million (?280 million).

Banks are open 24 hours in the arrival and departure terminals. The post office, which is open 24 hours a day, sells stamps and mail is collected twice daily. Restaurants are also 24 hours, offering ? la carte menus. There are also snack bars and coffee shops scattered throughout the terminals.

Overnight accommodation is available for transit passengers at the Dubai International Hotel, which consists of 78 deluxe five star rooms, six junior suites and two royal suites. The hotel is situated within the new Concourse and offers a fantastic view of the runway and the Dubai Duty Free. For reservations: tel: (+971 4) 2164289, fax: (+971 4) 2245955.