Shopping malls offer an incredible array of international brands American, European and Asian. The shopping capital of the country is undoubtedly Dubai, hailed as 'the shopping capital of the Middle East', but Abu Dhabi is catching up fast and Sharjah, Ajman and Ra's al-Khaimah have recently opened new malls. Many malls include multi-screen cinema complexes, all have numerous coffee shops and many have childcare facilities. In twenty-first century Gulf living, the shopping mall is becoming a social centre in the same way that the souq has always been.

Prices are generally competitive, the key being to bargain wherever possible for the lowest price. In souqs prices can drop dramatically and bargaining is expected, but increasingly major outlets in shopping malls quote 'fixed prices' and bargaining is no longer possible. That said, it is still worth asking for the 'best' or 'last' price as some outlets will offer discount without hesitation all you have to do is ask. Gold, electronic goods, textiles and carpets are most likely to be extremely good value. But beware, some branded items are more expensive than elsewhere, books tend to be expensive.

What to buy
Aptly known as a shopper's paradise, there is something for everyone to buy in the UAE. Bargains abound but you do need to know where to look.

A visit to any of the gold souqs or gold centres is an absolute must. All cities have dedicated gold souqs as well as an assortment of individual stores in upmarket malls. The range is largest in the souqs, and indeed many exclusive jewellery boutiques are based in the souq. You will find row upon row of shops with dazzling displays of gold jewellery in every conceivable design and purity:

Eighteen- and 22-carat are common, but 24-karat is also available, although the deep yellow hue of the high-carat jewellery is not to everyone's taste. If you wish you can also purchase kilo bars, ten tola bars, small minted bars and gold bullion bars. The basic cost of the gold is set by weight daily check the daily prices in the local newspapers. But be aware that the quoted price does not include 'making changes', the cost of which varies according to shop and style of jewellery. Most products are not necessarily as cheap as you would expect when comparing items of similar appearance in Europe to the UAE but pick the piece up and you will understand why the price is as it is, most jewellery made and sold here is solid and so you are literally getting twice as much, or more, gold for your money.

Precious gems and pearls, along with a wide selection of costume jewellery are also readily available.

Visit the new Gold and Diamond Park in Al Quoz, Dubai (04 3477788). Apart from a spectacular array of gems and gold you can watch craftsmen at work. Located off Sheikh Zayed Highway at Interchange No. 4

Spices
In the spice souqs, sacks of exotic spices spill out into the narrow alleyways, filling the area with a heady aroma. Try some of the following:

• Bezar - a mix of Arabian spices
• Cumin (kamoun)
• Coriander(jiljalan) can be fresh greenleaves, seeds or ground.
• Cardamom (hal) pick pods that are pale brown or green in colour. Good for flavouring gahwa (Arab coffee)
• Cinnamon (jerfah)
• Cloves (mismar)
• Turmeric (curcum)
• Saffron(zaffran), considered to be the most expensive spice in the world, is actually a crocus stigma. An important flavouring agent in Arabic cookery.
• Rosewater and orange blossom water (myeward wa mye al-zahr) distilled from the flower petals a traditional Arab flavouring for deserts, pastries and salads.
• Chilli powder(filfil ahmar ) used in moderation in Arabic cookery.
• Ginger (zanjabeel) a popular ingredient in many Middle Eastern dishes; it is also served infused in milk as a night-time drink.
• Pine nuts (sanobar)

Sacks of frankincense line most alleyways in spice souqs. Frankincense was once more valuable than gold and the world's most expensive fragrance, Amouage, contains the finest frankincense from Oman. The clearer the crystals the better the frankincense. Traditional burners make superb presents and it's worth trying several different types of frankincense before choosing. Oud, the rare scented wood is also sold in perfume shops. It can be mixed with frankincense to waft a wonderful scent when burnt.

Fabrics and Textiles
Some of the finest silks from the Far East are to be found in the UAE. Fabrics are normally good value and high quality.

Carpets
No visit to Arabia is complete without a trip to a carpet store. There are carpet outlets in most shopping centres but, for the essential flavour of the region, a trip to the carpet souq is a must. The best in the country is the Blue Souq in Sharjah, offering the widest range of carpets at the keenest prices, but most carpet souqs will carry an assortment of ancient and modern carpets. The finest carpets come from Iran the traditional Persian carpets. Handmade from silk, an authentic carpet will bear the signature of its creator woven into the design. The designs are many, each individual and many specific to particular families or tribes.

Persian carpets are at the top of the price scale and many are so exquisite that putting them on the floor is practically unthinkable. There are many cheaper options, most just as hard wearing. India, Kashmir, Pakistan and to a lesser degree Afghanistan all produce high quality carpets. Many are copies of Persian designs but some are original. Most carpet traders are knowledgeable about their wares and will be happy to explain the difference between a machine made or handwoven carpet and describe in detail how carpets are made and from which villages they originate.

Check the knots per square inch, the higher the number the greater the quality; whether it is hand or machine made and whether natural or artificial dyes have been used. Do shop around, take your time, and remember to bargain.

If you are unable to choose the perfect carpet first time there is no need to worry. Most traders will buy carpets back or swap them for similar products. Traditionally carpets are intended to last a lifetime, indeed many on sale are far older.

Traditional Goods
Souqs and antique shops stock wonderful old oriental carpets, exotic wall hangings, elegant Arabic coffeepots made of hand-beaten copper, carved wooden chests, ornamental khanjars (traditional daggers), chunky silver jewellery, shishas, intricate jewellery boxes, woven camel-hair goods, worry beads and brass. Good quality antique goods are available, however many items are reproductions.

Asian tapestries are readily available and make superb wall-hangings and table runners. Embroidered Syrian cushions add a touch of luxury to all sofas and many come with matching tablecloths.

Some of the best buys are to be found in warehouse discount stores. Beware of paying grossly inflated prices for 'antique' furniture in shopping centres most is not truly antique and nearly all is available for far less in the warehouse stores. Try Khan & Sons (06 5681319), Al Barjeel Furniture (06 5621621), Pinky's (06 5341714) and Lucky's (06 5341937), all in Sharjah. Most of the furniture is from Rajesthan, and it is advisable to phone for directions as all shps have huge warehouses full of stock.

Electronic Goods
Generally speaking electronic and computer products are considerably cheaper in the UAE. There are several superstores offering just about everything that plugs in and plays, as well as numerous smaller outlets that are extremely well stocked.

Some of the best bargains are to be found at the Carrefour hypermarkets in Dubai, Sharjah, Al Ain, Ajman, Ra's al-Khaimah and Abu Dhabi. Plug Ins, an electronic superstore in Deira City Centre in Dubai is an Aladdin's cave of electronic wonders and Jumbo Electronics, with several stores in Dubai, offers some of the best prices in town.

Those in search of computers and computer peripherals are well catered for, particularly in Dubai. As the home of Gitex, the Middle East's largest IT exhibition held annually in October, Dubai is a techno-shopping paradise. Most stores offer a good after sales service and pricing is so competitive between stores that shopping around has almost become a thing of the past.

Traditionally the computer retail industry was concentrated around Khalid Ibn Al Waleed Street, affectionately known as Computer Street or Bank Street by locals. The area remains the hub of the industry but large stores have largely taken over from smaller traders. If service is important it is best to purchase branded goods from the larger stores.

Places to look out for are Compume (04 2827244), the Gulf's largest IT shop based in Garhoud, Dubai; Computer Plaza/ Al Ain Centre next to Spinneys near the Ramada Hotel in Bur Dubai an entire shopping arcade dedicated to IT retail outlets;Plug Ins (04 2951010) Deira City Centre.

Camera Equipment
All camera equipment is generally very good value in the UAE. The stores most commonly frequented by professionals are all in Dubai. Grand Stores (04 3523641), agents for Nikon and Fuji, have branches in Deira and Bur Juman. Salam Stores (04 3245252), a department store in Wafi City, sells the best range of photographic accessories in the UAE as well as being the agents for Pentax, Hasselblad, Tamron and Sigma. Central Stores, based in the souq in Bur Dubai near the Dubai Museum, are the Canon agents. Access and parking are not easy but staff are welcoming and highly trained when you get there.

Watches
Watches of all sorts, shapes, sizes and prices are on sale in the UAE. The variety is infinite and the prices are good. If you are looking for a particular model or brand, it is a good idea to do some research at home before shopping in the UAE so that you have a price reference when you decide to purchase.

Designer Goods
Designer goods from all over the world are readily available in shopping malls and boutiques. Clothes, shoes and bags are popular items. Bargains are there for the asking, however, again it is worth pricing certain items in your home market before purchasing in the UAE.

Perfume
Every conceivable perfume is available in the UAE. Large perfume stores sell all the Western brands at very good prices. Smaller shops in the souqs stock local perfumes, a fragrant mix of Arabian oil blended to suit your requirements, but beware they are strong! You can also purchase incense such as frankincense

Fresh Vegetables and Fish
The souqs specializing in vegetables and fish are well worth a visit to view the enormous selection of produce and drink in the atmosphere of the bustling marketplace even if you do not want to make a purchase.

Fresh fish from Gulf waters are landed in the early morning and late at night and the fish souqs are busiest on Thursdays, Fridays, and on public holidays

Fresh fish from Gulf waters are landed in the early morning and late at night and the fish souqs are busiest on Thursdays, Fridays, and on public holidays. You will probably be approached by a helper who, for a small fee will carry your bags, bargain for you if you wish to purchase a fish and even arrange to have your fish filleted and scaled. Hamour (grouper), hamra (red snapper), zubeidi (pomfret), jodar (tuna), cigalees (similar to crayfish), lobster, prawns, crayfish and even shark are some of the varieties on offer. Be careful as the ground in the fish souq is usually wet and slippery.

Fruit and vegetables are both imported and home-grown try the local strawberries cultivated near Dhaid, they are absolutely delicious.

Food
Frozen and pre-packaged goods from almost every corner of the globe are widely available. All of the large supermarkets stock a huge range of goods.

Duty free shops
Duty-free shopping is synonymous with visiting the UAE. All of the airports have duty-free shops, however two of the largest, at Abu Dhabi, Dubai are particularly famous. Gold and jewellery are still the most popular consumer items, but you can purchase a huge array of goods in these duty-free shops, including cigarettes, alcohol, leather goods, electronic and photographic equipment, tapes, toys, perfumes and cosmetics, luxury gifts, fashions and sporting equipment. Prices are extremely competitive and duty-free promotions in which you can win significant cash prizes and luxury cars are legendary.

Dubai Duty Free - http://www.dubaidutyfree.com/ Dubai Duty Free is recognized as being one of the best in the world, if not the best. The shopping complex in the central foyer of the new concourse with its spectacular design and myriad product ranges is a unique shopping experience. Dubai Duty Free stocks a massive range of cosmetics and perfumery, jewellery, electronic goods, music, tobacco goods and duty free beverages. A well-stocked bookshop offers everything you could wish to read on a plane ranging from international bestsellers to locally published guidebooks and coffee table publications. The range of clothes is not enormous, so it would be better not to leave clothes shopping to the last moment.

Abu Dhabi Airport Duty Free has won numerous awards since it opened in 1986. Much modernized in recent years it now offers a wide range of famous brand name boutiques in an open-plan design. Day-wear is particularly well represented. Gold, jewellery, perfume, camera and electronic equipment are also popular items.