Memories to buy in Abu Dhabi

Is it soon the big start for your trip to Abu Dhabi?You will be amazed by the beauty of this city along the Persian Gulf.Once there, you will want to bring back a memory at home.This article therefore presents the essentials to you.

Products at all prices

Abu Dhabi is a large open -air market ideal for shopping.The Middle East is at the crossroads between Asia, Africa and Europe.This crossroads of international trade therefore naturally offers great diversity in the articles offered to tourists passing through the United Arab Emirates.Thus, you can also buy large clothes of large brand to wear in the luxury shops of a Grand Mall or a few meters of precious fabric in a traditional souk.So what to buy in Abu Dhabi?This is what we will discover below.

The art of negotiation

Welcome to Abu Dhabi's souk!Here all prices are negotiable.But this must be done while respecting the products and the work of artisans.If you offer a ridiculously low price, you will only receive contempt and distrust in return.Merchage is a whole art.Your interlocutor must have the feeling that you are interested in his product as much as by having a good deal.So be careful to stay within reason when you request a discount.Beyond 25%, this will often be considered an affront.

We must see that certain prices like those of gold are set by a world course.So if the seller gives you too much, he loses money.On a gold jewelry, you have the price of the raw material fixed to the weight and the work of goldsmith.The seller can reduce his margin on goldsmith's work but he has very little room for maneuver on the cost of raw material.Nevertheless, you will pay your souk jewelry much cheaper than in Europe because there are fewer intermediaries and costs.In addition, the diversity of creations is much more important.

It is not necessarily useful to go to Dubai just to buy memories if you have a short time on site.Indeed, souks and shopping centers are comparable to those of Abu Dhabi even if there may be a little more choice.

The bazaars

Abu Dhabi has several souks where he reigns a fairly lively atmosphere at any time of the day.Some markets are in the Port of Abu Dhabi district, opposite the Louvre:

Other traditional souks are located in the Al Ain district: Old Souk and Gold Souk Madinat Zayed (gold market).The Souk Qaryat al Beri is a modern souk where you can find quality products and an art gallery.

If you want to buy jewelry, Gold Souk is certainly the place not to be missed.To buy some traditional souvenirs and spices, the old al Aïn souk will do the trick.It offers shopping experience worthy of the most beautiful souks in the Arab world.

Are the Souks of Abu Dhabi secure?

Absolutely, you have nothing to fear.The United Arab Emirates are one of the safest countries in the world.Delinquency is almost non -existent because very severely repressed.So you don't have to fear a flight during a passage in a souk.However, this does not exempt you from closing your bag to avoid temptations.

Are the products offered on the souk in Abu Dhabi?

You will find very few counterfeits in Abu Dhabi.It is not impossible to find them but they are really rare and not in stores with a storefront.The only thing on which you have to be vigilant is the quality of jewelry with the grammage and the purity of gold on which there can sometimes be some debates but the essential is especially that you like the jewel.

Is the food sold on the souk specific to consumption?

The fish sold on the stalls is very fresh.The city being bordered by the Arabian Gulf, the fishermen have an abundant activity.For fruits and vegetables, a good part is imported.The same goes for spices.The local consumption mode of products means that the risk of food poisoning is very limited thanks to long cooking which eliminate most parasites and bacteria.However, you should know that our Western stomachs are not necessarily used to bacteria that can be found on site.Suddenly, you can feel a certain discomfort, especially at the start of the stay if you consume a lot of fruit and raw vegetables.Try eating well -cooked foods as well as rice and everything will be fine.

Shopping centers

You can go to one of the city's malls to complete your purchases.The interest of shopping centers compared to souks is that they are air conditioned.It is very appreciable when the mercury panics in summer.The largest Mall in the city is Yas Mall on Yas Island.

With its 400 shops, the Marina Mall is the most appreciated Mall.It is a place dedicated to shopping and leisure with a cinema, a zip line and a bowling alley.For luxury products, direction Galleria (on the island of Al Maryah), a Mall entirely dedicated to fashion and luxury.

ABU Dhabi Mall is 200 shops and tens of thousands of visitors every day.There is a large playground for children as well as a cinema.Many restaurants are waiting for you to relax between two shopping sessions.

What memories to bring in his luggage?

If you want to bring back local memories, you can buy the following products:

Afterwards, you will also find pretty wooden furniture, often made in Asia.If you like perfume, you will find rather rare scents and fragrances in Europe.For children, a small plush of camel or a souvenir object purchased during a visit to Ferrari World will do the trick very well.

If you visit the Louvre Abu Dhabi Museum, you can go to the store after your visit to buy works of art, works on art in the United Arab Emirates or even decorative items.

Is it interesting to buy products from major brands?

In terms of prices, you will rarely do very good deals on products from major brands.You can save a few percent, often because of the differences in tax levels.But it will rarely go much further.Luxury brands make sure to practice comparable prices all over the world in each store.

Duty Free at the International Airport

Your stay ends at Abu Dhabi International Airport.It is time to resume your flight which will last around 7 hours to France.But before boarding, you will be able to take advantage of the many shops offering products in duty free.Your purchases will not be taxed since the duty free is a free zone.In Abu Dhabi, this is particularly interesting on cigarettes and craft products.You will also save a little on clothing and perfumes but the difference is not obvious compared to the city center.In terms of the shops present, we find all the major brands usually present in airports: Swarovski, Rolex, Ralph Lauren, Hugo Boss, Hermes, Emporio Armani, Bulgari or Burberry.

How to settle your souvenir purchases?

Local currency is the dirham.The exchange rate is around 1 for 4.For 1 €, you will therefore have 4 dirhams in your pocket.Dirhams can be used in all souks and in each store.In many cases, you can also pay for your purchases with your international credit card.Attention all the same at the bank charges taken by your bank on this type of transactions.They can be prohibitive.Suddenly, remember to do a little change when you arrive at the airport.

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