The colourful souks with their local tradespeople are an integral part of business in Sharm el Sheikh and Dubai and a big tourist attraction. People come to buy local produced goods and to experience haggling, maybe for the first time. From Sharm el Sheikh hotels, one is spoilt for choice. You can either visit the traditional souks in the Old town or travel to Naama Bay and visit the modern shopping malls with their gold and silver jewellers. The traditional souks are primarily aimed at the tourist market and sell a lot of goods which are souvenirs or mementos.

Things that represent good value at these souks are Egyptian cotton goods and perfume. As expected, Egyptian themed artefacts sell well. Pyramids and statues of the Egyptian gods and goddesses are popular and can be acquired for as little as 2 – 4 GBP. Most tourists go home with a papyrus with their name written on in hieroglyphics. The traditional Shishas or water pipes are best sellers. Some stalls specialise in gold and silver jewellery and this is quite cheap and well made. A more recent innovation in the souks is the replicating of designer goods such as handbags, purses etc. A lot of the stalls sell Turkish delight. Be sure to try before you buy as quality is variable. There is also a selection of the usual touristy things, like T shirts, incense holders and cuddly stuffed camels. One enterprising stall owner even sells belly dancing outfits.

Whatever you buy, you will have to indulge in haggling, unless you intend to pay over the odds for your purchases. Haggling has gone on for thousands of years and is expected. When you enquire the price of anything, the vendor will give you a vastly inflated price. It is up to you to knock him down to a price that you think is reasonable. If he wont budge, walk away. If he doesnt want your custom, he will let you leave. If he thinks he can make a trade, he will call you back for more negotiation.

The Dubai Gold Souk is internationally known and attracts a wealth of visitors from all over the world, to marvel at the gold jewellery and make a purchase at a very reasonable price. All hotels in Dubai will have information on the Gold Souk, opening times etc. Located in Deira, it is easily recognisable from the massive wooden gates that mark the entrance. As you pass through, you cant help but be amazed at the sight of all the gold glistening behind the windows.

If retail therapy is your thing, then you are well catered for in Dubai. Many of the hotels are located near shopping malls. Dubai shopping malls are a lot bigger than European ones. In fact, the Mall of The Emirates mall is the size of 73 football pitches and is the largest shopping mall outside of North America. It houses over 400 retail outlets and is remarkable in that it even has its own ski slope. Built around an Egyptian theme, The Wafi Mall, situated on the Garhoud Road, has three giant pyramids in the centre of the mall, covered in lights. Considered to be the most elegant of the Dubai malls, this giant shopping area contains over 350 outlets, many of them designer boutiques. Whilst you are shopping for couture, you can rest assured that the children are being well looked after in their own play area in the mall. Called the Encounter Zone it contains everything to amuse the kids.