Dubai is known for its glitz and glamour. But if you move behind the sparkle, you can find a whole lot of soul without spending a fortune.
Haggle for Gold
Dubai was a pearl trading town until the discovery of oil in the late 1960s. Today the old part of the city – the Dubai Creek – bustles with an interesting mix of museums, recreated souks, and retail shops. Head to the Gold Souk for a taste of the past, with vendors selling spice, scarves, precious metals, and plenty of ‘Chanel bag’ knockoffs. You won’t want to shop here, as prices are aimed at tourists. Instead walk to the water’s edge to grab a dhow (a traditional wooden boat) from Deira Old Souk Abra Station across the Dubai Creek for 1.35 UAE Dirham/AED (33p). To actually buy gold, visit Gold and Diamond Park in the centre of the city. You can get a necklace made with your name in Arabic script for under 225 AED (£55.28) — just be prepared to haggle.