Foodstuffs: These range from the traditional narrow streets of the spice souk just a stone's throw from the Creek, to the modern fish souk with the many varieties caught in Gulf waters, and the fruit and vegetable souk with its bustle and vivid colors.

Gold: Dubai's most famous market of all is the gold souk, where narrow streets are lined with shop windows glinting with bracelets, necklaces and earrings in 18, 21 and 22 carat gold.

Bars of 24 carat in any form and weight, and bullion coins in 22 and 24 carat are also available.

Prices are very reasonable and largely determined by weight, rather than design and craftsmanship.

Carpets: In Deira Tower's shopping mall, carpet traders from countries across the Gulf - Iran, Afghanistan and Pakistan - have established a carpet souk where prices in the 40 shops range from a few hundred dirhams to many thousands.

Consumer goods: In Bur Dubai, Al Fahidi Street is noted for its electronic goods shops while nearby Cosmos Lane is lined with stores selling the textiles of West and East, from cool printed cottons to exotic brocades.

Further out from the city center, Karama is Dubai's bargain basement with an array of busy shops selling toys, household goods, textiles, fashions, accessories and much more.

Attractive modern shopping plazas are conveniently located throughout the city, housing a wide range of shops, boutiques, supermarkets, restaurants and fast-food outlets.

Deira malls: Leading malls in Deira district include Deira City Center, Al Mulla Plaza, the Inter-Continental Plaza, Abu Hail Shopping Center, The Galleria, Al Ghurair Center, Al Warba Center, Al Manal Center, Al Bustan Center, Al Futtaim Center, The Dana Center, The Center and Hamarain Center.

Dubai malls: On the Dubai side of the Creek the Wafi, BurJuman Center, Lamcy Plaza, Al Dhiyafa Centre, Karama Center, Al Rais Shopping Mall, Dune Center, Al Hana Center, Al Khaleej Center and Holiday Center are among the largest complexes.

Jumeirah malls: The Jumeirah district has Magrudy's Shopping Mall, Markaz Al Jumeirah, Mercato Town Center, Jumaira Plaza, The Beach Center, The Town Center and Palm Strip.