Tuesday, January 13, 2009

* '''Deira City Centre''' [http://www.deiracitycentre.com]. This is by far the most popular mall in Dubai and a visit to Dubai is not complete without a visit. Debenhams, Virgin Megastore, Zara and other international high street brands. A multiplex cinema, and many restaurants and cafes. Also has a large "Arabian Treasures" souvenir and traditional textiles area. A new extension includes many more high-end boutiques and upmarket mall restaurants. A big Carrefour hypermarket sell just about everything and is nearly always very busy. There is a Sofitel hotel at one end of the centre, where there are bars and restaurants serving alcohol.

* '''Wafi Mall''' [http://www.waficity.com]. Includes Marks & Spencer, Goodies. Focus is almost entirely on luxury brands, jewellery and expensive boutiques. Many upmarket restaurants and bars, many of which are licensed (have alcohol available). A luxury spa is attached to the complex. The Egypt-themed architecture, which includes quite beautiful stained-glass pyramids, is worth seeing.

* '''Emirates Towers Boulevard''', Sheikh Zayed Road [http://www.jumeirahemiratestowers.com/lifestyle/], Daily 10.00AM-10.00PM, Fri 4.00PM-10.00PM. Part of the Emirates Tower Hotel complex. The shops here match the hotel, very high class, plus a Starbucks. Lipton cafe has free wifi. Restaurants and bars all serve alcohol. Quite a popular nightlife spot, with bars and nightclubs and it is considered the most expensive mall in Dubai.

*'''Gold & Diamond Park''', Interchange 4, Sheikh Zayed Road (South side) [http://www.goldanddiamondpark.com/]. Sells gold and diamond products. Has none of the character of the more historic gold souq, but is air-conditioned throughout, and easier to reach and park at than the historic souq (which is in the depths of downtown Deira). Can be better value, as it is less "touristy".

* '''Al Ain Plaza''', (known locally as Computer Plaza), On Mankhool Road along from the Ramada Hotel, Bur Dubai heading towards the creek. A mall specializing in computers, laptops, computer parts and computer add ons like monitors, VoIP Phones, hard drives, etc. There is an internet cafe here. AED 10 per hour (minimum 1 hour). Also other malls in this area are good for computers and computer equipment.

* '''Festival City'''. Has Dubai's only Ikea, since it relocated from City Centre, and a huge Plug-Ins electronic store. Also an ACE Hardware and a amazing mall which has 550 shops.

* '''Dubai Outlet Mall''', on the road to Al Ain [http://www.dubaioutletmall.com/]. A very large mall, with many "factory outlets".

'''TIP:''' Several malls have a large Carrefour, or similar, hypermarket where you'll find the lowest cost electronics, and groceries for self-catering. A Carrefour is also located near the Shindagha waterfront in Bur Dubai.

==Eat==

Most of the American fast food chains have set up shop in Dubai, including KFC, Chillis, Starbucks and McDonalds. The beauty of the food in Dubai is that you will probably find cuisine for every taste.

'''Shawarma''' is the most available (and cheap!) food in Dubai. It is meat that has been cooked on a skewer and then cut into thin strips and placed into a pita bread with vegetables and dressing. It costs about AED 3 (80c) for the plain-jane variety and up to AED 5 ($1.30) for the more exotic Lebanese and Iranian varities. '''Fala-Fil''' (Felafel, falafel) is also available at about the same costs as the shawarma.


*The newest and one of the biggest malls in the world which opened its doors in November 2008. There are over 600 stores open as of the 4th of Novemember, with more opening soon.

* Excellent Pakistani food that is incredibly cheap. This is a must see for anyone with a spicy tooth.

* The '''Karachi Darbar''' chain of restaurants scattered throughout the city is worth visiting.

* The '''Jabal Al Noor''' chain of restaurants. A Middle Eastern take on fastfood and its own unique variety of drinks with names such as "Lexus"," Burj al Arab", and "Sitara". AED 7-10 per item.

* The '''Haji Ali Juice Center''' Mumbai's mst famous juice and snack center. Their most famous sandiwch is their Bhaji sandwich and do not forget to try their cream sweets which comes with 3 fruits options namely - Custard apple, strawberry, Mango, kiwi and kesar pista (dry fruits)[http://www.hajialijuice.com/home Website]

*The '''Bombay Chowpatty''' located on same lane as Haji Ali Juice center opp Bur Juman center. You can try possible snacks and food which are famous on Mumbai streets namely the chaats such as Paani puri, sev puri, dahi puri, etc and food such as Pav bhaji, puri bhaji, chola bhatura, etc. In their ice cream section (treat as deseert) do not forget to try their Kulfi which comes on a stick.

===Mid-range===

* Excellent Lebanese cuisine and ambience. In the cooler months the outdoor verandah is a pleasure. No alcohol served.

* No alcohol served.

* Asian food.

Italian.

* Japanese cuisine, very popular with the Japanese expat community.

* American food.

* Fish and chips, duh.

* '''Automatic''', this is a chain of popular Lebanese restaurants found all over Dubai. Famous for its lamb chops & Friday lunch buffet. No alcohol served.

* Serving an assortment of cuisines, the highlight of this beautiful restaurant is that it revolves, giving a nice tour of the city.

* This is an open air Iranian restaurant where one can sit in traditional machans (large bed-like seating) and enjoy a fine Iranian meal. The speciality is the mixed grill which is served with live coal. After the meal, smoke a traditional sheesha pipe. No alcohol served.

* A wonderful noodle bar located at the InterContinental Dubai. Well priced, with excellent food.

* Traditional & authentic Italian pizza baked in Wood Fired Italian Stone Oven, thin & crispy crust.