The United Arab Emirates is a paradise for travellers hoping to indulge in retail therapy during their vacation in the Middle East. Renowned for gold, spices, perfumes, carpets and various knick-knacks ranging from carved wooden items to tapestries and cushions, shopping in the Emirates is likely to ensure a very colourful collection of souvenirs that can brighten up a bland room. Comprised of seven Emirates, the Emirates that are quite well known include Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Sharjah.

Those enjoying their vacations at hotels in Eastern Mangroves District in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, will be delighted to discover numerous malls and souks within a convenient distance. For instance, from a resort such as Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara, tourists can easily visit and purchase Persian carpets of exquisite quality, colourful textiles imported from Iran and precious jewellery made of gold from a number of souks and markets. The Central Market in Abu Dhabi is also a must visit not only for its renowned array of souks and bazaars; it is also a beautiful specimen of regional architecture. Another souk, Qaryat Al Beri Souk, is worth a visit even if it is simply to enjoy its unique Venetian ambience, for it is located overlooking the waters.

When visiting and residing in the Emirate of Sharjah, the Gold Centre is a well-known landmark. Also located close by are the Blue Souk and the Souq al-Arsah which was historically a well-known trade destination. For spices and textiles, the Iranian Bazaar is an ideal visit while the Friday Market is perfect for tourists in Sharjah as it will allow them to immerse experience the frantic pace of a market in UAE. Dubai is also replete with markets, souks and bazaars but it is perhaps the Gold Souk that is the most famous, while at the Deira Old Souk, one can buy almost anything their heart desires. Therefore, shopping in the United Arab Emirates is undoubtedly a delightful exercise.

Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+