Many important business meetings, conferences and economic relations are fostered in what could be considered the financial cradle of the Middle East; the United Arab Emirates. At the same time, there is an almost equal interest among tourists to drop by for some shopping in both Dubai and Abu Dhabi. The hotels in Eastern Mangroves District serve as a great venue away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and commercial activity. Hence, those who call over mostly for recreational purposes prefer to house themselves adjacent to these preserved grey mangroves, the only type of mangroves that grow in these areas. When you visit in the months between November and April and perch yourself on the balcony of Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa by Anantara or your chosen abode, you have the advantage of watching migratory birds who flock to the area by the mangrove.

As unexpectedly wonderful are nature’s gifts, so are the shopping opportunities; Al Jimi Mall, Deerfields Townsquare, Al Wahda Mall, Abu Dhabi Mall and Yas Mall are some of the front running venues for going on a binge. Designer labels, international brands, multinational cuisine, the very latest in technology and the most vibrant of atmospheres are boasted of by these malls. They are large in size, giving everyone space to breathe, recoup, catch up and join in the fun and games that are hosted during festive seasons. The large vendors offer discounts, put items on sale and have plenty of promotions, including raffles when the shopping season is on. Commuting between malls is not too difficult with each one about half an hour away from the other.

Souqs are the other favoured option, especially among the locals. However, every visitor should make time to visit a gold souq, carpet souq and spice souq where the method of vending is very different, but offers an unbelievable range of goods.

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

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