Explore the exciting array of cultural attractions featured at the vibrant emirate of Abu Dhabi. Indulge in all the fun activities to be found in the sun when you stay at an Abu Dhabi resort in the city, close to prime shopping and entertainment. One of the best Abu Dhabi beach hotels can be found at the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara featuring stunning traditional interiors and a range of appetizing excursions designed to satiate your adventure palate! To glean an authentic account of Abu Dhabi, visit the city’s amazing range of traditional markets, or “Souqs” as they are known locally. These exciting shopping oases feature a range of items that you can pick up after a hearty round of haggling, from spices and shoes, to silks and carpets. The Al Ain souq offers these items and perfumes, clothing, electronics and more, and you will be expected to haggle like a pro, which is part of the fun! Souq Al Bawadi is an excellent place to pick up a few souvenirs and handicrafts that exemplify Arabian culture, while Souq Al Qaws next door is the place for fashionistas and electronics junkies looking for the latest fashions and gadgets. The Souq Al Zafarana is a unique gem of a souq, as it emanates authentic Emirati culture despite its recent inception. Featuring traditional garments, spices, silks, dallah (Arabic Coffee pots), this unique souq is a one-stop shop for everything Arabian. Ladies should check out its Mubdia Village section, which features items exclusively for women in shops staffed by women. So venture into a souq or two and pick up a few things old, new, and for that wedding celebration, maybe even something borrowed and something blue!

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and intends to visit them all someday.

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