Shopping in Middle East
Travellers to the Middle East are often attracted by the fables of exotic markets, locally known as Souqs. A hap-hazardly connected labyrinth of alleyways and stalls selling everything from rare oils to bizarre spices. Well, there aren't that many old-school markets left. The one in Manama is undoubtedly the closet things the country has to this type of portal to yesteryear. Bab al Bahrain (gate of Bahrain) is the entrance to the city's souq. And while you're more likely to find stalls with socks and underwear or cheap plastic toys from China, there are still a few hidden corners that would belong in the Arabian Nights. The best way to explore is to do away with any sort of map and wander until you're lost, then found, then lost again.
The modern building next to the mall Souq Sharq is the fish market. Here you find the fresh catch of the day along with imported fish. The vendors are a friendly bunch and everything lies out on ice, so you can have a look. Behind the fish market, you will find the dhow harbour cramped with traditional Arab boats the fishermen use.
It's a nice surprise to realise that Kuwait City still has a traditional souq. Sure, you won't find camels here, but pretty much everything else from perfume, tradition Arab clothes (anyone care for a Pierre Cardin keffiyeh?) to groceries and everyday plastic stuff. The main alleys are covered and it's worth exploring the more hidden corners. Powershoppers still hire carriers to carry their goods as they whisk from shop to shop.
Souq Waqif is Doha old market place. The souq and the area around it are in the final phase of a makeover to make it all look like an iconic old Arabian souq. At first it can feel a bit disappointing when a closer look reveals that the adobe buildings are made of cement and home to chain coffee shops, among others. But when you start exploring the souq, you will happily realise that it is a real souq - not just a tarted up tourist market. Locals do come to buy tools, nuts, spices, perfumes and the latest fashion in abayas (the black cloak for women), and old porters will push their way through the narrow lanes with their wheelbarrow full of cargo. The pet and bird corner is surprisingly well-stocked, where you might catch a glimpse of some falcon chicks. The main street is lined with coffee shops, restaurants and tea houses where you can take it all in while puffing a shisha (waterpipe).
Dubai has some of the largest and extravagant malls in the world. Some have themes while others have crazy stuff like an indoor ski resort (Mall of the Emirates), ice skating ring (Dubai Mall) or giant aquarium with sharks (also Dubai Mall), but all have an insane amount of shops (1200+ in Dubai Mall), of which a large fraction sell high fashion and silly luxury goods for the super rich - and they do come here to power shop. At the entrance to any of the classy mall, an impressive line of sports and luxury cars are parked side by side. However, inside it can be hard to tell one abaya covered lady from another, which make you wonder when they do wear that revealing designer dress - but at least it makes sense with all the watch and jewellery shops, for a little bling goes well with any cloak.
The biggest surprise for many in Yemen is the lack of markets. Logic would dictate that being an ancient culture with a long history of trade there would have had to be some excellent bazars. But it's not until visiting the tiny town of Beit al-Faqi that travellers finally get their first taste of this. Without question, the Friday market in Beit al-Faqi is the best in the country. Although true, it is unlikely a traveller will find souvenirs, this is not what this market is about. This is not a tourist market, but pure and unadulterated Yemeni trading traditional. The sights, sound and smells combine into some sort for intoxicating concoction as you wander aimlessly past stall filled with who knows what.