Hundreds of jewellery shops with windows of 22-carat gold sold by weight, and a spice lane of saffron, frankincense and dates alongside.
Gold price per gram is fixed daily and posted; only the making charge is negotiable. Shops close for a few hours in the afternoon and reopen in the evening.
Must visit
The restored wind-tower quarter of old Dubai, with courtyard houses, small museums and an abra crossing…
Must visit
A torus of stainless steel and Arabic calligraphy on Sheikh Zayed Road, with immersive floors on space…
Must visit
The world's largest choreographed fountain performing on the Burj Lake every half hour after dark…
Must visit
At 828 metres the tallest building in the world, with observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148.