When offered a price – especially if the price is not listed, make sure you ask (sometimes several times) for the ‘best price’. Bargaining is expected and accepted both in souks and markets as well as in high-end shops. However, while in a souk-based gold shop you might get a fifty percent discount, don’t expect to get the same type of deals in Tiffany & Co or Paspaley. That being said, never be embarrassed to ask for a better price – it’s all part of the game!
Shopping for souvenirs? Get into traditional mode. Ornate wooden carvings, local art, gold jewellery and carpets reflect the beauty and intrigue of Abu Dhabi's Arabian heritage. From the smallest silver pillbox to a large hand-woven carpet, souvenirs come in all shapes and sizes, and can be bought in Abu Dhabi often at a fraction of the cost elsewhere. The trick is to avoid the tourist trap and know where to find authentic items that you will treasure for a lifetime.