Souk Madinat

This ornate, wood-roofed, air conditioned, faux-souk mall has a fair few treats in store, so don’t miss it. Have your driver drop you off and enter through the main doors. The souk is maze-like, so keep your wits about you, lest you waste valuable shopping time getting lost. Head straight up the main alley to find on your left the elaborate gates to the lovely Marina / 368 6050 / (see Standout Home) for choice Indian homewares, antiques, crewel-work and occasionally bling furny. Exit out of the side entrance, turn left and at the end of the alley, behind Marina, you’ll see National Iranian Carpets (N.I.C) (see Advanced Shopping). You’ll have to hock your house to buy some of these spectacular woven babies. Next door on the left is Miri / 368 6609 / for excellent jewel-coloured crewel-work textiles, throws and bedspreads. Exit Miri, head left past N.I.C and follow your nose to the ravishing and exotic fragrances of Abdul Samad Al Qurashi / 368 6050 / asqgrp.com / Saudi Arabian master of mysterious aoud, amber and heady Arabian perfumes. Freshly scented? Exit, turn right and head past Panacea Pharmacy, and immediately left through the little connecting corridor with courtyards either side, and take the left turn. This brings you out in the back section of the Souk. Follow the main alley round to the right, halfway down, keep a lookout for the mini Original Elite Trading market cart / 261 7973 / for handmade, hand-cut olive oil soap from Lebanon. Rivington Grill (see Rest./Smart) and The Agency (see Bars) are further down on your left, opp. Italian fur emporium Braschi / 454 8778 / braschidubai.com. Keep round the alley, past Sun and Sand Sports to the theatre on your left, turn left here down the main aisle, and at the bottom on the left you’ll find smart local prints and photos at Gallery One / 368 6055 / g-1.com. Bear left to find speedy Noodle House / 366 6730 / (see Rest./Relaxed), or right to find yourself back at Marina, clever kitten. Pecky? Circle back to your right for sinful Vivel Patisserie / 368 6006, mmmmacarons and all kinds of Arabic sweetmeats, sugarbuns...

Madinat Jumeirah / Jumeirah Beach Rd / opens 11am on Fri