Best Buys

Buy the best designer brands for less in online sales

2012-01-13T18:59:00.002+03:00

In 2011, the most popular online retailer Amazon has launched a new, not yet so known dedicated to an online sales website, called MYHABIT.

This new private fashion sale site offers up to 60% off hand-picked, high-end products from designer & boutique brands, featuring apparel, shoes, jewelry and accessories for men, women and children.

New online sales start every day at 9 am and typically run for 72 hours only. But the product inventory is limited and is available on a first-come-first-serve basis. Shoppers must act quick!

Customers who sign up to the site to become members will discover products and be able to make purchases fast, because signing up is free and easy. If you are registered Amazon shopper, it is possible to use your Amazon.com credentials to sign in.

The private fashion online sales site, MYHABIT, offers fast free shipping, with even a free return option available in the U.S. Dubai and UAE based customers can shop via Aramex and have the items delivered to their doorstep in the emirates.

An interesting feature of MyHabit.com is the 360-degree video of the clothing on live models, which helps shoppers to visualise the clothes they like.

The brands on offer are mostly high-end, well known labels, with guaranteed high quality. Hundreds of popular and designer brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, TUMI, Rebecca Minkoff, Juicy Couture, Just Cavalli, Moschino, Belle Epoque and more are flashing unbeatable discounts to the lucky ones.

If you are already a registered shopper at Amazon.com, your account information such as payment options and shipping addresses will be automatically imported into new members’ accounts for your convenience. Shop until your drop with the click of a mouse!

Endless.com is another website for fashionable accessories operated by Amazon.

Come to shop in Dubai and stay in the best hotels for free

2011-07-07T19:56:00.000+03:00

Emirates Airline has teamed up with leading hotels in Dubai - The Armani Hotel, Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Address Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel - to offer first class and business class passengers, flying to and via Dubai, complimentary hotel stays and 96-hour transfer visas.

First class passengers receive a complimentary two-night stay, including breakfast, at either The Armani Hotel, located in the Burj Khalifa, or the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, located on the Palm Jumeirah Island. Business class passengers obtain a one-night stay with breakfast at either The Address Dubai Marina or the Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel.

With the offer, passengers staying at The Armani Hotel or The Address Dubai Marina also get the chance to experience being on top of the world with priority tickets to the ‘At the Top,’ Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest building. While passengers who choose the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray or Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel can splash the day away with free entrance to the Wild Wadi Water Park.

“We are always looking for ways to enhance and add value to our offerings for our premium customers. With this offer, not only do our passengers experience Emirates’ award-winning first and business class products, but they also stay in style and comfort,” said Russell Sheldon, Senior Vice President, Network Sales & Development. “What could be more stylish than staying in one of the four of the most iconic hotels today - The Armani Hotel Dubai, the Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, The Address Dubai Marina and Jumeirah Emirates Towers Hotel? This excellent offer further extends the outstanding service our premium passengers know and expect when they fly with Emirates.”

Eligible passengers must complete their journey entirely in either Emirates First or Emirates Business class, between 1 August and 30 September, 2011 and book before 31 July 2011. The offer cannot be combined with any inclusive tour packages. More information can be found on www.emirates.com.

Amazon's MYHABIT offers up to 60% on top brands

2011-07-02T22:03:00.000+03:00

Amazon has launched MYHABIT. The new private fashion sale site offers up to 60% off hand-picked styles from designer & boutique brands, featuring apparel, shoes, jewelry and accessories for men, women and children.

New sale events start every day and typically run for 72 hours; product inventory is limited and is available on a first-come-first-serve basis.

Customers who sign up to the site to become members will discover products and be able to make purchases – signing up is free and easy. If you are registered Amazon shopper, it is possible to use your Amazon.com credentials to sign in.

MYHABIT features:

FAST, FREE SHIPPING and FREE RETURN SHIPPING in the US
360-degree video of the clothing on live models
Hundreds of popular and designer brands such as Dolce & Gabbana, TUMI, Rebecca Minkoff, Juicy Couture
Amazon.com account information such as payment options and shipping addresses automatically imported into new members’ accounts.

Endless.com is another website for fashionable accessories operated by Amazon.

Why you should shop NOW?

2011-07-02T15:13:00.000+03:00

Retailers from department store giants to discount outlets to furniture showrooms are unloading extra inventory during the summer months as they make room for the important back to school season. Moreover, the ongoing Dubai Summer Surprises is the most popular shopping festival in the Middle East with visitors from all GCC countries flocking to the city's shopping venues.

Retail operators burdened with merchandise that didn't sell as consumers hesitated in spending on non compulsory goods, particularly apparel, amid high food prices and an overall dull economy are price cutting in a big way.

Clearance inventory aka Summer Sales just began across the Dubai malls on 22nd of June, with a number of retailers promoting additional offerings on already reduced merchandise. New collections full-price racks continue to be largely unnoticed with the majority of mall traffic huddled in the back of stores searching for the yet-again-unavoidable clearance offerings.

This is just a repetition of every holiday season when merchandise is marked down 50% to 80%.

Window displays at the shopping malls are covered with large red screens announcing even larger SALES. Literary every single shop offers some kind of a discount, including Laura Ashley, Roberto Cavalli, Marks & Spenser, Okaidi, Oasis and all the rest. Apparel and household items are marked down up to 80%, in many cases offered at bellow the cost value.

Why you should get an advantage on the opportunity to stock on apparel and consumer goods now? Here are few good reasons:

1. In Dubai summer collection is always ON, as the climate is hot and sunny all year long.

2. Clothes will not be so cheap next season, neither household items and furniture. The inflation is rising and so is cost of transportation and wages.

3. With the outside temperatures well over 40 Celsius, there is no much option for outdoor pastime. Combining practical shopping with long mall walks could be a pleasurable way of spending time in the air conditioned, luxurious and clean surroundings. The large variety of cafes and eateries in the shopping centres can help keeping the most passionate shoppers for a whole day in.

4. Think about all the casual items you buy anyway and all the time, such as T-shirts, socks, pajamas, towels, etc. Wouldn't be great to get all of these at Gallery Lafayette or Debenhams at The Dubai Mall with 70% discount?

Bloomingdales.com shipps to UAE

2011-06-28T09:48:00.000+03:00

Today, Bloomingdale’s announces the exciting launch of bloomingdales.com international shipping capabilities to 91 countries, including locations in Africa, Asia, Australia, the Caribbean, Europe, the Middle East, and South America. This brand-new announcement allows Bloomingdale’s customers from around the globe to shop the retailer’s e-commerce site for a renowned assortment of men’s, women’s, and children’s apparel, as well as fashion accessories, home furnishings, and more. To meet the demands of the brand’s ever-growing international customer base, Bloomingdale’s has partnered with FiftyOne, the leading provider of international e-commerce services and infrastructure to U.S. retailers with global ambition, to extend the global reach of the iconic brand.

“International shipping positions Bloomingdale’s as a world leader in the retail industry while increasing the visibility of our highly coveted merchandise assortment overseas,” stated Bruce Berman, President of Bloomingdale’s Direct and CFO of Bloomingdale’s. “Bloomingdale’s already attracts international customers and introducing a program that allows for international shipping will intensify the reputation and presence of our company abroad.”

“This is a significant customer win for FiftyOne,” said Michael DeSimone, Chief Executive Officer, FiftyOne. “Bloomingdale’s is one of the most recognized, best-loved brands in U.S. retail, and has always been synonymous with luxury and elegance. By pairing their uniquely powerful brand with FiftyOne’s proven global capabilities, Bloomingdale’s is primed to expand their success with international consumers across the globe.”

Bloomingdales.com provides shoppers with a seamless transition from domestic to international purchasing. International shoppers can simply select the item they wish to purchase and bloomingdales.com will convert the price into their local currency. Upon checkout, bloomingdales.com will provide a final price including an exact quote of the duties and tariffs associated with shipping, providing shoppers with a complete understanding that full payment for the entire transaction takes place at one time.

The global e-commerce initiative launched last month with Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom and today bloomingdales.com welcomes 88 more countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Argentina, Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Barbados, Belgium, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Brunei, Bulgaria, Cambodia, Chile, China, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, Egypt, El Salvador, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Grenada, Guatemala, Haiti, Honduras, Hong Kong, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Jamaica, Japan, Jordan, Kuwait, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Macau, Maldives, Mexico, Monaco, Morocco, Nepal, Netherlands, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Norway, Oman, Pakistan, Panama, Paraguay, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Portugal, Qatar, Romania, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Slovakia, Slovenia, South Africa, South Korea, Spain, Sri Lanka, Suriname, Sweden, Switzerland, Taiwan, Thailand, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, Ukraine, United Arab Emirates, and Vietnam. International shipping is also available to domestic shoppers who wish to send items abroad to these select locations.

The majority of Bloomingdale’s items are available for international shipping, but due to varying laws and global vendor partnership restrictions some product categories and lines are excluded. These goods include electronics, beauty products, fragrances, and oversized items, such as furniture.

Bloomingdale’s international reputation now becomes a reality for millions of customers worldwide who can enjoy our incomparable merchandise assortment by logging on and shopping at bloomingdales.com.

Essential Books for Young Adults

2011-06-27T08:23:00.000+03:00

Amazon.com today announced Essentials in Young Adult Books, a new feature designed to offer teens and parents a selection of timeless fiction outside the classroom that young adult readers will enjoy. Essentials in Young Adult Books (www.amazon.com/youngadultessentials) will comprise two separate lists of ten books each: Editorial Essentials and Customer Selected Essentials.

"We're not sure which statement is truer: that teens can be insatiable readers or that they're hard to shop for," said Jessica Schein, Amazon.com Young Adult Books Specialist. "Our goal with Essentials in Young Adult Books is to help adults choose the best editorially curated must-have books for young adult readers. We also know that young adult readers rely on peer recommendations, and so we hope that the Customer Selected Essentials sparks a dialogue with our customers about the best books for that age group."

The Editorial Essentials list was compiled by Amazon Books Editors and will be revised regularly to remain relevant. Today, the Editorial Essential list is available for young adults or their parents and includes:

* "Speak" by Laurie Halse Anderson : Shunned by her peers, Melinda Sordino keeps quiet about the night in which everything changed. Will she ever rediscover her voice and tell the truth? "Speak" is an honestly-told, powerful look at the ways in which we cope with personal tragedy.
* "Monster" by Walter Dean Myers : Steve Harmon is on trial for murder, but is he the menace the prosecutor paints him out to be or was he merely in the wrong place at the wrong time? At the heart of this riveting novel is a teenager caught up in an adult world - a situation to which many young adults can relate.
* "The Giver" by Lois Lowry : This gripping dystopian novel published well before the current trend emerged centers on Jonas, a model member of the Community. As the next Receiver of Memory he is suddenly aware of his society's sacrifices for peace and predictability and begins to wonder what it's all worth.
* "The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian" by Sherman Alexie : Disappointed with the schooling on his Indian Reservation and tired of being tormented for his physical problems, Arnold Spirit decides to attend an all-white high school and is immediately out of place. "Diary" is the humorous and honest story about one teenager's quest to do his best in the face of serious obstacles.
* "The Book Thief" by Markus Zusak : Set against the backdrop of the impending WWII, "The Book Thief" is about Liesel Meminger, a curious girl who begins stealing books in her new town and along the way touches many - including Death - the unique narrator of this captivating novel.
* "Will Grayson, Will Grayson" by John Green and David Levithan : Two different teenage boys; one same name. Such is the premise of "Will Grayson, Will Grayson",a funny, smart novel where the characters literally take to the stage to find out who they really are.
* "The Perks of Being a Wallflower" by Stephen Chbosky : Charlie prefers observing over being observed in this must-read coming-of-age novel about the realizations that come with the firsts of high school - love, experimentation with drugs, losing friends, and generally trying out independence.
* "Crank" by Ellen Hopkins : A gritty novel-in-verse about one girl's descent into a dangerous drug addiction and the consequences of seeking out another high.
* "Thirteen Reasons Why" by Jay Asher : Clay Jenson is one of 13 people who receive a series of tapes by a classmate that reveal what led to her suicide. Brilliant, beautiful, and devastating, "Thirteen Reasons Why" explores the cost of how people treat one another.
* "The Golden Compass" by Philip Pullman : Lyra Belacqua is suddenly in the middle of a world of intrigue that involves kidnappings, something called intercision, and a plan to undo the very foundations of her realm. After arriving in the Arctic Circle, she finds that she is the key to saving not just her parallel universe but our own as well in this exhilarating and spellbinding fantasy novel.

Starting today, Amazon.com customers can submit their votes for Customer Selected Essentials in the Amazon.com Customer Selected Essential Books for Young Adults Sweepstakes. Customers can visit /content-symphony-na.amazon.com/www.amazon.com/customeressentialsya/ref=amb_link_356644602_1/178-1116828-6562212?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=center-6&pf_rd_r=1K6ANQ9JMA1YR7F5YX9Y&pf_rd_t=1401&pf_rd_p=0&pf_rd_i=1000697411 to submit suggestions and enter the sweepstakes, and the books with the most votes will be announced on 8/15/2011. Eligible customers who submit a nomination will be entered for a chance to win a set of the Editorial Essentials collection. There is no purchase necessary, and the sweepstakes ends 7/31/2011.

For more information on Essentials in Young Adult Books, please visit www.amazon.com/youngadultessentials.

Shop smart on Amazon with Aramex from Dubai

2011-06-17T21:13:00.000+03:00

Amazon.com is the largest worldwide store on the Internet, stocking almost everything and offering all kinds of deals and discounts one can imagine.

In recent years, online shopping craze grew very fast, as more and more people discover the priorities of sitting in the comfort of their homes and paying on the Internet. A large selection of items from across the world and incredible variety of prices makes the experience even more tempting. However, there are pitfalls and one should be either quite experienced or well informed to avoid them.

Firstly, the low prices that often lure online shoppers in most of the cases are shown without additional taxes. If the customers are located in UAE, taxes don't apply. Second, the shipping charges sometimes are quite steep.

At Amazon, you have to either subscribe for once a year fee Amazon Prime courier service, or you will have to pay extra for every single parcel. In case you are planning to become regular Amazon shopper, choose the Amazon Prime as it will save you a lot of headache. However, if you are a single individual and don't have to buy gifts and items for family and friends, it may come cheaper to choose the one time fee structure.

Additionally, you will have to pay for your local courier, which in UAE is Aramex. The Shop and Ship service that the company offers is extremely convenient. All the processes are recorded online and easy to follow up. A delivery form Amazon to my home in Dubai was executed for exactly four days early June 2011.

However, convenience comes with a price. To register for Aramex's Shop and Ship service, one should pay a one time charge of US $35 (AED 129), against which the company opens a New York based post box for the shopper and collects all parcels under his name there before expediting it to UAE. This is not such a big expense if you are planning to buy relatively costly items not available in UAE. Additionally, Aramex will charge shipping charges that are quite steep. The first half kilo of a parcel delivered from Amazon.com to Dubai costs AED 41 (US $11), and every half kilo more will add to the amount AED 32 (US $9).

The wrong example

A dedicated parent chose from Amazon two action figures from Schleich and a Deltora hardcover book totaling $32 (AED 118). Only the price of the toys at Hamleys in the Dubai Mall comes to over AED 118, which at first glance is a great discovery. One may think the book will come for free.

Unfortunately, two of the items were sold by Amazon and the third one from another retailer through Amazon, which means that Amazon shipped the three items in two separate packages. Apart from the inconvenience of two deliveries, there is also inconvenience in shipment charges calculations. Aramex adds few grams to the parcels usually to plump the figures. An average medium sized book and small action figure toy could be weighted as much as 1.5 kilo, which is calculated to AED 105 (US $28). An additional envelop with a small toy, less than half kilo in weight costs AED41 (US $11) for delivery.

So, in the example with my friend's purchase from Amazon, the shipping charges for the kids' gifts totaled AED146 (US $40), while the cost of the items was US $32 (AED118). All together the purchase amounted AED264 (US$ 72), while if the same action figures and the book was purchased at the Dubai Mall, it would have cost less than AED200.

Conclusions to consider

When choosing items from Amazon, it is very important to check who is the stockist. To receive it all in one parcel with simplified shipping cost and avoid multiple deliveries, you better shop from only one vendor. Amazon is the highly recommended as the largest stockist.

Also, it is important to take a good look around, calculate and compare the cost in advance, at least approximately. Unique toys like Harry Potter LEGOs and 4D puzzles are not available in UAE yet. Kindle and all it's accessories are also unique to Amazon. If such few items sold directly by Amazon are grouped together in one parcel, the purchase may actually be quite rewarding in terms of quality and value for money.

Carrefour Market : Fresh ingredients and produce daily

2011-06-16T20:40:00.000+03:00

Carrefour Express customers across the UAE will notice a positive change in their local supermarkets. Sacks of fresh fruit and vegetables; a wide variety of dairy products; and professional butchers and fishmongers selling the freshest ingredients will be the focal point of the supermarkets.

Throughout June and July, the world’s second largest retailer will be rebranding the current 16 Carrefour Express stores across the UAE to ‘Carrefour Market’ supermarkets, in order to highlight the range of quality, fresh food to entice customers through the doors.

Franck Rouquet, Carrefour’s Supermarket Regional Manager for the UAE, Qatar, Oman and Kuwait, says Carrefour Market is offering more than basic products, and customers will immediately see a difference. “Our customer demographic is constantly changing and evolving along with their requirements from a local supermarket. The Carrefour Market-model is already well-established internationally, and we saw an opportunity to introduce it to the GCC, which is a region with huge growth potential for the company.

“In general, customers perceive Carrefour Express as a quick-stop, convenience store where they can purchase a range of basics groceries – but don’t necessarily associate it with fresh ingredients and choice.”

With the emphasis moving from basic grocery items to fresh produce of the highest quality, Carrefour Market is looking to differentiate itself from other supermarkets in the region by being a practical, weekly shopping destination.

Produce in-store at Carrefour Market supermarkets will centre on fresh, high-quality food products with bread baked in-store, butchers and fishmongers on hand and daily deliveries straight to the supermarket shelves. Product ranges will also be introduced on a store-by-store basis to accommodate the needs of the immediate surrounding community.

Franck Rouquet continues, “Customers receive a number of offers and promotions that are available in the larger Carrefour hypermarkets now at their local neighbourhood supermarket. Carrefour always aims to be the supermarket offering the cheapest prices in the immediate area in which we operate, with the widest variety of products.

“We anticipate that people will take advantage of Carrefour Market supermarkets on a daily or weekly basis to top-up their larger, monthly shopping trips, as Carrefour supermarkets are designed to be complementary shopping environments with Carrefour’s hypermarkets.

“All Carrefour Market supermarket employees receive specialised training and we hope that our customers will appreciate a more personal service from our in-store staff,” adds Mr Rouquet.

Recognized as one of the most active shopping concept developers in the region, the Majid Al Futtaim group first introduced the Carrefour hypermarket model to the Middle East in 1995.

UAE Groupon launches in Sharjah

2011-06-16T17:24:00.000+03:00

Groupon United Arab Emirates, a shopping website that offers a daily deal on the best local goods, services and cultural events, expands its local presence with the launch of Groupon Sharjah on June 12, 2011.

“As UAE’s third largest city and a center of culture and industry, Sharjah is an ideal market for the Groupon model,” said Faisal Haq, CEO of Groupon UAE. “We look forward to offering local residents unbeatable deals on the best that Sharjah has to offer, while driving new customers to area merchants.”

Using the principles of collective buying, Groupon negotiates unprecedented discounts with popular businesses. Groupon subscribers get free daily emails alerting them to the deals. By guaranteeing a large number of new customers, Groupon has created a powerful new marketing vehicle for local merchants. This innovative approach to e-commerce has brought millions of dollars in new revenue to local businesses while saving more than $2 billion for subscribers worldwide.

“Buyers and sellers are connected in a fun and collaborative way with Groupon,” said Haq. “We drive direct sales to local businesses and offer consumers deep discounts they can’t get anywhere else.”

Upcoming Sharjah features will include spa packages, local restaurants and leisure activities. As Groupon UAE’s third market, Sharjah users join subscribers in Dubai and Abu Dhabi currently enjoying Groupon deals.

Juicy Couture Apparel & Handbags, Versace Watches and more are all on sale today

2010-11-05T09:19:00.003+03:00

Colorful and classic handbag styles, fashion-forward designs from the luxury Versace line and tens of other brands are right now on SALE at HauteLook.com. Today's Premium Brands at 50% - 75% off at HauteLook.com! Free to Join

About HauteLook

Adam Bernhard, former executive of an international business and and founder of an inventory clearance company, launched in Los Angeles HauteLook.com back in 2007. His selling point is "casual sensibility". Currently the website has 2.7 million registered members and it is "Free to Join". The concept proved a fortune. Several sales start daily and last about 48 hours. Products include women's, men's and children's apparel, home and beauty products, food and wine at discounts up to 75%. Online shoppers can grab deals such as Skinny jeans by 7 For All Mankind for $99, while the retail price is $218. The choice of brands includes Harve Leger, Bulgari, Taschen, BCBG and more.

Laundry by Shelli Segal & Laundry By Design

2010-10-13T09:26:00.004+03:00

Sophisticated and contemporary designs

SALE ends Thursday 10/14
at 8:00 AM PT

Join HauteLook Today!

Lifestyle Boutique launching soon in Dubai

2010-10-13T09:20:00.000+03:00

Beginning in November, image conscious, home and comfort loving consumers will be able to purchase elegant, fine quality collections online at reasonable prices. Barcarol.com will be an online boutique targeted to worldly and sophisticated consumers in the region. It will offer large variety of branded and high quality lifestyle products and will host sale events occasionally.

A company owned by Barcarol LLC, Barcarol.com will launch in the region to cover an elegant niche for the online shopping community. Members of the website will receive pre-launch reviews and invitations to limited time sales. Shoppers can gain access by logging onto the website at www.barcarol.com and filling in a simple form.

With a heavy focus on quality classic lifestyle products, Barcarol.com will provide its exclusive customers access to a wide range of items from premium luxury brands at favourable prices.

Apart from the reasonable prices and the guaranteed quality, consumers will be exposed both to established brands and also to those relatively new to the marketplace. The management believe that the website will eventually become a reference point for those shoppers who want to be up to date with current trends and to keep an eye on new entrants to the Lifestyle Know-How.

The website will offers a range of easy payment options and home delivery service, which will be free for a limited period or above limited amount. In short, Barcarol.com will provide an excellent way for consumers to access premier quality items and unique, rare objects online from the comfort of their own homes.

For designers and brand owners Barcarol.com represents an opportunity to reach new target markets while at the same time attracting consumers from all walks of life. For brand owners and distributors who hold stock, this is an additional sales channel and another way to add yield on their investment.

Related Articles:

The Finest Egyptian Cotton on SALE right now!

2010-09-25T18:08:00.000+03:00

L'erba

Towel and sheet sets in luxe Egyptian cotton

Ends Tuesday, 9/28
at 6:00 AM PT

Bendon up to 40% Mid Season Sale

2010-09-24T18:44:00.000+03:00

Bendon Mid Season Sale up to 40% off starting today. Visit Bendon Stores at Mall of the Emirates, Dubai Festival City, Dubai Mall, Arabian Centre, Mirdiff City Centre.

You can also check online the lingerie section of HauteLook.com

BenQ reveals Shopping Festival specials

2008-01-24T14:32:00.000+03:00

BenQ has announced its special offers for the Dubai Shopping Festival, which starts today. The hardware vendor is offering special prices on a select range of LCD TVs, monitors, projectors and cameras during the event.

The 42" SH4231 and 37" SH3731 high definition LCD TVs, priced at AED 5,499 and AED 4,999 respectively; the E-Series LCD monitor for AED 990 and the high performance MP511+ and MP620C projector models for only AED 1990 and AED 2890. Details of the digital camera offer were not yet available.

The offers will be available from Carrefour, Sharaf DG, Lulu, Jacky's, Emax outlets, and at BenQ's own retail outlet, BenQ Zone.

Dubai Shopping Festival starts today, and runs until 24th February.

Western Union month-long fee waiver for transferring money to Bangladesh

2007-12-04T07:18:00.000+03:00

Western Union, the global money transfer service company, has announced its intention to help Bangladesh in its time of crisis by waiving off transfer fee for sending money to the country in December.
Bangladesh was struck by a devastating cyclone recently.
Jean Claude Farah, Western Union's regional vice-president for Middle East, Pakistan and Afghanistan, said that between December 1 and 31, no transfer money would be charged by the company for sending money to Bangladesh from the UAE.

Farah said, "We would like to express our deepest sympathy for all our valued customers who have families and loved ones affected by the tragic event. Waiving off the transfer fee for one month will help lessen the financial burden on our Bangladeshi customers in their time of need. This is the least we can do to help them."
Bangladesh consul general Mohammed Abdul Hye and commercial counsellor Mohammed Mahmudur Rahman were present when Farah made the announcement.
Reacting to the gesture, Rahman said, "A lot of Bangladeshi expatriates are going to benefit from this. The Bangladesh Consulate appreciates this gesture of the Western Union."
Rahman added that people were contributing generously to the Relief Fund opened at the Janata Bank.
"We have four branches in all and people are contributing to help the cyclone-affected people. A sum of Dh66,000 has already been collected in one of the accounts. More is pouring in," he noted.

WAREHOUSE SALE AT MAGRUDY'S

2007-11-14T10:23:00.000+03:00

WHEN: 8am to 4pm

Friday 16th - Saturday 17th November

WHERE: Magrudy's Jumeirah Beach Road carpark

CALL: 04 2974321 for more information

BOOKS: FROM DHS 5

STATIONERY: FROM DHS 1

SHOES: FROM DHS 25

Note: Loyalty Points cannot be earned on Sale items

Surging gold prices threaten UAE sales

2007-11-01T15:14:00.000+03:00

Lagging UAE gold sales are likely to suffer further after the yellow metal crashed through the psychological $800 barrier on Wednesday in response to the US Federal Reserve’s 25-point cut in interest rates.
The skyrocketing price of gold has squeezed profits from both wholesale and retail gold markets in the Emirates, which have already seen year-on-year sales slow as high prices put off the millions of tourists that flood the country's gold and jewelry souks throughout the year.
Dubai sales growth from August to September contracted from 26% to just 13%, while sales volume in Abu Dhabi fell 20% for the month of September. Dubai traders had expected a 40% rise in sales.

Gold, historically a hedge for investors bearish on the US dollar, broke the $800 mark for the first time since 1980 in Wednesday's trading as the beleaguered greenback plummetted to fresh record lows against global currencies.
Goldl closed trading on Wednesday at $799.90 an ounce.
Traders had been hoping October and November would see sales pick back up, but the continued surge in the price of gold could stunt the recovery.
Some local traders feared gold sales volume in the UAE could fall by about 10% in volume this year, as they did in the previous year due to both volatile and high prices.
However, Tawhid Abdullah, managing director of Dubai Gold and Jewellery Group, said in September that neither the value or volume of gold sales will go down this year and that there was little chance of Dubai sales slumping as they have in Abu Dhabi. Source

Indian vegetable, fruit prices set to rise sharply

2007-11-01T14:55:00.000+03:00

Even as expatriates are reeling under the burden of a weakening dollar, they are set to be hit further by a steep increase in the price of Indian vegetables and fruits this week.
With South Indian exporters from Kerala resuming their exports to the Gulf countries on October 29 after their demand for price increase was conceded, consumers in the UAE should expect at least 15 per cent increase in prices of fruits and vegetables imported from India, traders and supermarkets said.
Lulu Hypermarket’s executive director M.A Ashraf Ali told us, “The ground reality is that vegetable and fruit prices are also being affected by the falling dirham and dollar rate. We can expect an overall 10-15 per cent increase in prices in the UAE. However, our supermarket is trying to keep the price rise realistic. But we’ll wait and watch before we fix our revised price.”

According to informed sources, nearly 60 per cent of the UAE’s vegetables and fruits come from the Indian sub-continent. Starting today, the prices of both vegetables and fruits will go up. Drumsticks, small bananas, ladies finger, cauliflower, cabbage, bitter gourd are some of the major items that come from Kerala.
Another leading supermarket’s official from the Fresh Produce Department in Dubai said, “South Indian exporters are claiming they are incurring losses in the exchange. We get shipment from North India too but that hasn’t been affected so far. However, consumers will have to bear the price hike.”
Explaining the reason for the hike, Suresh Mathew, treasurer of Agricultural Process Food Exporters Association (APFEA), India, observed that vegetable exports work on a very thin margin. “We have a standard rate on the vegetables and fruits we export. The dollar has now fallen to Rs39. Besides, the Indian economy is booming, with the domestic consumption ever increasing. Also, the various surcharges by airlines have not been withdrawn yet despite numerous requests,” he pointed out.
C.P. Jaleel, manager of Panviet Traders, one of the leading vegetable dealers in Aweer Market said: “A 20 per cent of increase in vegetable prices is expected from November 1. Prices of vegetable in local market in India have also shot up. And the falling value of dirham against rupee is also affecting the prices.” Source

Sotheby’s jewel show opens in Dubai today

2007-10-30T06:43:00.000+03:00

Sotheby’s, in conjunction with HSBC Private Bank, yesterday announced that it would be exhibiting highlights of its upcoming Geneva and New York Magnificent Jewels auctions at The One & Only Royal Mirage Hotel in Dubai today.
The exhibition will be opened to the public from late afternoon.
The event will be attended by Sotheby’s experts David Bennett, chairman, Europe and the Middle East, Sotheby’s International Jewellery Department; Daniela Mascetti, senior specialist, International; Gary Schuler, senior specialist, International; Victoria Major, senior specialist, North America, and Brett O’Connor, senior specialist, Europe.

“We are honoured to join Sotheby’s in this high-profile exhibition in Dubai. HSBC Private Bank has a long-standing commitment to the Middle East,” said Pierre Pissaloux of HSBC.
On show from the New York sale (to be held on December 4) will be three lots of magnificent natural pearl and diamond jewels from the collection of Kelly and Calvin Klein.
Of historic importance, the Single-Strand Natural Pearl and Diamond Necklace, Cartier, Paris, a Natural Pearl and Diamond Pendant, Cartier, Paris, circa 1950 and the Pair of Black and White Natural Pearl and Diamond Earclips, Van Cleef & Arpels, New York, 1957 were purchased by the Kleins in 1987 at Sotheby’s legendary auction of The Jewels of the Duchess of Windsor in Geneva. Together, the three lots have a combined value of $2,200,000-3,100,000.
Further standout pieces include the Harry Winston Liberator II Platinum and Diamond Ring (estimate: $350,000-450,000). From a Private Collection comes a Fancy Intense Yellow Diamond Pendant weighing 50.40 carats (estimate: $1,750,000-2,000,000).

Special number plate sold for Dh1.13 million

2007-09-02T19:55:00.000+03:00

A whopping Dh1.13 million was offered for a five-digit car number plate at the 51st auction of unique number plates organised by the Roads and Transport Authority yesterday. Nearly 250 bidders took part in the auction. The proceeds of the auction amounted to Dh19,557,000.
The auction hall echoed with cheers and shouts as the bidders held out their identification numbers time and again in order to compete among themselves. The atmosphere became even more electrifying with officials of the RTA, including the one conducting the auction, cheering the bidders to quote even higher amounts.

Dh1.13 million was paid for the number plate F-33333. Second in line was number F-88888 which fetched Dh1.3 million. Number F-66666 got the third place after fetching Dh 1.1 million. Plate number F-44444 went for Dh1 million.
Engineer Ali Mohammed Al Jasim, Director of Licensing Department at Traffic and Roads Agency of the RTA, said that the purpose of the auction was to cater to the needs of those who wish to own distinguished numbers.Source

Discovery Gardens

2007-08-26T21:00:00.000+03:00

Discovery Gardens, a 420,000 square meter development, is a pre-designed complex comprising of themed communities styled in a variety of garden experiences. The culturally themed communities are Mediterranean, Zen, Contemporary, Cactus, Mogul and Mesoamerican courtyard gardens. Discovery Gardens features multi-sized spacious apartments set amidst landscaped lawns, lush foliage and beautiful desert blooms.
The stucco colored architecture blends in with the surrounding lush greenery, enveloping residents in a relaxing lifestyle. The Discovery Gardens apartments have all the comforts of life including a variety of dining options and fine retailers. Discovery Gardens offers access to all the key communities in Dubai including Jumeirah Islands, Jumeirah Lake Towers and Dubai Marina. For more shopping and entertainment, the city center is just a short drive away.
Discovery Gardens is situated in an ideal location. Community swimming pools, landscaped gardens, jogging paths and tennis courts provide excellent recreational venues. Just five-minutes away the new Gardens Shopping all offers clothing shops, art shops, laundry, supermarkets, salons, tailors and other necessary services.

Dubai Chronicle is exclusive agent for one of the biggest Dubai Property Developer. Buying property trough Dubai Chronicle means that you are not going to receive any hidden cost, real estate agency fees or brokerage charges!
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Terra Del Sol has everything that you need to feel at home, from the Gardens shopping mall, where everyday necessities can be found, as well as a variety of dining options and fine retailers, to the exceptional access offered by the communities Sheikh Zayed road location. Here, all the entertainment, restaurants and shopping Dubai offers is only minutes away.
The new Terra Del Sol development will be constructed from concrete walls and floors. This will provide acoustical privacy between each apartment, they will have insulated roofs and exterior walls, with functional windows. The Mediterranean neighbourhood located within Discovery Gardens is less than 5 minutes drive from the new Gardens shopping mall, which offers some of the finest retail outlets in the region.

Features and facilities

Kitchen
• Quality kitchen cabinets
• Marble bench tops and splash backs
• Stainless steel sink and drain board

Living and Dining Rooms
• Single maple veneer solid core entry door with security.
• Entry hallways with granite tile floor.
• Ceramic floor tiles to all other living areas.
• Feature and accent lighting to entry, living and dining rooms.

Bedroom
• Ceramic floor tiles
• Walk- in wardrobes with compartments

En-suites
• Quality sanitary ware with bidet vanity lighting

Kindly Contact Us to receive the floor plans and all details you may need.

Bakers plan to increase price of bread

2007-08-18T10:24:00.000+03:00

In a challenging move defying local market practices, a consortium of ten baking houses continued to sell bread at an increased price. Forming an alliance, the ten baking houses even revealed their plan to impose a further increase reaching Dhs.5 per packet.

'Al Ittihad' newspaper reported that the price increase is not approved by local authorities although other bakers are following the 20 percent increase announced by the consortium on Thursday.
After a period of 33 years of market stability, it is for the first time bread prices go up, according to 'Al Ittihad'.

The baking houses justified their move attributing the reason to increased price of raw materials and transportation costs.

At the same time, the Abu Dhabi Flour Factory, the main supplier for the bakers withdrew a price increase for wheat flour.

Residents in Abu Dhabi has demanded a fast intervention by authorities to bring down the prices in consideration of the strategic nature of the food. They claimed that the price increase is not authenticated by Department of Economy and Planning, or the Department of Municipal Affairs in Abu Dhabi. Source

Supermarkets hike fish prices by 69%

2007-06-13T12:54:00.001+03:00

Dubai and Abu Dhabi supermarkets have increased fish prices by up to 69% in three months, Gulf News says today. UAE Ministry of Economy figures show French retailer Carrefour Dubai raised the price of UAE shaari fish by 68%, from Dh10 per kilo in March to Dh16.90 this week. LuLu Centre increased its price by 46%. Fishermen had predicted prices would rise, after Cyclone Gonu battered Oman and destroyed fishing boats. Source

Summer promotion at Uptown Mirdif

2007-06-06T14:39:00.000+03:00

UPTOWN Mirdiff has kicked off the summer with their first promotion ‘Scratch & Win’ launched on May 25th and scheduled to run through to June 20th, 2007. With retail discounts offered during this period, Dubai residents are thrilled with the promotion that is fulfilling the needs of their pre-holiday shopping.

UPTOWN Mirdiff has become a very popular leisure destination since its inception, accordingly the promotion was launched a bit earlier in the season so residents can benefit from the prizes and shop with many interesting discounts for all their vacation needs in due time before they travel. It is a great way of rewarding our shoppers.

Shoppers have a chance of winning prizes worth AED300,000 with the UPTOWN Mirdiff ‘Scratch & Win’ promotion. For every AED200 spent in any of the outlets from May 25 till June 20, 2007, shoppers will be eligible for a ‘Scratch & Win’ card to win instant prizes.

Dubai has emerged as a critical market for jewelry and watches.

2007-06-02T09:04:00.000+03:00

Dubai, the City of Gold—its name resonates with the precious metal. Though affluent Arabs increasingly favor diamonds, gold hasn't lost its luster yet in the United Arab Emirates whose citizens show a great penchant for it. According to the World Gold Council's Dubai office, gold sales in the first quarter of 2006 increased to 2.1 billion UAE dirhams compared with 1.9 billion dirhams in the same period in the previous year. Dubai's booming gold and jewelry market has also been one of the major factors contributing to the exponential growth of tourism in the Emirates.
Industry statistics reveal that about 45 metric tons of jewelry were manufactured in Dubai in 2003 using scrap gold and bullion bars. This figure is expected to increase by 25 percent in the next two to three years. Says Chandu Siroya, director of Siroya Jewelers, “Dubai is one of the cheapest places to buy jewelry, as one has to pay no taxes. It's not only expatriates from Asian countries such as India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh who find Dubai an ideal and cost-effective place to buy gold; one can also see visitors from Saudi Arabia and Europe strike good bargains.”
The vast majority of Siroya's customers are Indians who favor 22k gold, rather than Arabs who traditionally opt for 21k. “The emotional attributes and benefits of gold, as well as its practical or financial benefits today complement the roles of women around the world,” explains Moaz Barakat, managing director, World Gold Council, who supervises WGC operations for the Middle East, Turkey, and Pakistan.“The rise in gold prices over the past three years has not only added to gold's desirability but has also provided a strong justification for women to buy jewelry. It has once again reiterated the universal and enduring appeal of the metal,” he concludes.
The per capita consumption of gold in the UAE is the highest in the world, an average of 30 grams per person annually, compared with the global average of less than 1 gram. This reflects the country's passion for fine designer jewelry. Demand for diamonds and other precious stones is on the rise, with the retail value of diamond sets sold in the Gulf increasing by over $200 million since 2001. The most popular shape in diamonds is still the round brilliant cut, with color grades ranging from colorless to near colorless. Yellow and brown diamonds are also becoming popular, thanks to the grading certificates usually given with the stones.
With this in view, Diamond Trading Company, the world's leading supplier of natural diamonds, launched Rayana, a concept in high-end diamond jewelry design created specifically for women in the Middle East. The concept of Rayana is based on extensive consumer research that reveals that Arab women want to accentuate the abundance of diamonds in their jewelry pieces. Thus, Rayana sets contain more diamonds and less gold.
Internationally, the Middle East is one of the most critical markets for diamond jewelry. According to DTC research, diamond sets account for 55 percent of all jewelry sales in the Gulf. Interestingly, the sale of diamond jewelry sets has increased by 49 percent in the last four years with most of the clientele consisting of Arabs who spend approximately $2 billion each year on the sparkling stone.
Consumers in the Emirates also buy simple, classical pendants with solitaires, gemstones, or crystals. Wide or stacked bangles remain a trend as do charm bracelets. Large rings are still popular, but in simple designs featuring big, faceted gemstones with wide bands of metal or beaded fringes and pom-poms.
Tiffany & Co. has long been known as the jeweler to royal families of the Gulf and remains popular. The City of Gold has also responded well to the Marrakech line, by D'damas, a combination of gold and diamond jewelry, crafted by the Italian jewelry house Marco Bicego. The Marrakech assortment consists of twisted metal coils with diamonds carefully laid between the metal. The collection reflects the influence of Africa's rich visual heritage. The collection is set in 18k gold with diamonds and colored gemstones.
The Gulf is one of the world's fastest-growing markets for top-of-the-range watches. An increasing number of upscale watch brands have established a presence in the region, which demonstrates a strong appetite for fashionable trade names. “The UAE caters not only to the local market but also to a large number of business and leisure visitors as well, which explains the country's strong position in the international watch industry,” says Mohammed Seddiqi, chief operating officer of Ahamed Seddiqi & Sons, dealers of Baume & Mercierin the UAE. The company has a special limited-edition watch range, with only 150 of the watches being sold in Dubai for approximately $3,500. Other popular watch brands include Swatch and Clerc.
With its newfound love for diamonds, gems, and luxury watches, Dubai has emerged as a prime market for innovative jewelers. Source

Sale up to 50%

2007-05-04T16:19:00.000+03:00

Ongoing Sale at H&M at Deira City Centre. The latest Madonna collection is include it.

Sale up to 50%

2007-05-04T16:10:00.000+03:00

Ongoing sale at NEXT, Mercato Mall, Jumeirah Beach Road

Sale up to 60%!

2007-05-04T15:52:00.000+03:00

Ongoing Sale at United Colors of Beneton, Deira City Centre

Fruit and vegetable prices go down

2007-05-02T19:16:00.000+03:00

The latest price list issued by the Ministry of Economy showed that a basket of orange, pears, sweet potato, pineapple, lemon, cabbage and lettuce is a lot more cheaper now.
In the capital, Carrefour swept away the competition, as it posted 17 items with the cheapest price, compared to Abu Dhabi Cooperative Society with 11 and Emirates General Market with seven.
Last Monday a kilo of pears from Chile cost Dh3.50 in Carrefour Dubai, or Dh3 cheaper than four weeks ago. The store also cut the price of Egyptian sweet potato from Dh3.95 to Dh1.90 per kilo, and locally sourced cabbage from 90 fils to 80 fils per kilo. Carrefour kept the price of Philippine pineapples at Dh2.95, the same price as last month.
LuLu Centre also lowered the price of Indian lemon from Dh2.90 to Dh1.90, UAE cabbage from 90 fils to 80 fils, and Jordanian lettuce from Dh2.90 to Dh1.90.
Union Cooperative Society trimmed down the cost of red orange from Lebanon to Dh2.50 from Dh4.90 per kilo. The store's red grapes sourced from South Africa went up a bit from Dh4.90 to Dh5.95 per kilo.
In Abu Dhabi, Emirates General Market slashed the price of pears from Chile by Dh2, from Dh6.95 to Dh4.95. It also shed off a few dirhams on Egyptian sweet potato, which went down to Dh3.50 from Dh4.25. Source

The Real Deal at the IKEA Cafeteria

2007-01-20T20:52:00.000+03:00

The largest Ikea store in the Emirates, the one in Dubai offers value for money breakfast every day morning from 8.30 am until 11.30 am.

Visitors can enjoy a continental breakfast for only AED 5. It includes scrambled eggs, 2 beef sausages, mushrooms and hash brown potatoes. All the beverages and assorted breads are at additional cost.

The selection of the food is based on the similar criteria cafeteria as the furniture: clean, healthy, nothing fancy, easy affordable.

The Ikea breakfast could be a good way to start a day long shopping adventure trough Ikea and the Festival City Waterfront Centre.

How to Buy Diamonds Like a Pro

2007-01-19T21:43:00.000+03:00

With the Dubai Shopping Festival continuing until the 2nd of February, many may get advantage to buy jewelry with diamonds. There are many thinks to consider before doing that.

Tips:
On Color: The whiteness of a diamond is the most important factor, unless you’re buying a fancy color like yellow or pink. Always purchase the whitest diamond you can afford, because that’s what people will notice. That said, you can save money by buying a stone with a small amount of color. Remember that stones are graded for color in clinical conditions. To the naked eye, it is hard to discern a D, the most white, from an E, an F or even a G, particularly if you don’t have stones against which to compare it. At H grade and lower, progressively more obvious color is visible.
On Clarity: To most observers, the beauty of a stone is not necessarily diminished by internal imperfections. Since the price goes down on a per-carat basis depending upon its clarity grade, this is a place where diamond buyers can save. Keep in mind that clarity gradings (“internally flawless,” “very, very slight inclusions,” etc.) are determined under magnification. Until you hit a grade of “imperfect,” you are talking about flaws that are invisible to the naked eye. In the actual wearing of a diamond, no one will know the clarity of the stone. But for those interested in a perfect specimen stone — for investment purposes, for example — compromises on color and clarity are not an option.
On Carat: Carat size is at the customer’s discretion. It can be tricky, though, because a high-carat-weight stone may not look large. The opposite is also true: a stone can appear larger than its carat weight. This is the case if the cut is a bit shallow, making the top of the diamond large relative to the portion below the girdle. This may not be a good stone to buy. (To reflect light beautifully and sparkle, a diamond should be proportioned properly.) Diamonds can look smaller than their weight if they are deep stones, with more weight on the bottom half, as is the case with true Asscher-cut diamonds, a sought-after shape.
On Cut Technically: The cut of a stone refers to its proportions and the placement of the facets. But many relate cut to the shape of the stone, which is a subjective decision a buyer makes. There is no secret here: round diamonds have the most sparkle. Those diamonds that are not round, called fancy shapes, allow for more carat-weight retention and are typically used in the larger sizes — 10 or more carats. These are pear-shaped, marquise-cut (football-shaped) or emerald-cut (rectangular) diamonds. A princess cut (square) is also fancy, as are heart, radiant and oval shapes.
On Investing: I generally don’t advocate buying diamonds strictly for investment purposes. If you buy a really great stone, it will be a really great stone forever — but is unlikely to appreciate in value in the short term. It will probably keep up with the inflation rate.

More details how to buy and take care about your diamonds is here .
Happy buying!

Sales During The Dubai Shopping Festival

2007-01-19T19:09:00.000+03:00

Dubai Shopping Festival

2007-01-19T19:06:00.000+03:00

The Dubai Shopping Festival (Link), known in Arabic as 'Layali Dubai', was first started in February 1996 by the Dubai government as purely a retail event aimed to promote trade in Dubai. Since then it has become an annual shopping, entertainment, and cultural extravaganza that continues to promote tourism in Dubai and draws people from around the world each year.
Initially, Dubai Shopping Festival was conceived as a pure retail event, the primary aim of which was to revitalise the retail trade in Dubai. It was later developed into a comprehensive tourism product in line with Dubai's far-sighted stance to set global standards in every field
Dubai Shopping Festival is basically a shopping paradise. Dubai is know around the world as such a paradise throughout the year, but they really lay out the red carpet during shopping festival month, with over all retails outlets participating, that offer everything imaginable from gold, perfume, haute couture, cars, electronics to handicrafts and textiles.
It is the best time of the year for shopping as the discounts can reach up to 70 or 80%. Along with it there are countless ruffle drows for luxurios cars, appartments, gold an cash.
It is the best time to visit Dubai.

Books Sale until 17th of December!!

2006-12-15T13:07:00.000+03:00

Motivate Publishing is hosting a Sale from today until Sunday, 17th of December. The location it’s easy: after Garhoud Bridge on the right side look for the Indian Palace Restaurant. Than you have to turn right and on the first roundabout to take left. The ITP Publishing warehouse is the third building on the left.
As I am a book worm we were the early today to not miss something. The books selection is quite limited – all together around 100 different tittles. Most of the publications are on Arabia – culture, heritage and history. There were few cook books and children stories. I didn’t see even one fiction or romantic thematic tittles , but there are few on money managing and foreign country guides.
All together the quality is exceptional. Most of the books are big size, hard cover, glossy paper, with many pictures and illustrations. Those are usually books that we hesitate to choose in ordinary book store as the original prices are quite high (in the range of AED 180 to 350). At the current sale the prices were from AED 15 to AED 180 and there are some free books complementary.
If you like to see some of the tittles on offer, click here:

Desert Diamonds

2006-11-30T11:19:00.000+03:00

Desert Diamonds are a superior diamond simulant (fancy for fake diamond of course!) and the collection is unique in that all of the stones are hand cut by professional diamond cutters using the same faceting as a carbon diamond. All stones are nearly as hard as a carbon diamond (7.5-8.0 on the MOH scale for the gemologists) and the company is the only one to give a lifetime warantee on all jewelry pieces. They guarantee the stone and setting as well. Click here for details.

Gold

2006-11-16T08:45:00.000+03:00

Eighteen and 22-carat are common, but 24-carat is also available. If you consider the deep yellow of high-carat gold a turn-off, then check out the white gold and platinum. One-kilo bars, ten tola bars, small-minted bars and gold bullion bars are available for purchase. The spot price for gold is set daily. The quoted price does not include ‘making changes’. This varies according to the shop and the style of jewellery. The gold jewellery sold in Dubai is solid in style and, compared to Europe and North America, you are likely to get twice as much gold for your money. Precious gems and pearls, along with a wide selection of costume jewellery can also be found at a good price.

Carpets

2006-11-15T10:36:00.000+03:00

No visit to Arabia is complete without a trip to a carpet store. There are carpet outlets in most shopping centres but, for the essential flavour of the region, a trip to the carpet souk is a must. Most carpet souks will carry an assortment of ancient and modern carpets. The finest carpets come from Iran. Handmade from silk, an authentic carpet will bear the signature of its creator woven into the design. There are a countless number of patterns; many are specific to particular families or tribes. Persian carpets are at the top of the price scale and many are so exquisite that putting them on the floor is almost unthinkable. There are many cheaper options - most just as hardwearing. India, Kashmir, Pakistan and, to a lesser degree, Afghanistan all produce high quality carpets. Many are copies of Persian designs but some are original. Most carpet traders are knowledgeable about their wares and will be happy to explain the difference between a machine made or hand-woven carpet and describe in detail how their carpets are made and from which villages they originate.The higher the number of knots per square inch the greater the quality. Hand-made carpets are superior to machine-made ones; and ones which use natural dyes are superior to ones which use artificial ones.Traditional carpets are intended to last a lifetime; indeed many on sale are far older.

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