From the Ibn Battuta Mall, we took a taxi to the nearby Madinat Mall which is another ‘themed’ mall, the ‘theme’ this time being the Arabian Souk.

The location of the Madinat Mall is its plus point. It is situated very near the shore of the Gulf, though the beach (being private) is not accessible unless you are staying in one of their hotels.

You also get fantastic view of the 7-starred ‘Burj-al-Arab’ hotel from the Madinat Mall.

Madinat Mall is built around an artificial creek and the atmosphere of old Dubai is faithfully created. Again, it is not ‘authentic’ but you are thankful that you don’t have to depend upon the ‘wind-towers’ to cool you but the air-conditioning does the job.

Inside, it is a big ‘Souk’ with its typical ‘covered’ walkways and Aladdin’s treasures spilling out of the chests of the shops everywhere – carpets, crystal, leather goods, textiles, silks, wooden carvings you name it.

The atmosphere of the medieval Arabian Nights is so real that I could see a slave-auction in my imagination at the end of the alley.

“Look at this magnificent specimen, fresh from Africa. He can lift an ox. Going at five thousand Dinars. Do I hear six thousand Dinars there?”

Five Thousand Dirham (same as Dinar) ? Wow!!! This kind of sum is not be to sneezed at.

I looked speculatively at Avi. How much will he fetch if I decided to auction him off? He BELONGS to me after all, right?

But the thought of permanantly parting with Avi was so painful that I decided not to sell him. Moreover, he earns more than 5000 Dirham per month, so it was not a financial viable proposal anyway.

I dropped the idea.

As we were roaming in the mall, we came across a man doing calligraphic paintings of names for a fee. He was such an expert and doing it so fast that Avi took a video of him painting our names ‘CHARUAVI’, which we had ordered.

It is one of my prized possessions now.

Later we also visited the ‘real’ malls like Deira City Center and Festival City as well as ‘real’ Souk like the Gold Souk but did not find anything worth buying.

About the Gold Souk : Dubai is also known as ‘The city of Gold’ and the Gold Souk has a great variety of very attractive designs, but you are expected to bargain there.

Bargains put me off. I can never bargain to my satisfaction, because I always have a sneaking suspicion (no, conviction) I have been taken for a ride.

So, only those who have confidence in their bargaining power, should buy at the Gold Souk.