Tired of traipsing around Dubai’s huge shopping malls? Well, here’s a cool alternative.
A unique floating market is set to open to the public this year, and will be anchored at Al Seef, the new Dubai Creek destination. The concept will see 17 abra-inspired boats turned into boutiques which will host both local and international brands. Some of the air-conditioned boats will sell art, fashion and trinkets, while others will offer food and beverages.
A floating market is a market where goods are sold from boats. Originating in times and places where water transport played an important role in daily life, most floating markets operating today mainly serve as tourist attractions, and are chiefly found in Thailand, Indonesia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and India.
New Meraas development Al Seef has transformed a portion of Dubai Creek in Bur Dubai, and the area is about to get another feather in its cap - a floating market that will open before Ramadan in May.
BeYouLand market will be made up of 17 abra-style boats that will bob on the Creek's water along the Al Seef Promenade. The boats will each be their own walk-in store, with fitting rooms and air conditioning. They will feature both international and local brands and sell everything from clothes to art and food.
Ever fancy yourself shopping for groceries while floating on water? Well, there are a few places around the world where you can actually shop for daily commodities or souvenirs by steering your little boat amidst a large 'floating' market on the water! Floating markets were initially used when water transport was the only mode of commuting. Most floating markets operating these days serve mainly as tourist attractions. While such markets are indeed an interesting concept, a major deterrent for tourists is their timing--almost all floating markets open at 4 in the morning!
The Turkish market of Egypt, Khan Al-Khalili is now usually just called the ‘Khan’, and is one of the most beautifully unusual shopping center all over the world. Considered as one of the most important shopping areas of Egypt, Khan Market once controlled the spice monopoly.
It was during their search for spices that Europeans started finding new routes which led to discovery of America by Columbus. No visit to Egypt is complete without shopping in the Khan market. These shops stock everything from Turkish souvenirs, toy camels to precious stones.
Street markets are quite the rare thing, and stand out in a world of plastic, commerce-driven markets, with their authenticity and simple egenace. One of the largest and oldest enclosed markets (covered markets) in the world is the Grand Bazaar in Istanbul, Turkey. The market contains 61 covered streets with over 3,000 shops. The famous grand bazaar, one of Istanbul’s symbols, receives 250,000 – 400,000 visitors each day!
If you think that Feng- Shui is the sole medium of bringing good fortune to your work, then take a look at this! Dried Llama (South American camelid) and frog fetuses are the most prominent products sold at the Witches’ Market.
Situated within the lively tourist market of La Paz, this bizarre shopping land is known for its wide variety of enthralling ingredients used to influence the spirits believed to exist in the Aymara world. It is believed that burying these dried fetuses prior to a new construction brings good luck to the business.
A market, a cultural hub and a performance area…do not mistake this place with just a market! Djemaa el Fna or assembly of the dead, was once the execution center for Christians and criminals. Commonly known as ‘La Place’, during the day time this place is just like an ordinary shopping area. However, as the night approaches the entire land transforms into an Arabian dream.
The aroma of mouthwatering Moroccan delicacies are spread throughout the streets. The evening is adorned with dance groups such as Aissaoua Sufis, the Gnaoua trance-healers and Andalous musicians performing throughout the night.
Away from the mall life where everything is available at a step’s distance, there exists a totally unconventional world of unusual shopping.
A dead frog fetus can actually bring good luck…creepy, right? If you think that ‘weird world’ is just limited to movies like ‘Pirates of Caribbean’, you need to rethink! Away from the routine life, there exists a totally bizarre world tucked away under the wraps of unusual.
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