Shopping

The weekend is Thursday and Friday. Business firms and banks are open on Thursday morning. Almost all banks offer 24-hour ATM card service. Most shops and companies begin their workday at 9:00 and close around 1:00PM or 2:00PM. They then re-open at 4:00PM or 5:00PM and the shops stay open until 10:00PM or 11:00PM. All places of business will close five times a day for prayer. The prayer times change daily and are published in the local newspaper. During Ramadan, the shops are closed (grocery stores are open) during the day, open at 9:00 or 10:00PM and close at 1:00 or 2:00AM.

The stores carry a wide variety of American / European foods and households items. Be advised that US goods are more expensive than in the States. Try eating food produces from the local economy, it’s good and very reasonable. SOUQ (or souk) is the Arabic word for market.

Here you will find some items typical of the region, e.g., handicraft and gold. Also there are items imported from India, Pakistan, the Far East and Europe. Many items, especially gold, are less expensive. The souq is where you will find fabrics, clothing, shoes, spices and household items.

Be sure to ask for a discount in all small retail shops. The only shops with fixed prices are groceries stores, the European / American stores (such as British Home Stores) and some shops in the large malls. However, no one is offended if you ask for a discount and sometimes you’ll be surprised.

The traditional souqs still expect the customer to haggle over the price. Don’t be inhibited. Take your time, keep cool, and enjoy tea if it’s offered. Bargaining is a social event. Returns and exchanges are not allowed in many stores. Few stores have dressing rooms for women to try on clothes. If you ask before you buy it, you may get permission to return it if it does not fit. Please bear in mind that clothing sizes do vary between European and US standard sizes.