• United States
    • Arizona
      • Glendale – 623-251-0442
    • Connecticut
      • Tanger Outlet Center – 860-383-4340
    • Florida
      • Key West – 305-396-7307
      • Orlando – 407-851-7234
      • Tampa – 813-513-9868
      • Westfield Brandon – 813-689-4143
    • Hawaii
      • Hilton Hawaiian Village – 808-945-2221
      • Maui Store – 808-661-1112
    • Lancaster
      • Park City Center – 717-390-8783
    • Las Vegas
      • Caesar’s Palace Hotel – 702-836-9654
    • Los Angeles
      • Valencia Town Center – 661-287-9415
    • New York
      • East Hampton – 877-544-1777
      • Madison Avenue – 646-478-7263
      • Manhattan – 212-371-7242
      • Bleecker St
    • Northern California
      • Arden Fair Mall – 916-920-3388
      • Hillsdale Center – 650-571-5582
      • Market St. Store – 415-618-0303
      • Powell St. – (415) 951-1929
      • Westfield Galleria – 916-781-0167
      • Foothills Blvd
    • Orange County
      • Irvine Spectrum Center – 949-585-9294
      • Cerritos Mall – 877-554-1777
      • Galleria at Tyler – 951-359-6764
    • Palm Desert
      • El Paseo – 760-674-0000
    • San Diego
      • Escondido – 760-489-0631
    • Santa Barbara
      • Pacific View Mall – 805-654-0043
      • Paseo Nuevo – 805-899-4455
    • Seattle
      • Bellevue Collection – 425-454-2909
    • Texas
      • Baybrook Mall – 281-486-1114
      • Galleria Dallas – 972-239-2036
      • Houston Galleria – 713-623-0691
      • Stonebriar Mall – 972-668-4900
    • Virgin Islands – 1-877-554-1777
    • Virginia Beach
      • Lynnhaven Mall – 757-340-0688
  • Abu Dhabi
    • Yas Mall – 1-877-554-1777
  • The Netherlands
    • Amsterdam – +31-20-7370564
  • Australia
    • Sydney – 02-8542-6100
    • Chatswood – 02-9415-4454
  • Brazil
    • Salvador
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    • Bramalea City Centre – 647-874-9994
    • Georgian Mall – 705-725-9248
    • Holt Renfrew Center – 1-800-848-2350
    • Scarborough Town Centre – 416-290-0454
  • Germany
    • Dusseldorf – 49-211-869-39030
  • Italy
    • Bologna
  • Hong Kong
    • Causeway Bay – 852 28712229
    • Matheson St
    • Central – 852 23240389
    • Yun Ping Road – 852 28712229
  • Malta
    • Bisazza St. – 356-27444312
  • Mexico
    • Andares
    • Angelópolis Centro Comercial
    • Centro Santa Fe – 55 9688 7363
    • Cozumel
    • Guadalajara – 01 (33) 31 10 03 02
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    • Liverpool – 55 5480 1300
    • Parque Delta – 9154 9671
    • Pasanje Polanco – 52 80 04 63
    • Paseo Acoxpa – 56 79 72 29
    • Paseo Interlomas – 52 91 67 67
    • Paseo Queretaro
    • Perisur – 3488 8045
    • Playa Del Carmen – 01 (99) 84 68 85 57
    • Plaza Altabrisa Tabasco
    • Puebla – 01 (22) 22 25 75 55
    • Puerto Vallarta – 4893 6898
    • San Miguel de Cozumel
    • Oasis Coyoacán – 91 54 89 53
    • Villahermosa – 01 (99) 32 53 53 70
  • Oman
    • Bareeq Al Shatti Mall – 1-877-554-1777
  • Philippines
    • Robinsons Place – (02) 354 78 27
    • Century City Mall – (02) 556 69 68
    • Newport – (02) 835 54 67
    • Shangri-La Plaza – (02) 718 55 08
  • Puerto Rico
    • The Plaza Las Americas – 1-877-554-1777
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Singapore
    • Orchard Gateway – 65 6702 6391
    • Wisma Atria – 65 6735 1829
    • Westgate – 65 6465 9771
    • Marina Bay Sands – 65 6688 7475
    • Marina Bay Sands
  • Spain
    • Barcelona – 34-932.725.269
    • Bulevard Rosa – 34-932.158.331
    • La Roca Village – 34-932.445.591
    • Madrid – 34 911 25 07 97
    • Marbella – 34-952.862.716
  • Taiwan
    • Taipei – 1-877-554-1777
  • Vietnam
    • Ha Noi
  • Blog

OROGOLD Locations

  • United States
    • Arizona
      • Glendale – 623-251-0442
    • Connecticut
      • Tanger Outlet Center – 860-383-4340
    • Florida
      • Key West – 305-396-7307
      • Orlando – 407-851-7234
      • Tampa – 813-513-9868
      • Westfield Brandon – 813-689-4143
    • Hawaii
      • Hilton Hawaiian Village – 808-945-2221
      • Maui Store – 808-661-1112
    • Lancaster
      • Park City Center – 717-390-8783
    • Las Vegas
      • Caesar’s Palace Hotel – 702-836-9654
    • Los Angeles
      • Valencia Town Center – 661-287-9415
    • New York
      • East Hampton – 877-544-1777
      • Madison Avenue – 646-478-7263
      • Manhattan – 212-371-7242
      • Bleecker St
    • Northern California
      • Arden Fair Mall – 916-920-3388
      • Hillsdale Center – 650-571-5582
      • Market St. Store – 415-618-0303
      • Powell St. – (415) 951-1929
      • Westfield Galleria – 916-781-0167
      • Foothills Blvd
    • Orange County
      • Irvine Spectrum Center – 949-585-9294
      • Cerritos Mall – 877-554-1777
      • Galleria at Tyler – 951-359-6764
    • Palm Desert
      • El Paseo – 760-674-0000
    • San Diego
      • Escondido – 760-489-0631
    • Santa Barbara
      • Pacific View Mall – 805-654-0043
      • Paseo Nuevo – 805-899-4455
    • Seattle
      • Bellevue Collection – 425-454-2909
    • Texas
      • Baybrook Mall – 281-486-1114
      • Galleria Dallas – 972-239-2036
      • Houston Galleria – 713-623-0691
      • Stonebriar Mall – 972-668-4900
    • Virgin Islands – 1-877-554-1777
    • Virginia Beach
      • Lynnhaven Mall – 757-340-0688
  • Abu Dhabi
    • Yas Mall – 1-877-554-1777
  • The Netherlands
    • Amsterdam – +31-20-7370564
  • Australia
    • Sydney – 02-8542-6100
    • Chatswood – 02-9415-4454
  • Brazil
    • Salvador
  • Canada
    • Bramalea City Centre – 647-874-9994
    • Georgian Mall – 705-725-9248
    • Holt Renfrew Center – 1-800-848-2350
    • Scarborough Town Centre – 416-290-0454
  • Germany
    • Dusseldorf – 49-211-869-39030
  • Italy
    • Bologna
  • Hong Kong
    • Causeway Bay – 852 28712229
    • Matheson St
    • Central – 852 23240389
    • Yun Ping Road – 852 28712229
  • Malta
    • Bisazza St. – 356-27444312
  • Mexico
    • Andares
    • Angelópolis Centro Comercial
    • Centro Santa Fe – 55 9688 7363
    • Cozumel
    • Guadalajara – 01 (33) 31 10 03 02
    • Jalisco
    • Liverpool – 55 5480 1300
    • Parque Delta – 9154 9671
    • Pasanje Polanco – 52 80 04 63
    • Paseo Acoxpa – 56 79 72 29
    • Paseo Interlomas – 52 91 67 67
    • Paseo Queretaro
    • Perisur – 3488 8045
    • Playa Del Carmen – 01 (99) 84 68 85 57
    • Plaza Altabrisa Tabasco
    • Puebla – 01 (22) 22 25 75 55
    • Puerto Vallarta – 4893 6898
    • San Miguel de Cozumel
    • Oasis Coyoacán – 91 54 89 53
    • Villahermosa – 01 (99) 32 53 53 70
  • Oman
    • Bareeq Al Shatti Mall – 1-877-554-1777
  • Philippines
    • Robinsons Place – (02) 354 78 27
    • Century City Mall – (02) 556 69 68
    • Newport – (02) 835 54 67
    • Shangri-La Plaza – (02) 718 55 08
  • Puerto Rico
    • The Plaza Las Americas – 1-877-554-1777
  • Saudi Arabia
  • Singapore
    • Orchard Gateway – 65 6702 6391
    • Wisma Atria – 65 6735 1829
    • Westgate – 65 6465 9771
    • Marina Bay Sands – 65 6688 7475
    • Marina Bay Sands
  • Spain
    • Barcelona – 34-932.725.269
    • Bulevard Rosa – 34-932.158.331
    • La Roca Village – 34-932.445.591
    • Madrid – 34 911 25 07 97
    • Marbella – 34-952.862.716
  • Taiwan
    • Taipei – 1-877-554-1777
  • Vietnam
    • Ha Noi
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Tag Archives: Souk

Travel |

February 22, 2020

| OROGOLD

8 Things to Know Before Visiting Abu Dhabi

Aerial view of Abu Dhabi

The capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi may not offer the same level of glitz and glamor as its famous neighbor, Dubai, but this world-class city is brimming with heritage and culture, although this might be a little different than what you are used to. If you have been considering a visit to this Middle Eastern gem, here are eight things that you should know before you go.

You Will Need to Dress Modestly

Locals tend to dress pretty conservatively in Abu Dhabi, with the majority choosing to don traditional wear (a full-length white robe for men, and a full-length black robe with a headscarf for women).

Although tourists aren’t expected to dress in the same way, you will need to pay close attention to the outfits you choose to wear when in Abu Dhabi, and this applies to both men and women.

Form-fitting clothes, as well as anything that shows unnecessary skin, should be avoided. The same goes for shorts, which are only appropriate if you are at the beach. Instead, go for long and loose clothing, picking items made from natural materials. Not only will this enable you to adhere to the customs of Abu Dhabi, but it will also help to keep you cool in the city’s heat.

Female walking around Abu Dhabi

Creative Family / Shutterstock.com

Save Room in Your Luggage for Shopping

If you are someone who loves to shop, especially when you’re on vacation, then Abu Dhabi will feel like paradise to you. Of course, this does mean that you will need to save quite a bit of room in your luggage for all of your shopping, or you could just buy a new bag too, packing all of your shopping in there.

Now, when it comes to the shopping in Abu Dhabi, you will have your pick from sleek, luxurious shopping malls to bustling markets, along with everything in between.

If you prefer malls, some of the best in the city include:

  • Abu Dhabi Mall – this magnificent mall has been running since 2001, and boasts more than 200 different stores. It is also home to cinemas, restaurants and several other amusements
  • Yas Mall – located on Corniche Road, one of the most gorgeous areas of the city, Yas Mall offers up even more than the Abu Dhabi Mall, with 400 different stores to browse, including our very own OROGOLD Abu Dhabi store. Once you’ve indulged in your skin care fix, you can try everything from ice skating and bowling to a multiplex movie theater and even a rollercoaster
  • Avenue at Etihad – this boutique mall placed a focus on customized luxury, with many of the high-end stores here offering up a personalized service
  • The Galleria – this elegant piece of architecture houses some of the most sophisticated brands in the world, along with an exquisite selection of restaurants from all over the globe

While malls are fun, there’s nothing quite like the authentic experience that comes from shopping in one of the city’s traditional markets, known as souks. Here are a few to visit:

  • Madinat Zayed Gold Souk – this is the place to go for gold jewelry, with numerous styles available as well as the option to purchase a custom designed piece
  • Al Ain Camel Souk – this livestock market guarantees an authentic experience. You will find a vast array of camels here, both old and young, as well as goats and sheep. Be careful that some sellers may demand a payment if you take photos of their animals
  • Souk Qaryat Al Beri – with ornate chandeliers, pointed arches and winding canals, this souk almost feels like an Arabian fairytale. Be sure to save time for a meal at one of the waterfront restaurants here
  • Abu Dhabi Carpet Souk – although you may not be planning on taking a carpet home with you, the sheer array of colors and patterns at this maze-like souk make it well worth a visit

As you can see, extra room in your luggage will definitely be needed when visiting Abu Dhabi!

Camels at camel market

The City’s Pink Taxis are for Women Only

Chances are, when visiting Abu Dhabi, you will end up taking a taxi quite a few times. Well, if you happen to hail down a gold, silver or white taxi, there isn’t anything unusual about this. However, if you come across a pink, or even a lavender-colored, taxi, there’s something you should know…

These pink taxis are to be taken by women and children under the age of 10 only, and they are driven by female drivers. Even if you are a man traveling with your family, you would still not be allowed to enter into one of the pink taxis.

This women-only taxi service was introduced in the city in 2010, and has since become extremely popular.

If you decide to give public transport a try…

Keep in mind that the front seats on public buses are reserved for women. This is to enable women to travel safely, without having to worry about unwanted attention from men.

Abu Dhabi Boasts 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites

If you appreciate history and heritage, then you will love the fact that Abu Dhabi is home to four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From an ancient archaeological park to a desert oasis, be sure to save space on your itinerary for a visit to these four gems:

  • Bidaa Bint Saud – this ancient caravan stop is home to numerous tombs from both the Bronze and Iron Ages, as well as a mud-brick hall that has been impressively preserved
  • Hili Archaeological Park – dedicated to Al Ain, a Bronze Age site, this archeological park, along with its beautifully-manicured flower gardens, feature a collection of historic monuments that date back to 5000 years ago
  • Hafeet Tombs – there are hundreds of beehive-style tombs here, dating back 5000 years, and visitors are allowed to explore each one. This site also happens to be set on the summit of the Jebel Hafeet Mountain, standing at 1160 meters high, giving you an incredible view of the desert that surrounds you
  • Al Ain Oasis – this site is located in the heart of the city, and consists of a 1200 acre green desert oasis. The 147,000 date palm grove here makes use of traditional falaj irrigation systems, keeping the area lush even in the harshest of climates

Plants at Al Ain

Local Laws May Surprise You

Getting acquainted with local laws isn’t something that many travelers do before visiting a destination, but it would be well worth doing so before heading to Abu Dhabi.

Why?

Because some of the local laws here may surprise you, and you do not want to end up finding yourself unexpectedly in trouble.

So, when it comes to a relaxing vacation, chances are that you expect there to be some alcohol involved, whether in the form of a cold beer by the pool or an evening cocktail. Since Abu Dhabi is an Islamic country, it is illegal to drink in public here.

Don’t worry, alcohol is still available at several hotels around the city, so long as they have a legal permit. However, you will still need to watch how much you actually drink, and be sure to sober up before heading out of the hotel bar, since it is also illegal to be intoxicated in public here.

Now, if you’re visiting Abu Dhabi with that special someone, you will need to keep any PDA to a minimum. While married couples are allowed to hold hands in public, pretty much everything else, from kissing to hugging, would be viewed as offensive, and could even cost you some time in jail. Again, don’t worry – you will find signs reminding you of this all over the city!

This Desert City is Home to Several Green Spaces

When you visit a steel-dominated city, located in the middle of a desert, you don’t expect to encounter many green spaces. However, the UAE has recently been focused on a long-term plan of greening the desert, but doing this in a sustainable way that does not place a strain on their important water resources.

As a result, Abu Dhabi is witnessing more and more parks and green spaces emerging throughout the city, providing a lush breath of fresh air for those who need some respite from the hectic chaos of the city. Here are a few to check out:

  • The Corniche Parks – these run along the corniche, enabling you to enjoy both greenery and the beach
  • Capital Gardens – located in the heart of the city, this park boasts recreation areas, greenery and an incredible fountain
  • Khalifa Park – measuring more than 500,000 meters square, this sprawling park provides a train to help visitors get around, as well as an aquarium, history museum, library and children’s water park
  • Mangrove National Park – this protected parcel of land is home to some dense palm forests, with a kayaking trip being the best way to explore all that this park offers

There are Hundreds of Fountains in the City

Buildings in background with palm trees and fountains in foreground, Abu Dhabi

Abu Dhabi is a city that loves fountains, which beautifully juxtaposes with the heat and arid climate that the city experiences. As a result, you will find fountains of all shapes and sizes just about everywhere you go in the city. While some of these are small and simple, others are grand enough to justify a visit just to see them.

Here are some of Abu Dhabi’s most spectacular fountains:

  • Yas Marina Musical Water Fountain – this fountain is all about extravagance in the evenings, when it lights up and puts on a stunning musical display for those around
  • Cedar Fountain – this was actually a gift to the UAE from Lebanon, and is designed in the shape of Lebanon’s cedar trees. This fountain is one of Abu Dhabi’s oldest landmarks
  • Reem Central Park – the statement fountains at this recreational park dot turquoise canals, providing the perfect backdrop for a photo

Of course, if you prefer your fountains to be made from chocolate rather than water, there are also a few spots in the city that are famous for their indulgent chocolate fountains. Try the Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, where you can choose between white, milk and dark, or the Yas Island Rotana, where you will often find seasonal specialties.

Watch What You Photograph

Love taking photos when you’re on vacation?

In this day and age, pretty much everyone does. After all, that perfect Instagram shot may just be one more snap away!

Well, while you will definitely want you camera to hand when exploring Abu Dhabi, you do need to be careful about where you point it…

Usually, if something is in a public area, then you wouldn’t think twice about snapping away. However, in Abu Dhabi, you need to make sure that the photos you take do not contain any people, or anything related to the government, including government buildings.

When it comes to people, if you have their consent, then there isn’t a problem. However, if you snap away at members of the public without their permission, and they are identifiable in your photo, then this would be considered an invasion of personal privacy, which would therefore be an offense.

Abu Dhabi is a rapidly-growing city with so much to offer. Whether you’re into history, heritage and culture or prefer modern day comforts, this is a city that boasts something to appeal to just about everybody.

Abu Dhabi, shopping, Souk, Things to Know, travel, UAE, UNESCO, Yas Mall | Comment
Travel |

November 2, 2015

| OROGOLD

Things to Do in Dubai

Dubai is known for its extravagance and glitzy lifestyle, but the city also has a strong sense of tradition and culture. From taking in the view from the top of the tallest building in the world, to exploring traditional Arabic street markets, here are some of OROGOLD’s favorite things to do in Dubai.

Burj Khalifa

Burj Khalifa
From the moment that you first set eyes on the city, the Burj Khalifa will immediately catch your attention. This is the tallest building in the world, complete with the fastest lift in the world to whisk you up to the very top. Although the ride only lasts for a few seconds, it is most definitely exhilarating, and not something that OROGOLD would recommend for the faint of heart! The view is incredible, and the building itself is a feat of engineering, depicting Dubai’s desire to reach new heights. OROGOLD recommends visiting the top of the Burj Khalifa at sunset, as the golden glow that gets cast over the city makes the view even more memorable. You should also try to purchase your tickets a few days in advance, as this will save you a considerable amount of time on the day itself.

Gold souq in Dubai Mall.

Philip Lange / Shutterstock.com

Shopping at the Souks
‘Souk’ means marketplace in Arabic, and these traditional street markets are a great place to pick up some bargains. The Gold Souk is the most famous one in Dubai, and features over 300 jewelers showcasing a variety of gold goods. The Spice Souk, just a few minutes walk from the Gold Souk, is another popular market, with narrow alleyways crammed with shops and stalls selling endless arrays of colorful spices. For perfumes, head to the Perfume Souk, which is just east of the Gold Souk. Finally, the Textile Souk is another OROGOLD favorite, and is great for buying all sorts of fabrics, as well as unique garments and souvenirs.

Desert safari, Dubai.

Seqoya / Shutterstock.com

Desert Safari
Dubai’s vast deserts are where the Bedouins used to roam many years ago, and are definitely worth a visit if you want to experience these historic times for yourself. A four wheel drive will take you to a traditional Bedouin campsite, where you will be able to try an authentic Arabic ‘shisha’, as well as enjoy a barbecued meal. Depending on your personal preferences, your day in the desert can be filled with a variety of activities, from camel trekking to desert driving to falcon watching, or even learning how to belly dance. There are many different companies in Dubai that offer desert safaris, so be sure to research your chosen one well in advance so that you know exactly what will be included.

Dubai is a city that OROGOLD would recommend everyone visit at least once in their lifetime. While the new megastructures, such as the Burj Khalifa and all of its engineering glory, may dazzle you at first, you are likely to also enjoy the traditional side of Dubai, as well as the laid-back desert lifestyle. OROGOLD recommends that you try to experience all of this, in order to really be able to enjoy all that Dubai has to offer.

Around the World, Authentic, Bedouin, Belly Dancing, Burj Khalifa, Desert Safari, Dubai, Falcon Watching, Fastest Lift in the World, Gold Souk, Oro Gold, Orogold, Orogold Cosmetics, Perfume Souk, Shisha, shopping, Souk, Spice Souk, Street Market, Tallest Building in the World, Textile Souk, Things to Do in Dubai, Traditional, travel, UAE | Comment
Travel |

April 1, 2015

| OROGOLD

Cultural Tips for Visiting the Middle East

The Middle East is an incredibly diverse region, with each country having their own customs and traditions. Nevertheless, there are still some cultural tips that apply throughout the Middle East, from dressing appropriately to who you are not allowed to take photos of, and these should be kept in mind whenever you are travelling to a Middle Eastern country. OROGOLD Locations highlights the most important cultural tips for visiting the Middle East.

Woman wearing a head scarf posing for the camera.

Dress Appropriately
Middle Eastern countries are generally quite conservative, so every woman should make sure to pack a lightweight scarf that can double as a headscarf, even if you are going in the summertime. Although the rules in cities are more relaxed, you will still need to cover your head if you want to look around any of the mosques. Dress as modestly as possible, trying to avoid any daring outfits, or even garments such as short skirts and tank tops.

Haggling
Haggling is a huge part of buying items from souks and markets, and is also important in Middle Eastern culture. Don’t be put off by the thought of haggling, as it can end up being a fun activity for visitors if you approach it with the right frame of mind. It can sometimes be viewed as offensive if you choose not to haggle, so rather than feeling put off by it, make your own price offers and question all of the prices that the merchants offer. Buying items from markets can sometimes take some time, often with a break for tea or snacks, but you can build up a great relationship with the merchant this way, something that could be useful in the future.

Luxurious tent set up for a dinner for two.

Hospitality
People in the Middle East, especially in Arab communities, place a huge emphasis on hospitality, and it is considered impolite to refuse this, whether it be an invitation for a cup of tea or an elaborate meal. Always be polite and gracious, following the actions of others in the room if you are unsure of what to do. In Muslim communities it is best to use only your right hand when touching food or other people, as your left hand is meant to be used for personal hygiene. As a guest, you will always be offered the best parts of the meal, and this could also include local delicacies which may seem unusual to you, but it is usually best to accept them graciously.

Woman with sunglasses clicking a photograph with her camera.

Photography
In most Middle Eastern countries, Muslim women cannot be photographed, so make sure to always ask permission if you want to take photos of other people. Most are likely to say no even when asked, and it is important for you to respect their wishes. If you are caught taking sneaky photographs, the consequences could be quite severe. It is also important to remember to never take any photos of military or government staff, or of any heavily guarded buildings.

These cultural tips can be applied to many destinations in the Middle East, but each country will also have their own form of etiquette. Before travelling to the Middle East, spend some time researching the local customs in the country you will be visiting, as you will find that if you are respectful of the culture, you will be welcomed and treated in a much warmer and genuine way.

Around the World, Cultural Tips, Culture, Customs, Dubai, Etiquette, fashion, Haggling, Headscarf, Hospitality, Kuwait, Local, Market, Middle East, Muslim, Oro Gold, Orogold, Orogold Cosmetics, OROGOLD Locations, photography, Polite, Respect, shopping, Souk, Souq, Traditions, travel | Comment

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