A temple to textiles

Noteworthy for: Emirati ladies favour Cairo for its unique selection of silks and georgette (a lightweight French crepe). Follow suit, and get a one-of-a-kind maxi dress made to order.

Fabric fiends will fall in love with Cairo. Three floors overflow with cottons, silks, satins, linens, wools and more. If you can sew it, they probably have it. The staff are excellent at fielding questions and friendly in the process. Plus, they’re not adverse to bargaining, so go ahead and exercise those haggling skills.

Many expats take their textile purchases to a nearby tailor (Orchid Tailors on Khalifa Street is a local favourite) and get new threads made on the cheap. Not a bad way to expand your wardrobe.