It is illegal to drink alcohol in the street or to buy it for a UAE citizen. There are several nightclubs located in major centres and entertainment ranges from Arabic singers and dancers to international pop stars. Bars are found in all top hotels and range from sophisticated cocktail lounges to English-style pubs. Some hotels also have discos. Traditional dances are performed on public holidays.
Most large towns have cinemas showing English-language films.
Customs duties are low and therefore luxury goods are cheaper than in most countries. The Dubai duty-free shop is one of the cheapest in the world. Souks sell traditional Emirate leather goods, gold, brass and silverware. 0900-2100 seven days a week. Shops close for prayers from 1130-1330 on Fridays.