SHOPPING IN THE UNITED ARAB EMIRATES:   The United Arab Emirates federation of sheikhdoms (UAE) is located on the Arabian Peninsula bordering the Persian Gulf.  The UAE, with a population of app. 2,700,000, consists of seven territorial sheikhdoms, with Abu Dhabi as the largest and the city of Abu Dhabi serving as the country’s capital.  The UAR is an oil-rich nation and is rapidly modernizing, making shopping in the United Arab Emirates a fascinating blend of traditional and new.  Areas such as Abu Dhabi and Dubai offer those shopping in the United Arab Emirates everything from the latest European and American designer fashions to exotic treasures from the near and far East.  Make sure to patronize the many souks  (open-air markets) for that authentic Middle Eastern Bazaar experience when shopping in the United Arab Emirates.  In particular, don’t miss the Textile Souk for fine cottons, silks and Indian Sari’s; the Perfume & Spice Souk for exotic herbs, incense, oils and such; plus the famous Gold Souk to which shopping in the United Arab Emirates owes much of its fame!  Customs are important to Arabic Muslims.  Most importantly, do things like eating, greeting, accepting food, etc., with your right hand, never the left.  Likewise, when shopping in the United Arab Emirates, conduct transactions with the right hand.  In addition to its oil industry, the UAE has a booming banking and financial infrastructure, easily supporting a healthy construction industry for upscale housing and magnificent retail malls that add an air of splendor to shopping in the United Arab Emirates.