If you want to mix a little upscale in your souk visits, look no further than Central Souk in downtown Abu Dhabi. Since this was my fist souk, or market experience, I was a little skeptical that the trip would be a little more than a different way to waste a few hours. My, how I was wrong. Entering in the Central Souk, I immediately was taken aback by the design and layout of the place. Wall-sized wood carvings give the place a contemporary look. The dim lighting and cool temperature created an aura for this shopping extravaganza. The smells of the home-made colognes and fragrances meshed with spices from all over the world.
I assisted a friend find souvenirs for her family members. We first stepped in to a souvenir shop complete with jewelry, mini-Persian rugs for computer mouses, sculptures, and more. We talked the man down on decent deal. Outside of the shop were large, ornately carved doors out of teak wood. I was in awe at how beautiful they were. There were also large wooden cabinets and drawers. Shop after shop had their own niche or novelty. Inside this modernized and massive souk, a visitor could find fresh markets, cafes, restaurants, Henna shops, spas, and more. My friend decided to get some original, Arabic cologne for her father. The cologne experience was memorable to say the least. The manager sat us down in two plush chairs near a stuffed carcass of an infant deer. He proceeded to bring us different scents from sophisticated glass jars filled with various oils. He would tilt the container just enough to get some of the fragrance on a lid. He would then hold the lid to our noses to give us a smell. The sensual experience last almost fifteen minutes and is one that I won't forget.
My absolute favorite part of the souk is the spice shops. There were so many spices and fragrances that I have never heard of. Every one knows about garlic, paprika, and sage. My nose was bewildered by the virgin smells that I have never previously experienced. There was dried rose, frankincense, and others that I can't even name. Afterwards, we went to the rooftop of the souk and took in the scenery with waterfall and rooftop cafe and shisha spot. I refrained from buying anything this time but what a visit! No other place in Abu Dhabi managed to heighten all of my five senses collectively like the Central Souk. I encourage you to visit if you have a few free hours and enjoy taken an environment in.
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