Concierge.com's insider take:

It might have a smidgen of the atmosphere of the real thing, but this sanitized, artificial souk, the result of a mall/souk pairing, is heaven-sent for the unadventurous. Locals have grudgingly admitted to being addicted to its air-conditioned, wooden-roofed surroundings, and narrow lanes reminiscent of a traditional souk's architecture. There are more than 100 shops, carts, and waterside restaurants in this maze (we guarantee you'll get lost, but it's all within the confines of a five-star resort), which is a beautiful place to stroll at night, when the twinkling lights add extra atmosphere. Prices are hefty, so make sure you bargain. Try the Marina interiors shop, which sells embroidered cushion covers, wooden furniture, and other ethnic knickknacks (971-4368-6050; www.marinagulf.com); Abdul Samad Al Qurashi Arabian perfumes (971-4368-6616); and Gallery One, which stocks local prints, postcards, and limited-edition black-and-white photographs (971-4368-6055; www.g-1.com). You will also find carts lining some of the corridors with sheeshas, mint-tea glasses, perfumed soaps, and beaded jewelry.