Day 32 - Jay's sisters wanted to come back to Dubai for shopping. This really is a redistribution center for goods and products from around the world. Workers are also imported just to sell things back to fellow countrymen and women. One difference between three decades ago and now is some of the nationalities of the people here. There have always been a lot of people from South Asia. There are ex-pats from just about everywhere now. Now, for example, we see Africans are well represented. This has always been a stopping point between Africa and India. So rather than dhows, they come on an Airbus or Boeing.
This morning, we picked up some 'real' oil-based perfumes. The scent from an alcohol spray may last for a few hours, but the smell from traditional oils can last for several days after it soaks into one's skin. We chose which ones we liked and put them into really small bottles. In a more expensive shop, one would be able to create a personal scent based on one's own likes and dislikes.
Early in the evening, we went over to Deira's Baniyas Square. This is an old area of town and vibrant with workers, business people, and visitors. Jay's sisters picked up cheap non-smartphones that they use with different SIMs primarily for personal business. They found new Nokia 3510 sets for around $US 35. I found it fascinating there is still a demand for old-type phones. At least Jay's younger sister will not be snapping dozens of selfies with the ones purchased today!