Dubai, United Arab Emirates - February 2008; Over recent decades, upmarket shopping arcades proliferated throughout Dubai, each more extravagant and less tasteful than the one proceeding it. A bit like casinos in Las Vegas... These high temples to consumerism were sprinkled like shiny baubles over the desert. Strangely, they never seemed busy. In fact, whenever we were in one, it seemed deserted. Here we see a traditional-style Arabic hall, with luxurious carved and engraved wood.