Carpet Souq

Abu Dhabi


The garrulous traders from Balochistan, Pakistan, here are good fun, though don't expect to encounter piles of beautiful jewel-toned hand-loomed carpets. Modern, machine-made wool-and-nylon carpets and prayer rugs are what sell well.

There are a few old tribal pieces (mostly from Afghanistan and Pakistan) rolled up at the back of various shops in the hope of attracting a foreign buyer. If you fancy a look at the tribal carpets be prepared to bargain hard. And get to know your carpets – you can find the real deal if you know what you're looking at.