Dubai, once a humble pearl-diving center, is now one of the fastest growing cities on earth and the dynamic nucleus of the Arabian Gulf region. As one of the world's most cosmopolitan cities, it's a destination for the 21st century, a place where well-heeled visitors flock to ultra-luxurious resorts.

But to fully understand Dubai's transformation you must immerse yourself in its ancient culture, and what better place to do that than in a souk. Dubai's two main ones, Bur Dubai and Bur Deira, offer a look into daily shopping venues of the past. In the narrow alleyways of the spice souk, you'll sense the atmosphere and smell the scents of the past. Outside each stall are stacks of bags containing spices, incense, rose petals and traditional medicinal products. Go through the large wooden doors leading to the cool interior of each one. A short walk from the spice souk is the gold souk. Here, bargaining is the norm.

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