Just minutes away from the record-breaking Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall (largest in the world), is Dubai Creek — a throwback to Dubai’s origins as a port of trade. Wooden vessels still ply the working creek and a bustling spice and gold souk awaits visitors and residents in the mood for something, well, a little more authentic.

I loaded up on Iranian saffron, vanilla beans, cinnamon, star anise, and chocolate.

The Emirates are particular about public displays of affection, meaning, if you’re a heterosexual couple, even holding hands is officially improper. However, men going mano y mano isn’t a problem at all, as evidenced below.