There’s a hidden treasure of a place in the basement of Wafi Mall, Souk Khan Murjan, a modern-made traditional souk (‘Bazaar’ is the word many might recognise better) where no effort has been spared when it comes to decorative details. One might argue that this shiny brand new place lacks the charm of the real old souks but for an artist like myself who creates by visual details, this place is just beautiful. I don’t compare it to the old – like I don’t compare the musty leather bindings of the past to the contemporary designer bindings created these days. Some of this place might be over the top, but just the plain fact that someone goes through such trouble to create a space like this nowadays, is wonderful. It is meant to offer artisan made traditional Arabian arts and crafts. The real shame then is that an increasing amount of these little charming shops are going empty and looks like half of the beautiful heavy wooden doors are shut permanently. I assume the rent is way too high for the footfall there should be to bring in any sales. It is sad to see as this place in particular would be more than ideal to create a buzzling modern artist market in Dubai. Would be great to see something individual and different sold here, as every mall sells the same wares and brands. Although the monthly Arte Souk in Times Square Mall is doing well, all in all contemporary designer crafts have not found their way to Dubai yet, not the way they’re represented in London and the UK in general for example. Hopefully one day… (Dec09)