A trip to....Mirdif

So, this morning after doing my daily one hour tutoring with a four year old who is as determined not to learn to read as I am determined to get him reading, I decided a spot of retail therapy was required.

Having been to Emirates Mall yesterday, and Ibn Battuta during the week I thought about Dubai Mall. But, the sheer size of the place puts me off. So, en route to Dubai mall I suddenly decided I should check out Mirdif City Centre instead.

Now, the first problem was that I have no idea where Mirdif is. But, for some reason I thought it was perhaps in the direction of the airport, so that's the way I went. Signs for festival city appeared but nothing for Mirdif. I headed for Festival City instead but, at the last minute, my blackberry came up trumps with some directions and so I veered off in the direction of Mirdif and to my delight, a few minutes later, there was the brown tourist sign with MIRDIFF CITY CENTRE emblazoned on.

Parking was simple and hassle free, although it was pretty early for a Saturday so I wouldn't have expected too much trouble anyway. First stop once in the mall was Starbucks for a coffee break. The one thing I noticed here was the number of locals, men especially, frequenting the coffee shops. I used to live in Al Ain and so am quite used to seeing a lot of kandoora'd men sipping their latte's but not usually in Dubai. However, they were by far the majority in Starbucks.

After my skinny latte and blueberry muffin (not very complimentary items I know!) I set off for a wander around the shops. The usual dubai shops were all to be found, well except the two I was looking for namely Pimkie and Marks and Spencers. However, a Pottery Barn, Crate and Barrel, American Eagle, Hamleys and a few other less common stores were also about.

I didn't buy much, just had a wander and picked up a few bits and pieces. But at least I can check another mall of the Dubai list. Where next?? Hmmm possibly Lamcy plaza...