A fist full of daggers

In the midst of the Dubai Shopping Festival 2001 frenzy, historical relics are being sold, and they are selling fast. The khanjar (dagger), saif (sword) and the bundoghia (gun) sold at the Yemen pavilion of the Global Village is a favourite stop for antique collectors.

"There are more people in Dubai who are aware of the historical values of the pieces we are selling than anywhere else in the region," said shop-owner Ahmed Ali Al Samai, as tourists and residents flock to his shop to buy daggers and swords. He claims that foreigners have a better eye for spotting old pieces because they have either read or studied their country's history. As a result, Samai is mulling over the idea of setting up a permamnet shop in Dubai.