High-tech haven

Dubai: Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, or "Computer Street" as it is affectionately known, has evolved into a one-stop shop for computers and technology accessories.

Situated in the heart of Bur Dubai, Computer Street is lined with hundreds of shops, offering everything for your computing needs.

Delivery men carry the high-tech equipment by hand, or cart the modern goods on old-fashioned trolleys, while businessmen in smart suits shop for the latest upgrades or accessories.

By day the road is a hive of activity, and when the natural light fades away, the flashing neon of a street that never sleeps illuminates the night sky.

The bustling street is just as busy outside on the streets as inside the shops themselves, which are piled high with goods from all around the globe.

Shop assistants trade with businessmen, keen to argue the most reasonable price for the goods they're after.

From computers to MP3 players, web-cams, printers and all manner of accessories, the shops are on hand for your techie needs, and many offer advice and servicing for machines of all description.

The street has evolved over the years, becoming a trading hub for business-to-business transactions.

Deepak Murjani, general manager, King of Computers Shop, said: "Basically, Computer Street is a market. It's like a big market stall, a used computer market that can only be found here. We have both individuals and commercial visitors coming to the shop."

King of Computers has two shops on the famous street, with one having been there for around 18 years.

IT products are shipped in from the Far East and other trading hubs around the world to the nearby port, which is why Computer Street took shape in the Bur Dubai area.

Two main malls in the Computer Street area, the Al Ain Centre and Wifi Computer Zone in Al Musalla Tower Mall, offer an air-conditioned shopping experiences.

The Al Ain Centre (off Mankhool Road) provides services such as internet cafes, food outlets, electronic games centres and more than 66 computer outlets, which are open from 10am to 10pm.

The Wifi Computer Zone offers wireless internet connections to shoppers. There are 75 outlets in the Wifi Computer Zone.

Computer Street really is Dubai's well-established technology hub.

History: What is in afamous name

- "Computer Street" is actually named Khalid Bin Al Waleed Road, after a successful general of the 7th century Rashidun army, who remained undefeated in over 100 battles.

- Khalid Bin Al Waleed is also known as Saif Allah Al Maslul, which roughly translates as "Sword of God".

- He is considered to be one of the finest military commanders in history, after his swift conquest of the Persian Empire and Roman Syria from the years 633 to 636.