Thanks! I have checked out all the threads, it was very informative. Your offer of a pointer in the right souk direction is readily accepted, expect a pm soon!
You are going to be trying for awhile Spoonbread! I also find Ian Hemphill's " Spice Notes" an invaluable resource. And Stephanie Alexander's " Cook's Companion" is a real gem too.
Wgallois, thank you so much for this post! I am heading for Dubai in a couple of days and it is good to have some advice from someone with first hand experience. The Clay Oven sounds like a definite goer!