For a group with aspirations to be the next Bill Gates or even Donald Trump, it was hardly an impressive showing.
Challenged to take to the streets and malls of Dubai in the latest episode of the UK reality TV show The Apprentice, a group of wannabe tycoons found themselves coming up short.
Under the baleful eye of presenter and tycoon Alan Sugar, the contestants were flown to Dubai and presented with a shopping list of items that ranged from a kandura to a falcon hood, to be bought at the lowest prices.
The result - shown on the BBC earlier this week - was pretty much a dismal failure, best illustrated by the attempt of one team to locate an Egyptian mahogany oud, under the impression that what was required was incense rather than the musical instrument.
One of the teams managed to find six of the eight items for a total of Dh1,730, but failed to locate a falcon hood or gold tiles, which raised the cost, after penalties, to Dh3,877. The second team found just four items, but bought the wrong kind of kandura, and with fines were down a hefty Dh4,362.
If only they had asked The National. From sago palms to golden mosaic tiles, here is our guide to prospect Apprentice contestants who want to show they have what it takes to succeed in business.
Take note Alan Sugar - we're hired.
1. Gold mosaic tiles
Johnson Tiles behind Emirates Post Office in Karama sells mosaic gold leaf tiles. The salesman promised that it was "real gold" leaf usually used as a decorative piece but sold at Dh1,750 per metre.
2. Falcon hood
The Falcon Heritage and Sports Centre
The collection of shops in Nad Al Sheba sells falcon hoods, gauntlets, lures and the birds themselves.
Alternatively, the online Al Hurr Falconry Services catalogue carries an assortment of hoods in this price. The website advises: "To get the perfect fit, please mention the sex and weight of your falcon."
3. Coffee pot
Genuine Arabic coffee pots that might have been used to brew by the desert Bedouin are collectors' items these days, often fetching many thousands of dirhams. Fortunately, there are plenty of less expensive but equally attractive reproductions on sale. Try souvenir shops like GiftsTent in the Karama Shopping Complex, which has traditional brass pots from 28cm to 35cm high, priced between Dh300 and Dh400.
4. Kandura
LuLu Hypermarket, one of the largest and most affordable supermarket chains in the UAE, sells large men's local-style kanduras in plain white for Dh54. Better-quality material will obviously cost more. LuLu Hypermarkets are found across the Emirates, including, of course, Dubai.
5. UAE flag
Deepa's Textile & Tailoring is one of many fabric shops and tailors on the busy streets of Satwa, a bustling neighbourhood that comes to life at night.
After calculations, a satin flag in UAE colours 4ft by 6ft (as per required) will cost between Dh80 and Dh85, depending on the finish (the Dh50 fabric is included in this price).
6. Frankincense
This aromatic resin is an essential ingredient in incense and perfumes. For the best selection, head to the souq, ideally the spice market on the Deira side of Dubai Creek. Expect to pay between Dh300 and Dh400 for a kilogram of the best-quality frankincense, which is harvested in Oman. And remember to drive a hard bargain.
7. Sago palm
Acacia Landscape Mart at Al Warsan, by International City, is a collection of more than 20 outdoor plant nurseries that sell all the local species, as well as some one-off quirky items such as Christmas trees imported from Norway each December. The prices are unbeatable because the shops avoid normal Dubai rents and don't have any significant overheads.
A one-metre sago palm is Dh350 with a quote over the phone, which of course can be significantly reduced when bargaining in person.
8. Egyptian mahogany oud
Sadek Music Center, Dubai Mall and Ibn Battuta Mall, sells an Egyptian mahogany oud for Dh1,200, which not only solves the puzzle but also makes an affordable alternative to the Dh2,500 Kuwaiti mahogany version.
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