Souk in Dubai: Top 6 and how to get there

In which Souk in Dubai will you find your happiness? Where can you find the best gifts, perfumes, jewellery and unique items?

Souks in Dubai are like a treasure chest when it comes to buying precious jewellery, spices, dried fruits, unique perfumes, fabrics and many other interesting things.

Souks are Arab markets or markets, a bazaar to be precise. They are spread throughout the city. While glittering jewellery and shiny gold bars would lure you to the gold souk, soothing aromas will guide you to the perfume souk.

What are these souks in Dubai, what can you find there and how do you get there?

The different traditional souks of Dubai

Dubai's souks continue to be an important part of daily life and commerce for many people.

The city has many souks in the different districts, some hundreds of years old, others brand new with the aesthetic of a traditional souk.

Continue reading with : What to do in Dubai in winter, 53 atypical activities and tours

Here are the best traditional souks you must visit in Dubai:

Deira Gold Souk

Dubai's Deira Gold Souk is a shopper's paradise when it comes to buying gold, other precious metals and gems. Home to over 300 gold shops, Deira Gold Souk has been a hub for jewellers for decades and features jewellery in a wide variety of designs and at unbeatable prices.

Deira Gold Souk has many gold outlets, and even popular names such as Damascus, Joyalukkas and Malabar Gold. The exquisite craftsmanship of the jewellers and the beautiful jewellery on display will leave you mesmerised, ensuring you find something to suit your style and budget.

And just in case you were wondering if the gold sold here is genuine, the UAE government regulates all products sold in the Gold Souk shops in Deira, guaranteeing the authenticity and purity of the gold.

Location: Al Ras, Deira, next to the Dubai Fish and Vegetable Market.

Opening hours: 10am to 10pm. On Fridays, the souk opens at 4pm.

How to get there

• By car

It is important to note that public parking can be difficult to find, especially during peak hours and weekends. It is recommended to use public transport such as the Dubai Metro, RTA buses or taxis.

• By metro

Take the green line to Al Ras station, which is a 10-minute walk from Deira Gold Souk. Another nearby metro station is Baniyas Square station.

• By bus

Buses C07, C09 and C28 stop nearby.

Dubai Spice Souk

The Dubai Spice Souk is an iconic shopping destination for tourists and locals alike. This market is one of Dubai's oldest commercial and cultural centres, and walking through it takes you back in time.

A must on every tourist's wish list, the Spice Souk is well known for its narrow lanes lined with earth-toned shops selling aromatic spices, dates, dried fruits and other goodies from countries such as India, Turkey and Iran. This is also where you can buy top quality saffron, the most expensive spice, and taste other herbs and teas before you decide to buy.

The Spice Souk promises to take tourists on an aromatic, yet colourful experience that you will love to photograph.

Location: In the Deira district, near Baniyas Road and Old Baladiyah Road Junction.

Hours: 7:30am to 9:30pm, however on Fridays the souk opens after 4pm.

How to get there

By car: RTA parking is available if you wish to travel by car, however, parking spaces are limited and can be difficult to find. Travelling by taxi is an easier option.

• By Abra

Cross the creek by taking an Abra tour from Dubai Creek to Deira Old Souk Abra Station.

• By Metro

Take the green line to Al Ras Metro Station.

• By bus

Buses C07, C09 or C28 stop at Deira Old Souq 1 RTA bus station

Dubai Perfume Souk

Source: oddviser

The Perfume Souk is where you'll soak up exciting aromas and scents, and even have the opportunity to create a customised perfume that's just like you. Here you will find everything from perfumes and essential oils to incense sticks and traditional oud (agarwood).

Overflowing with choice, the shopkeepers are experts in their field of perfumery and will help you select the right scent from the thousand sweet scents. Be sure to bargain for the right amount and you may leave with more than a few bottles of perfume.

Location: East of Dubai Gold Souk, on Sikkat Al Khail Road

Hours: 7.30am to 9.30pm, however on Fridays the souk opens after 4pm.

How to get there

By car: RTA parking is available if you wish to travel by car, but parking spaces are limited and can be difficult to find. Travelling by taxi is an easier option.

• By metro

Take the green line to Al Ras station, then walk to Sikkat Al Khalil Road

• By bus

Buses C07, C09 and C28 stop nearby.

Dubai Textile Souk

The Dubai Textile Souk is located on the banks of Bur Dubai, across the Dubai Creek. It is a place that will leave you dazzled by colourful textiles and beautiful prints everywhere you look. You will get the best silk, sari, cashmere and even hand-woven fabrics here.

Apart from the colourful fabric rolls, you will also find traditional garments such as abaya and kandura here, and other accessories such as buttons, sequins and laces.

Location: Across Dubai Creek from the other traditional souks in the Al Fahidi area.

Opening hours: 10am to 10pm.

How to get there

By car: RTA parking is available if you wish to travel by car, but parking spaces are limited and can be difficult to find. Travelling by taxi is an easier option.

• By Abra

Local Abra boats can cross the creek by taking one to the shipping station in Dubai's Old Souk.

• By Metro

Take the green line to Al Ghubaiba or Al Fahidi metro station.

• By bus

The F70 bus will stop at the nearest bus stop.

Textiles for sale at a stall in the Dubai Textile Souk

Other traditional souks in Dubai

Dubai's older neighbourhoods continue to have traditional souks that have existed for decades. These include Al Karama , Naif Souk and Meena Bazaar . All are famous for selling souvenirs, leather, watches, jewellery, handbags and textiles.

In Meena Bazaar, you can even see many shops from the Indian community, selling Indian clothes and jewellery and serving Indian food, giving you the impression of being transported to the streets of India.

How to visit Dubai's old souks

If you're short on time or not entirely sure about travelling to Dubai's oldest neighbourhoods on your own, a great way to experience the souks and make the most of your time in Deira is to see them as part of an organised group. There are several tours that incorporate the gold and spice souks as part of your Dubai sightseeing itinerary:

• Modern Souks in Dubai

In contrast, there are several souks in Dubai that are much newer, but have been built in the traditional architectural style common to the region.

Madinat Jumeirah Souk

This air-conditioned indoor souk offers everything you would expect from a traditional souk, but with an added touch of luxury. Similar to the old bazaars, the alleys are narrow and lined with shops selling everything from spices to ornate ceramics and exquisite fabrics.

There's even more to explore from the outside, sipping coffee overlooking the iconic Burj Al Arab and taking a ride on the Abra along the palm-lined waterways.

Location: Part of the Madinat Jumeirah Resort, Jumeriah

Times: Daily from 10am to 11pm.

How to get there

By car: Head towards Jumeirah. Take King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud Street, Al Sufouh 1 and follow the signs to Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Underground parking is available for visitors. Alternatively, you can arrive by taxi.

• By Metro

The nearest metro station would be Mall of Emirates. From there, it is a 10-minute taxi ride to the Madinat Jumeirah Souk.

• By bus

Bus 8, 81, F55A or X28 stop 10 minutes walk from the Madinat Jumeirah Souk.

Souk Al Bahar

Souk Al Bahar translates as 'Seafarers' Market' and is located along the waters of Burj Lake in downtown Dubai. It is a bustling market place with all the charm of old Arabia, while offering residents and tourists an unparalleled shopping and dining experience.

Stroll between the tall archways and ornate ceiling lanterns as you explore the lanes lined with shops selling intricate handicrafts, jewellery, Arabian fashion, art and much more. And when you feel like dining, find a good spot overlooking the beautiful fountains of Burj Khalifa and Dubai.

Location: Downtown Dubai, next to the Dubai Mall.

Hours: Daily from 10am to 10pm.

How to get there

By car

Souk Al Bahar is easily accessible by car with ample parking. Parking is free for the first two hours, and up to 4 hours for restaurant customers once validated. You can also arrive by taxi.

• By metro

Take the red line to Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station, then board the Feeder Bus to Souk Al Bahar.

• By bus

Bus 27 runs between Deira Gold Souk and The Dubai Mall, from where you can walk across The Dubai Mall to Souk Al Bahar.

Other modern souks in Dubai

Other contemporary souks include The Souk at The Dubai Mall, Khan Murjan at Wafi Mall and Ripe Market which are held at different locations in Dubai.

Tips for shopping in Dubai Souks

Here are some tips to keep in mind before you start shopping in the souks:

• Be prepared to bargain

For most items, you can get an even better deal if you try to haggle from half the price quoted - this doesn't just work in the souks! Don't try to haggle in shopping centres.

• If you are buying gold

When buying gold, go online and check the daily gold rate on the international market. Dubai gold shop retailers will sell you their gold jewellery based on the daily gold rate which fluctuates daily. Buying at a time when gold prices are lower will ensure you get a good deal. For an even better deal, haggle to reduce the jeweller's manufacturing costs.

• Always carry cash

Not all shops in traditional souks accept cards, especially if they don't buy a large quantity of goods.

• Take your time and explore the nooks and crannies of every street

Sometimes you can get a better deal simply because of the location of the shop.

Make sure you keep invoices for major purchases such as gold, and look for vendors who participate in the Planet Tax Refund Scheme so you can reclaim VAT as a tourist at Dubai International Airport.

The history of Dubai's business culture

As a port city, Dubai has been part of the trade route of goods travelling between Africa and India for many centuries. The goods that arrived ranged from exotic spices to hand-woven fabrics and organic produce, and headed for the Dubai souks.

One of Dubai's oldest souks is the Deira Souk, originally established around 1850, which continues to be popular today because of its proximity to the port on the creek.

Dubai's modern shopping culture

Dubai is a shopping paradise for everyone, whatever your budget. If you look closely, behind the many ultra-modern shopping malls with international fashion brands and starry skyscrapers, you'll find traditional souks, dotted with bustling neighbourhoods, selling almost everything from gems to fragrant perfumes. This is where you'll get a range of items at affordable prices and bargains, which can be further reduced depending on your haggling skills.

Read also:

• Top 10 most beautiful places to visit in Dubai

• When to go to Dubai? How to enjoy it in different seasons

FAQ

How do I get to the old souk in Dubai?

Located in Bur Dubai, along the southern side of the creek, you can easily reach the Old Dubai Souk by walking a short distance from Al Fahidi Metro Station or Al Ghubaiba Metro Station. Alternatively, you can take the Abra from Deira to the souk, which will cost you as little as AED 1.

What is a souk?

The souk or souk is a large open-air market with narrow streets lined with shops on either side. Vendors here sell everything from local products, spices to textiles and more.

Is shopping in Dubai expensive?

It depends on what you buy and where. Buying international brands will not be cheaper than in any other city. However, there are traditional souks and markets in old Dubai where you can get items for much cheaper.

Where is the gold souk in Dubai?

It is located in Al Ras Deira and is easily accessible by getting off at Al Ras metro station.

Is gold cheap in Dubai?

Buying gold is considerably cheaper in Dubai compared to other countries in the world, due to the exclusion of taxes.

What are the opening hours of the old Dubai Souk?

It opens daily from 10am to 10pm, except on Friday when it opens at 4pm.