The best souks and markets in Dubai
Dubai is known for it’s many street markets. A souq is typical Dubai market or covered shopping street where specific kinds of traditional goods are sold. Some souks are slowly turning into shopping centers, so the distinction between souks and malls are not always clear. In Dubai a souk can mostly be recognized by the market place vibe and the traditional assortment of goods. This is a list with the top markets to visit for a taste of the local culture. Most souks are best visited in the afternoon when they truly come alive.
Gold Souk
One of the most well known souks of Dubai is the Gold Souk. Hundreds of luxurious jewelry stores can be found in the Gold Souk. As the stores themselves are well regulated you can be assured to get quality jewelry, but you might want to haggle a bit to get the best prices as well. On occasions the world’s heaviest golden ring, the Najmat Taiba (Star of Taiba), of 64 kilogram is on display here. For a taste of the chic it’s worth to visit this one of a kind place in Dubai.
Spice Souk
Next to the Dubai Creek you can find the aromatic Deira Spice Souk where tourists, locals and chefs acquire herbs from across the world to elevate their foods to a higher level. Food spices, like cinnamon and cloves, nuts, fruits, dates, incense, spices for your waterpipe, arabic tea, and many other typically Middle Eastern products can be found here. If you’re interested in making colourful new food and want to discover the ingredients of local culinary treasures you will want to take a look here.
Perfume Souk
The Perfume Souk consists of a collection of stores that sell perfumes and incenses. Arabian oil based perfumes that can be mixed and matched to your preferences are popular in Dubai. But regular popular perfumes can also be found here. It’s a fun trip if you have been curious about Arabian aromas.
Textile Souk / Old Souk
At the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai you can find many unique prints, patterns and fabrics, like silk and cotton, for your clothes here. As a tourist this can be fun to behold, but you can also just go clothing shopping if you are looking for a nice dress, a traditional suit or arabic shoes. It has also has tailors able to get a custom fit dress with the fabric of your choice ready within your vacation.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
In one of the most beautiful parts of town you can find the alluring Souk Madinat. At this bazaar they created an ancient Arabian vibe with visually impressive modern Arabian architecture combined with the luxury of modern stores and services. You can find many gift shops for the people at home and clothing boutiques for your own needs here. Shopping is more relaxed here with more western oriented merchants. But you can also go to enjoy the view with a nice cup of coffee in the many cafes and restaurants.
Souk al Bahar
Souk al Bahar is an indoor shopping center in the center of Dubai next to the Burj Khalifa, which is the tallest building in the world. The shops themselves are mostly smaller boutiques and shops with local delicacies. Souk al Bahar stands out however as it’s build in an arabic setting with stunning high ceilings and surrounded by water making it a great place to settle down, as you have an exquisite view from one of its dozens of restaurants and bars looking over the surrounding water, Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa.
Naif Souk
The Naif Souq has a long history as it went from being a camel market to a shopping center. The souk has lost some of it’s traditional elements as the old souk has burned down in an accident in 2008, after which it became what it is today. You can mostly find traditional arabic clothing, handbags, jewelry and souvenirs here.
Karama Market
Karama market is a market notable for its counterfeit designer goods, both in public and in not so well hidden backrooms of shops. If you are looking for a fake Prada bag, an imitation Louis Vuitton suitcase or just some nice brand sunglasses, shoes or watches then this is the place to be. Of course this market isn’t for everyone, and this place isn’t very appealing appearance-wise, but if you are an adventurous bargain hunter or a professional haggler looking for a good deal when acquiring her next designer bag then this is for you. But keep in mind those fancy goods might not pass the border checks back home.
Deira Fish Market
The Deira Fish Market is a very active market where freshly caught fish is brought in by Dubai fishermen every day. At the fish market you can see fish being prepared with artisanal handicraft. People in Dubai are huge fans of seafood dishes so they come here to buy fresh fish and get it cleaned on the spot. Next to the fish market are some other food markets for fruits and vegetable markets to make your meals healthy and complete. In the future the fish market will be moved to the other side of the Khor Dubai creek to Al Hamriya.
Dubai Flea Market
The Dubai Flea Market in Zabeel Park is a just like a regular flea market in the west, except, as we have come to expect from Dubai, it’s done on a very big scale. For visitors there is a neglectable entrance fee (of 6 dirham in 2018). On the very first saturday of every month from October to May second hand goods can be bought and sold here for bottom prices. It’s always a surprise what the sellers have brought to the market this time, as anything can be found here from second hand antiques and music instruments to toys and clothes.