A complete Guide to the Dubai’s Traditional Souks in 2024
Last updated on March 18th, 2024 at 03:32 pm
Dubai is all about shopping; you can find anything in this country, and it is traditional souks are like a treasure chest of the world.
Even though Dubai has many best malls and is also home to the world’s largest mall where you can shop until drop. But the best way to shop like locals and save money is by shopping at the souks.
Souk or also spelled souq, which means in Arabic “Market.” as you enter the souks, the colourful scenes and aromatic experiences will remind Aladdin’s story.
If you want to feel the local culture and save money while shopping, it is best to visit the Dubai Souks. There are many souks in Dubai, but here are some of Dubai’s best and must-visit souks.
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01. Gold Souk
Dubai’s Gold Souk is a famous place to purchase gold. Since Dubai has no import tax on precious metals and low jewellery taxes. As a result, gold is cheap compared to many countries, and many travellers, especially from Asian countries, buy gold here.
Moreover, even if you’re not in the mood to buy gold, the stunning jewellery on display will captivate and possibly convince you to purchase.
The souk is home to over 380 shops not only selling premium quality gold in various karat weights, including 18K, 20K, 21K, 22K, and 24K, at market rates displayed outside each store but also Diamond and other precious stones .
However, it’s important to note that shopkeepers raise prices when they see tourists, so it’s essential to bargain before purchasing.
The UAE government strictly regulates all products sold in Gold Souk stores to ensure their genuineness and purity. So you don’t have to worry about the gold’s authenticity and also avoid buying from brokers and intermediaries.
Even if you’re not interested in purchasing gold, Dubai’s Gold Souk is still a must-visit tourist attraction. It provides a lively glimpse into the gold market and its culture.
Location:
Deira, Near Al Ras Metro Station
Timing:
Saturday – Thursday: 10.00 AM – 10.00 PM
Friday: 04.00 PM – 10.00 PM
Insider Tips
01. Some shops are closed for lunch between 01.00 PM and 04.00 PM.
02. While many shops widely accept credit cards here, you will get better discounts if you pay cash (UAE Dirhams ).
03. All jewellery is charged a 5% VAT.
( Tourists, on the other hand, can claim an 85 percent tax refund on VAT at the airport under the Tax Refunds for Tourists Scheme.)
04. Parking near the gold souk is hard to find. Take a taxi or metro
05. During the Dubai shopping festival, shop owners offer exclusive prices and prizes for gold buyers, making it the prime time to purchase gold.
02. Spice Souk
Located near the famous Gold Souk, the spice souk is not to be missed by anyone visiting this area. As you enter, your senses are instantly enhanced by the vivid colours illuminating the marketplace and the aromatic fragrances that infiltrate the air. It’s a sensory journey, walking through the colourful heaps of spices and inhaling the rich, unique smells that spread from every corner.
This souk is a treasure trove of culinary wonders, offering a vast array of nuts, oils, dried fruits, teas, dates, herbs, and various sweet treats from the Middle East. You’ll be spoilt for choice with the range of products offered. So whether you’re looking for rare spices to add to your recipe or decadent sweets to satisfy your sweet tooth, the Spice Souk has something for everyone.
Important Note
01. You can purchase most of the spice and other products either by weight or in pre-packaged quantities
(the cheaper option is weight than pre- packages, but if you want to take the spices to your home country and preserve them for a long time, packages are the best option).
02. Remember that bargaining is customary in this traditional marketplace, so don’t hesitate to negotiate for a better price.
Location:
34th St – Deira – Al Ras – Dubai
Timing:
Monday – Friday: 07.30 AM – 10.00 PM
Saturday – Sunday: 07.30.AM – 11.00 PM
03. Perfume Souk
The Dubai Perfume Souk is a true feast for the senses, offering a dazzling array of unique aromas and scents that lure tourists worldwide. You can inhale some of the most exquisite fragrances imaginable, including jasmine, amber, musk, and oud perfumes.
Whether searching for an ancient Arabic scent or a modern, branded perfume, the market has something to cater to your preferences. There are many options, from bouquets to essential oils and incense sticks to traditional oud and bakhoor.
Moreover, you can even have a personalised perfume explicitly created for you, considering your preferences and skin type. It’s an opportunity to have a unique scent that perfectly matches your taste and personality.
Location:
Deira, Sikkat Al Khali Street
Timing:
Daily: 10.00 AM – 02. 00 PM, 04.00 PM – 10.00 PM
04. Textile souk
If you wish to buy clothes or see unique Emirati fabric designs, go to this colourful textile souk near the Creek in Bur Dubai.
This market is ideal for fashion enthusiasts because it offers everything from Premium Quality silk and cotton dazzling saris, hand-woven clothing and embroidery patterns.
The souk also has a wide variety of laces, buttons, sequins, ribbons, and all the materials needed to create custom dresses and one-of-a-kind fancy outfits.
Location:
57 Ali Bin Abi Talib St – Bur Dubai – Dubai
Timing:
Saturday – Thursday: 10.00 AM – 10.00 PM
Friday: 04.00 PM – 10.00 PM
05. Souk Madinat
Souk Madinat is in a picturesque location between the Jumeirah Mina A’Salam and Al Qasr hotels and is surrounded by beautiful waterways and palm trees.
In contrast to other souks, this one comprises traditional buildings and narrow alleys, containing designer boutiques selling high-end luxury goods, unique Arabian gift stores, and five-star restaurants. Enjoy a refreshment while the iconic Burj Al Arab is in the background.
Location:
57, Opposite to Abra, Ali Bin Abi Taleb Street, Dubai.
Timing:
Monday – Thursday: 09.00 AM – 02.00 PM / 04.00 PM – 09.00 PM
Friday: 06.00 AM – 12.00 PM / 04.00 PM – 09.00 PM
Saturday: 09.00 AM – 02.00 PM / 04.00 PM- 09.00 PM
Sunday: closed
06. Souk Al Bahar
Souq Al Bahar is connected to Dubai Mall via a footbridge underneath the Apple store on the lower ground of Dubai Mall. Here you can find boutique shopping experiences with more than 100 stores offering various products.
In addition to shopping, visitors can indulge in culinary delights at various eateries and cafes, including the renowned Time Out Market. With 17 different restaurants serving an eclectic mix of global cuisines, ranging from traditional Emirati dishes to Indian, Asian, European, and American flavours, there’s something for everyone.
Location:
Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd – Downtown Dubai
( Near Dubai Mall )
Timing:
Daily : 10.00 AM – 01.00 AM
07. Dubai Mall Souk
The souk is part of the largest Dubai mall and looks very different from the modern Dubai Mall.
The mall’s corridor is themed to resemble a traditional souk like the one in old Dubai.
The place is very calm and not very much crowded. The shops here primarily sell jewellery and perfumes.
Location:
Dubai Mall ground floor
Timing:
Monday – Thursday: 10.00 AM – 12.00 AM ( Midnight)
Friday – Sunday: 10.00 AM – 01.00 AM ( Midnight)
08. Naif Souk
One of the oldest souks in Dubai, located in the busy parts of Deira. It is best known for its abayas, scarves, jewellery, perfumes, and household goods.
This affordable souk is always full of locals and visitors. It has over 200 shops, and the souk outside architecture resembles an old Arabic fort.
Don’t hesitate to negotiate the prices and shop for a better deal.
Location:
150, Naif Street, Deira.Dubai
(Near Naif Police )
Timing:
Daily : 08.00 A M – 12.00 A M ( Midnight )
Read also complete guide to Dubai mall
09. Souk Al Marfa
Located along the waterfront of Dubai Islands, Souk Al Marfa is one of the latest additions to the Dubai shopping scene. Stretching over 1.9km, this indoor shopping centre is close to some of Dubai’s oldest and most traditional souks.
With over 400 shops to explore, you can enjoy the fully air-conditioned atmosphere as you explore this place.
From carpets and spices to clothing and electronics, this souk sells many unique items belonging to this region. The shops and kiosks are operated by both local and international businesses, providing a diverse shopping experience.
Souk Al Marfa is an excellent destination to shop for gifts for the whole family while on vacation in Dubai.
Location:
Souk al Marfa, Dubai Islands, Dubai
Timing:
Monday – Thursday: 12.00 PM – 12.00 AM
Friday – Sunday: 12.00 PM – 02.00 AM
