Shopping is a term that is synonymous with the city of Dubai. This emirate city is home to some of the best and the most enormous shopping malls in the world, where you will find stores of almost all the luxurious international brands. Moreover, the city hosts the best shopping festivals in the world, including the Dubai Shopping Festival. In fact, several people visit Dubai just for shopping. However, although Dubai has some of the most glamorous malls in the world, it has been able to preserve its traditional markets or souks too. These souks have been existing since the time when Dubai was a fishing village and is still popular among locals and tourists. Here we will tell you everything you need to know about the souks in Dubai.
Souks in Dubai
‘Souk’ means ‘market’ in Arabic, and souks are traditional open-air outdoor markets with square stores clustered together along a narrow street. The Dubai souks emerged during the time when the city was a part of the trading route between India and Africa. The best part about these souks is that they sell a wide range of things, right from spices to gold jewelry. Here we present to you some of the best souks in Dubai.
Dubai Gold Souk
The Dubai Gold Souk is the most popular souk in the city. Located on Deira side of Dubai Creek, the Gold Souk Dubai has more than 300 stores selling gold, silver, and diamond jewelry. Right from branded stores like Malabar Gold & Diamond, Joy Alukkas, etc. to small stores, there is something for every kind of taste and budget. You can buy gold jewelry of 18K, 20K, 21K, 22K, and 24K here. From traditional designs to statement pieces, the Gold Souk has a variety of jewelry to offer. The best thing about shopping here is that you do not have to worry about the quality of the gold, as the government ensures that only the best is available to customers at the Gold Souk. You get to buy gold jewelry as per the market price, which fluctuates daily. Also, you can bargain on the making charges to get the best price on the jewelry you want to buy. Even if you do not want to buy any gold, you can visit the souk to enjoy the vibe of the place. You should take the chance to see the largest gold ring in the world here.
Dubai Spice Souk
Not far away from the Gold Souk is the Dubai Spice Souk, a market where you will find all kinds of spices under one roof. This ancient market is filled with little stores with both local as well as exotic spices. It is the best place to find spices like cardamom, cinnamon, turmeric, bay leaf, cloves, etc. Walking through the mounds of colorful spices emitting rich fragrances is in itself quite delightful. Here you can buy spices like cloves, cinnamon, bay leaf, etc. Along with spices, you can also buy different types of herbs, rice, and oils here. It is also a great place to buy good quality dry fruits, dates, and a variety of sweet treats from Iran, India, and Turkey. One thing you must buy from the Spice Souk is saffron, which is available at a great price here. The spices and herbs at the Spice Souk can be bought in bulk and even small packets, making them a great gift option.
Dubai Perfume Souk
Another souk in Deira is the Dubai Perfume Souk, which is not far from the Spice Souk. If you like traditional Arabic fragrances, this is the best place to be. The shops in the Perfume Souk sell fragrances like oud and attar, which are quite popular in the Middle East. These fragrances are available in the form of perfumes or scents as well as frankincense. Available in beautifully designed ornate bottles, these perfumes are a great gift and souvenir options. Apart from these, you will also find modern fragrances at the stores here. One of the highlights of the Perfume Souk Dubai is that you can get your favorite fragrance customized here. Most of the shopkeepers are experts and can create different types of fragrances as per your wish. You can also buy incense sticks and essential oils at the Perfume Souk. Just like the other 2 souks, the shopkeepers in Perfume Souk are also open to bargaining.
Dubai Textile Souk
The Dubai Textile Souks is located on the other side of Dubai Creek, i.e., in Bur Dubai. If you want to buy something that is different from the clothes that you find in the shopping mall, the Textile Souk is the place you must visit. Here you will find scores of little shops selling a variety of fabrics in different colors, textures, and patterns. The stores here sell sari fabrics, silk, cotton, cashmere, and hand-woven fabrics too. Along with fabrics, you can also buy accessories like sequins, laces, buttons, pearls, etc. to adorn your garments. Moreover, the Textile Souk is also home to several tailoring shops, where you can get the fabrics custom-stitched into beautiful outfits. You will also find several stores selling readymade clothes at the Dubai Textile Souk.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
If you want to experience shopping in a souk without the hustle-bustle, crowd, and haggling, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is the perfect place for you. A modern take on the traditional souk, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is an indoor, air-conditioned souk where you can buy luxurious goods. This souk houses some of the most exclusive stores that sell designer clothes, sculptures, rare art pieces, jewelry, and unique souvenirs as well. In fact, it is the best souk in Dubai for handbags, perfumes, spices, etc. This souk also offers interesting dining options as well. Choose any restaurant for a fine dining experience or maybe a café to sip on coffee along with the amazing view of the Burj Al Arab, the sail-shaped hotel.
Souk Al Bahar
Another place that offers a luxurious souk experience is the Souk Al Bahar. Located in Downtown Dubai, Souk Al Bahar is near Dubai Mall and Burj Khalifa. While the souk is replete with stores that sell a variety of things, strolling along the tall archways is also truly delightful. At Souk Al Bahar, you can shop for things like fashion jewelry, beautiful handicrafts, fashionable clothes, Arabic art, carpets, ceramic ware, etc. After a long shopping spree at the Souk Al Bahar, do make it a point to visit one of the restaurants facing Burj Lake for a delicious meal. Along with the food, you will get amazing views of the Burj Khalifa as well as the incredible Dubai Fountain Show.
Conclusion
The cheap souks in Dubai offer a great way to shop on a budget. Moreover, you get to buy some exclusive goods that are not available anywhere else, not even in the shopping malls of the city. Hence, do make it a point to explore the souks in Dubai during your visit, not just for shopping but also to enjoy the unique ambience of the place.