Whether you reside in Dubai or another neighboring Emirate or just visiting the United Arab Emirates, visiting old souks in Dubai is a must cultural experience.
While Dubai has a wide variety of options to offer residents and tourists when it comes to places to visit or try out, one of the most popular destinations looked up is its old Souks.
Souk is the Arabic word for market. Traditional markets that are spread around Dubai are often particularly called Souks, in a reference to their uniqueness as old and vintage ones with history-inspired goods at very reasonable prices.
Here are six old Souks in Dubai
1. The Textile Souk
Located in the heart of the historic Bur Dubai neighbourhood, this market near Dubai Creek houses a large variety of stores and vendors that sell traditional products.
The old souk in bur Dubai, similar to other old souks in Dubai, operates for about 10 hours every day, including weekends.
In the bur Dubai old souk, visitors can buy a variety of souvenirs they can gift to their family and friends abroad, such as Oud, bakhoor, Persian rugs, jewelry, textile, tea and Arabic coffee, dried fruits, pashmina, and hookah pipes.
The Old Souk is located in Bur Dubai.
2. Gold Souk
Even though this traditional market is called the Gold Souk, its stores sell all kinds of jewelry such as Gold, Silver, precious stones, in addition to many other products that can only be found in old souks in Dubai.
The Dubai Gold Souk has been operating in that area for many decades, making it a must-visit landmark in Dubai.
The Gold Souk is located on the Deira side of Dubai Creek, accessible by Dubai Metro and marine transportation.
3. Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Stroll through this indoor souk to see a modern take on a traditional Arabic staple. Nestled between the five-star Mina A'Salam and Al Qasr hotels it packs in 70+ shops, galleries and dining destinations under one roof. Complete your visit with a traditional abra ride and soak in the views of the beautiful Burj Al Arab in the distance.
Night time visitors can expect a packed calendar of events with music and live entertainers just some of the fun on offer.
4. Perfume Souk
With every changing breeze likely to divert your attention, at the Perfume Souk you will discover new aromas in old souq style before you even arrive.
Find thousands of traditional Arabian scents that can be purchased as a powder, crystal, rock or wood element. You can even mix your own fragrances to take home or bottle up as gifts.
Located in Deira, make a day of it by visiting the nearby Gold Souk or Spice Souk.
5. Spice Souk
An aromatic and sensory experience like no other, the Spice Souk is home to top chefs and savvy experts on hand to give you their personal recommendations on colourful spices, herbs and fruits.
Take home high-quality saffron at local prices, stock up on fresh organic dates, and hit the stores and stalls in this vibrant bazaar for dried fruits, candied nuts and a selection of locally-blended teas and coffees. Exotic new flavours and recipes are available at every turn of this beautiful old souq.
6. Naif Souk
What was once a camel market is now home to great value items including leather goods, textiles, electronics and more. Located on Naif Street, this undiscovered gem is best visited during the bustling evening hours when the souk comes to life.
Embrace this authentic new old cultural side of life in Dubai full of colours, scents and flavours.
