As you all know, Dubai is famous for its skyscrapers and shopping malls. Isn’t it right? Most of the tourists visit Dubai just to appreciate the city marvels. They also visit the city to shop along the beautiful and amazing huge shopping malls.
Malls in Dubai usually offer all types of stuff whether it is from local brands to international ones. But many of you may not know that Dubai also offers a lot of traditional markets named Souks. These markets provide you with a range of things that you can purchase after bargaining.
So, if you are a shopaholic person then you must read this article. Don’t forget to explore all the Middle East top traditional markets in Dubai by using rent a car Dubai at your disposal.
1. City of Gold presents “Gold Souk”
Gold souk in Dubai is located in the neighborhood of Deira. It stands as a symbol of Dubai’s luxury and sophistication. This well-known market is actually a paradise especially for those who love gold and precious metals.
There are long narrow streets in the souk that have shops of gold on both sides. The shoes are beautifully adorned with an array of jewelry including delicate necklaces, bracelets and rings.
You can find anything from Arabic style jewelry to ultra-modern sets. Gold souks cater to all tastes. You can use convenient car rental in Dubai to get there.
Tourists can also just stroll around to enjoy the beautiful display through the windows of shops. The souk is a hub of activity where you can bargain and ensure a fair deal before purchasing. It is not only a market, actually it is a place that offers a fascinating reflection of Dubai luxury and craftsmanship.
Timings
- Saturday to Thursday (10 am – 10pm)
- Friday (4pm – 10pm)
- Lunch Break (From 1pm – 4pm)
Nearby Restaurants
- Al Bait Al Qadeem Restaurant and Café
- Alizée Pool & Beach
- Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant & Café
Nearby Attractions
- Women’s Museum Bait al Banat
- Deira Old Souk Abra Station
- SMJU General Trading
2. Flavor your food from “Spice Souk”
Along with Gold Souk, you will find the spice souk. It is a sensory journey that usually transports the tourists to another work of aroma and colors. Spice souk is also located in the Deira.
This market is a treasure of all the herbs, spices and traditional medicines. As you start your journey through the long and narrow streets of spice souk, you’ll get a chance to witness the sacks that are filled with spices including saffron, cardamom, cinnamon and much more.
When you breathe in the air of the souk, you can feel the heady scents of dried flowers and herbs. It is not just a place where you can only buy ingredients, it’s actually a treasure of cultural experience where you get to engage with the local traders.
Learn about many of the significant spices used in Arabian cuisine and others as well. You can get a lot of herbal medicines and enjoy the culinary delights. So, book your Luxury car rental Dubai and visit spice souk. Explore the history of Dubai in trade and commerce.
Timings
- Saturday to Thursday (10 am – 10pm)
- Friday (4pm – 10pm)
- Lunch Break (From 1pm – 4pm)
Nearby Restaurants
- Creek City Restaurant
- Alizée Pool & Beach
- Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant & Café
Nearby Attractions
- Old Souk
- Deira Old Souk Abra Station
- Dubai Municipality Museum
3. Vibrant Colors at “Textile Souk”
Textile Souk attracts the people that love to be around colorful clothes. Enjoy the traditional clothing and colorful fabrics at the souk. It is located in Bur Dubai. This market is actually heaven for textile enthusiasts.
It shows the diverse selection of the fabrics that range from the luxury silk stuff to the soft cotton and all the traditional Arabic styles. The shops at the textile souk offer a vibrant display of the colorful clothes in a synchronized manner.
Tourists can enjoy finding the stuff they need from a lot of shops. You can get an extensive collection like embroidered fabrics and ready-made garments as well. Moreover, you can buy traditional clothes like abaya and kandura from here as well.
Apart from shopping, this souk will also offer a glimpse of art and craftsmanship that shows the garments worn by the local people. It’s a place where past and present seems to be merged and shows the perfect combination of both tapestries.
Timings
- Saturday to Thursday (10 am – 10pm)
- Friday (4pm – 10pm)
Nearby Restaurants
- Creek City Restaurant
- Arabian Tea House Restaurant & Cafe
- Al Khayma Heritage Restaurant & Café
Nearby Attractions
- Dubai Museum & Al Fahidi Fort
- Hindi Lane
- Grand Bur Dubai Masjid
4. Smell the Sweet Scents at “Perfume Souk”
Another souk that is located in the Deira is perfume souk. Many of the tourists love this place. It is fragrance heaven. Visitors can smell all the traditional scents here. This market is a sensory delight in short. You can experience an extensive array of perfumes, essential oils and Arabic scents in it. Local traders actually display classic and modern fragrances at one place.
You can enjoy the perfume scents and learn how to mix different scents to make a new and refined one like personalized scents. You can visit this souk without purchasing any exquisite scent. Wander around the beautiful scents to make your soul fresh.
Timings
- Saturday to Thursday (10 am – 10pm)
- Friday (4pm – 10pm)
- Lunch Break (From 1pm – 4pm)
Nearby Restaurants
- Vivaldi by Alfredo Russo
- Fish Market
- Yum!
Nearby Attractions
- Palm Jumeirah
- Burj Khalifa
- Museum of the Future
5. Deira Fish Market
It is not included in the conventional souk but Deira Fish Market is a busiest destination in Dubai. Seafood lover visits this place as this market offers a sensory overload when you see the fresh catches of the day.
Tourists and local people love this lively environment and can negotiate before purchasing their desired catch. Select from a variety of seafood from local to the exotic ones. This fish market serves as a feast for the seafood lovers.
You can also enjoy exploring the local fishing industry as you know in past years Dubai was known for its fishing. It’s actually a place of authentic Dubai’s maritime heritage.
Timings
- Saturday to Thursday (10 am – 10pm)
- Friday (4pm – 10pm)
- Lunch Break (From 2pm – 4pm)
Nearby Restaurants
- Miyako
- The Spicery
- The Kitchen
Nearby Attractions
- Saruq Al Hadid Archaeology
- Traditional Architecture Museum
- Women’s Museum Bait al Banat
6. Hidden gem “Naif Souk”
It is a paradise for all the budget conscious tourists and locals as well. Naif Souk is a hidden gem, located in the busy neighborhood of Naif. This soul is quite famous for its affordable things.
You can buy anything from here like clothes, accessories and electronics. There are many small shops in the street of Naif Souk and they are adorned with eye-catching stuff.
No one can resist himself from getting into the shops and bargaining about the desired product. At Naif Souk, you can witness a perfect blend of affordability with the touch of authentic culture.
Timings
- Saturday to Thursday (10 am – 10pm)
- Friday (4pm – 10pm)
- Lunch Break (From 2pm – 4pm)
Nearby Restaurants
- Miyako
- Yumi
- Sumibiya
Nearby Attractions
- Abraj Shopping Centre
- Museum of Illusions
- Deira Old Souk Abra Station
7. Enjoy the Boutiques at “Souk Madinat”
Souk Madinat is located at the Al Sufouh road, Dubai. This souk ultimately blends the traditional market charm with the comfort of a modern shopping mall.
It is a unique shopping destination where you can find amazing goods from traditional handicrafts to modern appealing things.
This classic and modern blend makes it one of the best souks in Dubai. It showcases the perfect passageway with busy stalls around everywhere.
You can enjoy the air-conditioned environment while shopping here. It is a must visit site to enjoy with friends and family.
Timings
- Every day (10am – 11pm)
Nearby Restaurants
- McGettigan’s
- Arboretum
- The Meat Co
Nearby Attractions
- Grand Bazaar
- Burj Al Arab
- Theatre of Digital Art
There are also more souks available to explore in Dubai like:
- Souk Al Bahar
- Souk Al Marfa
- Souk Al Seef
Conclusion
Dubai offers a lot of bustling souks that are budget friendly and filled with amazing products. So, when you are visiting Dubai don’t forget to explore these with the malls in Dubai to stay within your budget. Moreover, you can also learn about the local customs and traditions while exploring these souks.
