DK Travel : Dubai & Abu Dhabi : Dubai Souqs

Dubai Souqs

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Shopping in Dubai is a shopaholic’s dream – there’s almost nothing you can’t buy here – but away from the air-conditioned marble-floored shopping malls is another experience: the souqs. Many of these, such as the gold, textile and spice souqs clustered beside the Creek, date back to Dubai’s beginnings as a palm-fringed trading port. Exploring these through their warren-like alleyways is a delight and a visit to the UAE would be incomplete without spending time in at least some of these fascinating bazaars. Generally, each type of stall, be it spices, crafts, perfumes or clothing, are located close together, making it easy to spot a good deal. Bring cash and keep in mind that bargaining is expected.
Bargaining is expected in the souqs. Start at half of the initial price, more if you dare, and haggle with a smile until you reach a compromise. Tax-free prices in Dubai tend to make luxury items such as CDs, perfume and electronic goods highly affordable. There’s a great choice of good-value Indian restaurants in the Bur Dubai souq area.

Top 10 Features

1. Deira Gold Souq

1. Deira Gold Souq

This souq gleams with gold, silver and gems. Prices are competitive; dealers come in from around the globe and strict regulations are followed.
2. Deira Spice Souq

2. Deira Spice Souq

This tiny souq is a sensory delight. You can buy aromatic frankincense and myrrh (with charcoal burners for them), plus an array of spices such as cloves, cardamom and cinnamon. Iranian saffron is good value, too.
3. Deira Perfume Souq

3. Deira Perfume Souq

Fascinating shops sell heavy exotic scents like jasmine, oudh, amber and rose and will also mix individual “signature scents”. Traditional Arabian attars are for sale alongside Western brands.
4. Deira Covered Souq

The Deira Covered Souq feels more Indian than Arabic, with a great medley of merchandise on offer including colourful and interesting textiles, spices, kitchenware, clothes and henna being hawked.
5. Naif Rd Souq, Deira

5. Naif Rd Souq, Deira

A kitsch faux desert fort houses this traditional-style souq. You can find everything from cheap clothes and fake designerwear to children’s toys and trinkets.
6. Bur Dubai Covered Souq

6. Bur Dubai Covered Souq

Recently restored, this creekside souq is covered by an arched pergola. It makes for an atmospheric walkway lined with money lenders and little stalls.
7. Bur Dubai Textile Souq

7. Bur Dubai Textile Souq

Be warned, a visit here may prompt a visit to a tailor. Sumptuous fabrics of every fabric and colour imaginable are imported from all over the world – silks, satins, brocades, linens and more.
8. Karama “Souq”

This souq offers all kinds of “copy” items, especially watches and handbags. The quality of much of the merchan-dise, although fake, is astonishingly good.
9. Satwa “Souq”

9. Satwa “Souq”

This souq is a great place to rummage for lower-end products. You can pick up fabrics, house-hold products and electronics, as well as majlis cushion sets.
10. Dubai Fish Souq

10. Dubai Fish Souq

Hammour, a local fish, is worth a buy. Here you can also barter for fresh barracuda, giant crab, lobster and other shellfish.

Practical Information

Bargaining is expected in the souqs. Start at half of the initial price, more if you dare, and haggle with a smile until you reach a compromise. Tax-free prices in Dubai tend to make luxury items such as CDs, perfume and electronic goods highly affordable. There’s a great choice of good-value Indian restaurants in the Bur Dubai souq area. Most souqs tend to be open 10am–1pm & 4pm–10pm Sat–Thu, 2pm–10pm Fri www.dubaitourism.ae