Dubai is popular for so many things, from spectacular activities, beaches, and vibrant nightlife to culture and delicious cuisine. On top of all this, one of the city’s main tourist attractions are the souks in Dubai. This city is like a treasure chest when it comes to buying precious metals, spices, dry fruits, perfumes, and other interesting things.
Wondering which souks in Dubai you should visit? Discover these 29 traditional markets in Dubai and find out the most interesting ones for your trip!
With its spectacular mix of international designer brands and vast contemporary malls, Dubai is unlike any other city on the planet. But if you really want to experience to the fullest this desert city, the traditional markets, known as souks, are a must-visit.
Living in Dubai for many years taught me to explore the most underrated places and there are many souks in Dubai not so famous that are worth it to pay a visit.
Glitzy gold jewelry, handcrafted fabrics, exquisite perfumes, colorful spices, and local souvenirs, you’ll find it all at Dubai’s traditional and modern souks. So, start preparing your shopping list!
Old Souks in Dubai
The old local markets are the best place to get your hands on some great goods in the city.
Bur Dubai Souk Market
Located right by Dubai Creek, featuring an attractive waterfront in the old town, you’ll find Bur Dubai Souk. It’s a very lively market with a wide range of stalls, offering a great diversity of items and shopping opportunities. Enjoy also the beautiful views of the creek.
Old Souk
The Old Souk is considered by many the best souk in Dubai, and it’s undoubtedly one of the most popular. Even if you’re not buying, wander around to be mesmerized by the culture, designs, and prices of the products on display!
Al Karama Old Souk
Looking for a different side of the city? Then head straight to Al Karama, a vibrant, multicultural neighborhood. And if you are looking to test your bargains skills definitely add this place to your to-do list.
Perfume Souks in Dubai
Soothing aromas of scents would guide you towards Perfume Souks in Dubai. Let’s look deeper into what great option you have!
Perfume Souk
Near the Gold Souk, you will find the Perfume Souk, filled with plenty of exotic shops where you will feel the Arabic scent of hundreds of perfumes. Here you can also prepare your own personal scent for a unique souvenir!
Deira Perfume Souk
As soon you are in Deira Perfume Souk is time to start diving into the local atmosphere. Choose a traditional aroma oud or bakhoor and explore all the options and fragrances that can be created.
Meena Bazaar
Meena Bazaar is a great place to find many perfumes, at prices cheaper than high-end malls. all this comes with a risk so make sure to be careful when it comes to authenticity because there are a lot of stores that sell duplicate products in the name of the original.
Gold Souks in Dubai
The Gold Souk is probably the most famous of all the markets in Dubai so you don’t want to miss this shopping session!
Dubai Gold Souk
Gold Souk in Deira is a popular tourist spot where you can find lots of shops selling gold and other jewelry. As one of the traditional souks in Dubai, this place attracts not only shoppers but tourists as well so the place is most of the time very crowded.
The Gold Center
The Golden Center is a very well-known area that attracts tourists and leaves them dazed by the countless amounts of gold offered along alleys and shops. Whether you are considering buying gold or not, this place is a great way to discover what Dubai has to offer.
The New Gold Souk Building Center
The Extension of Dubai Gold Souk preserves the local glamour and cultural characteristics of the original souk but offers a more urban experience with shaded walkways, luxury facilities, restaurants, and a nearby waterfront promenade.
Visit early in the morning, especially if you’re going to the most popular souks in Dubai!
Textile Souks in Dubai
From cashmere, silk, cotton, and wool, you can find pretty much anything at the souks in Dubai! The numerous stores here offer a comprehensive range of hand-woven fabrics to choose from.
Textile Wholesale Market Bur Dubai
Head to the old Dubai Financial Souk in Bur Dubai and discover a number of colorful fabrics at the Textile Souk. You can choose from an endless variety of silk, cotton, and embroidered fabrics in this Souk. There is a large variety of ready-to-wear clothes or fabrics, buttons, sequins, gemstones, lace, and other accessories to help you add a touch of Arabian flair to your entire outfit.
Textile Souq
Dubai Textile Souk is another local market that sells all kinds of fabrics. From raw cotton and silk to fabrics featuring all sorts of patterns, hand-made pieces of clothing, and textiles with intricate embroidery designs, this souk is a shopping heaven for fashion enthusiasts.
Spice Souks in Dubai
Here definitely you can get an authentic “taste” of everyday life while hunting for bargains at bazaar-style independent shops.
Dubai Spice Souk
“Colorful” is the most suitable description for this Dubai Spice Souk. Prepare for a unique sensory feeling, as all these masterpieces will take you to another world. Enjoy the atmosphere of the past as you learn about the heaps of herbs and spices, from some of the strongest scents to mild and cheerful.
Spice Market Dubai
This is another great option to dive into the colorful spicy world. Walk through the many different stalls and chat with the sellers who will provide you with tons of ideas on how to use the various spices as not all spices are designed for cooking.
Iconic Souks in Dubai
For a modern experience in a traditional souk, visit some of the most iconic shopping spots in Dubai. From gifts and souvenirs to jewelry and perfumes, these bazaars in Dubai are known for selling a huge range of fashionable items.
Madinat Jumeirah Souk
This Souk is considered one of the most iconic landmarks in Madinat Jumeirah, and it includes endless alleys for strolling and shopping. With modern technologies while faithful to its Arabian heritage this souk offers brand stores, household items, fashion, jewelry, and souvenirs among many other items.
Souk Al Bahar
Looking for luxury while shopping in traditional Arabic souks? Then you definitely must visit Souk Al Bahar. The mix of local costumes, handicrafts, perfumes, and antiques will provide you with an unforgettable cultural experience while exploring the architecture, dim lighting, and Arabian decoration.
The Souk at The Dubai Mall
The Souk at The Dubai Mall is one of the most visited markets. Boasting modern shops, lovely cafés, restaurants, and art spaces, while maintaining the charming aspect of the traditional buildings, The Dubai Mall Souk is a must while touring this city.
Global Village
Your trip wouldn’t be perfect if you couldn’t explore the shopping of different cultures all over the world in one place! So here “comes” Global Village Dubai with its 90 countries’ cultures, food, merchandise, forms of entertainment, and retail shops perfect for a complete session of shopping.
Al Seef Heritage Souk
Al Seef Heritage Souk although looks like an old, traditional souk as it’s supposed to mimic one, it’s actually a modern attraction that pays homage to the heritage souks. From handicrafts and accessories to fabrics, home décor, perfumes, and souvenirs, Al Seef is truly a gem in Dubai!
Souk Al Marfa
Souk Al Marfa is another modern Arabic shopping market in Deira. Featuring all kinds of items from carpets and spices to clothing and electronics, in over 400 stores, makes it a great place to pick up gifts while enjoying authentic street food.
Khan Murjan Souk
Located in Wafi Mall, Khan Murjan Souk is inspired by the infamous underground souk in Baghdad. This place offers various shops with items from across the Arab world, set in the authentic splendor of a 14th-century souk.
Cheap Souq's in Dubai
Whether you are considering buying or not, these places are a great way to discover what Dubai has to offer. Besides jewelry, perfumes, and spices you’ll also find plenty of handbags, clothing, sportswear, and accessories. Just don’t forget to haggle!
Naif Souk
Naif Souk is also a spectacular bazaar in the Deira district of Dubai with great prices. Besides this, you can find everything in this souk, from souvenirs, leather, watches, and jewelry, to handbags, and textiles.
Chinese Souk
The Chinese Souk is the largest Chinese mall in the world outside of China and is a shopping paradise for those looking for great prices. A variety of products, including household appliances, furniture, electronics, clothes, and shoes can be found in this market. Chinese Souk is considered one of the cheapest souks so you will find the best prices here!
Dubai Fish Souk
The Dubai Fish Souk located near Hamriya Port is the perfect place to get a lot of seafood caught locally along with a wide variety of fresh fish.
Abaya Souk
Abayas are considered some of the greatest unique souvenirs to buy from Dubai. There are many Abaya Souks in Dubai, from the most popular one in the Abu Al-Hail Mall to Naif Souk, which is considered one of the best Souks in Dubai for women’s clothing.
Vegetable and Fruit Souk
Brightly colored fresh products, as well as many varieties of dates, are the perfect reason to visit Vegetable and Fruit Souk. Here you’ll also get a “taste” of the real day-to-day Arabian life that spans for centuries. Don’t forget you can barter for a better deal!
Flea Markets
If you love shopping and you’re looking for local and second-hand goods, the flea market is just the right place for you. There are many places to go to, from Ibn Battuta Mall, and Zabeel Park, to The Greens, Jumeirah Lakes Towers, and many more. If you can’t find anything worthwhile, just getting to know the friendly locals would be an experience you will definitely enjoy while visiting Dubai.
Souks near Dubai
If you find yourself visiting the the places near Dubai and you are looking for some great shopping spots here are some options.
Carpet Souk, Abu Dhabi
Visiting Abu Dhabi and looking for some Arabic items to buy? Well, UAE is known for its carpets and rugs, and the Carpet Souk in Abu Dhabi is the perfect place to explore a good collection of this local specialty.
The Central Souk, Sharjah
The Central Souk of Sharjah is a one-stop shop for a large list of goodies including clothing, antiques, jewelry, rugs, fabrics, and perfumes, but is more famous for its oriental carpets. As the market is not so visited by tourists, the prices here are lower than the souks in Dubai, and you can easily haggle your way to a better deal.
Camel Souk, Al Ain
Definitely not a famous place to go for shopping, but can be really fun to witness as a tourist and gives a true feeling of the old UAE. It’s a unique experience to explore the time gone by and the Arabic tradition of trading camels.
FAQs: Shopping and Souks in Dubai
When is all about shopping in Dubai and especially traditional experiences in the local bazaars, these are some frequently asked questions you will need answers from an insider!
Are Dubai souks worth visiting?
Whether you choose to buy or not, visiting the souks in Dubai can offer a great view of local life, so definitely something to add to your bucket list.
Which is the best time to go to Dubai souk?
If you are looking for a full shopping session, the morning is the best time to visit any markets in Dubai. Now, if you want to experience the Arabic bazaar atmosphere, plan your visit on weekends afternoon or evening.
What can I buy at old souk in Dubai?
Well, there are endless things you can find at the Old Souk in Dubai. From clothing and jewelry to perfumes and spices, there you’ll find pretty much everything.
Is it cheap to buy luxury items in Dubai?
This depends mainly on the items you are looking for. There are many cheap souks while barging will give you some greater deals.
Is gold cheaper in Dubai souk?
The answer is yes! In fact, here gold has some of the best prices in the world and all this is due to the exclusion of taxes in the emirate.
Which month is cheapest for Dubai shopping?
May to September are probably the best months to visit Dubai if you are looking for budget-friendly deals, transportation, accommodation, tourist activities and shopping. Just check the weather before booking!
Can I wear shorts in Dubai souk?
Yes, anyone can wear shorts in Dubai as long as they are not too short. Tourist areas, malls, or places like Dubai Marina can be great places to wear while is better to avoid them when going to local souks or any other lesser-known markets.
What is the most famous souk in Dubai?
As you can see, there are plenty of great souks in Dubai to go to however, The Gold Souk is possibly the most famous one! So, if you are looking to tick off from your bucket list an iconic traditional souk, this is the one!
read more
Conclusion: Are Souks in Dubai Worth a Visit?
Yes, yes, and… yes again!
Your trip to Dubai would be incomplete without a stop at these well-known markets because of their lively and alluring ambiance.
Don’t forget to haggle for a better price, but remember to always be respectful and fair!
