The Best Souks in Dubai

“Souks are traditional Arabian markets and Dubai is full of them. Most of the city’s souks tend to focus on a particular theme or item, such as gold, spices or perfume. Friendly haggling is expected in most so don’t feel shy about bargaining for the best price. It’s also worth noting that many close from 1pm to 4pm. No matter what you might be in the market for, we’re here to help you plan with our guide to the best souks in Dubai.

Gold Souk
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The most famous of Dubai’s souks, the Gold Souk is also the world’s largest gold market, with more than 300 traders lining its glittering covered laneways. Most of the merchants here are trained craftspeople who make the jewellery themselves. As an FYI: the Dubai government regulates the merchandise to ensure that it’s authentic.

Shop windows are crammed with gold necklaces, bangles, bracelets and earrings, but there are other types of jewellery and gemstones on sale too. Haggling is expected, and look for signs denoting the market price for gold. Pieces are sold by weight per gram.

Address: 54 Al Khor Street, Deira

Opening hours: 9:30am-9:30pm

By Theodore Scott – https://www.flickr.com/photos/theodorescott/4238548967/sizes/o/in/photostream/, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=30388862

Spice Souk
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The Spice Souk is another of Dubai’s better known markets and is adjacent to the Gold Souk. As its name suggests, this souk is piled high with colourful mounds of herbs, spices, dried fruits, nuts and grains.

The scent of cardamom, cinnamon, hibiscus, cumin and all varieties of chilli fills the air when you walk inside, so be prepared for an aromatic environment. In addition to spices, you can pick up cool utensils and perfumes.

Address: 26 34th St, Deira

Opening hours: 10am-10pm Saturday-Thursday, 4pm-10pm Friday

Perfume Souk
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The Perfume Souk is a little different to the other souks in Dubai in that it’s not a typical bazaar of laneways. Instead, the souk is made up of a few streets lined with individual climate-controlled perfume shops.

The shops sell everything from finished perfumes to oils and incense. You can find traditional Arab perfumes here, as well as international and well-known brands, so all tastes are pretty much covered. It’s located just east of the Gold and Spice Souks

Address: Sikkat al Khali Rd, Deira

Opening hours: 10am-10pm Saturday-Thursday, 4pm-10pm Friday

Textile Souk
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Also known as the Old Souk, the Textile Souk is the place to shop for every type of fabric imaginable, from silk and cashmere to wool and cotton. The Textile Souk is a favourite among fashion designers, but it’s also possible to buy pre-made clothing, shawls and accessories here. You can also have suits, dresses, abayas, saris and traditional outfits designed for you here (note, it typically takes tailors a few days to finish a bespoke outfit).

The Textile Souk is just across Dubai Creek from the Gold, Spice and Perfume Souks. Take a traditional abra (water taxi) to get there.

Address: 57 Ali Bin Abi Talib St, Bur Dubai

Opening hours: 9am-9pm daily, closed Friday

Book it: The Souks of Dubai – Walking Tour

Bur Dubai Souk (aka “Textile” Souk) by Ankur P – CC BY 2.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/) – https://www.flickr.com/photos/ankurp/45904825171Deira Covered Souk
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This collection of streets contains shops and stalls selling all manner of household goods, trinkets, souvenirs and inexpensive toys. The name is a bit misleading, as this souk isn’t actually covered, but it’s a good place to go if you are looking for some budget items to take home.

Address: Sikkat al Khail Rd, Deira

Opening hours: 9am-9pm daily

Souk Al Bahar
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The Souk Al Bahar is a modern take on a traditional market. It sells a huge range of items available in the other souks, from perfumes and silks to spices and jewellery. Don’t come expecting a traditional bazaar though – this is a modern shopping mall near the Burj Khalifa. Treat yourself to dinner and sit upstairs for a good view of the Dubai Fountain light show.

Address: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Blvd, Downtown Dubai

Opening hours: 10am-10pm Saturday-Thursday, 2pm-10pm Friday

By Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France – Souk Al Bahar @ Downtown Dubai, CC BY 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=78959034
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Souk Madinat Jumeirah
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Part of the Madinat Jumeirah Resort, this souk isn’t historic. It’s still styled like a traditional bazaar, with the added convenience of air conditioning and modern amenities. The wooden-styled laneways and small bazaar stalls give it an authentic feeling, and you can find just about anything from carpets and Emirati crafts to jewellery and souvenirs.

There’s the added bonus of numerous fine dining restaurants in the surrounding complex, as well as a theatre and views of the Burj Al Arab.

Address: Al Sufouh Rd

Opening hours: 10am-11pm daily

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