Souks In Dubai - Your ultimate guide to Dubai's souks

Dubai is like a treasure chest when it comes to buying precious metals, spices, dry fruits, perfumes and other interesting things. The best place to get your hands on these goods in the city are the souks. So what are these so-called souks in Dubai, you may wonder? Souks are Arab markets or marketplaces, a bazaar to be specific. They are spread all over the city. While glitzy jewellery and lustrous gold bars would attract you to the Gold Souk, soothing aromas of scents would guide you towards Perfume Souk. Let's look deeper into what Dubai's fascinating souks have got to offer.

1. Gold Souk

Arguably the best place to purchase gold, Dubai's Gold Souk is a place where all that glitters is gold! The beautiful jewellery on display would surely mesmerise you and convince you to make a purchase. There are hundreds of shops and vendors next to each other on the street selling premium quality gold. 18K, 20K, 21K, 22K, 24K are available as per requirement and are sold at the current market rate mentioned outside the stores. Shopkeepers tend to raise the price when they see a tourist so bargain all you can. While the gold would be sold on the market price, you'll be able to haggle on the working charges. Keep in mind to not purchase from the vendors as they don't follow all the legalities in selling goods. Even if you are not interested in buying gold, this Gold Souk in Dubai is a major tourist attraction to experience the liveliness of a gold market. 

Location: Deira, Near Al Ras Metro Station

Timings: Open all days: 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM (Some shops are closed for lunch breaks between 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM. Make sure you give them a call before visiting)

Timings on Friday: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

2. Spice Souk

Let your nose guide you to yet another fascinating souk in the city – Spice Souk. Located beside the Gold Souk, it is an ancient market filled with exotic and homegrown spices. You'll be greeted by a rich palate of spices sourced from organic farmers and enthusiasts. Talk with the friendly vendors to know about the spice, where it originated and how you can use it to spice up your taste buds! Also, you will find several nuts, dried fruits, oils, and saffron being widely sold in the market. You can purchase the spices by weight or in packets. The vendors will surely lower the price if you buy in bulk. Not sure about love but the flavour is definitely in the air at Dubai's Spice Souk.

Location: Deira, Near Al Ras Metro Station

Timings:  Everyday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and then 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Timings on Friday: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

3. Perfume Souk

Scents mean a lot to the Arabs and it speaks a lot about their luxurious lifestyles. Located just next to the Gold Souk at Sikkat Al Khali Street, the Perfume Souk in Dubai has scents and aromas that are enchanting enough to make you check them out, let alone buy them. The shops here have perfumes that date back to ancient Arabic civilization to modern branded ones, covering both ends of the spectrum. While you're shopping for charismatic perfumes and Attars, you can also indulge in incense sticks, crystals, and powder. While you are at it, learn more about the materials oud and Bakhoor used in these perfumes. To top it all off, you can also get a personalised perfume created just for you, according to the type of scent you are looking for and the one which suits your skin. Prices are not fixed. Bargain all you can to get the best deals! Looking for the perfect souvenir to take back? Dubai's Perfume Souk is the place to be. 

Location: Deira, Sikkat Al Khali Street, Near Al Ras Metro Station

Timings:  Everyday 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM and then 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

Timings on Friday: 4:00 PM to 10:00 PM

4. Textile Souk

In a mood for a wardrobe change? Head over to the city's famous textile souk in Dubai located near the Creek in Bur Dubai. Familiarise yourself with the distinctive Arabic fashion by looking overprints and feeling the premium quality silk, cotton, and other materials.Here's a fun fact, this is the oldest souk in Dubai. Try on stitched outfits prepared by local artists and designers or buy a raw fabric, the clothes here would not disappoint. Along with fabrics, there's a wide selection of stones, laces, buttons, sequins and other addons for you to remind you of the Arabian panache. 

Location: Bur Dubai, Near Bur Dubai Abra Station

Timings: Everyday 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM

Timings on Friday: 4:00 PM - 10:00 PM

5. NAIF SOUK

Want to experience that vibrant energy that pulses through Dubai? Visit Naif Souk in Deira during the evenings – when vendors will line up outside their stores and shout their wares to you. But did you know that back in the day, this area actually served as a camel marketplace? However, today, you can find just about everything in this iconic Dubai souk, from souvenirs, leather goods, electronics, and textiles. Bargain hunters will be delighted by the unbeatable prices offered here – and will definitely find an impressive find to take back with them. You can also nab a gorgeous abaya, the traditional over-garment worn by local women, for yourself.

Location: Naif Street, near Naif Police Station, Deira

6. SOUK MADINAT JUMEIRAH

While souks all over Dubai are about local and low-cost goods; Souk Madinat combines the ancient feel of a souk with luxurious goods. Located in Jumeirah, one of the poshest areas of the city, Souk Madinat is all about narrow lanes filled with designer stores, rare art pieces, souvenirs, sculptures, and more. Relish at a 5-star restaurant, grab a drink with the iconic Burj Al Arab in the backdrop, or catch a live show at Madinat Theatre after your shopping spree to end the day perfectly. 

Location: Al Sufouh Rd, Jumeirah

Timings: Everyday 10:00 AM –11:00 PM

7. SOUK AL BAHAR

A gorgeous blend of old and new, Souk Al Bahar is for those who want to experience the souk but with the comforts of luxury. Just across from Dubai Mall and connected by a footbridge, Souk Al Bahar is Dubai’s modern Arabian souk. Take back a piece of Dubai with traditional wears like carpets and handicrafts or treat yourself to intricate jewellery and enticing perfumes. But the real highlight of this Dubai souk are the extraordinary views of Burj Khalifa. Pro tip: book yourself an outdoor table for dinner at any of the restaurants in the souk that face the Burj Khalifa. You’ll have the perfect vantage point for the famous light shows at the Dubai Fountain – and can drink in the jaw-dropping views of the tallest tower in the world.

Location: Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Boulevard, Downtown Dubai

8. THE GOLD SOUK, DUBAI MALL

Dubai Mall takes shopping at The Gold Souk to another (stylish) level. Spoil yourself or a loved one with over 40 boutiques offering fabulous pieces of jewellery, precious metals, and glittering gemstones. This souk in Dubai promises a luxury shopping experience like no other. Situated in the heart of Dubai Mall, this souk features a traditional theme and detailing that traces the journey of Arabian merchants who crossed vast deserts to trade gold. How to know when you’ve arrived in this magnificent souk? Look out for the three life-sized bronze camel sculptures sitting under a starlit sky at the north entrance!

Location: Dubai Mall, Financial Centre St., Downtown Dubai

9. KHAN MURJAN SOUK DUBAI

Inspired by the infamous underground souk in Baghdad, this souk in Wafi Mall is a splendid feast for the eyes. The themed décor and intricate architecture evoke the authentic setting of a fourteenth-century souk. The souk draws on influences from various corners of the Arab world – and is crowned with one of the world’s largest stained-glass windows that spans the ceiling. This mesmerising creation was made using different types of glass, all handpicked from mosques and temples in the Islamic World. It’s worth a visit to see the ceiling alone but you can also browse the stores and purchase rich carpets, exquisite garments, and works of Islamic art.

Location: Wafi Mall, Dubai