Showing 1-7 of 7 results
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Bur Dubai Souq
While not as old as the Deira souqs - in the old days Bur Dubai and Bastakia residents had to take a boat across to Deira to go shopping - this breezy renovated souq can be just as atmospheric and lively a place to visit. On a summer's evening it can also be cooler, as the breeze blows through the wooden-latticed arcades. The buzziest time to visit is a Friday evening when it's crowded with expat workers shopping on their day off.
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Deira Covered Souq
Unfortunately not much of the old covered souqs that existed around 30 years ago remain now - the Deira Spice Souq is all that's left of the Old Souq, once the largest in the Gulf. Naif Souq is covered, like traditional bazaars, while nearby Deira Covered Souq is covered only in parts and is more a warren of small shops on narrow lanes spreading across a number of old Deira blocks.
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Deira Gold Souq
Even to people not interested in buying gold or jewellery, the Gold Souq is impressive for both its size - there are hundreds of shops here - and variety.
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Deira Spice Souq
The small but atmospheric covered Spice Souq, once known as the Old Souq, was the largest in the region at the beginning of the 20th century, with over 300 little shops trading their wares.
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Madinat Jumeirah
The Madinat is a hotel, shopping and entertainment complex that delights and frustrates in equal measures. It's quite a sight, with exteriors inspired by the ancient skyscrapers found in Saudi Arabia and Yemen, and interiors influenced by old Arabian merchant houses. There are some exquisite details here, so if you see some stairs, take them - they might lead you to a secreted terrace and wind-tower, with a mesmerising vista of the sprawling complex.
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Naif Souq
More like a typical Middle Eastern bazaar than Deira Covered Souq, Naif Souq is where Emiratis and African expats like to shop for everything from fake Chanel shaylahs (women's headscarves) to cheap kids' clothes. Although this is mainly a clothes souq, you'll also find stalls that sell bags or kids' toys. Sometimes more interesting than the shopping is the amazing insight this souq gives into the lives of the locals.
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Perfume Souq
Several blocks of perfume shops near the Gold Souq hardly warrants the title 'souq', yet these bustling stores sell a staggering range of Arabic attars (spicy Arabic perfumes), oud (fragrant wood) and incense burners. More fascinating than the perfumes is the perfume-buying ritual - just watch the burqa-covered ladies waft the smoke from burning oud under their abayas (Islamic women's dress) as they sample the pungent aromas.
Showing 1-7 of 7 results
