All about the Old Souk in Dubai
Want to get a flavour of old Dubai? Looking for some traditional or non-branded clothing? Head to the Old Souk in Dubai, a traditional market in the heart of Bur Dubai, where you can buy a range of products and experience the charm of the city’s historic shopping destination.
All about Old Souk in Dubai
When planning a visit to Dubai for shopping, the immediate thought is to cover all the grand shopping malls. However, if one has the time, souks are an excellent add-on. If the malls provide glitz, glamour and brands, the souks have a unique charm, showcasing the region’s cultural heritage with a variety of products from generational craftsmen.
For example, visiting the old souk Bur Dubai can be a fascinating experience. The kind of hand-woven and machine-made fabrics you find here are unlikely to be available at other places, even within Dubai. For this reason, it is also called the textile souk in Dubai. However, your shopping wouldn’t be limited to just textiles.
All you need to know about the Old Souk Dubai
Like any other tourist attraction, it is important to plan your visit to make the most of your time at the souk. Here’s all that you can do and buy at the Old Souk Dubai.
What can I buy from the Market?
You will find international and local products. As you enter Old Souk Bur Dubai, brightly lit candles, fabrics and pillows will catch your attention. Numerous shops and stalls sell cotton, raw silk, wool, cashmere and other fabrics. The quality and the diversity of abayas, kanduras and scarves are also noteworthy.
Accessories such as buttons, lace and other items are also readily available. Not to forget, your bargaining skills will come in handy. Once your textile shopping is completed, you can head to any of the top tailors in the market to get your chosen fabrics stitched.
As mentioned earlier, it is also known as the Textile Souk. However, the textile section is just one part of the large, bustling market.
It has to be noted that you can buy a range of products. Residents from other emirates also visit the souk to find quality footwear apart from souvenirs, perfumes, spices and dry fruits. You can find saffron, cardamom, dried herbs and spice blends.
As for the shopping style, you would have to bargain a fair bit. Merchants will try and entice you by offering different deals. If you are not interested, simply walk away. Chances of leaving the textile souk empty-handed are minimal.
What is the Old Souk Dubai location?
It is located in Bur Dubai. It is on the southern side of the creek.
How can I get to the Souk?
The Old Souk is near two metro stations, namely Sharf DG Metro Station and Al Ghubaiba Metro Station. You can walk to the souk from there.
Alternatively, you can take an abra from Deira to reach the souk. The exciting journey takes about 6 minutes and will cost you only AED 1. The panoramic view from the boat will definitely add to the shopping experience.
What are the Old Souk Dubai Timings?
Old Souk Dubai timings are as follows:
- Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm
- Friday: 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm
What is the most striking feature of the Textile Souk?
Since Dubai’s skyline is all about modern high-rises, the labyrinthine layout of the Old Souk stands out.
As you enter the area, the most striking feature is the large wooden beam. Placed on the sand-coloured walls, this sight will instantly take you back to an age gone by. The wooden door stands high in all its magnificence. The building is made of sand colour stones and has a wooden roof. Perhaps you might have seen something like this before in old films or TV shows.
FAQs
Are there any other tourist spots nearby?
Yes, there are three spots within walking distance – the Dubai Museum, the Al Fahidi District and the Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding. Similarly, you can visit the Grand Mosque, Textile Souk, Sheikh Saeed Al Maktoum House and Al Shindagha Museum.
If you are a history buff, you can even spend an entire day in this area.
ARE THERE ANY TOP RESTAURANTS IN THE AREA?
Anchor Bar, Al Bait Al Qadeem Restaurant and Bayt Al Wakeel are the most popular eateries in here.
WHICH ARE THE POPULAR SOUKS IN ABU DHABI?
Here is our list of the top souks in Abu Dhabi that are definitely worth visiting.
This completes our review of the Old Souk Dubai. It’s a fabulous place to visit, even if you are not planning to shop. There are many other traditional souks in Dubai that offer a unique and novel experience. For example, the spice souk in Dubai is very popular among the historic souks in Dubai. Traditional markets in Dubai retain a certain charm, especially for foreign tourists.
