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There are literally hundreds of Dubai souqs, so we’ve restricted ourselves to giving you a rundown of the more popular and specialized souqs. Shopaholics beware...these are dangerous waters you’re treading in!
The Old Souqs
As far as the history of Dubai is concerned, these are the souqs that sprouted and developed alongside Dubai’s growth into the major trading hub of the Middle East.
Fish Market
The largest and the busiest of Dubai’s fish markets are found in Deira, near the Shindagha Tunnel. If you want to go on a seafood fiesta and not dig too deeply into your pockets, this is the place for it. Tip: Be prepared to go home reeking of fish and wear flip-flops you can easily wash at home.
Fruit and Vegetable Markets
There’s one in Deira near the Shindagha Tunnel and there’s also a huge fruit and vegetable market in Aweer. In both places, you can get truckloads of fruits and vegetables from all around the world (and much cheaper than from the local grocery). Tip: Keep in mind what you want to buy or you’ll end up walking away with bags and bags of fruits and veggies with names you can’t even pronounce.
Gold Souq
If you’re out hunting for jewellery or want to have a piece designed, then this gleaming market in Deira of more than 125 shops is the best place to start your treasure hunt. The shops will run the gamut from gold and silver to pearls and rubies. Tip: Check the price of gold in the newspaper before heading to the souq. Haggle. Begin at half the price offered and work your way from there.
Karama Souq
It’s tucked away in the heart of Karama but most taxi drivers know where it is, so you won’t find it hard to get to should you feel the itch to go shopping for fabulous leather goods and Dubai souvenir items at fantastic prices. Tip: Be prepared to be greeted loudly and get accosted by shop assistants eager to show you their wares. Again, haggling is the norm.
Satwa Souq
Strictly speaking, this is not really a souq, but everyone refers to it as such because this amazing area near the Satwa bus station sells just about anything. You name it, there’s going to be a shop selling it in Satwa. Just walk through the area and you’ll see what we mean. Tip: Haggle to your last breath, it’s going to be worth it.
Spice Souq
Surround yourself with the heady aroma of a thousand spices in this quaint and traditional souq in Deira. Every shop has its own array and special blends of spices from saffron, cardamom (ground or in pods), cloves, and cinnamon to pepper of every variety. Tip: If you’ve got the sniffles, stay away from the spice souq for the time being. The mélange of scents might just irritate your nostrils even more.
Textile Souq
Also known as the Bur Dubai Souq, the textile souq is near the Dubai Museum and is a glorious place to shop for all kinds of fabrics. You’ll find an array of fabrics from the region, the Indian Subcontinent and from as far afield as the Orient. Tip: Bring a big bag with you as you’ll probably end up buying swathes of gorgeous fabrics for your bed, curtains, tabletops and anywhere else your home needs fabric.
The New Souqs
With the rapid development of the city of Dubai, there came a need for souqs that would cater to the new growth and tastes of tourists flooding the city.
Khan Murjan
Fashioned after the ancient souk called Khan Murjan with handcrafted marble floors and wall friezes, this jewel of a souq is situated in Wafi. With over 150 stalls selling specialized and traditional arts and crafts from Afghanistan to Andalucia, the two-level souq is made even more inviting with restaurants, coffee shops and meeting areas. Tip: Arts and Crafts lovers, this is your haven.
Souk Al Bahar
Souk Al Bahar, Downtown Dubai is utterly beguiling with its traditional souk architecture of natural stone corridors, archways and ambient lighting. In keeping with its cultural theme, it showcases shops rich in Arabian heritage with a mix of authentic handicrafts, fashion wear, perfumes, carpets and even furnishings.
Tip: Go after 6:00pm and enjoy the stunning fountain show with great views of Burj Khalifa (previously known as Burj Dubai).
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
It’s part of the Madinat Jumeirah resort and has the same type of ambience: which is elegant and very charming – a definite mixture of traditional and contemporary Arabia. Souk Madinat, as residents fondly call it, is an enjoyable place to shop. You’ll find more than 75 stores and stalls selling all kinds of things from gold to souvenirs. Tip: This is a lovely place for a stroll. The quality is very good so expect prices to be steeper than at the other souqs.
Souq.com
If you haven’t got the time to walk around actual souqs and markets, then souq.com can definitely provide you with what you need. Check out their website and you’ll see a whole heap of stuff you need, things you want and loads of other things you’d love to have. Tip: If you’re not comfortable with online transactions, then it’s best to put your sneakers on and get ready to trawl through the souqs of Dubai.
By Yvette Aldeguer
May 2009
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