Souks in Dubai

All the shops are open from 7:00 am to 12:00 noon and from 5:00 pm till 7:00 pm, except for Thursdays and Fridays when they are open in the afternoon as well. The best time to turn up here is in the late afternoon when the souks are jam-packed completely, but if you are interested in some leisure shopping then avoid evenings.

Gold Souk

People with a fondness for gold can shop along the narrow streets of Dubai lined with glittering gold shops. One can easily get confused about where to begin as the whole market is crammed with dazzling gold shops. Be it gold brooches, earrings, bangles, rings or necklaces, one can find each and every window adorned with gold ornaments and artefacts. None of the jewellery is less than 18 carat and the prices offered here are much lower than the other parts of the world.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah

A rich and brightly coloured market, Souk Madinat Jumeirah hosts a bazaar-like atmosphere in its zigzag and roundabout paths. You just bounce in the lively trade and interactive culture that no doubt gives you altogether different shopping experience. Popular for unique brands and crafts you can women and craftsmen at work along with tempting coffee aroma, coming from the various cafes and restaurants, while strolling off the souk.

Spice Souk

Credit: Flickr / McKay Savage / CC BY 2.0

Toss up into a variety of spices and fragrance from the shisha and frankincense to the different herbs used in South Asian and Arabic food inside the souk market that houses a collection of spices commonly used. Also, textiles, rugs, incense and other artefacts are also sold here. Bargaining is something that you should not forget to do here!

Fish Market

Fish Market features a variety of seafood options. If you are a seafood lover then you must visit a seafood restaurant that offers delicious cuisines.

Textile Souk

Stroll off through the trove of textiles, shades, dyes, textures, knits and laces inside the textile souk adorned with gleaming threads, velvets and silks. There is a never-ending choice for the shoppers and the prices are negotiable.

Meena Bazaar

A popular place among the tourists, Meena Bazaar is lined with various shops selling men and women clothing, jewellery and many more goods. The market also has a few restaurants, takeaways.

Perfume Souk

Fling yourself into the aroma of local and international perfumes available at the variety of shops in the Perfume Souk. Incense sticks and oily scents are also available in abundance.

If at all you are new in Dubai, then just hire a car from your hotel and explore the souks. And if you have time and want to wander around the city then opt for public transport.