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Planning a trip to Dubai? Make sure you don’t miss out on exploring the souks in Dubai. Wondering why? Whether you are a shopaholic or a tourist seeking to explore the traditional side of Dubai or looking to soak Dubai's rich culture, Souks in Dubai are a must-visit. A feast for your eyes with such colourful and vibrant surroundings, the souk market will be one of the most memorable parts of your Dubai trip.
Read on to learn more about some amazing Dubai souk markets, all worth visiting, whether it is the Gold Souk where you can buy the jewellery to your heart’s content, or the Spice Souk where you can explore all the amazing ingredients that make the Arabic dishes as flavourful as they are. Here is a quick guide taking you directly to some must-visiting souks in Dubai.
Gold Souk
The best souk in Dubai, Gold Souk, is among the most recommended places to visit in Dubai. Whether you are a good digger, a shopping lover or a fan of rich cultural heritage or Dubai, Gold Souk is for you. It boasts the record of the world's largest gold market. Remember khul ja sim sim? Gold Souk is just as fascinating as that secret treasure cave! From cascading necklaces to elegant bracelets, there is a never-ending array of gold jewellery catering to everyone's taste. You can also look at some classic Arabian jewellery, which are the show stoppers. Whether you buy or not doesn't matter, a tour of the gold souk is itself an unforgettable and authentic experience with the glittering environment like no other. Plus, it's too safe! Also, it's the best place to show your haggling skills just remember to be respectful and polite while negotiating.
Where: Deira - Al Ras - Dubai - United Arab Emirates.
Spice Souk
Whether you are a gastronome or a kitchen wizard, spice souk can be the best souk in Dubai for you. From traditional Arabian spices to exotic ones, the spice souk offers you a huge variety of spices, surely leaving you confused about what to buy and what not. Admiring the vibrant displays of spices, you can chat with local vendors asking for the uses and options to try with a particular spice.
The most demanding spices include turmeric, cardamom, clove, za’atar, and baharat, and the most expensive is saffron. Not limited to spices only, you can also find herbs, dried fruits, nuts, incense and rose water too. The best part is, that you can sample before you buy. Sample and choose the spices which are best suited to your kitchen.
Where: 41, 34th St - Deira - Al Ras - Dubai - United Arab Emirates.
Perfume Souk
Are you on the hunt for some Arabian fragrances that’ll blow your mind? Go to the perfume souk. With so many enchanting fragrances, whether you are looking for a fragrance to complement your passion, a golden sweetness, a floral fragrance, a spicy or fruity scent or sensual fragrances, Perfume Souk Dubai is sure to delight you. Don't miss the bold Arabian Scents, signature scents in Dubai, the best for anyone in love with Arabian culture. You can also get your own unique fragrances, as the vendors allow you to blend the fragrances with the careful guidance of experienced perfumers. Must look for Bakhoor, these are incense scent-infused chips of wood burned to give off a wonderful smell, one of the most distinctive Dubai scents to try.
Where: Deira, Dubai, UAE
Textile Souk
After you have visited the Gold and Spice Souk Dubai, the next Dubai Souk market awaits with its most colourful surroundings. One of the best souks in Dubai, Textile Souk has its own aura and boasts being the favourite place for anyone always in the hunt for a perfect fabric. Whether you have fashion designing skills or not, doesn't matter much, because buying a new dress is something which everyone loves to do, making a visit to Textile Souk in Dubai must. Take a walk along the array of shops and soak yourself in the symphony of colours and textures. You can look for a variety of fabrics over here from fine silks to airy cottons, exotic weaves, and dazzling sari fabrics. Don't miss to get a new dress made with your chosen fabric from nearby tailor shops.
Where: 57 Ali Bin Abi Taleb St - opposite to Abra - Al Fahidi - Dubai - United Arab Emirates
Souk Madinat
Are you a luxury lover? If you want to explore the charm of Arabian Souks but can't skip the obsession with finer things, Souk Madinat can be the best souk in Dubai for you. However, it's not a traditional Arabian souk but offers you all that you could wish at Spice or Perfume Souk Dubai. Wander through its narrow lanes, no less than a maze so, be careful!, to seek some souvenirs, pieces of fine art or sculptures. Here, you can check for jewellery, cuddle buddies, beautiful hookah or water - pipes and those irresistible glittering Turkish mosaic lamps. The coolest thing is that here you can not only traditional items but also branded ones at Souk Madinat, making it one of the most popular souks in Dubai. Complete your trip with an Abra ride, chill out and relax while gazing in awe at the opulent Burj Al Arab sights.
Where: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St - Al Sufouh 1 - Dubai - United Arab Emirates