Dubai is the perfect destination to go for a taste of the exotic Middle East shopping. The emirate of Dubai is only about the size of the state of Rhode Island, but it has more than 50 shopping malls, and that number continues to grow. Dubai is one of seven emirates, or independent kingdoms, of the United Arab Emirates. What’s so great about Dubai markets? English is widely spoken. The people are friendly. Taxis are cheap. Apparently Dubai shopping malls and markets are the best in the Middle East.
CONTENTS
🛍️ What to buy on Dubai markets
- Gold jewelry;
- Omani silver;
- Pashmina shawls;
- Electronics;
- Perfume;
- Glorious;
- Bath robes.
💍 1. Gold souq
The oldest gold market in Dubai is full of precious gems, jewelry of famous brands and designer pieces. Tourists are offered gold and silver bars, crockery, antique coins, rings and bracelets. The shopping at the gold market in Dubai is completely safe, excluding fakes, because it is monitored by the relevant authorities. At the same there is no tax on gold, so jewelry in Dubai is cheaper than anywhere else.
Local sellers try to impress potential customers. Each store has unique items, special offers and memorable souvenirs. Some of them even listed into the “Guinness Book of Records”. They made the world’s largest gold ring with a weight of 64 kg! So the gold market is not just about shopping, it is also a kind of museum of incredible luxury.
Address: Old Baladiya St., Dubai.
Opening hours: Every day from 9:30 to 21:30, except Fridays, on Fridays the market only opens at 16:00 due to Islamic services.
Getting there: The best way to get there is to take the Metro Green Line to Gold Souq Metro Station (some maps show it as Palm Deira Station).
🌶️ 2. Spice market
One more popular shopping destination is Spice Souq in Dubai. The smell of spices in this market literally makes you dizzy. You can find the most exotic spices there, from saffron to orchid roots.
The spice souk in Dubai also offers different sorts of tea and coffee, dried fruits, famous Arabian dates and much more. These are original and delicious gifts for family and friends. The Spice Bazaar is part of the Old Market in Deira district, so a stroll through it makes a strong impression because of the authentic oriental ambience.
Address: 26 34 St.Al Ras, Deira, Dubai.
Timings: daily, from 8:00 to 22:00.
Getting there: Take buses #C07, #C09 or #C28 to the stop “Deira Old Souq” or take the metro green line to “Al Ras station”, you have to go 7-10 minutes on foot from metro station.
🌺 3. Perfume market
The Emirates have been suppliers of cosmetics since medieval times. Arab culture is preserved by the Perfume Bazaar, a concentration of many perfumes, essential oils, wood and stone incense. Recipes of perfumes with rich, spicy notes are handed down from generation to generation.
This classic oriental fragrance has notes of the unique Oud tree. Just one ounce of this perfume can reach hundreds of dollars. This wood is very rare, that’s why its aroma became an indicator of wealth and luxury. Do you want to “smell expensive”? Then choose Arabian perfume with mix of wood, smoke, tar, leather and musk.
Address: Deira, Dubai.
Opening hours: Sat 9am – 10pm, Sat 10pm, closed.
Getting there: The perfume market in Dubai is located close to the Golden Market so you can get there in exactly the same way – take the green metro line to Gold Souq Metro Station (or Palm Deira Station).
👕 4. Textile souk
The textile market with the ambiance of the East is filled with quality clothing, ethnic outfits and unusual souvenirs. Tourists, designers and world-class resellers can be found here. Silks and other fabrics literally flow as if they were rivers.
The sellers lay out this sparkling glory in front of every customer. Products made of these fabrics will be unrepeatable. It doesn’t matter if it’s a cushion, curtains or a blouse.
Address: 57, Ali Bin Abi Taleb St, Dubai.
Opening hours: Fri – Wed 9am to 2pm and Thu 4pm to 8.30pm, Sat Sat Sat 9am to 2pm.
How to get there: bus №F70 goes to the nearest bus stop Dubai Museum, from Al Fahidi Metro Station (green line) it will take ~10-15 minutes walking to the market.
💎 5. Madinat souq
The Madinat market complex is a combination of modern boutiques and ancient architecture. It offers popular brands and designer items of high quality.
The list of goods includes Italian fur coats, elite watches, musical instruments and leather accessories. In fact, Madinat Jumeirah is a shopping center, which is decorated in the market style.
Address: King Salman Bin Abdulaziz Al Saud St, Al Sufouh 1, Dubai.
Opening hours: Every day from 10am to 11pm, no weekends.
How to get: Direct bus lines to Madinat Jumeirah stop #8 and #88 or alternatively take Metro to Mall of Emirates Station on the red line and bus #81 to the Burj Al Arab Hotel stop.
🐟 6. Fish market
Seafood lovers should not miss the stunning auction where freshly fish are sold. Fish market in Dubai is a real maritime kingdom with rare sea creatures.
In addition to fish you can find lobsters, shrimp, kingfish and pomfrets on the market. The best time to visit it is early morning, when the catch is fresh, or late evening, when prices are low.
Address: Al Khaleej Road, opposite Dubai Hospital, Deira, Dubai.
Opening hours: Open 24 hours a day.
Getting there: Look for the name “Deira Waterfront Market” on the maps and take bus 17 or C15 to the Abu Hail stop.
🏺 7. Flea market
Everyone knows: what one person doesn’t need can be very necessary for another. Especially in the market you can find not only those things that the current owners refuse, but also handmade goods.
The Dubai flea market sells salvers, traditional paintings with Arabic ornaments, lots of old clothes, books and other things. I like to find something vintage and unusual.
Address: Gate 1, 2 & 3, Zabeel Park, Dubai.
Opening hours: Open only on Fridays from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm and Saturdays from 8:00 am to 3:00 pm.
How to get there: The Dubai flea market is located in Zabeel Park and is easily get by metro from Al Jafiliya Station (red line).
Dubai Markets on a Map
On this map, I have marked all of the above markets in Dubai with yellow marks. The best shopping malls and stores are also marked in yellow.
Other markings show landmarks, museums, amusement parks and other important places to see in Dubai.
Do not forget that a souk is not a store where prices are fixed, so I recommend to bargain in every market to save your money.
