Shopping in Dubai’s souks is like stepping into a different era—one that feels worlds apart from the futuristic skyline I wrote about in my last post on the Burj Khalifa. I had watched a lot of videos of Dubai Souks and got to very briefly experience one during my layover in Doha.
Back in November 2023, my international travel journey kicked off with KubeCon in Chicago. That trip set off a chain of work travels to places like New York, Paris, and Salt Lake City. But more than anything, it made me want to share the experience of traveling abroad with my parents.
Dubai turned out to be the perfect mix of luxury and heritage for our first international family trip. Sure, the towering skyscrapers were impressive, but what really stole our hearts were the vibrant souks—bustling markets filled with rich aromas, dazzling gold, and the age-old art of bargaining.
These souks are more than just shopping spots; they’re living pieces of history where Dubai’s trading traditions have thrived for centuries, even as the other part of the city races into the future with the largest, biggest and grandest of everything in the world. The moment you step inside, you’re transported from high-end malls to a world where commerce is personal, lively, and deeply rooted in culture.
In this blog post, I’ll take you from downtown Dubai to the historic districts where these magical souks bring the city’s heritage to life.
From Downtown to Old Dubai: A Tale of Two Cities
Burj Khalifa was the last thing to do in our itinerary; however, shopping in Dubai souks was a top priority. If I were travelling alone, I would have surely taken the Dubai Metro to Al Fahidi to explore the souks. But since I was with my parents, I decided to “Yalla” a cab using Careem. It didn’t take us much time to reach the souks, but the transformation was gradual and stunning. Glass skyscrapers gave way to low-rise buildings with wind towers and narrow alleys. It felt like time travel!
Old Dubai has this lived-in charm that downtown lacks. The buildings might not scrape the sky, but they tell stories. Walking through these neighborhoods, you’ll hear a mix of languages, smell cardamom coffee, and feel the gentle push of locals rushing to prayer or merchants setting up shop. Also, this part of Dubai has lots of Indian shopkeepers, and all of them understand Hindi and other regional languages, especially Malayalam.
When planning your visit, I’d recommend starting downtown and ending in Old Dubai – or vice versa – it’s like reading Dubai’s history in the most magical way.
The Rich History of Dubai’s Souks
Souks have been Dubai’s beating heart for centuries, long before glass towers dominated the skyline. Back when pearl diving drove the economy, these open-air markets were where locals traded their precious findings for spices, textiles, and daily necessities.
The word “souk” comes from Arabic, simply meaning “market,” but there’s nothing simple about their significance. Each souk specialized in specific goods – a tradition that continues today. Merchants from India, Persia, and East Africa would dock their dhows along Dubai Creek, creating a melting pot of cultures and commodities.
What fascinates me most is how little the trading ritual has changed. The art of bargaining isn’t just permitted – it’s expected! My mom was initially hesitant but quickly became a pro, negotiating prices with a smile and a story.
While modern malls have sprouted across Dubai, the government has preserved these souks, recognizing them as cultural treasures that connect present-day Dubai to its humble trading post origins.
Shopping at Dubai’s Souks
After exploring downtown Dubai and learning about the rich history of souks, I was ready to dive into the shopping experience. These traditional markets aren’t just places to buy souvenirs—they’re immersive cultural experiences where each haggle tells a story and every purchase carries meaning.
Gold Souk
The moment we entered Dubai’s famous Gold Souk, I was speechless. Imagine hundreds of shops with windows displaying more gold than I’ve ever seen! Located in Deira near Dubai Creek, it’s easily accessible via the Al Ras metro station or Gold Souk metro station.
The variety is mind-boggling—from delicate 18K Italian designs to elaborate 22K Indian jewelry. My mom couldn’t resist trying on a few pieces, even though we weren’t planning to buy. Pro tip: Gold prices are calculated based on daily rates plus craftsmanship charges, so always check the day’s gold rate before visiting. While my mother bought some jewellery for herself, I didn’t find a huge difference in the price of gold compared to India. The variety is pretty good, though.
Spice Souk
Just a short walk from the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk hit us with a sensory overload. Colorful mounds of saffron, sumac, and za’atar lined the narrow pathways, while the scent of oud wood and frankincense filled the air.
What to buy? Definitely grab some premium saffron (it’s significantly cheaper than back home), dried lemons for authentic Middle Eastern cooking, and maybe some exotic tea blends. The friendly shopkeepers often offer samples and explain how to use unfamiliar spices. I, being the Maharaj, sampled and svoured some really interesting spices and aromas and I totally loved this experience.
Textile Souk
Crossing Dubai Creek via abra (traditional wooden boat) from Deira to Bur Dubai leads you to the charming Textile Souk. The boat ride itself—costing just 1 dirham—is worth the trip!
Inside the covered walkways, shops overflow with cashmere pashminas, silk fabrics, embroidered cushion covers, and traditional clothing. I couldn’t resist buying a lama wool shawl for Mom. Apart from that, she also brought some fabrics for her suits. Based on my experience of shopping at souks in Doha, I’ve realised that Pakistani suit fabrics have unique patterns and colors which aren’t available in India.
Perfume Souk
Near the Spice Souk in Deira, the Perfume Souk offered yet another sensory adventure. Unlike typical perfume stores, here, fragrances are deeply personal. Shopkeepers greeted us with sprays of rose water and invited us to smell countless tiny bottles of concentrated oils.
This is where you’ll find authentic oud—perhaps the most prized fragrance in Arabic culture. The woody, complex scent varies wildly in price depending on quality and origin. What amazed me was how perfumers could create custom blends based on your preferences. I use deodorants mostly but was always curious to get a good Eau De Parfum (EDP) or Oudh for myself. Settled for a Rasai Hawas For Him, and I’m totally loving it!
Grand Souk
Our final stop was the Grand Souk, also known as Al Dhagaya Souk, located near the Dubai Museum in Bur Dubai. Recently renovated, it offers a more organized shopping experience while maintaining traditional architecture with its wooden lattice work and wind towers.
This souk is perfect for those wanting variety in one location. From jewelry and electronics to clothing and souvenirs, it’s an excellent place for one-stop shopping. The air-conditioned sections provided welcome relief from Dubai’s heat! I found beautiful hand-painted ceramic plates here that were better priced than in the tourist shops.
The Soul of Dubai in its Souks
Our day exploring Dubai’s souks was honestly the highlight of our family trip. The spice and textile souks particularly stole our hearts – there’s something magical about holding hand-dyed fabrics and inhaling fragrances that have traveled the ancient spice routes for centuries.
One day barely scratches the surface of these treasure troves. Next time, I’d dedicate at least two days to fully appreciate each market’s unique character. Come prepared – comfortable shoes are non-negotiable as there’s tons of walking involved, and the Dubai heat demands you carry water everywhere you go.
Don’t worry about hunger pangs, either. The souks are dotted with charming eateries serving everything from quick shawarma wraps to refreshing mint teas. I ate at a Michelin Star Emerati restaurant; more about it in another blog post.
These markets remind you that before the skyscrapers, Dubai’s heart was in trade, hospitality, and cultural exchange – a tradition beautifully preserved in its souks.
That’s about it for this post. Feel free to reach out to me for any assistance. Drop your thoughts in the comments below, tweet to me at @Atulmaharaj, DM on Atulmaharaj on Instagram, or Get In Touch.