Dubai's Souks
A souk is a traditional arab market. Till as recently as three decades ago, people in the Middle East had a life style in tune with their environment. The traditional souk is composed of narrow alleyways, often no more than a meter in width. This keeps shoppers out of the blazing heat of the sun all day round. The shop level is elevated - 70cm to a meter above street level - to enable shoppers on horseback to view the goods on sale from the comfort of their mount.
Perhaps the best preserved example of such a souk in the Middle East is the Muttrah Souk in Oman. The souks of Dubai are a pale shadow of their former self. In its headlong rush to modernize Dubai, like its other oil-rich neighbors, has been guilty of a degree of cultural vandalism. Nevertheless, no visit to Dubai would be complete without taking in a souk or two.
Dubai's souks are located in Deira and Bur Dubai in the narrow alleyways that lie behind the modern boulevards on either side of Dubai Creek. Traditional Arab ships - dhows - still ply between Dubai and Iran, India & further afield. They dock on the Deira side of Dubai Creek and discharge their cargoes.
It is worth bearing in mind that you are not protected from the elements when doing souk shopping. Most souks open their doors as early as 07:00h and take a break at noon. They reopen after 16:00h - depending on the time of the year. Bear in mind that (haggling) bargaining is an integral part of souk shopping.
Deira Spice Souk
Located on 67th Street, just a stone's throw away from the Gold Souk, this souk still retains the atmosphere of a traditional souk. However, it appears to shrinking by the month and has a motley collection of shops that sell cheap electronic goods, costume jewellery, arab womens' apparel and - some spices.
It is worth a visit. However, spices are best bought at one of the Carrefour stores or the duty free stores at the airport. In the narrow alleyways of this souk it is advisable to be wary of pickpockets.
The Gold Souk
This modernized souk located on Sikkat al-Khali street has jewellery stores interspersed with some stores selling perfume. The quality, quantity and range of gold jewellery available here is nothing short of astonishing. While the craftsmanship is flawless the designs are tailored largely to Arab and Indian tastes.
Deira Covered Souk
This souk is located on Al-Sabkha road, close to the bus station bearing the same name. It has shops selling textiles, womens' apparel, electronic goods and household appliances.
Bur Dubai Textile Souk
The easiest way to visit this souk is by crossing the creek from Deira in an abra. The souk is located on Al-Fahidi street, a short walk away from the Bur Dubai abra quay. True to its name, it is largely a textile souk.
