Souks in Dubai

Souk is the traditional Arab name of an open market with a bit of Oriental charm of disorder, the place to sell and buy everything possible.

Gold Souk, courtesy of Joi,flickr

Souks were the intergal part of life in Dubai, until the modern development of large shopping malls, that started to compete with price and quantity. Everyone was buying the local food and small everydays items, even the electronics, on 'their' market.


This tradition slowly vanishes, fortunately several old souks were left preserved for the tourists and for the locals.
The souks are located on both sides of Dubai Creek, near the places, where in the past merchants unloaded their cargo from vessels, or small boats. The goods were sold on spot, or placed on the stands waiting for the customers.

Spice Souk
called often Old Souk is on this riverside location in Deira
and although the modern buildings squeeze the original area still the unique aroma leads tha way to open sacks with exotic herbs, spicy fragrances and dried fruits. One can buy here Cardamom, Cloves, various aromated rice, saffron and vanilla bars, to use of for a perfect 'smelly' gift.

Gold Souk
Gold is still the reason to visit Dubai, as the prices hera are amongthe cheapests in the world. The local honour ( and tough law regulations ) forbids the cheatting, so you can be 100% certain of quality of bought items.

Textile Souk
Somewhere between two above souks spreads the souk with linen, Kashmere scarfs, Sari robes,rugs and famous Oriental carpets from many of locations in neighbouring countries.


Karama
the backstreets of Karama district are famous of small shops selling cheap imitations of signature clothes and brand electronics.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Located in ultra modern Madinat resort the souk is nice example of joining modern materials with old style of traditional souks.
The wooden celling resembles the designs found on Oriental market.