All about the Old Souk Dubai

• What can I buy from the Old Souk?
• What is the Old Souk Dubai location?
• How can I get to the Souk?
• What are the Old Souk Dubai Timings?
• Are there any other tourist spots nearby?

Want to get a flavour of old Dubai? Looking for some traditional or non-branded clothing? Head to the Old Souk Dubai, a traditional market in the heart of Bur Dubai where you can buy a range of products and experience the charm of the city’s historic shopping destination.   

All about Old Souk Dubai

When planning a visit to Dubai for shopping, the immediate thought is to cover all the grand shopping malls. However, if one has the time, souks are an excellent add-on. If the malls provide glitz, glamour and brands, the souks have a unique charm, showcasing the region’s cultural heritage with a variety of products from generational craftsmen.

For example, visiting the old souk Bur Dubai can be a fascinating experience. The kind of hand-woven and machine-made fabrics you find here are unlikely to be available at other places even within Dubai. For this reason, it is also called the textile souk in Dubai. However, your shopping wouldn’t be limited to just textiles.

All you need to know about the Old Souk Dubai

Like any other tourist attraction, it is important to plan your visit to make the most of your time at the souk. Here’s all that you can do and buy at the Old Souk Dubai.

What can I buy from the Market?

You will find international and local products. As you enter Old Souk Bur Dubai, brightly lit candles, fabrics and pillows will catch your attention. Numerous shops and stalls sell cotton, raw silk, wool, cashmere and other fabrics.

Accessories such as buttons, lace and other items are also readily available. Not to forget, your bargaining skills will come in handy. Once your textile shopping is completed, you can head to any of the top tailors in the market to get your clothes stitched.

As mentioned earlier, it is also known as the Textile Souk. However, the textile section is just one part of the large, bustling market.

It has to be noted that you can buy a range of products. Residents from other emirates also visit the souk to find quality footwear in addition to souvenirs, perfumes, spices and dry fruits. 

As for the shopping style, you would have to bargain a fair bit. Merchants will try and entice you by offering different deals. If you are not interested simply walk away. Chances of leaving the textile souk empty-handed are minimal.

What is the Old Souk Dubai location?

Old Souk is located in Bur Dubai. It is on the southern side of the creek. 

How can I get to the Souk?

The Old Souk is near two metro stations namely Al Fahidi Metro Station and Al Ghubaiba Metro Station. You can walk to the souk from there.

Moreover, it is also possible to take the Abra from Deira to reach the souk. The exciting journey takes about 6 minutes and will cost you only AED 1. The panoramic view from the boat will definitely add to the shopping experience.

What are the Old Souk Dubai Timings?

Old Souk Dubai timings are as follows:

• Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 am to 10:00 pm 
• Friday: 04:00 pm to 10:00 pm 

What is the most striking feature of the Textile Souk?

Since Dubai’s skyline is all about modern high-rises, the labyrinthine layout of the Old Souk stands out.

As you enter the area, the most striking feature is the large wooden beam. Placed on the sand-coloured walls, this sight will instantly take you back to an age gone by. The wooden door stands high in all its magnificence. The building is made of sand colour stones and has a wooden roof. Perhaps, you might have seen something like this before in old films or TV shows. 

Are there any other tourist spots nearby?

Yes, there are three spots within walking distance – the Dubai Museum, the Al Fahidi District and Sheikh Mohammed Center for Cultural Understanding.

If you are a history buff, you can even spend an entire day in this area. 

This completes our review of the Old Souk Dubai. It’s a fabulous place to visit even if you are not planning to shop. There are many other traditional souks in Dubai that offer a unique and novel experience. For example, the spice souk in Dubai is very famous among tourists. Similarly, souks in Abu Dhabi are also a major tourist attraction. For instance, the Souk at Qaryat Al Beri is definitely worth visiting.

Visit MyBayut to read about all the shopping hot spots in Dubai.