Things to do in Souk Madinat Jumeirah

While the emirate is popular for its super-sized glitzy malls, to experience the true essence of Dubai’s history and culture, you must get lost in the fascinating labyrinths of the medieval markets called souks. From architectural marvels to colourful shops and a bustling atmosphere, shopping in Dubai souks is truly an experience to behold. Among the best traditional markets in Dubai, Souk Madinat Jumeirah comes with a premium twist and is one of the top places to visit in Dubai. 

Why visit Souk Madinat Jumeirah?

Located close for tenants of villas in Jumeirah and mimicking a traditional Arabian bazaar, the Madinat Jumeirah souk features a slew of restaurants, cafes and bars. While it is surrounded by beautiful gardens and palm-fringed waterways, the iconic Burj Al Arab graces the Souk Madinat’s background. This unique Arabian-inspired leisure and shopping destination is also known for offering breath-taking views, worthy of a photograph and perfect for a postcard.

What to do in Souk Madinat Jumeirah?

From a mesmerising ride on an abra to getting adrift in a maze of traditional shops and lively restaurants, a day at the souk is truly a magical experience. Luckily for shopping enthusiasts and leisure-seekers, there are plenty of things to do in Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Let’s explore each of these activities.

Shopping in Souk Madinat Jumeirah

If you want to skip the hassle of haggling yet want to experience the colour and vibe of an ancient marketplace, then shopping in Souk Madinat Jumeirah is one of the activities you will enjoy. As you wander through the winding alleyways, the lingering scents of oud perfume and fragrant spices lure you, while the Persian carpets, Turkish pottery, glimmering jewellery equally beg for your attention. Retail therapy is easily one of the most exciting attractions in Madinat Jumeirah. 

• Get a memorable souvenir, such as a 3D model of an iconic landmark treasured inside a crystal cube, from the Crystal Gallery.
• Gift your loved one with the famous finely-woven shawl from Pride of Kashmir.
• If you are looking for unique accessories for your home, don’t forget to stop by Miri or Persian Carpet House.
• Wander off into the dazzling world of jewellery and watches by exploring the Rivoli, Eva Gems and Le Paris Diamonds shops in Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
• For trinkets and other incredible finds, you can make a quick stop-over at indoor stalls and pop-up shops.
• Looking for something premium? You will also come across a selection of boutique fashion and lifestyle brands such as Braschi, Paris Moda and Kiwi Saint Tropez.

Dining in Souk Madinat Jumeirah

While there are several local dining options, Souk Madinat Jumeirah restaurants represent a multitude of international cuisines that will satisfy every individual’s appetite. Seamlessly blending modernity and traditions, the historic atmosphere provides a charming background to these dining outlets. The following list of restaurants in Souk Madinat Jumeirah gets every hungry passer-by’s attention. 

• Visit Trattoria Toscana and enjoy authentic Italian cuisine that is prepared with a Mediterranean touch.
• Times of Arabia beckons visitors for the Middle Eastern varieties and flavourful shisha.
• While taking in the views of the serene waterways, you can relish fresh seafood delicacies at the romantic setting of Pierchic or experience fragrant curries and full-flavoured bites at Pai Thai.
• Indulge in an ice cream dessert at Gelato Divino or an extensive range of drinks at Belgian Beer Café.
• Dine at Trader Vic’s and groove away to the upbeat Latin American vibe while a music band puts on a performance.

Taking an Abra Tour

One of the most recommended things to do in Souk Madinat Jumeirah is to take an abra tour. Hop on to one of those traditional Emirati boats and sail across the meandering waterways to discover exquisite details of the souk. Making the five-kilometre journey even more fascinating, the navigator of the abra will narrate interesting facts about the venue and the amenities around it. This is undoubtedly one of the activities in Madinat Jumeirah that you cannot miss out on!

You don’t have to be a hotel or restaurant guest to enjoy this leisurely cruise aboard the traditional motorised boat that includes comfortable benches for 10 persons. No pre-bookings are required but during peak hours you need to reserve the tour in advance. 

• Abra Tour Timings: Sunday – Saturday from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm during winter and 11:00 am to 11:00 am to 11:00 pm in summer. Each tour departs after every 20 minutes and lasts for 20 minutes. 
• Location: The central abra station is close to the Trattoria Toscana restaurant
• Abra Tour Ticket Price: AED 100 per adult and AED 50 per child for a full abra tour;  AED 50 per adult and AED 50 per child for the Burj View abra tour; AED 850 for a private abra tour

Get Entertained at Madinat Theatre

To fully experience the fun side of the souk, make sure to catch a show at Madinat Theatre. Nestled in the bustling heart of Souk Madinat, the theatre can accommodate an audience of up to 440 persons. Madinat Theatre showcases various crowd-pleasing performances that include Russian ballets, British pantomimes, toe-tapping musicals and stand-up comedies. 

• Madinat Theatre contact: 04-366-6546
• Where to buy Madinat Theatre tickets from?
• The show tickets are available at the box office or online at www.madinattheatre.com

Experience the Nightlife at Souk Madinat Jumeirah

While its architectural beauty can be better appreciated during a daytime visit, some of the attractions in Souk Madinat Jumeirah come alive after the sunsets. The gardens light up while Burj Al Arab glimmers in the background. Party-goers, in particular, have a lot to look forward to. There are plenty of clubs and lounges, each has a different vibe to offer. For instance, enjoy weekly promotions such as Ladies Night and Steak Night at McGettigan’s Madinat Jumeirah. For a state-of-the-art karaoke experience, you can visit Klounge an ultra-luxury bar at the souk.

What are the Souk Madinat Jumeirah Timings?

The Souk Madinat Jumeirah opening times of the shops are from 10:00 am to 11:00 pm, while the restaurants stay open between 08:00 am and 02:00 am.

What is the Souk Madinat Jumeirah Location?

The souk has been a key tourist attraction in Madinat Jumeirah – a modern remake of an old Arabian town. The development is located next to Jumeirah Beach Hotel and Burj Al Arab in the neighbourhood of Al Sufouh.

How to get to Souk Madinat Jumeirah?

The souk has a separate entrance that is open to everyone. Car-owners can park their car in the basement parking facility of Souk Madinat. However, since finding a parking space can be a challenge during weekends and holidays, it is recommended that you consider public transportation options. These include a taxi service or bus 8, 81, F55A and X28 lines that stop at one of the nearest stations on a 10-minute walk away.

As we end our list of activities at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, it won’t be incorrect to say that this iconic destination is not just a shopper’s paradise but also an immersive cultural experience! Now that you know all about Souk Madinat Jumeirah, learn what makes Souk Al Bahar a spectacular shopping destination and discover what makes Deira Gold Souk so remarkable.

Other than Dubai, there are some incredible souks in other parts of the UAE. For example, the Souk at Qaryat Al Beri in Abu Dhabi and Central Souk Sharjah are the go-to places for shopping for many.