How to shop Dubai souks like a local: A first-timer's guide

Time Out Dubai

3 days ago

A trip to the souks is a must.
With some having offered their goods for decades, the traditional markets are packed with everything you could need, from spices and clothing to gold and perfume.
Each has its own products, and if you know how to haggle, this is the place to take home a bounty of bargains.
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However, if you're heading there for the first time, it can be a little overwhelming, so we've put together a complete guide to help you know where to start.
From the best route around to some top-tips while you're browsing, this is everything you need to know about the Dubai souks.
The ultimate guide to the Dubai souks
Where are the souks located?
All of the main souks in Dubai are located in Deira, situated close by to the Dubai Creek (a route once used for trading back in the day).
However, the textile souk lies on the other side of the creek, but you can travel easily between them with a quick abra ride (if you want to go all in on the culture).
What is the best time to visit the souks?
There's no point heading down at dawn, because most of the souks don't open until somewhere between 9am and 10am.
Some stalls will be ready to trade from 9am, whereas others will still be setting up. However by 10am most will be up and running.
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The streets get very busy as the day goes on, so if you want to go when it's a little quieter, you can visit in the morning or just before closing at around 9pm.
The Gold Souk
(Credit: Supplied)
Opening hours: 10am-10pm (approximately).
Probably the most famous of all the Dubai souks, the Gold Souk was established back in the 1900s and is located right in the heart of Deira.
Like with all of the souks, there really aren't any car parking spots, so your best bet is to travel by taxi or bus, or you can take the metro to the Al Ras station.
Unlike other sections of the souks, the Gold Souk does not have stalls out on the street, and is instead mostly made up of small rows of shops.
What can you buy at Gold Souk?
The souk is renowned for its vast selection of gold and jewellery. It offers an extensive range of items, from traditional Arab designs to modern and contemporary styles, catering to all tastes.
From engagement rings to Arabic name engravings, you can also find precious gemstones and stand in awe of the *gigantic* statement pieces in the window.
Trading is mainly done in grams and 24-karat, it's estimated that the souk is home to as much as ten tonnes of gold at any given moment, and there are dozens of shops offering some incredible items including jewellery, diamonds, and other precious stones.
Although it's called the gold souk, a lot of silver is sold here too, and if you want a piece of jewellery for a smaller price, you might want to check some of these options out.
But if you're looking for gold, then make yourself aware of the daily gold rate before going on a big shop, as this will affect the price.
The gold ring is on display in the Souk (Credit: Supplied)
While you're here, be sure to: Check out the world's heaviest gold ring. The gigantic piece of jewellery sits proudly in a shop window.
Coming in a total weight of 63.856kg, it's perhaps not for wearing, but is quite the sight.
The Herb Souk
(Credit: Supplied)
Opening hours: 9am-9pm (approximately)
If you're entering from Baniyas Road, then you'll enter at the gate opposite the Deira Old Souk Marina Transport station.
Then quickly you'll step inside the spice souk (or herb souk as it's signposted), and get ready to be greeted with a real feast for the senses amongst the narrow passageways.
If you've got an image in your head of a souk, the spice souk probably looks most like it, with barrels, bags and pots filled with a colourful array of spices.
What can you buy at Herb Souk?
(Credit: Supplied)
Most stalls will have a similar selection, however this is the best time to pick up some traditional spices in bulk.
As well as the likes of paprika, turmeric and saffron, the souk also stocks a range of herbs, loose leaf teas and mixes designed to help everything from migraines to congestion (give the menthol crystals a whiff).
Saffron will (of course), cost more than most, however you can get around 100g of other spices for Dhs10 or less.
In amongst the spices you'll also see some smaller perfume stalls dotted around, as well as traditional scarves and even a bar of kunafa chocolate or two (nowhere is safe from the Dubai chocolate craze).
While you're here, be sure to: Test the saffron you're about to buy. Pop it in a little water, and if the water turns gold, it's good quality. If it turns red, it's not worth taking home.
The Perfume Souk
(Credit: Supplied)
Opening hours: 9am-10pm (approximately)
The perfume souk is located on Sikkat al Khali Street, just a moment away from the Gold Souk. Here the stores are more enclosed shops than market stalls, and that's to keep the perfumes away from the heat and sunshine.
What can you buy at the Perfume Souk?
If you're in the mood to smell good, then you *need* to visit one of these stores, selling everything from dupes of popular brands, to rich Arabic perfumes and ouds.
Some will also sell ornate small vials to store your perfume in at home, making a very nice addition to your dressing table.
Popular scents include oud, amber, jasmine and rose, and in some stores you can even have a personal mix made up for you.
A small vial can cost anywhere from Dhs40 to Dhs80, depending on how good your bargaining skills are, and the perfume you've chosen.
While you're here, be sure to: Ask to try the scents on paper sticks, not on your hand, as by the end you'll be covered in too many to tell the difference.
The Textile Souk
Opening hours: 9am-9pm (approximately)
This souk lies on the Bur Dubai side of the creek, so if you want to get there from the other souks you can take a taxi, or pay a couple of dirhams to ride over the water on an abra.
If you want a new outfit made then this is the place to go, and you can not only browse and choose a fabric, but you can then stroll round to a nearby tailor to have it made into something you like.
Even if you're not looking to buy, explore the stores and enjoy browsing the silks and other fabrics (some are really quite dazzling).
This souk doesn't get quite as busy as the others, so it's easier to get around during peak shopping hours.
While you're here, be sure to: Check out the accessories. If you want to upgrade an outfit, there are gorgeous sequins, buttons and even lace hiding in the stores too.
Dubai Souk top tips
(Credit: Supplied)
Look down at paving symbols
If you're not sure which souk you've stumbled into now, all you need to do is look down at the paving stones. Each souk has its own symbol, for example the image above is for the gold souk – it's a gold necklace.
Haggle for a bargain
One of the first rules you should know about the souks is that you need to be ready to bargain, never accept the first price offered.
Some deals you might be able to haggle more on, for example, if you're the only customer in the store, if you're buying multiple items, or perhaps you're just a good dealmaker. If you don't ask (you definitely) don't get.
Don't get drawn in at the first stall
In most souks, each stall will be selling very similar items, so don't get caught out at the first stall you come across.
The perfume you like might be Dhs100 in one store, but you could get it for Dhs40 in another. There's no harm in checking out your options.
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