Author: 
Shopping and Dubai go hand in hand. Thousands of people flock to the Emirate annually just for the sake of shopping. You can find different places to shop at: majestic shopping malls, artisan markets, alfresco shopping precincts and traditional souks in Dubai.
Be it the summer season or the cooler months of December and January, there is no bad time to go shopping in Dubai. The city is also home to year-round shopping festivals offering unbeatable deals, including the upcoming Dubai Summer Surprises (DSS).
One more thing that tourists like is tax free shopping in Dubai. In 2018, the UAE introduced a VAT of 5%. But you can still enjoy tax free shopping across the country. Planet Tax Free is the only operator of the refund system. You can find more details in our article.
Top souks in Dubai in 2025
From traditional perfumes to beautiful gold ornaments, souks in Dubai have it all. These markets ensure a broad selection of items and great discounts on each product. Come along as this article simplifies the souks in Dubai scene once and for all.
1. Gold Souk
Dubai is famous for gold ornaments. Thousands of people from different countries purchase ornaments of intricate details from the Gold Souk in Dubai – one of the oldest and most fascinating traditional markets in the Emirate.
Long lines of market stalls present a myriad of authentic and eye-catching gold ornaments. In addition to the golden precious metal, look out for diamonds, strings of pearls and platinum, too. Retailers are more than up to offer a bargain.
This area is shaded but the best time to visit Gold Souk in Dubai is after sunset. It is free to visit and the opening hours for most shops are 10 am to 10 pm. This market is located on the Deira side of Dubai Creek, just a short distance from other souks and abra stations.
Public Transport Options:
Gold Souk in Dubai is located at a short distance from Gold Souk Metro Station and Al Ras Metro Station. The closest bus route is T10. You can also take 5, C09 or C28. Plus, there are plenty of taxis coming to the market and ride-hailing platforms are also useful.
2. Souk Madinat Jumeirah
Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a modern take on a traditional souk in Dubai. This popular market is part of the breathtaking Madinat Jumeirah resort. You can find almost endless alleys to stroll through in search of the perfect items to take back home.
Souk Madinat Jumeirah remains true to its heritage, but simultaneously adds beautiful aspects of modern technology. You can find more than 25 dining outlets in addition to shops and galleries. The market takes an interesting turn as the sun sets.
This market in Dubai is perfect to buy authentic Arabian souvenirs. You can find boutique brands, fashion, ornaments, perfumes and a lot more. Just like at all other souks in Dubai, make sure to bargain to grab a great deal on your purchase.
Public Transport Options:
The closest metro station to Madinat Jumeirah is Mall of the Emirates Metro Station. Once you get off at the stop, you can book a taxi ride to your destination. This market is free for all to enter and explore its alleys and stores. You are going to make lasting memories.
3. Spice Souk
It is time to spice up your Dubai experience. This UAE megacity is not famous just for its gold. You can also find a lot of spices – so much that the aroma surrounding the traditional spice market in Dubai’s heritage area takes you on a beautiful journey to the past.
You can find mounds of aromatic herbs and spices, all spilling from large baskets. Talk to the vendors as they can offer you a lot of information on the spices and the right method to use the exotic ones. Some shops may even present a hefty discount.
You can find a lot of Arabic spices on offer, in addition to those from the subcontinent. The Spice Souk in Dubai is perfect for cooking experts and also for those looking to experiment a bit. There is also a great selection of nuts, oils and saffron in the market.
Public Transport Options:
For a unique experience, cross the Dubai Creek from Bur Dubai on a traditional abra boat to reach the Spice Souk. This marketplace is also a short distance from the marine station. Al Ras Metro Station is just an eight-minute stroll from the destination.
4. Souk al Bahar
Meaning ‘market of the sailor’ in the local language, Souk al Bahar is a modern touch on a traditional Middle Eastern marketplace. This popular hub in the heart of Dubai seamlessly combines shopping, entertainment and dining.
Souk al Bahar is a regular spot among tourists looking to soak up some of the beauty of the tallest building on the planet, Burj Khalifa. The most recognisable feature of this market is its architecture – natural stone corridors, restrained lighting and Arabian decor.
The indoor souk houses more than 20 shops and 17 restaurants. You can find a beautiful mix of fashion, handicrafts, perfumes and antiques. The entire shopping experience promises to uplift your mood and help you make memories that last a lifetime.
Public Transport Options:
Souk al Bahar is easily accessed through The Dubai Mall, the largest shopping mall in the country. The metro’s Red Line has a dedicated Dubai Mall Station. Bus routes to the area include 27, 28, 29, 30, 50 and 81. You can also book taxis or Careem and Uber.
5. Textile Souk
Enough of gold and spices? Let’s understand the textile scene in Dubai. Head to the historic Bur Dubai neighbourhood and explore a number of fine silks and fabrics at the Textile Souk. You can find an endless selection of embroidered materials at this bazaar.
Textile Souk in Dubai ensures a 99% possibility of you finding the exact print and colour you are looking for among the hundreds of reels of cloth. Located just across Dubai Creek from many other souks, you can find dozens of shops and stalls at this popular market.
You can select from a range of readymade outfits, fresh from the minds of local designers. It is also easy to find a skilled tailor, capable of producing any type of garment from your choice of material. Textile hunt has never been this engaging and memorable.
Public Transport Options:
The Textile Souk in Bur Dubai is situated at a short distance from Sharaf DG Metro Station. The closest bus route is F70 at the Dubai Museum bus stop. This market remains open on all days except on Fridays. The opening hours are typically from 9 am to 8 pm.
6. Naif Souk
Naif Souk is one of the most underrated retail paradises in Dubai. Once a camel market, Naif Souk has transformed into a hub full of authentic gifts to take back home. To experience the excitement of traditional shopping, you need to visit this place after sunset.
Naif Souk is among the oldest souks in Dubai and is not far from similar bazaars in Deira. You can find a great selection of Middle Eastern goods, such as regional garments, hair extensions and henna designs. There is also a great number of abayas.
If you are seeking a great place in Dubai for abaya shoping, head straight to Naif Souk. You can find abayas in the price range of Dh40 to Dh200 and more. But remember to bargain. If the temperature is good, take a short stroll to Gold Souk and Spice Souk, too.
Public Transport Options:
Naif Souk’s location is quite central. But here is a suggestion: once your hands are full of shopping bags, consider an easy commute to your hotel by foot or from the nearby Baniyas Square Metro Station, instead of competing for a taxi in the busy area.
7. Perfume Souk
Dubai is famous for its gold. Spices also hold an important place in the city’s history. But fragrance is another key hallmark of Arabian life. The Perfume Souk in Dubai has some of the most exotic scents you are most likely to not find at any other place.
Some fragrances are mild and some can be a bit loud. But each one is promising enough to lure your attention from a great distance. It has been rightfully said that Perfume Souk can attract your attention in multiple directions, depending on the changing breeze.
Present across hundreds of different stalls, you can find thousands of traditional Arabian scents. These can be tested using incense and can be purchased as a stick, crystal, rock or other forms. Learn about oud and bakhoor and the many intricacies of these materials.
Public Transport Options:
Many roads lead to Dubai’s famous Perfume Souk in Deira. You can take a metro ride to Baniyas Square and then take a leisurely stroll for 10 minutes to reach the market. You can also take a short abra ride across Dubai Creek to get to Deira’s famed souks.
8. Al Seef
Situated directly on the bustling Dubai Creek, Al Seef is one of the city’s most popular leisure districts, featuring some souk shopping and some chic cafes. The best time to visit is usually October to March, but there is plenty to see and do all year round.
Al Seef pays homage to the UAE’s heritage. You can find a lot of local artistry, intricate craftsmanship and traditional products – alongside modern fashion labels offering luxury, style and comfort. Al Seef is suitable for people of all ages.
Dubai’s Al Seef also has a number of intriguing dining concepts. One of the most famous and Instagrammable Starbucks on the planet can be found here. The retail outlets typically open from 10 am and operate till 10 pm. Pro Tip: Don’t miss the sunset from this area.
Public Transport Options:
Take the Red Line to the BurJuman Metro Station. From there, you need just 10 minutes to reach Al Seef on foot. Bus routes featuring stops near the area include 29, C10 and 33. You can also take the taxi or use ride-hailing platforms like Careem and Uber.
Don't miss out on the Latest Updates! Join our official
WhatsApp channel and follow us on
YouTube,
Instagram,
Facebook,
Twitter, and
TikTok for Breaking News.
Send your press releases to: pressrelease@traveltodubai.com
Follow Us