There is a separate soukh for every trade good and souvenir. Small instruction manual for the traditional markets in the Arabian shopping paradise of Dubai.
What's the best way to insult a proud trader in the Arab souks of Dubai? By accepting your first offer. It's actually like this: If the customer pays immediately and doesn't bargain for a second about the goods, many a market trader doesn't feel fully accepted in his venerable profession.
Of course, there are also the others who couldn't help but grin when the unsuspecting tourist actually agrees to their ridiculous prices. In general, if you negotiate skillfully, friendly and with the usual respect, you can get a lot of bargains in the souks of Dubai.
The Dubai Creek is still the lifeline today
A visit to the emirate's historic districts is not just worth shopping. At Dubai Creek, the deep bay on the Gulf Coast, the city's lifeline still pulsates today, just as it did over 100 years ago. Preferably shortly before and after sunset.
Fishermen, sailors and pearl divers lived and worked there until the 1960s, before the oil boom changed everything. Near the point where the inlet flows into the Arabian Gulf is the Al Shindagha district. Anyone who walks through the narrow streets and along the creek promenade of the lavishly restored district will quickly notice the traditional adobe houses with their wind towers and rich decorations. This is what Dubai used to be like.
The former home of the Al Maktoum ruling family is also worth a visit, as is the Saruq Al-Hadid Archaeological Museum. It's easy to spend several hours in the Al Shindagha Museum, which has been presented even more extensively since last year.
Sensual impressions of Dubai in the Perfume House
The history and culture of Dubai is also presented digitally and interactively with great attention to detail, such as in the multimedia experience “Dubai Creek: Birth of a City”. There are even sensual impressions for the nose: in the “Perfume House” you can sniff your way through the fascinating world of Emirati scents.
Boutiques, cafés and art galleries in historic houses attract visitors to the adjacent old town district of Al Fahidi, also known as Bastakiya. At the beginning of the 20th century, many Iranian traders settled there, bringing their own architectural style with them.
Al Fahidi Fort dates back to 1787 and is the oldest building in the city. Within its walls is the Dubai Museum. Also worth seeing are the XVA Gallery with works by regional artists and the Arabic Calligraphy House, where you can immerse yourself in the art of Arabic characters. Don't forget: from right to left.
There is a suitable souk for every commodity
If the hustle and bustle in the direction of the creek increases and you are constantly being spoken to, you have probably already reached the textile souk. Clothing and souvenirs as far as the eye can see. If you like trading, this is the place for you.
Speaking of which: To get to the famous gold market, taking a traditional wooden boat to the opposite side of the creek is a real pleasure. And significantly cheaper than the subsequent precious metals: it only costs one dirham one-way, which is less than 30 cents. The boats' destinations are labeled at the Abra Station Bur Dubai pier. “Deira Gold Souk” would be the right choice.
Upon arrival, signs point the way to the gold souk in the Deira district. However, the “City of Gold” has little of the 1001 Nights. It is more like a covered shopping street, even rather simple. In any case, nothing distracts the magpie's gaze from the content. And so you get your fill of gold jewelry, guaranteed to be real.
A whole market just for spices from the Orient
The “Spice Souk”, the spice market with its captivating aromas, looks more colorful. It is located just opposite the Deira Old Souq pier. Hobby cooks can stock up on more or less exotic culinary herbs to their heart's content.
Dates, sugared nuts, local tea blends and incense are also on offer here. You can get high-quality saffron comparatively cheaply here. Zatar, a thyme-based herb mixture, is very popular as a souvenir – it gives every grilled meat a very special touch, even in Central Europe. And it costs so little that it's really not worth haggling… Really? Don't forget: it's about the principle. So go ahead, you can practice haggling!
Participation in the trip was supported by Dubai Tourism. Our standards of transparency and journalistic independence can be found at go2.as/independence.
