Many people visit Dubai to view the incredible skyscrapers, waterparks and beach resorts. Yet you might miss the true essence of Dubai if you don't visit some of the many local markets in the city.
These markets are where you can discover the true culture and life of the locals. You can learn how to cook local dishes, buy traditional clothes and fabrics, shop for locally made jewellery, or even catch a performance. This list covers the top markets to visit while in Dubai.
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Dubai Gold Souk
One of the oldest markets in the UAE
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All that glitters really is gold – or some other coveted material – at the Gold Souk, one of the oldest markets in the United Arab Emirates. Whether you’re looking for something special for a loved one or a memento for the trip, this is the place to come for all things gold.
This market is regulated by the government to ensure that each gold item is of high quality. In addition to dazzling gold pieces, you can find platinum, silver, and diamond ornaments and items.
Dirección: Gold Corner Building, 3rd floor, Gold Souq, Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Horario: Daily from 9 am to 9 pm
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Dubai Spice Souk
Discover the flavours of Dubai
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This market offers an exceptional sensory experience. The Spice Souk houses large baskets of spices and herbs that locals use to make traditional Arab dishes. The colourful baskets also make this a feast for the eyes in a picture-perfect location.
Taste and smell the flavours and scents of Dubai at the spice market. Vendors help you learn how to use the spices and suggest recipes to try. There is also a selection of teas used all over the world as well as nuts, oils and saffron.
Dirección: 41 34th St, Deira, Al Ras, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Horario: Monday–Friday from 7.30 am to 9.55 pm, Saturday and Sunday from 7.30 am to 11 pm
Teléfono: +971 50 222 3627
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Textile Souk
The finest materials in Dubai
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Just across from the Dubai Creek in the Bur Dubai district is the Textile Souk. This market is filled with fine silks, cotton and other embroidered materials from the region. Countless vendors here help shoppers find the optimal material for their wardrobes.
In addition to clothing material, vendors also have lace, sequins and buttons. Everything you need for the ideal Arab-inspired outfit can be found here. You can also shop selections of ready-to-wear outfits made by local designers.
Dirección: 57, Ali Bin Abi Taleb St, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Horario: Saturday–Thursday from 9 am to 6 pm (closed on Fridays)
Teléfono: +971 50 768 8512
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Meena Bazaar
A piece of India in Dubai
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Often referred to by locals as the Bur Dubai district’s 'Little India', this is the go-to place for South Asian fashion. The market opened in 1973 and has since offered shoppers fabric, garments and accessories.
Included in the bazaar are also some of Dubai’s oldest gold and textile vendors. What’s more, you can find furniture, perfumes and spices. In addition to fine fabric materials, there are food stalls offering tasty treats to enjoy while you walk through the alleys of clothing, shoes and jewellery.
Dirección: 26 43c St, Al Fahidi, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Horario: Daily from 10.30 am to 10.30 pm
Teléfono: +971 4 351 0662
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Naif Souq
The souk that comes alive at night
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Naif Souk, a two-storey market, is known for its gifts and souvenirs. It is advised to visit this souk in the evening, as this is the busiest and liveliest time of day. It’s among the oldest souks in the city and was once a camel market.
Local women come here for abayas or traditional Islamic dresses. This is also the place to come for textiles, electronics and leather items. Vendors sell keepsakes and trinkets to commemorate your travels to the UAE city.
Dirección: Naif Souq Deira Street, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Horario: Daily from 8 am to 12 am
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Waterfront Market
One of Dubai’s most popular shopping destinations
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Built on the spot of the old Deira Fish Market, the Waterfront Market now houses retail shops, dining and a retail outlet known as a Lulu hypermarket. Locals come for fresh meat, fish and produce. This market sees more than 800,000 shoppers per month.
More than just a shopping centre, this is a cultural site for locals and tourist to soak up the atmosphere and life of Dubai. It also hosts regular events, so visit its website to see what’s scheduled.
Dirección: Al Khaleej St., Deira, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Horario: 24/7
Teléfono: +971 4 707 1455
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Global Village Market
The melting pot of Dubai
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The Global Village is an exceptional multicultural destination in Dubai. Created in 1997, it contains abundant bazaar and shopping options in addition to regular events, a carnival with rides, and a Ripley’s Believe it or Not Museum.
Millions of guests visit each year. The Global Village represents 93 cultures not just in the stores but also in the dining options, which include 27 international pavilions. It also has a mobile app you can download to help plan your trip.
Dirección: Exit NO.37, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Zayed Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Horario: Sunday and Saturday from 6 pm to 2 am (Hours vary by season)
Teléfono: +971 4 362 4114
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Ripe Market
Helping local businesses shine
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The Ripe Market aims to foster a thriving community by multiple means. In addition to offering fresh produce, food and crafts, the Ripe Market features workshops, live music, fitness classes, clothing and toy vendors, horseriding and petting zoos. It takes place at various locations around the city including Academy Park and Al Maryah Island. It focuses on local businesses, offering vendors a chance to interact with one another as well as the public.
Some Ripe Market locations are outdoors whereas others are indoors, such as the Times Square Center shopping centre. Several sites selling organic produce remain open throughout the week.
Dirección: Sheikh Zayed Rd, Al Sufouh 1, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Horario: Saturday from 9 am to 9 pm, Sunday from 9 am to 7 pm
Teléfono: +971 4 315 7000
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Farmer's Market Dubai
Dubai’s local farmer’s market
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This farmer's market is all about supporting local farmers and vendors. Visitors can find fresh produce as well as speciality artisan items such olive oils, breads and sauces. The produce here is certified organic.
This is the original and longest-running farmer's market in the United Arab Emirates as well as a popular tourist destination. Aside from the fresh produce, you’ll find exceptional bakery items. Fresh breads and pastries are an ideal treat to complement the shopping experience.
Dirección: Sheikh Zayed Rd, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Horario: Friday from 9 am to 7 pm, Saturday from 10 am to 7 pm
Teléfono: +61 (0)2 9325 6200
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Dubai Flea Market
Dubai’s travelling market
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Flea markets and other venues selling secondhand goods can be rare opportunities to see other cultures 'backstage' as it were, and the Dubai Flea Market offers such a view. More than 300 sellers occupy this open-air event. Find household items, clothing, antiques, books, toys, ceramics and textiles. Food offerings include breakfast and lunch items as well as drinks. Entertainment is provided for kids.
As with the Ripe Market, the Dubai Flea Market takes place at multiple venues. It’s held on the first Saturday of each month at Zabeel Park. On other days, locations include Al Nahda Pond Park and Times Square Center.
Dirección: Zabeel Park, Za'abeel, Al Kifaf, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Horario: Saturday-Sunday from 4 pm to 10 pm
Teléfono: +61 (0)2 9240 8500
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