Gold and Spice Souk

A trip to Dubai’s gleaming Gold Souk – one of the city’s traditional markets – should feature on your sight-seeing list, whether you’re planning on just browsing, or are genuinely in the market for an ounce or more of the precious metal.

Situated near the Al Ras Metro Station (green line) near the picturesque and historic Dubai Creek, the Gold Souk is one of the oldest markets in the emirate; picture narrow streets and alleyways lined with dazzling window displays housing bling in every karat. Some stores also offer platinum, pearls, diamonds and silver, with the government regulating quality across the board. If something in a window catches your eye, haggling is expected, with a protest paired with a walkaway sometimes motivating merchants to reduce their original asking price. There are plenty of great deals to be found throughout the souk, however, so if you’re fair with your price, you’ll find a bargain somewhere.

Dubai’s photogenic Spice Souk (market) is another market to explore. Situated close to the Gold Souk, near the Deira Old Souk Abra Station, this vibrant and aromatic market boasts baskets piled high with herbs, spices, nuts, oils and teas of all scents and descriptions. Find everything from authentic cinnamon to fragrant saffron, dehydrated chillies to dried baby rosebuds, Middle Eastern zaatar to ruby-hued sumac, tart tamarind to whole nutmeg, and more. Not all products are edible, so if you’re unsure about something, the souk’s knowledgeable vendors will be happy to help. Spices are sold by weight and in packets. If you’re buying in bulk, you’ll be expected to bargain.