Traditionally souks were places where all manner of goods were bought, sold and exchanged and were located in places where the goods arrived by boat or in camel caravans. Over the years the souks changed their character to reflect the consumer demands of the time and modern day souks in Dubai have incorporated electronics and the latest consumer goods in fashion to the silk, perfume and spices that were the original sought after merchandise.

Experience the bustle, the array of goods sourced from every corner of the globe and the haggling, a holdover from the old tradition of doing business in the souks of Dubai. Located on the banks of the Creek, mostly in Deira, visitors have the option of exploring both sides using an ‘abra’ a small traditional boat that plies the water here or a more modern mode of transport, a taxi. The best times to visit the souks are early morning or late evening, to avoid the desert heat. Visitors interested in witnessing the souks at their busiest should turn up during the breaks from Thursday to Friday.

It appears that there is a souk for almost every product. The Fish Souk is where almost everyone in Dubai turns up to select their fish from the huge variety on display for the best prices. Since fish is cleaned according to customer requirements it can be somewhat messy, therefore the place is not for the squeamish. The area has been spruced up a bit with sea food restaurants and a museum detailing Dubai’s fishing heritage. The Al Hamriya fruit and vegetable market nearby adds to the cacophony and the bustle.

The Gold Souk in Dubai is famous all over the world and it is most certainly on the list of almost every visitor to the country. Rows and rows of shops in an amazing display of all combinations of gold in all manner of designs from traditional heavy weights to light modern designs and most often embellished with precious stones of all kinds. Unfortunately prices may not be the cheapest anymore.

The Spice Souk seems to retain some of its old world charm. Amongst narrow streets with a distinct aroma spice sellers are only too happy to explain the various beneficial properties of their wares. However this area seems to be in decline as with changes in shopping habits consumers seem to have moved away to other locations offering complementary products.

Textile Souks are still places where a great deal of people congregate to haggle over a myriad of products. Sales during festivals provide opportunities to splurge.

A walk in the souks of Dubai will certainly give visitors a feel of how shopping would have been prior to the air conditioned luxury of supermarkets and malls.

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