The best souks and markets in Dubai in 2026 are the Gold Souk and Spice Souk in Deira, the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai, the Perfume Souk, Karama Market and Dragon Mart. For a polished version of a souk, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is the air-conditioned alternative.
Old Dubai's souks sit on both banks of the Creek, and you can cross between them on an abra (a wooden water taxi) for AED 1. Bargaining is normal in the textile, gold and spice souks, but fixed prices apply in the malls. Go in the evening in summer and in the morning in winter, and dress modestly. For modern shopping see our best malls in Dubai.
1
1. Gold Souk — Deira
Hundreds of jewelers selling gold, priced by weight, in a covered arcade.
$$$Upmarket
The Gold Souk in Deira is a covered arcade with several hundred shops selling gold, silver and diamonds. Gold is sold at the daily rate by weight, with a making charge added on top.
Compare prices at a few shops before buying, and ask for a receipt that lists the weight and purity.
Good to know: Ask for the day's gold rate and negotiate the making charge, not the gold price.
Gold Souk, Sikkat Al Khail Street, Al Ras, Deira, Dubai, UAE
Sacks of saffron, frankincense, dried limes and herbs, next to the Gold Souk.
$Budget
The Spice Souk is a short walk from the Gold Souk, with shops stacked with spices, dried fruit, frankincense and herbs. Saffron, dried limes and rose petals are popular buys.
Quality varies, so buy saffron from a shop that lets you check the threads.
Good to know: Compare prices at two or three shops, and buy small amounts first.
Fabric, pashminas and souvenirs along a covered lane beside the Creek.
$Budget
The Textile Souk in Bur Dubai is a covered lane of shops selling fabrics, pashminas, souvenirs and clothes. It is a short walk from the Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood and the abra station.
It is one of the best places in Dubai to bargain, since shop owners expect it.
Good to know: Start at about half the asking price; walk away if the price does not move.
Textile Souk, Al Fahidi Street, Bur Dubai, Dubai, UAE
Cheap souvenirs, bags and gifts in a busy local shopping area.
$Budget
Karama Market is a busy local market area with souvenirs, bags, watches and clothing at low prices. It is known for the range of gift items and for bargaining.
It is less touristy than the old souks, and prices are often lower.
Good to know: Bring cash, and expect to bargain for most items.
A very large Chinese wholesale and retail market, with a food area.
$Budget
Dragon Mart is a very large Chinese market in International City, with shops selling electronics, furniture, textiles and household goods. It also has a large food court.
It is cheaper than the malls but a long drive from the center.
Good to know: Plan a taxi both ways; it is far from the Metro lines.
An air-conditioned, Arabian-style souk with restaurants and canals.
$$$Upmarket
Souk Madinat Jumeirah is an air-conditioned, purpose-built souk in the Madinat Jumeirah resort, with boutiques, galleries and restaurants along a canal. Abra rides run along the canals.
It is more polished than the old souks, and prices are fixed.
Good to know: Go in the evening, and book a table at a canal-side restaurant.
Yes, in the Gold, Spice, Textile and Perfume souks. Start at around half the asking price and settle somewhere in between. Gold is sold by weight at the daily rate, so you bargain on the making charge rather than the gold.
How do I get to the Gold Souk?
Take the Metro Green Line to Al Ras or Al Ghubaiba station, or a taxi. If you are in Bur Dubai, the abra across the Creek is the fastest and most scenic route.
Which souks are open on Fridays?
Most open on Fridays, though many shops open later in the day. Opening hours change, so check on the day.
What should I buy in Dubai souks?
Spices, saffron, dates, textiles and pashminas are the staples, and gold is cheaper than at the malls thanks to low making charges. Check weights and purity before paying.