Eons before the Dubai tourism department brainstormed the Dubai Shopping Festival, there were the original souks of Dubai that dotted the Emirate. Just like the malls that are slowly taking over the retail area today, the souks were the heart and soul of Dubai trade and economy.
The mud paved, palm-thatchedGold Souk, Textile Souk, Perfume Souk, Fish Souk and Spice Souk may
Shopping Experience in Dubai
have given over to cobbled and more spacious versions, but one element they yet retain is an old world charm.
One of the must-see and must-try Dubai City Activities, these souks are still the best places to get the best bargains and indulge in some authentically Arab grabs. The Gold Souk for instance, offers tourists and residents alike a selection of gold designs and craftsmanship that is more traditional as compared to the modern Westernized options sold at malls and showrooms.
Book a Dubai car rental through your travel agency and direct them to the Ascot Hotel, where the Gold Souk is located.
Gold Souk Shopping
The Deira Spice Souk and the Perfume Souk are tastes of the exotic you must savor when sightseeing Dubai. The spices and attars (perfume essences) sold at these places are headier and more aromatic then the ones found elsewhere. Some attar shops can even concoct you a signature perfume to suit your senses and personality, making it a unique souvenir to carry home (we happen to know some authentic perfume sellers who can do this).
Our Abu Dhabi travel company can arrange for excursions and make a hotel booking in U.A.E. near these relics of Old Dubai. Contact us for an Arabian adventure high on some retail therapy.
Image (right) Courtesy: Flickr
Image (left) Courtesy: Flickr