If you are tired of wondering is it expensive to visit Dubai, I am here to answer. The richest world center has its amenities intended by any budget. For example, you don’t have to be a millionaire to stroll along the markets in Dubai. In this article you will find out why market here is not only the place to make a purchase but also a landmark.
What are souks in Dubai?
The markets in Dubai are more than the place to buy goods. Indeed, it is even more than travels being curious is it expensive to visit Dubai. The market is the soul of Dubal and once you go sightseeing, this destination should not be missed.
In Dubai, the market is known under the name “souk”. Once you try to understand what are souks in Dubai, let me tell you the following thing. Souks are the picturesque Eastern bazaars to sell gold, perfumes, carpets, coats, textile, aromas, furniture, souvenirs, and even gadgets. It seems here you could find simply everything!
According to the traditions, the greatest markets in metrolopis are concentrated on particular goods. It is very convenient for travelers who wish to opt for the best shopping route. For instance, if you are interested in car details, go to Al Avir where every week you might buy old cars of ambitious brands.
If you struggle trying to come up with the idea which souks to visit in Dubai, there are universal markets. However, before exploring them, it is worth making a list of wishes. Otherwise, it will take you more than one day to find out what they sell and is it expensive to visit Dubai.
For instance, to see what are souks in Dubai, you could enjoy the atmosphere at Madinat Jumeirah. Originally, it had been a classical bazaar, in our perception. However, nowadays it has become more like a shopping mall with brands, handmade, restaurants and bars represented.
As well, you need to know the distinctive feature of souks in Dubai. Unlike the majority if Eastern bazaars, souks work with the break for lunch that could take anytime from 1pm till 4pm. Therefore, before visiting souks, you should know their schedule.
However, there are some general rules. You will never miss boisterous market activity if visit the groceries in the morning. One more reason to do like that is the freshness of products being sold.
Here is another lifehack to make your life easier once you are thinking is it expensive to visit Dubai. To save money, you should pay in cash and use only dirhams because for holding transaction they will offer you to pay bank commission of 2%.
A bit of history
Initially, the souk played the role of storage. Here the merchants were keeping their goods moved overseas. Therefore, it is not surprising that such markets appeared somewhere near the places where caravan routes crossed. In case of Dubai, souks were placed near the harbor.
The ships of merchants left their products at the markets. Afterwards, the traders sold them out as soon as possible. Even though this tradition counts more than one century, the same process happens today.
Well, if you want to feel the past, go for a walk along the oldest districts (Bur Dubai or Deira). Here, do not start wondering is it expensive to visit Dubai. The places you are going to see are invaluable.
These districts are divided by the small bay. You could get from one bank to another by choosing the special boat. Here it is called Abra. The fee is little, too.
Just to give you a hint, Deira is well-known for Gold souk, Spices souk and Fish souk. The latest is famous for being a place where fishmongers move caught up fish every morning.
What is Dubai Gold souk?
Gold souk is one of the greatest Asian landmarks where at the beginning of XX century lived local masters. As the story goes, Sheikh Muktum let foreign merchants not pay taxes, and this us how Dubai has become the main trading center. The merchants from India and Iran moved here with their gold, and nowadays it is considered at Gold souk ten tons of gold is constantly sold.
Gold souk looks like the crossroad of tiny streets with more than 300 shops. However, to travel here might be more memorable than visit a museum.
Particularly, here you may find the true fortune, golden bracelet known as Najmat Taiba (“Star Taiba). Its weight is 58,7 kilo, with 5,1 7kilo of jewels. The price is 2,2 dirhams. The creator of this bracelet is the company Taida Gold and Jewellery originated from Saudi Arabia. Even if you can afford if, this masterpiece is not for sale, but there is no problem to take a photo with it.
The next outstanding sight here is the shop Al Ramaizant Gold and Jewellery. The merchants sell the earrings, bracelets and necklaces with lots of jewels, but it is not the most interesting thing. Actually, the size of production is absolutely enormous. Perhaps, the biggest accessories you have ever seen could be visible here.
How to get to Dubai Gold souk
Intrigued? Then, it is time to understand when and how to get to Dubai Gold souk. It is better to come at nearly 11 am when there are few visitors. On the other hand, after 7 pm it us not so scorching at the market but the place is rather overcrowded. The tourists are recommended to come from Sunday to Thursday, the weekdays in UAE.
There are four ways how to get to Dubai Gold souk.
By bus (№ C07, C09, C28, E16). You need to stop the bus at the station Al Ras, go up the embankment. On the right, you will see your desirable destination.
By taxi. Here, you could pay from 5 to 60 dirhams, depending on the place of your departure.
Choose underground and get till you see the green line Al Ras.
Perhaps, by far the most interesting way is Dubai Abra ride. You will benefit from usage of the traditional Arabian boat if you live near Dubai Creek or need to cross this place.
Dubai Abra ride: unforgettable emotions
Is it expensive to visit Dubai? Definitely not if you want to have Dubai Abra ride.
Water transportation will cost you only 1 dirham per one person. If you want to hire a boat, the rent will cost 100 dirham per an hour.
Abra resembles wooden boat with cover and goes in Deira Creek bay from the station Abra Deira and Abra Bur Dubai. The way takes no more than 8 minutes but the cost is only 0,3 dollars.
More modernized abra with passenger place and air conditioning work from 7 am to 10 pm between Alsabha, Al Sif and Old marker.
Apart from that, Dubai Abra ride could be carried out in Madinat Jumeira. This place is called Dubai Venice. But take into consideration that your fee might be dozens of dollars.
