Are you seeking unique and different souvenir ideas for your friends and family? Have they racked up dozens of key chains, snow globes or I heart (insert city here) t-shirts from all the trips you’ve taken?
Up your friendship game by giving your loved ones a one of a kind gift from the magnificent city of Dubai. Immerse yourself in the culture and find yourself in one of Dubai’s traditional souks. What is a souk, you may ask? Also known as an Arab marketplace or bazaar, find almost anything your heart desires in one of the little stalls lined up and ready for your inspection. If you need more convincing, here are just some of the things you can find and experience in Dubai’s souks.
Gold Souk
Considered the most famous and visited souk in Dubai — and the cheapest place to buy gold, find your way through a golden maze of retailers. The Gold Souk offers visitors a vast selection of jewelry from head to toe. While most of the gleaming accessories are made from gold, there are also options made from silver, diamonds and precious stones.
The Gold Souk is the perfect place to buy your loved ones the gift of a lifetime. Just some tips before purchasing gold, know how much each gram is worth, the price of gold fluctuates everyday just like the stock market. If you have your eye on a certain piece, don’t be afraid to barter for it, you’ll most likely get it for a lower price. Another useful tip is to always purchase in cash as retailers will be more willing to lower the price for you. Lastly, always purchase from a retail store as they adhere to strict government rules and regulations as opposed to a lot of the street vendors.
Gold Souk: Located in Deira near the Al Ras Station. Opening hours: Saturday – Thursday 10AM-10PM, Friday 4PM-10PM.
Spice Souk
Prepare for an intense aroma as you enter Dubai’s spice souk. Take a deep breath and inhale all the scents surrounding you, as hints of saffron, rose, chili, cinnamon, vanilla, herbs, nuts and incense enters your nose and spill at your feet. Mounds of aromatic spices await you, if you’re not sure what you like or what to get, the friendly shop owners are more than willing to help you explore your favorite scents and tastes.
