Overview
Deira is the older, busier side of Dubai Creek, and its souks are a lively contrast to the malls of the new city. The Gold Souk, a covered lane of jewellers, shows rows of necklaces and bangles in the windows, and prices are based on the daily gold rate plus the maker's charge. The Spice Souk nearby sells saffron, frankincense, dried limes, herbs and nuts in open sacks, and the Perfume Souk sells oud and attars.
Many visitors arrive by abra from Bur Dubai, crossing the creek and walking up through the narrow streets. Bargaining is expected in most shops, though not on weighed gold, and the best time is the late afternoon or evening, when the heat has eased and the shops are open. The nearby Naif area and the fish and fruit markets show more of the working city.
Highlights
- The Gold Souk, with its glittering shop windows
- The Spice Souk, with saffron, frankincense and dried limes
- The abra crossing from Bur Dubai
- The Perfume Souk and the small craft shops of old Deira
Best time to visit
November to March is the best time. In summer, go in the evening after the heat has eased, as many shops are open late. Friday morning is quiet, and some shops open after the midday prayer.
- JanJanuary: Best
- FebFebruary: Best
- MarMarch: Best
- AprApril: Good
- MayMay: Not ideal
- JunJune: Not ideal
- JulJuly: Not ideal
- AugAugust: Not ideal
- SepSeptember: Not ideal
- OctOctober: Good
- NovNovember: Best
- DecDecember: Best
● Best · ○ Good · blank: not ideal. Conditions vary by year, so check local forecasts and access before you go.
Getting there
Fly to Dubai (DXB), about 15 minutes from Deira by taxi, or take the metro to Al Ras or Baniyas Square and walk. From Bur Dubai, the abra stations at Al Seef and Al Ghubaiba cross the creek to the souk area.
What to expect
The lanes are crowded and informal, and sellers may call out to you. Keep a hand on your bag and ask before you take photographs of people. Shops are small and may take only cash, so carry small notes.
Practical tips
- Bargain politely in the spice and perfume souks, and compare prices before you buy gold.
- Ask for a receipt for gold and check the weight and carat marks.
- Go in the late afternoon, and take an abra to avoid the traffic.
- Dress modestly and carry water: the lanes can be hot and close.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bargain in the Gold Souk?
The gold itself is priced by weight at the daily rate, but the making charge is often negotiable. Compare shops before you buy.
How do I get there from Bur Dubai?
Take an abra across the creek for a few dirhams, or use the metro to Al Ras station.
When is the best time to go?
Late afternoon and evening, when the shops are open and the heat has eased.
Official sources
Rules, fees, permits and conditions change. Check the official pages below before you travel.
- Visit Abu Dhabi, the official tourism website
- Visit Dubai, the official tourism website
- UAE government portal: visas and entry
- UK government travel advice: United Arab Emirates
Photos
Last reviewed October 2026. Details are for planning only and can change; confirm access, permits and conditions with official sources before you travel. Spotted something out of date? Tell us. Photography: Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France (CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons, Guilhem Vellut from Annecy, France (CC BY 2.0) via Wikimedia Commons, HighKing (Public domain) via Wikimedia Commons.
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