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'Souk' Up The Gold and Spice Markets of Dubai

Published by Moneera Mellick, Writer

Country: United Arab Emirates

The Experience

Zephyrs of cinnamon, cardamom, cloves and rose float past in the Spice Souk (Market) of Deira, Dubai; but there is a stronger scent thick in the air. In its diluted form, this fragrance calms and inspires the local Emirati people in the streets of Dubai.

Frankincense, also known as Olibanum (Oil of Lebanon) to the Arabs, is the most popular product at the Spice Souk of Deira. Derived from the aromatic gum resin of the Boswellia tree, Olibanum has been traded on the Arabian Peninsula for more than 5,000 years. The crystals are burnt daily by local Emirati to release their lightly sweetened, spicy aroma, and it’s passed around after meals to perfume guests’ clothes and literally "smokem out" of their house.

Trading since the 1830s, the dynamic and vibrant Spice Souk of Deira is not just an olfactory treat. Beautifully crafted wooden archways adorned the Spice Souk of Deira, and antique lamps frame the old alleys of the marketplace. Merchant stores are flanked with tall sacks brimming with healing herbs and seductive spices. Burnt sunset orange saffron and ruby red chilies glow in the dim light, guiding the journey from store to store.

A short stroll away is Deira’s Gold Souk. Considered the best of its kind in the world, it has the finest quality and widest range of gold for the lowest prices. But for all that sparkles and glistens, the real enjoyment comes from observing the bustling market action. Golden-eyed tourists and “Jumeirah Janes” (the colloquial term given to the wives of rich expats) are joined by bargaining Gulf women as Afghani carters struggle by and counterfeit watch sellers snake along, opportunistically materializing out of the shadows.

The areas of Deira and Bur Dubai make up the old centre of the city, and are divided by Dubai Creek. Thankfully, they hold great distinction to the leisure and mall culture of Sheikh Zayed Rd and resort-laden Jumeirah Beach Rd.

The old centre houses real communities of Indian, Asian, Afghani, and other expat workers. Cheap eateries with delicious shawarma rolls are on every corner. Colourful textile shops are hidden in wooden arcades; and there’s the waterfront souk of Bur Dubai with its Arabian antiques and Aladdin slippers. What lacks in currency, is made up for in culture.

Fortunately the best way to reach Deira, from Bur Dubai, is to cross Dubai Creek in an abra (wooden water taxi). On the return journey home over the creek, with bags full of cinnamon and camomile perhaps, rest easy if they are a little light on the gold. The most golden of sunsets will bow down as the day slips away, and its reflection will melt into the water that surrounds.

Photos

Map

Puzzle

When to Go to Gold And Spice Markets Of Dubai

The best time of year to visit Dubai is from November to March as the temperature is mild compared to the blistering desert heat of summer.

Avoid the holy month of Ramadan, which falls in August. Dubai is an Islamic state, business slows dramatically, and the consumption of food and drink in public is unacceptable.

Odds n' Ends

The Gold Souk trades Indian, Italian and Arabic gold designs, as well as silver, pearl and diamond pieces. The Gold Souk consists of around 300 stores in an open-air market arrangement, so give yourself plenty of time. The late afternoon or evening is the most pleasant time to experience it, with most vendors staying open until 10 p.m.

Be sure to bargain for a lower price, particularly at the Gold Souk. It is definitely worth your while to shop around as merchants are likely to match or beat a competitor price.

Ask for a certificate of authenticity for the gold you purchase, and watch the weighing of the gold as this determines the price. That being said, there are strict standards in place to prevent against fraudulence.

In Dubai it is important to dress modestly, covering shoulders and upper legs.

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Books and DVDs

Frommer's Dubai
Lonely Planet Dubai

Elsewhere on the Web

Tourist information website for Deira, Dubai
Dubai city guide

Media References

Dubai in top 10 most popular business locations in the world (newspaper)

Language Guides

Arabic , French , Hindi , Italian , Japanese , Malay , Thai , Turkish are some of the languages spoken in United Arab Emirates. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!

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