Top 10 Affordable Open Markets in Dubai

Open Markets in Dubai

Dubai is a city that has striking features of modern civilization and that of the old world – skyscrapers and bazaars respectively. Dubai open markets are the most culturally rich and cheap shopping experiences one can get in the city, for that, we turn to the next one. These markets are the real representation of the Dubai heritage and are the open air covered bazaars selling everything from traditional arts and crafts to food products. It is recommended that any traveler who wants to get to the core of Dubai should take time to visit these markets.

In the category of open markets in Dubai, you will be able to purchase a wide variety of products which are cheap and regional. From spices to textiles, souvenirs, these markets are a good way to get a sense of Dubai’s past and its artisanal products. Bargaining is the norm, and most of the markets sell goods that you cannot find in the city’s upmarket shopping centers. One of the best ways of getting a feel of the social culture of Dubai is to explore these open markets making it an activity that should not miss on your checklist.

Dubai today boasts of a modern skyline, but the open markets give the city’s mix of old and new in a better perspective. For those who would like to find out the locations of some of the best open markets in Dubai, a Dubai Modern City tour is perfect for this. This tour gives a glimpse of Modern architectonic masterpieces as well as historical souks giving a holistic view of Dubai’s Cultural Revolution. When you are buying gold at the Gold Souk or even gazing at the sleek buildings along Sheikh Zayed Road, the impressions will remain with you for a long time of this amazing city.

Here is the Top 10 Affordable Open Markets in Dubai

1. Deira Gold Souk

Open Markets in Dubai

Deira Gold Souk is one of the most popular and popular markets in Dubai, and it is a mandatory point for those who are going to make a purchase of gold and precious metals at reasonable prices. This open market is a network of some small streets with hundreds of shops where one can buy gold jewelries, diamonds and other stones. The souk has long been famous for its ‘gold by weight’, where you get the gold at the rate of gold price in the international market, giving you some of the best value for your money in the region.

It is quite a memorable experience here. Walking through the country’s crowded streets, the golden images will meet you around every corner. Just remember to always negotiate the prices, most of the vendors in this region are willing to bargain. Apart from gold, the souk also has silver, platinum and other precious items and Arabic styled jewelries.

2. Spice Souk

Open Markets in Dubai

Adjacent to the Gold Souk, the Spice Souk in Deira is a fabulous place to experience the five senses. This cheap open air market is a dream place for a gourmet and a tourist who likes the shouts of the spices and the hot air. From cardamom, saffron, cinnamon, and rose petal to Sumac, Za’atar & turmeric you can get all varieties of spices at extremely affordable prices. Customers also get an opportunity to buy scented perfumes from essential oils, herbs, and teas. Many shops also provide free samples so be sure to spend time tastes and smells that the shops have to offer. It is the perfect store for buying exotic spices for cooking or buying some souvenirs to show your friends or relatives.

3. Souk Al Bahar

Open Markets in Dubai

For those looking forward to getting the feel of the local market while at the same time shopping in what could be described as the new age ‘mall’, then Souk Al Bahar is just the place to visit. It is more modern than the traditional souks but has the feel of the Arabian market of days gone by. Located near the Dubai Fountain and the tallest building on the planet – Burj Khalifa, this market sells inexpensive products such as textiles, fashion accessories, jewelry, and home products, and most of them are original handmade products.

The souk is situated in the middle of the city and, combined with a stunning view of the water, it is an excellent place for a shopping stroll. You can also watch a fountain show after you have had the opportunity to shop around for cheap items at the market, and take a break at one of the many outdoor cafes.

4. Riyadh Street Market

Open Markets in Dubai

Riyadh Street Market in Al Karama area is a must visit for those looking for cheap items for sale. This open market has many products such as cheap clothes, electronic products, souvenirs, and accessories. The market is famous for imitation designer products that you can buy at throw away price as compared to the real thing.

This is a lively place to visit due to the active market energy found in the market. Negotiation is allowed and one can get both new and traditional items. This is especially so if you’re targeting to purchase clothes, gifts or a new dresser for the house, Riyadh Street Market is cheap.

5. Global Village

Global Village is among Dubai’s biggest outdoor festive markets that fuse cultural entertainment with affordable retail shopping. Global Village is open from October to April each year and it comprises of attractions, foods and shopping from over 75 countries. The market is also divided by each country’s stalls which displays local handicrafts, textiles, artworks and other souvenirs. Prices are very low and many of the items are not found anywhere else so it is perfect for shopping for souvenirs that represent the multiculturalism of Dubai. In addition to shopping, there are amusement facilities and international food and drink, which can be described as a shopping experience plus cultural tourism.

6. Jumeirah Open Market

This market is good for those who are willing to find expensive handmade products at reasonable prices as it is situated in a prestigious area called Jumeirah. This market has everything ranging from locally made jewelries to textiles, handmade pottery among others. And although the prices are a little higher than the prices in other markets, the quality of the products themselves, as well as the individual designs, justify the visit. The environment is also friendly and the interiors are classy which makes Jumeirah Open Market a good place to while away a few hours.

7. Al Ain Camel Souk

The Al Ain Camel Souk is much more traditional than anything you’ll find in Dubai and is about an hour and a half away from the city. If camels are not on your grocery list you can find many camel derived products like camel milk, camel wool clothing items and camel leather products. This market is particularly suitable for people interested in purchasing cultural themed trinkets. It’s also a good place to try out the Arabian culture and get to know about the history of the camel, which has been of importance to the people of the desert for many years.

8. Dubai Flea Market

For treasure hunters, Dubai Flea Market is a must visit event. Organized at different places over the year, the flea market sells second-hand items including clothes, shoes, books, and CDs, as well as antiques and vintage products. Forgetting about books, furniture, and clothes, it’s that store where people can buy goods with history for a reasonable price. The flea market is a perfect choice for people who want to buy good things without harming nature and environment. It is a friendly environment and there is always a certain something that will stand out from the rest.

9. Al Bastakiya Souk

Located in the architectural area of Al Bastakiya in Bur Dubai, this open aired market is one of the oldest in Dubai. The modern city of Dubai can be seen in narrow streets with houses that have wind towers – the traditional architecture of the region. Al Bastakiya Souk sells cheaper items such as jewelry, fragrances, carpets, and many other trinkets, and artwork that depict the history of Dubai. In case one wants to buy something with a touch of Arabian style, then this market should be the best bet. In this regard, it comes handy when it is a stone throw away from the Dubai Museum.

10. Mercato Shopping Mall Outdoor Market

Mercato is an Italian style shopping mall, but its outside bazaar is quite unique. Here you can also purchase some cheap and quality accessories such as handbags, scarves and jewelries. The market is well established with a meditteranean touch to it and makes it easy to shop after visiting some of the many shops in Mercato Mall. This is an outdoor market that offers cheap fashionable clothing that has a European touch.

Conclusion

The street-side open aired markets in Dubai provide a very different and cheap way of shopping while at the same time giving you a feel of the culture of the city. The Spice Souk and the Gold Souk are two of these markets that give everyone a feel of the culture and tradition of Dubai. These markets can be undertaken alongside a Dubai Tarditional City Tour, through which you can access different city highlights and futuristic skyline. If you are searching for souvenirs, products made in Dubai, or just want to enjoy the spirit of the markets, open-air markets are a perfect thing to visit in Dubai for every tourist who wants to get closer to the spirit of this amazing city.

Read More