Dubai Gold, Spice and Textile Souks: A Half-Day by Abra
Dubai’s oldest markets sit on both banks of Dubai Creek. The Textile Souk is in Bur Dubai. The Gold Souk and the Spice Souk are across the water in Deira. A wooden abra links the two sides in a few minutes. Here is how to see all three in one afternoon.
The route at a glance
| Stop | Side of the Creek | What you’ll find |
|---|---|---|
| Textile Souk | Bur Dubai | Fabrics, pashminas, souvenirs, tailors |
| Abra crossing | The Creek | A short ride on a traditional wooden boat |
| Spice Souk | Deira | Saffron, dried fruit, frankincense, teas |
| Gold Souk | Deira | Jewellery shops in a covered market |
Start in Bur Dubai: the Textile Souk
The Textile Souk runs along the Creek near the Bur Dubai abra station. Its covered lanes are full of fabric, scarves, sandals and souvenirs. Many shops can arrange tailoring if you have a few days.
Nearby, the Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood has wind-tower houses, small museums and cafés. The Dubai Museum at Al Fahidi Fort has been closed since 2021. A reopening was announced in September 2026, so check before you go.
Cross the Creek by abra
Abras leave from the Bur Dubai station and cross to the Deira Old Souk station in about five minutes. They leave when they fill up, so you rarely wait long. Keep some small change for the fare, and hold on to children when stepping on and off.
Deira: the Spice Souk
Walk up from the Deira abra station into the Spice Souk. Sacks of spices, dried lemons, nuts and incense line the lanes. Ask before you take photos of shopkeepers, and taste before you buy.
Deira: the Gold Souk
A few minutes’ walk on, the Gold Souk is a covered street of jewellery shops. Prices follow the daily gold rate plus the cost of the work. Haggling over the making charge is normal. Ask for a receipt that shows the weight and purity.
Tips for the souks
- Go late in the afternoon. Some shops close for a few hours around midday, and the evenings are cooler.
- Friday hours are shorter. Many shops open later in the day.
- Dress modestly. Covered shoulders and knees are respectful in the old city.
- Getting back: take the abra back, or use the metro. Al Ras station is close to the Spice Souk.
Hours change with the season, Ramadan and public holidays. Check before you visit.
For more of the old city, read A Glimpse of Historical Landmarks in Bur Dubai.
Stay behind BurJuman: Rose Garden Hotel Apartments Bur Dubai
Rose Garden Hotel Apartments Bur Dubai is behind BurJuman Mall and its metro station, close to the old city. Choose a 41 m² studio, an 88 m² one-bedroom or a 114 m² two-bedroom apartment, with room to spread out after a day in the souks. See the apartments.
Book on our official site for the best available rate.
Check rates at Rose Garden Bur Dubai →
FAQ
How do I get from Bur Dubai to the Gold Souk?
Take an abra from the Bur Dubai abra station across the Creek to Deira, then walk through the Spice Souk to the Gold Souk.
How long is the abra ride?
About five minutes.
What time do the Dubai souks open?
Most shops open from mid-morning to late evening. Some close for a break around midday, and Friday hours start later. Check before you go.
Can you bargain in the Gold Souk?
Yes. The gold follows the daily rate, but the making charge is often open to negotiation.