Markets, Flea Markets and Souks in Dubai

Where to find the freshest local produce: find out which days of the week the market comes to the different communities in Dubai...

Central markets are quite common in Arab countries, but due to the heat in Dubai, many shoppers prefer the convenience of shopping malls and supermarkets. However, markets and fairs are re-emerging mainly because of the bargains on used items and unique gift items for sale.

Most indoor markets take place all year, but the majority of outdoor markets operate during the cooler months of October to April.

Note: market times are subject to change.

Souks

A souk (or souq) is a central marketplace in an Arab city. Shopping in traditional souks is a unique experience. The quality of items for sale can vary and bargaining is a necessity to get the best deal.

Getting to most of the souks is easiest by taxi as parking is limited and traffic is dense. Souks can be visited on both sides of the Dubai Creek by taking a water taxi (abra) across the creek.

Food Souk: The popular fish market and a smaller fruit and vegetable market make up the food souk. The seafood market sells freshly caught seafood at wholesale prices. The best times to visit are early in the morning or late in the evening as the catches come in.

• At: Near Shindagha Tunnel in Deira
  Open: Daily from 06:00-13:00 and 16:00-22:00 (Saturday to Thursday), and 16:00-22:00 (Friday)

Fruit and Vegetable Market: Local and imported produce from Asia, Europe and the Mediterranean. Mainly caters to wholesale purchasers, but individual buyers are welcome to shop here.

• At: Off Emirates Road and Al Khail Interchange (near Used Car Market) in Ras Al Khor Industrial 3
  Open: Daily from 09:00-22:00 (Saturday to Thursday), and 16:00-22:00 (Friday)

Fruit and Vegetable Market: A smaller produce market than the popular fruit and vegetable market in Ras Al Khor Industrial 3. Local and exotic produce items are sold at reasonable prices.

• At: Next to Fish Market in Deira
  Open: Daily 06:00-13:00 and 16:00-22:00 (Saturday to Thursday), and 16:00-22:00 (Friday)

Farmers' Market: Locally-grown seasonal produce, organic eggs and poultry from farms in Dubai and the other emirates.

• At: Souk Al Bahar on Burj Lake Island in Downtown Dubai
  Open: Friday from 10:00-17:00 (between 10 December and April)

Gold Souk: Custom and ready-made jewellery made from gold and precious stones. A variety of traditional Arabic and contemporary designs.

• At: Along Al Khail Road between Al Dhagaya and Al Buteen areas of Deira
  Date: Daily from 09:00-13:00 and 16:00-22:00 (Saturday to Thursday), and 16:00-22:00 (Friday)

Meena Bazaar: Also known by its former name "Cosmos Lane", this shopping area is known for its textile shops, tailors and Asian (specifically Indian) clothing stores.

• At: Along 50B Street (near Dubai Museum) in Bur Dubai
  Open: From approximately 08:00-00:00, closed for lunch (Saturday to Thursday) and 14:00-00:00 (Friday)

Satwa Souk: Imported fabrics are sold by the yard and can be taken to nearby tailors for custom made clothing.

• At: Satwa

Spice Souk: Walk between stalls selling aromatic and colourful spices and herbs in the oldest souk in Dubai.

• At: Near Dubai Creek in Al Ras area of Deira
  Open: Daily from 09:00-13:00 and 16:00-22:00 (Saturday to Thursday), and 16:00-22:00 (Friday)

Textile Souk: Sometimes known as the Bur Dubai Souk, which sells imported fabrics of varying quality.

• At: Near Dubai Museum in Bur Dubai
  Open: Daily from 09:00-13:00 and 16:00-22:00 (Saturday to Thursday), and 16:00-22:00 (Friday)

Modern Souks

The modern souks in Dubai are re-creations of traditional souks with elaborate Arabic architecture and decorations.

Souk Al Bahar: A blend of indoor and outdoor shopping and dining areas with views of Burj Dubai Lake and the Dubai Fountains.

• At: Enter by crossing the walkway from Dubai Mall fountain area
  Open: Daily from 10:00-22:00 (Saturday to Thursday), and 14:00-22:00 (Friday)

Souk Madinat Jumeirah: A mix of chain stores and boutique shops, restaurants and a theatre.

• At: Enter by crossing the walkway or taking an abra from Madinat Jumeirah
  Open: Daily from 10:00-22:00 (shops), and 10:00-02:00 (restaurants)

Khan Murjan: Unique Arabic items such as Persian rugs, stained glass, hand crafted Moroccan furniture and antiques.

• At: Enter through Colonnade or main entrances to Wafi Mall
  Open: Daily from 10:00-22:00 (Saturday to Wednesday), and 10:00-00:00 (Thursday and Friday)

Markets, Flea Markets and Secondhand Goods

Dubai ARTE Souk: Art and craft fair featuring handmade items by local artisans in the UAE, used books and homemade food items.

• ARTE Souk - Times Square Centre
  At: Near Al Tayer Motors (after 3rd Interchange on Sheikh Zayed Road) in Al Quoz Industrial 1
  Open: Some Fridays (check schedule) from 12:00-19:00
• ARTE Market - Festival Centre
  At: Adjacent to IKEA in Festival City
  Open: Some Fridays (check schedule) from 12:00-21:00

Dubai Flea Market: This flea market is organised by the ARTE group and held at various locations in Dubai. Only second-hand items can be sold here, special permission for new goods must be granted by Dubai Municipality in advance.

• Safa Park Flea Market
  At: Safa Park (Gate 5) in Al Wasl
  Open: First Saturday of the month from October to May from 08:00-15:00
• Uptown Mirdif Flea Market
  At: Promenade Courtyard in Uptown Mirdif Mall
  Open: Every second Friday from December to May from 15:00-21:00

Covent Garden Market Dubai: Handmade artwork, clothing and jewellery by local artisans and designers.

• At: The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residences (between Hilton and Sheraton hotels)
  Open: October to April, every Wednesday, Thursday, from 17:00-00:00 and Friday and Saturday from 10:00-21:00

Dubai Designer Market: Individuals selling second-hand high fashion brand clothing and accessories as well as vintage items. Aspiring designers also showcase their clothing and accessory lines.

• At: Beach Park Plaza (opposite Jumeirah Beach Park) in Jumeirah 2
  Open: Every second Saturday of the month from 13:00-18:00

Uptown Mirdif Second Hand Bazaar: Individuals sell used items such as clothing, accessories, toys, books and furniture.

• At: La Piazza in Uptown Mirdif Mall
  Open: Every first Friday from December to May from 16:00-22:00

Seasonal markets

There are several markets and fairs held at various times throughout the year, particularly around Christmas and at the beginning of spring and summer. These fairs are mostly organised by schools and residential communities.

Selling Second-hand Items

It is possible to reserve a table for a fee in order to sell second hand goods. These events can be organised by schools or private organisers. Contact a private school or one of the event organisers below for information.

• Eden Star Event Management - Covent Garden Market Dubai
  Tel: 050 425 0543
  e-mail
• Green Spot Entertainment - Dubai Flea Market, Dubai Designer Market
  Tel: 050 296 9680
  e-mail
• VIVE Entertainment - Dubai Second Hand Bazaar
  Tel: 055 515 1212
  Fax: 04 288 0886
  e-mail