Dubai old souq

Designed by AREX engineering consultant

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'Souk' or 'souq' is the Arabic word, which stands for the market or place where any kind of goods are brought or exchanged. Originally, boats or dhows from the neighboring countries as well as India, Ceylon, China and the Far East unloaded their wares at the souks. Traders from around the world brought with them a variety of merchandise and "haggled" over the sales and purchases. In the modern times or today, souks are still markets but they are just a shadow of their former wonder. Dubai has a number of souks scattered all over the city. Dubai souks are bright, colorful, noisy and fascinating like any other market place.

The Old Souk/Textile Souk lies over the Creek in Bur Dubai. The bazaar consists of a long line of restored sand-coloured stone buildings, covered by a wooden roof in one area, and topped with attractive wind towers. The multitude of small shops here offer a massive range of fabrics (cashmere, silk, cotton, wool etc.) plus garments, slippers, souvenirs, and other goods.

The Textile Souk can be reached from Deira (Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Perfume Souk) by crossing the water on an abra or water taxi. Abra (traditional wooden boat) will cost only 1 dirham, is quick and the experience is fantastic. Alternatively travel by Metro on the Green Line and alight at Al Ghubaiba Metro Station or Al Fahidi Metro Station. The Bastakia Quarter and Dubai Museum are nearby and well worth a visit while in the area. It is also known as Cosmo Souk... just to make things more complicated :)