Souk or sometimes written as Shuk, a plaza or bazaar and highly popular in Arab countries, gathers people for buying and selling pieces of merchandise. The Old Souk, interchangeable with what locals called as Dubai Spice Souk, is home to thousands of abstract visuals — language, race, religion and ethnic affiliations; has subtly stood close to a century. This colorful market is walled just near the historical and picturesque aperture for trade and commerce, the Dubai Creek. Interesting pieces or art with rough cultural influences from Arabian and European countries, all rolled in maze-like alleys.
Dubai has always been at the fore, both in innovation and tradition, at elevating branding beyond the ordinary; mixing luxury and the unconventionals all cluttered under the same roof. Grid after grid of numerous counts of great finds: dried flowers and fruits, ground medicinal herbs and spices, stimulating oil infused oud aroma, extensive collection of ceramics mostly hand-made from Turkey, Moroccan home and lifestyle accessories, bohemian patterns and supreme symbol of sinful deluxe — gold.
- The Old Souk is accessible by Metro Train via Al Fahidi or Al Ghubaiba Metro Station; approximately 15 minute walk from Dubai Museum; about 15 minutes away from Deira City Center by car.
- Operating hours: 10AM-10PM
- You will be asked by the sellers on your national origin. Tell them you're from PH and you'd get most of the bargains. Go figure haha!
- Discrete photography is allowed. To photograph people, especially locals out in public, is quite tricky; ask for permission if must.
- Learn a few Arabic phrases as it helps in haggling and navigation. Kam et-taklefa (how much) Shukran lak (Thank you) Marhaba (Hello) Ayna al hamam (Where's the toilet) My pren (he, she, nearly everyone and is certainly the most acceptable informal spoken salutation)
xx and, as always, get lost xx
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