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Dubai Creek, One Day in Deira, Bur Dubai, Abra Creek Crossing, Textile Spice Gold Souks City of Gold Updated for 2024

Updated: March 13, 2024

The bustling Dubai Creek has been the lifeblood of the city for generations and continues to entice visitors today.
And for just AED1 (US$0.27c), you can hop aboard one of many traditional boats or abras to cross the creek that separates Bur Dubai from Deira, Dubai’s city centre.
The abras or ‘water taxis’ run every few minutes throughout the entire day across four stations along the creek. The first route goes from Deira Old Souk Abra Station (near the Spice Souk) to Bur Dubai Abra Station (west of the Old Souk). The second, much busier route runs continuously from Al Sabkha Abra Station (just southwest of Baniyas Square) to Dubai Old Souk Abra Station.

A trip to Dubai isn’t complete without a trip to the famous Gold Souk, one of the oldest and most fascinating traditional markets in the emirate.
Whether you’re just browsing or genuinely on the hunt for even the slightest amount of precious gold, walk through the glittering Gold Souk and you’ll find the biggest selection of gold jewellery and gemstones crafted in a variety of carats.
Long lines of market stalls showcase a gleaming myriad of authentic and eye-catching products – you never know when you’ll spot something just for you or a loved one.
All merchandise is carefully regulated by the Dubai government to ensure the authenticity its quality. You can be sure your purchases will be genuine. In addition to gold, careful inspection of the wares on offer may see you uncover diamond-encrusted ornaments, strings of pearls, platinum and silver.
Retailers are more than up to the match with haggling. But be fair with your price – there are lots of bargains to find.

Colourful is one description very apt for Dubai’s Spice Souk. Aromatic is another.
Brace yourself for a sensory sensation, as myriad flavours and recipes will greet you as you make your way through the traditional spice market in Dubai’s heritage area.
Savour the atmosphere of the past as you are introduced to the mounds of aromatic herbs and spices spilling from large baskets at every turn. Some may be just a tad overwhelming, whereas others are light, airy and sweet.
Wander among many different stalls and chat to the vendors who will give you plenty of ideas on how you can use the various spices on offer. Not all are designed for cooking. A wide variety of fragrant teas from all over the world are on offer – you can learn all of this as you go.
There is also a great selection of nuts, oils and saffron available from the markets.
Spices are sold both by weight and in packets. However like other souks, if you’re buying in more bulk quantities, vendors expect you to haggle. Lots of Arabic spices are on offer, as well as those from the subcontinent.

Whether you’re a cooking expert or looking to experiment a bit with your favourite recipes, you’ll discover many new tastes at Spice Souk.