The Dubai Old Souk and the Abra boat ride together offer an authentic experience of traditional Dubai.
1. Dubai Old Souk (also known as the Textile Souk):
Located in Bur Dubai, this traditional market specializes in fabrics, textiles, and garments. You’ll find a variety of colorful fabrics, including silk, cotton, and embroidered cloth, as well as traditional Arabic clothing like abayas and kanduras. The market also offers spices, souvenirs, and accessories. The atmosphere is vibrant, with narrow lanes lined with small shops showcasing everything from pashminas to carpets. It’s a great place for bargain shopping and to experience Dubai’s rich trade history.
2. Abra Boat Ride:
To reach the Old Souk from Deira or to explore more of the old city, you can take an Abra boat across the Dubai Creek. The abra is a traditional wooden boat that has been used for centuries to transport people across the creek. The short ride offers beautiful views of the city’s skyline, including traditional wind-tower houses and mosques on one side and modern skyscrapers on the other. It’s an affordable and scenic way to travel between Bur Dubai and Deira, and to see how Dubai’s history is intertwined with trade via the creek.
