Deira Gold Souk & Spice Souk

The Deira Gold Souk is Dubai's historic gold market, set in the old trading district of Deira on the northern bank of Dubai Creek. Its origins trace to the 1940s, when Indian and Iranian traders settled in Deira to deal in gold and jewellery; the trade expanded through the 20th century and, under Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum in the 1970s oil boom, Deira became the gold-trading hub of the Arabian Gulf. Today the souk gathers more than 300 retailers along covered walkways shaded by traditional wooden latticework, or mashrabiya, which filters the light and aids ventilation.

The merchandise runs from 18-karat to nearly pure 24-karat gold — rare in much of the world — alongside platinum, silver and precious stones. The gold rate itself is fixed and government-regulated, so bargaining focuses on the making charges and craftsmanship. Among the souk's landmarks is a Guinness World Record holder for the world's largest gold ring, displayed in one of the central arcades.

A short walk away, on Baniyas Street in Al Ras, the neighbouring Dubai Spice Souk fills a warren of narrow covered lanes with the scent of frankincense, myrrh, oud and bukhoor. Sacks and stalls overflow with saffron, cardamom, dried herbs, incense and traditional remedies, much of it competitively priced. Together with the Creek and the dhow wharfage where goods still leave by sea, the two souks form the living core of old Dubai's trading identity.

Both souks are in Deira on the north side of Dubai Creek. The nearest metro is Al Ras (Green Line); from there it is a short walk to the covered Gold Souk arcades on Sikkat Al Khail Street. The Spice Souk lies just south toward the Creek on and around Baniyas Street in Al Ras — follow the scent of incense through the narrow lanes. The most atmospheric arrival is by abra across the Creek from Bur Dubai, landing at the Deira Old Souk abra station.