Here are a few more interesting details before we head to the Dubai souks, just to give you a sense of where you’ve arrived.
Not many mosques are found in modern, recently built districts, most of which date back just a decade or two. In these areas, you won’t hear the five daily calls to prayer by the Muslim imam.
Though Dubai proudly boasts over 500 mosques, they are typically located in the older parts of the city. One of them, in Al Satwa, was built a few years ago, modeled after Istanbul’s famous Blue Mosque, and named after the second caliph, Umar al-Khattab.
Many mosques follow a similar design: beige exteriors adorned with intricate reliefs. Your guidebook might recommend visiting the Jumeirah Mosque, one of the few that allows tourists inside. Though hopping on a sightseeing bus may be a good choice for places to visit in Dubai, it’s not always the best option for the Jumeirah Mosque. That said, booking a tour in advance through Bastakiya, one of Dubai’s oldest heritage sites, is an easy alternative.
If you’re staying in one of the lovely hotels outside the old part of town (and this cozy apartment in Dubai Marina will surely appeal to you—click the link), as we mentioned, you’re unlikely to hear the call of the imam at five in the morning. But spend a few hours in Dubai Deira city center or Bur Dubai, and you’ll be surrounded by the loud call to prayer echoing from every minaret. That’s exactly what happened to me after I got lost between two souks.
Dubai Souks
Exploring the Spice and Gold Souks during the summer can be quite the adventure, given that they are outdoors and those narrow passageways between the stalls are only partially covered. But if you arm yourself with water bottles, sunglasses, wet wipes, and a hat, the experience will be well worth it. The sightseeing bus conveniently stops near the Spice Souk, which is almost connected to the Gold Souk, so I expected a leisurely hour-long stroll between the two.
Spice Market Dubai
The moment you step into the covered souk, you’re greeted by a variety of aromas. Stall owners, who had been fanning themselves with newspapers, perk up the instant they spot potential customers. The stalls overflow with spices of every color, shape, and scent—many of which are unfamiliar even after you’re told what they are. And of course, you won’t escape without some haggling, as is the custom in Dubai souks.
This traditional Arab market winds through countless narrow passages, offering not only spices but also a plethora of other goods. Just when you think you have a sense of direction, you find yourself completely turned around, unsure of where the souk will spit you out next.
After some time, I found myself in an Asian-Arab part of the district, where the pace was frenetic. Streets were clogged with honking cars, and workers hauling overstuffed carts struggled to squeeze through the tiny squares. As I turned into yet another narrow street, I saw men sitting on piles of goods, taking a breather, while others loaded sacks and crates. Then, a lively conversation sparked between them, the heat and chaos seemingly doing little to dampen their energy.
The streets radiated with the oppressive heat of 45-degree weather, and with each turn, I found myself deeper in the labyrinth. This one seemed like a dead end, with fewer people around. Yet, despite the intense conditions, I was captivated by the sheer vibrancy of life all around me.
(As you read about how I got lost in this heat—with a few amusing anecdotes along the way—you might want to consider joining an organized tour of these parts of the city with a guide. I’ve selected a few tours that I’m sure you’ll find interesting. Click below to see what they offer.)
Call to Prayer in Deira
You turn yet another corner, and this street looks like a dead end. There are fewer people pushing carts or squeezing small trucks down the narrow lanes to unload their goods. You’re not the only one surprised by this quieter scene—locals are equally surprised to see a tourist here.
While they work diligently, you can’t help but feel a little self-conscious pulling out wet wipes and taking sips from your water bottle. Despite the heat and humidity, I kept snapping photos, capturing moments that seem worlds away from the polished image of modern Dubai.
Above, clothes and mail shirts hang from small windows, drying under the intense sun. I’ve clearly wandered into an area predominantly inhabited by Dubai’s Asian population—75 percent of the city’s 80 percent foreign residents are from Asia. It’s hard to believe this chaotic, bustling scene is still part of Dubai, known for its towering skyscrapers and luxury shopping malls. As I snapped another picture, I couldn’t help but think no one would believe this was the same city.
Suddenly, people began retreating from the streets. For a moment, I wondered if they were seeking shade or escaping the oppressive heat.
But then it began: the call to prayer, roaring from all directions. The sound erupted from numerous minarets, bouncing off the dense walls of the buildings, filling the street, overwhelming the senses.
In that moment, standing in a narrow street full of goods, cars, and people, the atmosphere felt utterly authentic—this was the Dubai many tourists never experience. I stood still, taking it all in, feeling a deep sense of gratitude for being in the right place at the right time to witness such a powerful, communal moment. The call to prayer, filling the air like a chorus from every direction, was a reminder of the city’s rich cultural layers.
Dubai Gold Souk
As the call to prayer faded into the background, I made my way to a wider street, determined to find my way to the Gold Souk. I had heard you could walk from one souk to the other, but in the heat and the maze-like streets, I had long since lost my sense of direction. Suddenly, a large boulevard opened up in front of me, and it seemed like a better option to circle around rather than risk getting further lost.
As I approached the Gold Souk, the streets were lined with jewelry shops, their smiling salesmen beckoning tourists inside. The building marked “Gold Center” was bustling with shoppers drawn in by the promise of better deals than back home. Finally, I arrived at the entrance with its iconic wooden arch and “Gold City” sign. Inside, gold glimmered from every window display, tempting buyers into a flurry of haggling and shopping—the quintessential atmosphere of an authentic Dubai souk.
Labyrinth of Souks
It was easy to get swept up in the atmosphere of the souk. I quickly noticed my water supply running low and attempted to navigate through the small alleys and winding corridors, my mind still buzzing with the sights and sounds of the bustling market. Each narrow passage seemed to lead to another, and before I knew it, I found myself back at the entrance to the Spice Souk. How did that happen?! The heat was too oppressive to even question it.
Instead of worrying, I dove back into the maze of narrow streets, the murmur of people, the clamor of honking cars, and the constant movement of goods being transported. It seemed like a never-ending cycle of activity.
View this post on Instagram
One Arab woman approached, and I seized the opportunity to ask for directions: “Excuse me, can you point me to the nearest metro station?” She kindly explained that there was probably no station in the immediate area. I smiled and thanked her, convinced that there had to be one nearby, but which direction to take was still a mystery.
Next, I saw a young Arab man resting on a pile of bags. With a friendly smile, I gave it another try: “Excuse me, could you tell me where the nearest metro station is?” He waved me off with a casual flick of his hand and a small smile. Determined, I continued, “Do you speak English?” He laughed, waved again, and smiled even wider, but still didn’t give me any further information. It was clear I wouldn’t get any more help from him, so I smiled back and moved on, amused by the encounter.
The heat was becoming unbearable, and the chaotic streets seemed endless. But then, a young Indian man passed by, his head nodding from side to side as he smiled. In his thick accent, he kindly explained, “Yes, yes, the metro station is only a few minutes away.” Finally, I had clear directions!
In just five minutes, I would be at the air-conditioned metro station, where my shirt might finally unstick from my skin, and I could take a deep breath without the weight of the humidity pressing down on my lungs. But as I walked toward my destination, I couldn’t help but reflect: despite the heat, confusion, and getting lost more than once, the experience of wandering through the Dubai souks was absolutely worth it.
Next: IS THE MUSEUM WORTH A VISIT
The full Dubai SERIES
PIN IT FOR LATER:
