9. Souk Shopping
Beyond the mega shopping malls of Dubai, you can hunt for deals in the traditional souks just like they did centuries before the oil boom. You’ll find a bustling old-school bazaar atmosphere and an eclectic array of goods to be haggled for in these vibrant markets. Bargaining with the merchants is an expected practice and part of the fun. The Old Gold Souk in Diera offers narrow alleyways of dazzling gemstones, jewelry and gilded treasures. Make like a local and take a wooden abra vessel across the Dubai Creek. The nearby Spice Souk has sacks of fragrant herbs, exotic spices, rice and dates filling the air. Check out the Textile Souk in Bur Dubai for a colorful array of woven fabrics and silks. The centrally located Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a modern replica of a traditional Arabian market. It might not be authentic, but it is a pleasant place to peruse an array of Middle Eastern merchandise.
10. Al Bastakiya Quarter and Al Fahidi Fort
A world away from the modern skyscrapers is this small authentic Arabian neighborhood of classic mud brick dwellings and labyrinthian lanes. At one point it was set to be demolished to make way for more glitz, but an international outcry led to the preservation of this historical area. It now houses some funky galleries and trendy cafes that make it a wonderful place to wander and while away an afternoon. Note the roof top wind towers, an ancient form of air conditioning that kept cooling breezes circulating in the abodes. Nearby you’ll find the Al Fahidi Fort Fort, built in 1787 as a city defence. It’s now an informative museum on the history of Dubai and Emirate life before oil.
