Discover the vibrant and timeless markets of Old Dubai through the Old Dubai Shopping Tour. Enjoy the dazzling displays of gold, diamonds, and precious gems at the iconic Gold Souk. Explore the Spice Souk, where the air is alive with the aroma of exotic spices and herbs. Venture into the Textile Souk, where skilled artisans weave and dye intricate fabrics, inviting you to engage in the art of bargaining and uncover authentic mementos that capture the essence of this captivating city. Prepare to be swept away by the rich cultural heritage and enchanting atmosphere that await you in the heart of Old Dubai.
Key Points
- The tour offers private shopping experiences in Dubai’s iconic Gold Souk, Spice Souk, and Textile Souk, providing a glimpse into the city’s rich heritage and traditional goods.
- The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an Abra boat ride across the Creek, and the opportunity to shop for souvenirs, spices, and traditional clothing.
- Visitors can explore the vibrant atmosphere, witness skilled artisans at work, and engage in the art of bargaining to bring home authentic mementos.
- The tour is suitable for individuals, families, and groups, with accessibility for those with infants, wheelchairs, or strollers, but not recommended for those with certain medical conditions.
- The tour provides an immersive experience in Old Dubai, allowing visitors to discover the city’s rich history, culture, and traditional shopping experiences.
Tour Details
This private shopping tour in Dubai offers hotel pickup and drop-off, allowing visitors to explore the city’s renowned gold souks, textile markets, and buzzing malls while learning the art of haggling.
The tour takes guests to the iconic Gold Souk and Spice Souk, where they can enjoy the vibrant atmosphere and browse an array of traditional goods.
In the Fahidi district, visitors will discover the lively Textile Souk, known for its diverse fabrics and textiles.
To enhance the experience, the tour includes an Abra boat ride across the Creek, providing a unique perspective of the city’s waterways.
Throughout the journey, guests can shop for souvenirs, spices, dates, saffron, and even traditional Arabic clothing and footwear.
Inclusions
The tour package includes pickup and drop-off from the location, along with visits to the renowned Gold Souk and Spice Souk. Travelers will also experience an Abra boat ride to cross the Creek between Bur Dubai and Deira, allowing them to enjoy the city’s historical charm.
The tour offers the opportunity to shop for a variety of souvenirs, including:
- Spices and dry fruits
- Arabic dresses and traditional shoes
- Saffron from Iran
- Gold and diamond jewelry from the Gold Souk
Throughout the tour, mineral water will be provided to keep the travelers hydrated and refreshed as they explore the vibrant markets and shops of Old Dubai.
Exclusions
Aside from the included services, the tour doesn’t cover lunch or dinner, as well as any personal expenses incurred by the travelers during the shopping excursion.
Guests are responsible for the cost of their meals, as the tour focuses solely on providing a comprehensive shopping experience at Dubai’s iconic markets and souks. This allows participants to have the freedom to explore and indulge in local cuisine at their own pace and preference.
Plus, any private expenses, such as additional purchases or tips, aren’t included in the tour price. This structure ensures that the tour provides excellent value while giving travelers the flexibility to customize their experience according to their individual needs and preferences.
Pickup Details
The tour is available from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, allowing guests to choose the timing that best suits their schedule.
Pickup can be arranged from Dubai or other emirates, though additional charges may apply depending on the location.
Confirmation of the booking is received either at the time of booking or within 7 hours of the scheduled travel time.
The tour offers several convenient features for travelers:
- Pickup and drop-off directly from the guest’s location
- Accessible for those with infants, wheelchairs or strollers
The tour is not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant travelers or serious medical conditions.
Traveler Details
Infants under 2 years travel free of cost on this tour.
Wheelchair and stroller accessibility ensures the tour is inclusive for all travelers. However, it’s not recommended for those with back problems, pregnant individuals, or those with serious medical conditions.
The dress code is casual, allowing visitors to explore the bustling markets and souks comfortably.
With a maximum of 100 travelers per tour, guests can enjoy a personalized shopping experience.
Whether browsing the vibrant gold souq, discovering unique textile treasures, or sampling aromatic spices, this tour caters to a wide range of interests and abilities, ensuring a memorable and accessible exploration of Old Dubai’s renowned shopping hubs.
Visiting Gold Souq
One of the highlights of the Old Dubai Shopping Tour is a visit to the captivating Gold Souq, where visitors can enjoy the dazzling display of gold, diamonds, and precious gems.
The sprawling market features hundreds of shops, each showcasing an impressive array of jewelry, from intricate necklaces to glittering bracelets and earrings.
Shoppers can expect to find:
- An unparalleled selection of 22- and 24-karat gold items, from traditional Emirati designs to modern, contemporary pieces
- A wide range of diamond jewelry, including loose stones and custom-made settings
- Unique, handcrafted items like traditional Emirati daggers and Bedouin jewelry
Bargaining is expected and encouraged, allowing visitors to haggle for the best deals and enjoy the vibrant, bustling atmosphere of this iconic Dubai landmark.
Exploring Textile Souk
Beyond the glittering Gold Souq, the tour delves into the lively Textile Souk, a vibrant marketplace where visitors can enjoy a tapestry of colors, textures, and the art of traditional textile craftsmanship.
Rows upon rows of stalls showcase an array of fabrics, from shimmering silks to intricate embroidered textiles. Visitors can witness skilled artisans at work, weaving, printing, and dyeing the fabrics that have adorned locals for generations.
The air is filled with the aroma of incense and the chatter of bargaining, as shoppers negotiate the best prices for exquisite scarves, robes, and other unique textile treasures. This cultural experience offers a glimpse into Dubai’s rich heritage and the enduring traditions of its artisan community.
Shopping Souvenirs
Visitors on the Old Dubai Shopping Tour can browse a vibrant array of traditional souvenirs, from fragrant spices and aromatic dates to intricate Arabic dresses and exquisite handcrafted shoes.
The tour offers a unique opportunity to take in Dubai’s rich cultural heritage and explore the city’s bustling markets. Shoppers can delight in:
- Exotic spices and aromatic herbs from the Spice Souk
- Unique handwoven textiles and traditional Arabic attire from the Textile Souk
- Beautifully crafted leather shoes, slippers, and accessories at the local shops
With the guidance of experienced local experts, visitors can learn the art of haggling and bring home authentic mementos that capture the essence of Old Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is the Duration of the Tour?
The tour duration is not explicitly stated in the knowledge provided. However, the tour is available from 9:00 AM to 1:00 PM and 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM, suggesting it’s likely a 4-hour tour.
Are There Any Age Restrictions for the Tour?
The tour has no age restrictions. Infants under 2 years old can join the tour free of cost, and the tour is wheelchair and stroller accessible, accommodating travelers of all ages and abilities.
Can the Tour Be Customized to Individual Preferences?
The tour can be customized to individual preferences. Travelers can work with the tour operator to modify the itinerary and focus on their specific interests, such as visiting particular souks or markets during the tour.
Are the Tour Guides Fluent in Multiple Languages?
The tour guides are typically fluent in multiple languages, including English, to accommodate diverse traveler preferences. They provide informative commentary and assist with navigating the various souks and markets during the private shopping experience.
Are There Any Additional Fees or Taxes Not Mentioned in the Inclusions?
The tour details do not mention any additional fees or taxes beyond what’s included. Travelers should expect to pay only for the listed inclusions, such as pickup/drop-off, souq visits, and shopping. There are no hidden costs.
Recap
The Old Dubai Shopping Tour offers an immersive experience in the vibrant traditional markets of the city. Visitors can explore the iconic Gold Souk, the aromatic Spice Souk, and the Textile Souk, engaging in the art of bargaining to bring home authentic souvenirs that capture the essence of Old Dubai.
This tour provides a unique opportunity to take in the rich cultural heritage and traditions of Dubai.
