The Spice Souk is one of the most popular souks in Dubai. The narrow passages of this old market are lined with small stores selling every herb and spice under the sun.
The air is filled with pungent aromas emanating from colourful sacks of cinnamon, turmeric, cumin, pepper, cloves, nutmeg, and dried fruits. Fresh stocks arrive every day, transported by dhow from countries such as India, Pakistan, and Iran.
Store sell a variety of spices but some specialise in saffron, the most expensive spice in the world.
Most of the traders are from Iran. You’ll need to haggle with them to get good prices. Their first offer is always in excess of the market rate, especially when the customer is a tourist. Don’t be scared. Bargaining is expected.
The souk is open every day of the week. Opening hours are 10 am to 10 pm Saturday to Thursday (some close between 1 pm and 4 pm) and 4 pm to 10 pm on Friday.
The Spice Souk is located in the Deira area of Dubai, near the junction of Baniyas Road and Old Baladiya Road.
The closest Metro Station is Al Ras Metro Station, a station on the Green Line. It’s just a few hundred yards away.
A more interesting way to get to the Spice Souk is to take an abra (small boat) across the Dubai Creek. The fare is very cheap. Deira Old Souk Abra Station is nearby. Abras go from here to Bur Dubai Abra Station.
While you are in the area you can take in some of Dubai’s other famous souks. The Gold Souk, Textile Souk, and Perfume Souk are all nearby. It’s a great area to spend a day shopping for souvenirs.
I am looking to have the white chocolate camel milk dates that are individually wrapped shipped to the US. I bought them at the souk when I was there and lived them
How can I sell my product (saffron) in there?
I am a businessman from Iran
How far is the gold souk from the Jbr as I will be staying at Jbr and wanted to know can I get a metro to the gold souk.
Does anyone know what is in the “special arabic tea” that all the spice vendors sell? Hoping to find something close to it at home.
Dear Sue, could you please explain me why the spices aren’t good?
I think she is just saying that most locals now buy their spices in supermarkets now and no longer need to go to the spice souk.
Are the spices not good? As in earlier comment?
The spice souk is an excellent place to visit for a tourist. It is very interesting but I wouldn’t advise buying spices here. There are better places to buy spices such as Carrefour. If you are just coming for the tourist experience it is good.
While you are in the area make your way down to the Dubai Creek and catch an abra. The fare is ridiculously cheap and the views from the boat are great.