Shopping in Dubai:
The Souk Madinat Jumeirah
This is a vibrant and colourful market, featuring an animated mixture of locals and visitors interacting through ’lively’ trading and overflowing with culture. It’s located in Madinat Jumeirah between the Al Qasr Hotel and Mina A’ Salam, adjacent to Jumeirah Beach.
There is a decidedly bazaar-like atmosphere throughout, with open-fronted shops, stalls and craft galleries flowing out onto the pavements. As you stroll about, the aromas from the Souk Madinat Jumeirah’s street cafes and restaurants adds to the atmosphere of the cacophony of sounds as craftsmen and women go about their work, while shoppers bid for a bargain.
We were particularly impressed by customised banners you could buy, spelling out the names of whoever you specified, with the letters painted using Dubai references (e.g ‘D’s’ in the shape of the Burj Al Arab etc.). it was fascinating watching the stall holder paint the letters one by one in smooth, well practiced, flowing motions.
The souk has got a typical market feel, with a range of goods available from the obligatory keyrings, scarves, t-shirts and other ‘nick-nacks’ to impressive crystal models of famous Dubai buildings, ornate metallic objects and various selections of jewellery. This market’s shopping and dining experience presents 75 boutique shops, 23 waterfront cafes, restaurants and bars set in open plazas with air-conditioned walkways. The centrepiece is the 442 seat Madinat Theatre.
Regardless of the mode of transport you use to arrive - by walkway, water taxi or car - you will immediately be struck by the authentic Arabian style, vivid colours and exotic aromas.
Have a look at ‘Playing in Dubai - The Old and the New’ on this website for more info on the traditional Dubai shopping experience including the 'Meena Bazaar'.
