The Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a popular shopping center built like an old bazaar in the traditional Middle Eastern style. This bazaar is especially popular with tourists, because it has a nice atmosphere and you have a beautiful view at the Burj Al Arab. The good thing about Souk Madinat is that you do not have the big chains like within the Dubai Mall or Mall of the Emirates, but many small shops that sell souvenirs and stuff from the Middle East. In the evening a lot of tourist come to the Souk Madinat to eat at the many restaurants.
Shopping in the Souk Madinat is a unique experience, because you really feel like being on an old bazaar with the narrow and winding corridors, the mood lighting and the scent of perfumes. Besides the many small shops there are many stalls with merchandise in the alleys. However, there is one important difference between the Souk Madinat and a traditional bazaar: the Souk Madinat has got air conditioning so you stay cool during shopping. The Souk Madinat is a very good place to shop for souvenirs such as traditional Arab clothing, water pipes, wooden statues, Dubai souvenirs, Persian carpets, antiques and a lot of jewelry and watches. Even when you do not want to buy something, the Souk Madinat is just a lot of fun to walk around.
Many people visit the Souk Madinat to dine. There are many hotels in the area and many hotel guests choose to eat in Souk Madinat. There are more than twenty restaurants where you can sit inside, but it is much more fun to sit outside along the water. From most tables you have a fantastic view at the Burj Al Arab and you can have a beer or wine. Especially in the evening, when the Burj Al Arab is illuminated in bright colors, you can take fantastic photos and enjoy a romantic atmosphere. There are several international cuisines available in Souk Madinat including Japanese, Indian, Arabic and Italian, so there should be something for everyone!
To feel like being in an old souk in the Middle East you can sail on the waterways of the Souk Madinat with an abra (water taxi). The captain maneuvers the small boats along the authentic buildings and sails through the entire complex. The boat trip takes a total of twenty minutes and then you return to the starting point. It is a very nice and romantic way to explore Souk Madinat. If you prefer to visit the real souks or sail on a real abra, then you better travel to the old Deira center. It is perhaps less perfect compared to Souk Madinat, but it saves a lot of money.
Tip: if you prefer a more authentic souk you can visit the Old Souk, Gold Souk or Spice Souk in the historic part of Dubai.
Take bus X28 from the Al Jafiliya metro station and get off at the Burj Al Arab stop and walk from there.
On the Sheik Zayed Road take exit 16 Umm Suqeim and follow the signs to Souk Madinat Jumeirah. You can park your car in the underground parking but will have to pay a fee.
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