The Naif Souk is one of the oldest, traditional souks located in the souk district of Deira, Dubai, U.A.E. . Here, if you are an adventuresome shopper you can find many bargains in Arabic fabrics, toys and perfumes . The sheer competition means that prices in general are very reasonable. For sure, when you walk through the doors the colors and products seem to assault the eyes. Because this is such a magnet for tourists and locals alike Suja Travel often visits the premises. However, we wish to point out that we have no connections, or revenue, or sponsorship from any one store. This is just one interesting attraction offered to our visitors.
At the Gate One entrance of the Souk, a marble plaque attests to its first birth back in 1970 and the post-fire date as 2010. The building has been designed to evoke the strong sense of history and tradition evident in the earlier structure.
After the Naif Souk fire of 2008, it was replaced by a Mall Style Version which has more than two hundred shop, loaded with products, featuring air-conditioning which means people can shop and stay cool at the same
time. In the heat of Dubai, that is a plus and perhaps that loosens the money strings in the purse or wallet. Take it from me, the vendors are not only good at selling, they are also good in communicating in different languages.
The new souk now has four gate entrances and exits which makes it more convenient and comfortable to enter and leave the souk easily. The new souk is much more modernized with coffee shops, lifts, escalators and the most important, for today’s generation “ the free Wifi connections”. Benches are strategically located for those who are avid people watchers, or just plain tired. There is also enough space for some 100 cars to park near the souk. However, come early as the place is always full of shoppers.
My eyes are always immediately drawn to the colors of the abayas and jellabiyas of different designs. These colors stand out to the first time, second time and in fact, everytime visitors. Another major attraction seems to be the selling of bukhoor, which is wood and brick chips soaked in deeply fragrant oils that as the shopkeepers tell you, are used to sweeten the smell of burning coal.
Sometimes shopping actually does soothe the soul. The Naif Souk tries to deliver on all fronts, as it relieves the weight of money in your pocket. Perhaps the experience alone is what draws people? I know it seems to wrap over me, like a coat. It is a great way to get the feel of the Dubai experience. See you all there!
Sylvia LamrockJanuary 12, 2019
Did I hear someone say shopping ?
Jared EastonJanuary 10, 2019
A place to wax the palms of great salespeople.
Jamie FoxJanuary 8, 2019
hey..hey …hey./Shopping is the way !
Suja TravelJanuary 8, 2019
Sounds like we made the hit parade……
Tina CapellaJanuary 8, 2019
Love the idea of targeting shopping to religion..well done !
Suja TravelJanuary 8, 2019
Second that comment
A VerillaJanuary 8, 2019
To clothe oneself is just pure attempts at decency…thus a religion !
Suja TravelJanuary 8, 2019
Spoken like a true shopping zealot !
Sophie TseJanuary 8, 2019
What is life without shopping ?
Suja TravelJanuary 8, 2019
Sophie…pure agony, I suspect !
Mary StarNovember 8, 2016
Now this story got my immediate attention. Would have loved to have seen more pics of the fabrics.
Suja TravelJanuary 8, 2019
Next time perhaps.
Anne Porter-HalifaxNovember 8, 2016
I had the pleasure of visiting the souk two years ago, on a trip to Dubai. It made my wallet considerable lighter, but the abaya I purchased was a fashion hit at home. Yessssssssssssss!
Suja TravelJanuary 8, 2019
Now that warms our story. Tell us next time, we will show you other shopping spots !
Louis GoguenNovember 8, 2016
This blog was designed for me, I am sure. Dubai is known all over the world for its shopping. I want to visit. Will show this to my husband 🙂 Traditional…:)
Suja TravelJanuary 8, 2019
We will pray for your husband, to follow your wishes.
Kumar KarshNovember 8, 2016
Unfortunately, my wife likes to go there for clothing. She lightens my purse every time. Its a shopping mecca.
Suja TravelJanuary 8, 2019
Kumar, our heart goes out to you…….
Reg McIntryeNovember 8, 2016
The traditional souks in the UAE are shopping malls where everyone works to lighten your wallet. The products are excellent and it is well worth the visit. This is not a North American shopping mall..:) Great story.
Suja TravelJanuary 8, 2019
The diversity alone makes this the place to visit. Quality and prices…….
JamesOctober 20, 2015
Nice to see this blog…back in the limelight. I was able to visit the souk when in Dubai…it was a most interesting place.
VioletOctober 20, 2015
Thank you for sharing the experience James 🙂
Aisha from SingaporeOctober 19, 2015
I am going to be in Dubai next week. Can I walk from the Gold Souq to Naif Souq?
VioletOctober 19, 2015
If you are wearing a pair of comfortable shoes, yes this is a half an hour leisurely walk away from the Gold and Spice Souq. Traffic is not something to be excited about so if you are only going there to snoop around, walking is the best option.
Aisha from SingaporeOctober 20, 2015
Thank you Violet. I will give it a go.
NadyaOctober 19, 2015
This blog is very encouraging 🙂 My sister is getting married and I need to find something special to wear at a reasonable price.
VioletOctober 19, 2015
Ohhh….I hope you find the perfect dress Nadya! Good luck on the hunt.
NadyaOctober 20, 2015
Thank you Violet!
Suz (@suzsujatravel)July 18, 2015
Naif Souk is a major attraction on it’s own right. People watchers are also welcome to witness the shoppers going in and out of the stores to look for the best bargains.
Suja TravelJanuary 8, 2019
And truly, what is life but a bargain ?
Suja Travel (@SujaTravel)July 17, 2015
And a shopper I have now become….and my purse is lighter…Noooo heavier in anticipation…. Great article !
AnonymousJanuary 8, 2019
Second that idea !