Textile Souk Dubai
A vibrant marketplace brimming with colorful textiles, traditional abayas, and unique handcrafted goods. A shopper's paradise!

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Cooler temperatures
Textile Souk Dubai
Best Time
Cooler temperatures

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant marketplace brimming with colorful textiles, traditional abayas, and unique handcrafted goods. A shopper's paradise!
"Find designer abayas at super affordable prices!"
🎯 Haggle for the Best Price
Don't accept the first price. Bargaining is part of the fun and expected here! :moneywithwings:
👗 Modest Dress for Abayas
When shopping for abayas, dress respectfully. Some mosques require them for entry. :abaya:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Vibrant Fabric Stalls
Throughout the souk
Explore a dazzling array of colorful textiles, from silks and cottons to intricate embroidery. Perfect for custom outfits!

Abaya Boutiques
Various shops
Discover elegant and affordable abayas, traditional Emirati cloaks, in a wide range of styles and fabrics.

Traditional Slippers & Accessories
Smaller shops
Find unique handcrafted slippers, bags, and souvenirs that capture the essence of Dubai's heritage.
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything
Bargaining & Etiquette
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Haggle for the Best Price
Don't accept the first price. Bargaining is part of the fun and expected here! :moneywithwings:
👗 Modest Dress for Abayas
When shopping for abayas, dress respectfully. Some mosques require them for entry. :abaya:
🚶♀️ Avoid Unsolicited Guides
Be wary of people offering to guide you; they may lead you to shops where they get a commission. :noentrysign:
🛍️ Explore Beyond Main Paths
Venture into smaller alleys for hidden gems and potentially better deals. :mag_right:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Haggle for the Best Price
Don't accept the first price. Bargaining is part of the fun and expected here! :moneywithwings:
👗 Modest Dress for Abayas
When shopping for abayas, dress respectfully. Some mosques require them for entry. :abaya:
🚶♀️ Avoid Unsolicited Guides
Be wary of people offering to guide you; they may lead you to shops where they get a commission. :noentrysign:
🛍️ Explore Beyond Main Paths
Venture into smaller alleys for hidden gems and potentially better deals. :mag_right:
💧 Stay Hydrated
Carry water, especially during warmer months, as you'll be doing a lot of walking. :water_wave:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Textile Souk Dubai for its incredible selection of fabrics and affordable traditional clothing, especially abayas. The vibrant atmosphere and the opportunity to haggle for great deals are major draws. However, some find the crowds overwhelming at peak times and advise caution against unsolicited offers.
"This place used to be a great little market for buying fabrics and similar items. It had a nice variety and was a go-to spot for shopping.
Unfortunately, the atmosphere has changed lately. The staff or vendors aren’t as friendly or welcoming as they used to be, which takes away from the overall experience."
AmirHossein Elahi
"If you want traditonal or fake good then this is the place to go. However you get harassed by the traders but in a nice way. Just smile, say no and walk on"
Paresh Patel
"Great experience. We have a good day there. And the price (not the first one they told, but the 5th ones you announced 🤣🤣) is cheaper than in the desert. The vendors were respectful and weren't boring like others said."
Ando RANDRIAMASY
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Textile Souk Dubai is easily accessible via public transport. The nearest metro station is the Union Metro Station
or Baniyas Square Metro Station. From there, it's a short walk. Taxis are also readily available. Many visitors arrive by abra, a traditional wooden boat, across Dubai Creek for a scenic journey.Parking can be challenging in the older parts of Dubai. While some street parking might be available, it's often limited. Using the metro or a taxi is generally more convenient.
Yes, the Dubai Metro is a great option. Alight at Union Metro Station or Baniyas Square Metro Station, both of which are within walking distance of the souk.
Absolutely! The Textile Souk is located in Bur Dubai, close to the Gold Souk and Spice Souk, making it easy to combine with a visit to these iconic markets. An abra ride across Dubai Creek is a popular way to connect these areas.
For a truly authentic experience, take an abra ride across Dubai Creek. It's incredibly affordable (around 1 AED) and offers fantastic views.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the Textile Souk Dubai is free. You only pay for the items you purchase.
The souk generally opens around 10 AM and stays open until 10 PM or later, especially on weekends. Some shops may close for a few hours in the afternoon. It's best to check specific shop hours if you have a particular vendor in mind.
There is no entrance fee to wander through the Textile Souk. It's an open market where you can browse freely.
To avoid the biggest crowds, try visiting on a weekday morning or early afternoon. Evenings and weekends tend to be busier.
Yes, you can visit during Ramadan, but be aware that opening hours might be adjusted, and many shops may close during prayer times or for Iftar. It's advisable to check ahead.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
You'll find an incredible variety, including silk, cotton, linen, georgette, chiffon, and embroidered fabrics. Many shops offer custom tailoring for dresses, abayas, and shirts.
The Textile Souk and nearby Naif Souk are excellent places to find designer abayas at very affordable prices, often under £25.
Yes, many shops in the Textile Souk offer custom tailoring services. You can choose your fabric and design, and have clothing made to measure, often within a day or two.
Besides fabrics, look for embroidered slippers, traditional bags, scarves, and small decorative items. These make unique and authentic souvenirs.
Yes, the souk has both retail and wholesale options. Murshid Bazar in Deira is known as an older wholesale market, and some shops in Bur Dubai also cater to bulk buyers.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of shopkeepers or their merchandise. Be mindful of people's privacy.
Capture the vibrant colors of the fabric stalls, the intricate details of embroidered items, and the bustling atmosphere of the market. The narrow alleyways and the play of light can create dramatic shots.
Avoid photographing people directly without their consent, especially women. Also, refrain from taking photos inside private residences or restricted areas.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for capturing both wide market scenes and details. A prime lens can be useful for low-light conditions.
Yes, you can photograph the abayas on display, but it's courteous to ask the shopkeeper first, especially if you're focusing on a specific design or person.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
🛍️ Shoppers & Fashion Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Navigating the Souk Experience
Beyond fabrics, the souk is also a treasure trove for traditional clothing, particularly abayas. You can find a wide array of styles, from simple and elegant to elaborately embellished designer pieces, often at surprisingly affordable prices. Don't miss the smaller stalls selling handcrafted slippers, bags, and accessories, which make for unique souvenirs. Remember that haggling is an integral part of the shopping experience here; don't hesitate to negotiate prices to get the best deal.
When visiting, it's wise to be aware of your surroundings. While the souk is generally safe, it's advisable to avoid following unsolicited offers from people who approach you offering tours or directing you to specific shops, as they may be looking for a commission. Dressing modestly, especially when browsing for traditional attire, is also a sign of respect for local customs. The souk is best explored in the late afternoon or evening when the heat subsides and the atmosphere becomes even more vibrant with the glow of shop lights.
Finding the Perfect Abaya
When shopping for an abaya, consider the fabric and the occasion. Linen abayas are popular for their breathability in the Dubai climate, while georgette and chiffon offer a more flowing and elegant drape. Look for intricate embroidery, beadwork, or unique prints if you desire something more distinctive. Some shops even offer custom-made abayas, allowing you to choose the fabric, color, and design details to perfectly suit your preferences.
It's worth noting that while abayas are traditional attire, they are also a fashion statement for many. You'll find modern interpretations alongside classic styles. Remember to dress respectfully when browsing, as this is a cultural garment.
Fabric Shopping Tips
Many Redditors recommend exploring areas like Meena Bazaar and Souk Al Kabir in Bur Dubai for fabric wholesalers who also cater to retail customers. If you're looking for specific types of fabric, it's helpful to know what you're after. Some users have inquired about finding specific kids' fabrics, suggesting that a detailed search might be necessary. Don't hesitate to ask vendors about the fabric's origin and composition.
Beyond the main souk, some users suggest looking in malls like Al Barsha Mall or even sections within hypermarkets like Lulu Al Barsha for fabrics, though the selection might be more limited compared to the dedicated souks. For a truly wholesale experience, Murshid Bazar in Deira is mentioned as one of the oldest wholesale markets.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit