Perfume Souk Deira Dubai
A vibrant marketplace in Deira, Dubai, offering a dazzling array of perfumes, custom scent blending, and traditional Arabic incense.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better haggling
Perfume Souk Deira Dubai
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better haggling
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A vibrant marketplace in Deira, Dubai, offering a dazzling array of perfumes, custom scent blending, and traditional Arabic incense.
"Discover your signature scent or create a unique fragrance at Dubai's Perfume Souk for an unforgettable olfactory journey."
🎯 Haggle for the best price
Don't accept the first price. Negotiate respectfully to get a great deal on your favorite scents.
✨ Test before you buy
Sample generously! Many shops offer small vials to test longevity and scent profile.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Custom Fragrance Blending
Various shops throughout the souk
Create your unique signature scent by mixing and matching oils with expert guidance. A truly personalized souvenir!
Bakhoor & Oud
Specialty incense shops
Experience the rich, smoky aroma of traditional Arabic incense. Perfect for scenting your home or personal space.
Designer Dupe Perfumes
Numerous perfume stalls
Find high-quality, affordable interpretations of popular designer fragrances. A budget-friendly way to enjoy luxury scents.
Planning Your Visit
Haggle Like a Pro
Authenticity Check
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Haggle for the best price
Don't accept the first price. Negotiate respectfully to get a great deal on your favorite scents.
✨ Test before you buy
Sample generously! Many shops offer small vials to test longevity and scent profile.
👃 Discover Bakhoor
Experience traditional Arabic incense for a unique home fragrance. +1
💡 Look for perfume oils
Oils offer longer-lasting scents than sprays. Great for recreating favorite fragrances.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Haggle for the best price
Don't accept the first price. Negotiate respectfully to get a great deal on your favorite scents.
✨ Test before you buy
Sample generously! Many shops offer small vials to test longevity and scent profile.
👃 Discover Bakhoor
Experience traditional Arabic incense for a unique home fragrance. +1
💡 Look for perfume oils
Oils offer longer-lasting scents than sprays. Great for recreating favorite fragrances.
📱 Check authenticity
Verify barcodes and packaging for genuine products.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the incredible variety and affordability of fragrances at the Perfume Souk, with many highlighting the unique experience of custom perfume blending and the rich aromas of bakhoor. However, some caution is advised regarding the authenticity of designer brands, and haggling is an essential part of the shopping process.
"A Best shopping and tourist destination in dubai
And there is Al Quadir Group for perfumes and oud one of the best place, every tourist must visit them"
Mr Perfumer
"All fake perfume you will get hard to get find authentic pure original purfume but original those are already branded like Ajmal Swiss Arabia, Arabian oud, AL Haramain, elite oud, and similar branded only..."
ostad ailo
"Don't go on Friday as shops may not open, as happened with me. However some shops opened later and I was able to check the perfumes. The perfumes are largely based on perfume oils and are similar to Afghani fragrances however few shopkeepers have various oils with them and they can make various fragrances to your taste. I would have returned empty handed, if my driver would not have given me a phone number of a shopkeeper. I must say that the shopkeeper of perfume shop Al Waha was very nice and gave me good price for various perfumes. I bought 5 bottles and these perfumes stay on body or cloths. Oudh is a famous fragrance in Saudi continent and it feels like I'm in Dubai even when I use this fragrance at my home in india :). This shop is in front of gate of gold souk. U can trust him and this is the only issue when we go to other places and buy products. I didn't find branded international perfumes here but these local perfumes were good and cheap too. From rs 200-1000 you can get good fragrances. You can take oil also which are very good. You must go and keep whole day for this place ... You will check out gold souk also 😄😄.. enjoy !!"
Gopendra M Gupta
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Perfume Souk is easily accessible via Dubai's Metro system. Take the Green Line to the Union or Deira City Centre station, then it's a short walk. Taxis are also readily available.
Yes, the Perfume Souk is located very close to the famous Gold Souk in Deira, often considered part of the same vibrant market area.
Wander and explore! The souk is a maze of narrow alleyways. Don't be afraid to get a little lost; you'll discover hidden gems. Many shops are clustered together.
Parking can be challenging in Deira. If you're driving, look for paid parking lots or consider using the Metro to avoid the hassle. Some malls offer parking, like One Deira Mall.
Yes, ride-sharing apps like Uber and Careem are widely used in Dubai and can drop you off near the souk. Just specify 'Deira Perfume Souk' or a nearby landmark.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, the Perfume Souk is an open market, and there are no entrance fees. You can freely wander and browse the shops.
Most shops in the Perfume Souk are open daily from around 10 AM to 10 PM, though hours can vary, especially on Fridays. It's best to visit during daylight hours for the full experience.
There isn't a single 'entry' shop, but exploring the main thoroughfares will lead you to numerous perfume vendors. Shops like Aswad Perfumes and Yusuf Bhai Fragrances are popular for custom blends. 
Weekday mornings tend to be less crowded, allowing for a more relaxed shopping experience and better negotiation opportunities.
While entry is free, some shops offer custom perfume blending experiences that you might want to inquire about in advance, especially if you have a specific request.
🎫 👃 Fragrance & Shopping
You'll find a vast array of fragrances, including traditional Arabic attars, oud, bakhoor (incense), and affordable dupes of popular designer brands. Many shops also offer custom blending.
This is a common concern. While some shops sell genuine brands, many offer high-quality clones or inspired fragrances. Redditors suggest reputable shops like Al Raheeq Perfumes for authenticity.
Prices vary greatly. Designer dupes can range from AED 50-200, while genuine niche or high-end Arabic perfumes can be more. Haggling is expected, so prices can be significantly reduced.
Bakhoor is fragrant wood chips soaked in essential oils and incense. It's burned on charcoal in an incense burner to release a rich, smoky aroma for scenting homes and personal spaces. +1
Absolutely! Many shops offer custom perfume blending services where you can work with a perfumer to create a scent tailored to your preferences.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While the Perfume Souk itself is focused on fragrances, you'll find numerous local eateries and cafes in the surrounding Deira area offering traditional Emirati and international cuisine.
Deira offers a diverse culinary scene, from affordable street food and traditional Arabic grills to Indian and Pakistani restaurants. You can find anything from shawarma to biryani.
Explore the side streets for authentic local experiences. Many small, family-run restaurants offer delicious and budget-friendly meals. Look for places with a good crowd of locals.
Yes, many Middle Eastern cuisines are naturally vegetarian-friendly, with dishes like hummus, falafel, and various lentil preparations. You'll find options in most local eateries.
Eating in the local eateries around the souk is generally very affordable, offering excellent value for money compared to restaurants in more touristy areas.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed, but it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up photos of shopkeepers or their merchandise.
Capture the vibrant displays of perfume bottles, the intricate details of incense burners, the colorful textiles, and the bustling atmosphere of the market.
Shops with elaborate displays of perfumes, traditional Arabic decor, or those offering custom blending can make for visually interesting shots.
Morning light can be soft and beautiful, while the evening can offer a more dramatic ambiance with shop lights illuminating the stalls.
Be respectful of shoppers and vendors. Avoid intrusive photography and focus on capturing the essence of the souk's vibrant culture and products.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Keep in mind that the souk can get crowded, so holding hands and staying together is important. While there aren't dedicated play areas, the sheer novelty of the market can keep kids engaged. Many shops offer small, affordable vials of perfume oils, making for a fun and inexpensive souvenir for children to choose themselves.
💰 Budget Travelers
Focus on exploring the smaller stalls and asking about their 'inspired' or 'dupe' fragrances. Many of these are surprisingly good quality and long-lasting. Perfume oils are also a great budget-friendly option, as they are often more concentrated and last longer than spray perfumes.
💖 Couples & Romantic Getaways
+1 It's a fun, interactive date that results in a personalized memento of your trip. Afterward, explore the souk hand-in-hand, discovering new scents and enjoying the vibrant atmosphere. The rich aromas and bustling energy of the market can create a truly memorable experience for couples. Consider purchasing a shared bakhoor blend to bring that exotic scent back to your home.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Bakhoor
When exploring the Perfume Souk, you'll find a wide variety of bakhoor, ranging from simple, everyday blends to complex, luxurious concoctions. Some vendors specialize in creating custom bakhoor blends, allowing you to personalize the aroma. It's a wonderful way to bring a piece of the Middle Eastern olfactory experience home with you. Remember to handle the hot charcoal and burner with care for safety.
Look for shops that offer demonstrations of bakhoor burning. This will give you a better understanding of its use and allow you to experience the full aromatic effect. It's a sensory journey that engages more than just your sense of smell, offering a glimpse into local traditions.
Navigating Authenticity and Value
To ensure you're getting good value, don't hesitate to haggle. Prices are rarely fixed, and negotiation is part of the shopping experience. Start by offering about half of the asking price and work your way up. If a vendor is unwilling to budge or you feel pressured, it's perfectly acceptable to move on to another shop.
Ultimately, the Perfume Souk offers an exciting opportunity to discover unique scents and enjoy significant savings. By being an informed shopper, you can navigate the market confidently and find treasures that perfectly suit your taste and budget.
The Allure of Custom Perfume Blending
+2 You'll work with skilled artisans who guide you through a vast palette of fragrance notes, from floral and fruity to woody and oriental. This personalized approach means you can craft a fragrance that is truly unique to you, reflecting your personality and preferences. Whether you're seeking a scent reminiscent of a beloved designer fragrance or an entirely novel creation, the perfumers can help bring your olfactory vision to life. It's an interactive and rewarding process that results in a one-of-a-kind perfume.
+1Beyond the novelty, a custom-blended perfume makes for an incredibly special souvenir or gift. It’s a tangible memory of your Dubai adventure, bottled just for you. The experience itself is also a highlight, offering a deeper appreciation for the art and complexity of perfumery.
+1
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit