Souq Al Kabeer 
is one of Dubai’s heritage destinations and one of the oldest markets along Dubai Creek. Located between Deira and Bur Dubai, it is a popular tourist and historical site, with its narrow streets and alleys and its traditional architectural landmarks.
Buzzing with shoppers, Al Souq Al Kabeer is home to modern art galleries, al fresco restaurants, and various tea shops in the courtyards of chic Al Fahidi Historical District, lined by traditional stone houses. There are stalls selling colorful silks and embroidered cushions fill the maze-like Bur Dubai and Textile souks, both overlooked by the slender minarets of Grand Bur Dubai Masjid mosque. Abra water taxis connect with Deira across Dubai Creek.
The
Souq Al Kabeer’s location is facing Dubai Creek gave it strategic and economic value, which has turned in turn is a trading hub for the exchange of products and goods between the Arab Gulf region and East Asia. The 150 plus year-old Souq Al Kabeer offers its visitors an opportunity to enjoy the mysteries of the past and relive the old Emirati lifestyle, through a unique experience bringing historical landmarks together and commercial activities of traditional Dubai markets that have undergone many expansions and restorations to provide major commercial transactions and add to Dubai’s reputation. The traditional markets represent Dubai’s identity through intermingling of residential and commercial buildings, Al Barajil (air towers), stucco decoration and various configurations of architectural spaces in interactive planning relationships between the market area, the Creek and the ancient walls of Dubai.
The 
history of Souq Al Kabeer in Deira dates back to 1850, and it is definitely one of the most important heritage commercial markets that have been restored and rehabilitated. It is the oldest markets in Dubai thanks to its centuries old commercial past. This market is located along the creek, where wooden ships loaded with goods to and from Africa and the Indian subcontinent dock, which made it a shopping centre that meets the needs of merchant ships and buying and selling activities, and thus a model for Arab markets. Souq Al Kabeer in Deira consists of 7 gates that open in the morning and close at night. It also includes markets, shops and stores, among them:
Market Guidelines:
Appropriate clothing and footwear should be worn for roaming the traditional markets.
Parking Services:
Public parking is available in Souq Al Kabeer in both Deira and Bur Dubai. For more information, you can contact Dubai Municipality/Architectural Heritage and Antiquities Department.
Hours:
Daily: 08:00 – 22:00
On weekends (Thurs, Fri and Sat): from 08:30 to 01:00
During the Holy month of Ramadan: from 08:30 to 24:00
Location:
Souq Al Kabeer
Deira – Bur Dubai Al Fahidi
Dubai – United Arab Emirates.
Tel.: +971 4 353 9090
e-mail: ArchitecturalHeritageDept@dm.gov.ae
Web: www.360cities.net
Photo courtesy: www.360cities.net
Location:
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