Deira, Dubai: Gold Souk, Spice Souk, Dubai Creek and Metro Stations

Deira is one of Dubai’s oldest neighbourhoods, on the north side of Dubai Creek opposite Bur Dubai. It is the city’s traditional trading district, home to the Gold Souk, Spice Souk and Perfume Souk, and it is close to Dubai International Airport. Both Dubai Metro lines run through it, and traditional abras cross the creek to Bur Dubai.

Key facts

What is Deira known for?

Visit Dubai, the official tourism guide, describes Deira as Dubai’s long-standing commercial hub, a part of Old Dubai where trading ships have loaded and unloaded cargo at the dhow wharfage for centuries and still do. Its souks are its best-known sights. Deira and Bur Dubai sit on opposite banks of Dubai Creek and each has its own character.

The souks of Deira

Gold Souk

The Gold Souk is one of the oldest traditional markets in the emirate. Its stalls sell gold in a range of carats, along with diamonds, pearls, platinum and silver. Visit Dubai notes that the merchandise is regulated by the Dubai government, that the souk is free to enter, and that most shops open from 10am to 10pm, although individual stores vary. Bargaining is expected. Before you shop, you can check the day’s prices on our UAE gold rates page.

Spice Souk

The Spice Souk is about three minutes’ walk from the Gold Souk. Herbs and spices are sold by weight or in packets, alongside teas, nuts, oils and saffron, and vendors expect you to haggle.

Perfume Souk

About five minutes’ walk from the Gold Souk, the Perfume Souk is the place to learn about traditional scents such as oud and bakhoor.

Bait Al Banat Women’s Museum

Near the Gold Souk, this museum tells the story of Emirati women and their role in the country’s development, including the poet Ousha Bint Khalifa. See museums in Dubai for more.

Dubai Creek and the abras

Dubai Creek separates Deira from Bur Dubai. RTA, which runs the city’s marine transport, explains that the word abra comes from the Arabic verb meaning “to cross”. Its heritage abra routes on the creek include:

• Dubai Old Souq – Baniyas (CR3)
• Al Fahidi – Al Sabkha (CR4)
• Al Fahidi – Deira Old Souq (CR5)
• Al Seef – Baniyas (CR6)

Visit Dubai lists the traditional abra fare as AED 1 per person one way, paid to the driver, or AED 2 on an air-conditioned abra, and says the creek abras run from 6am to midnight. Check RTA for current routes, fares and times. RTA does not allow children under 12 on marine transport without an adult, and accompanied children under 12 must wear a life jacket.

Getting to and around Deira

Metro

Both the Red and Green lines serve Deira. Union is the interchange between the two lines. On the Green Line, Baniyas Square, Gold Souq and Al Ras are the closest stations to the creek and the souks; Visit Dubai puts the Gold Souk about five minutes’ walk from Gold Souq or Al Ras station. City Centre Deira on the Red Line serves the mall of the same name.

Station names are as shown on the RTA Metro map. Stations open 05:00 to midnight Monday to Thursday and Saturday, 05:00 to 01:00 on Friday, and 08:00 to midnight on Sunday.

From the airport

Visit Dubai notes that Deira is very close to Dubai International Airport, which is in the neighbouring Garhoud district. The Red Line runs from the Airport Terminal 1 and Airport Terminal 3 stations into Deira; you can also take a bus or a short taxi ride. See DXB airport transfers and Dubai International Airport (DXB).

By road

From Bur Dubai, routes across the creek include Infinity Bridge (opened in 2022) and Al Shindagha Tunnel at the mouth of the creek, Al Maktoum Bridge, the Floating Bridge and Garhoud Bridge. Streets in Deira are narrow and busy and parking can be hard to find, so public transport is often easier.

Staying in Deira

Visit Dubai says Deira offers accommodation from five stars to budget, including hotels near Dubai Creek, by the main malls, and beach resorts on Dubai Islands. Compare areas in where to stay in Dubai.

FAQ

Which Metro station is nearest the Gold Souk?

Gold Souq and Al Ras stations on the Green Line are both about a five-minute walk away, according to Visit Dubai.

Is Deira close to Dubai airport?

Yes. Dubai International Airport is in the neighbouring Garhoud district and connected to Deira by the Red Line.

Is Deira the same as Bur Dubai?

No. They are on opposite sides of Dubai Creek. Abras, bridges, a tunnel and the Metro link the two.

How much does an abra cost?

Visit Dubai lists AED 1 per person one way on a traditional abra and AED 2 on an air-conditioned one. Fares can change, so check RTA before you travel.

Is the Gold Souk free to visit?

Yes, there is no entry fee. You pay only for what you buy.

What can I buy at the Spice Souk?

Herbs and spices sold by weight or in packets, plus teas, nuts, oils and saffron.