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Deira Dubai in the UAE is one of Dubai’s historical sites, which has helped Dubai grow from a small fishing town and trading settlement to a futuristic city.
It was an early commercial hub, especially for pearl diving, fishing, and trade. Its location along Dubai Creek made it a gateway for merchants from India, Iran, and East Africa.
Deira is often considered one of the best places to stay in Dubai as it offers excellent value, strong connectivity, cultural experiences, and a central location near Dubai Creek and the airport.
Not just that, culture & history lovers appreciate its traditional markets, heritage houses, and Dubai Creek. Thus, it comes on the list of the best places to visit in Dubai.
Why is Deira Dubai so Famous?
The reason for Deira Dubai’s popularity among tourists is due to numerous reasons
- Lower hotel prices and affordable food options
- Easy access to old Dubai landmarks, souks, and abra rides.
- Near historic homes, local markets, and Dubai Creek.
- Proximity to trading hubs, offices, and Dubai International Airport.
- A selection of Dubai’s finest Indian, Pakistani, Iranian, and Arabic dining restaurants.
- Quick airport access and good public transport.
But note that Deira Dubai is NOT meant for party-goers or luxury seekers; it highlights the city’s historic charm and is best suited for history lovers.
List of the Best Things to Do in Deira, Dubai
The Gold Souk
Gold is one of the best things to buy in Dubai, and the Gold Souk is the one-stop gold shopping in Deira, Dubai, UAE. It is among the largest gold markets in the world.
The market is home to hundreds of retailers selling gold jewellery in various purities- 18K, 21K, 22K, and 24K, along with diamonds, pearls, platinum, and precious stones.
Tourists can find designs that range from traditional Arabic and Indian styles to modern, contemporary pieces.
Things to do at the Gold Souk
- Explore intricate gold necklaces, bracelets, rings, and bridal jewellery sets.
- Compare prices across shops (gold rates are government-regulated)
- Negotiate making charges, which is a common practice
- Visit the world-renowned exhibit featuring the “world’s largest gold ring.”
- Location: Deira, near Al Ras, Dubai
- Nearest metro: Al Ras Metro Station (Green Line)
- Timings: Generally 10:00 am to 10:00 pm (closed or limited hours on Friday mornings)
Spice Souk
The Spice Souk is a traditional market lined with small shops selling aromatic spices, herbs, dried fruits, nuts, incense, and traditional remedies. It has been a key part of old Dubai’s commerce and trading heritage for decades.
You’ll find everything from saffron, cardamom, cinnamon, cloves, and sumac to locally popular blends used in Emirati, Indian, Persian, and Middle Eastern cuisine.
Things to do at the Spice Souk
- Wander through narrow, colourful spice alleys.
- Smell and sample different spices before buying
- Shop for saffron, dry fruits, dates, and Arabic spice mixes
- Buy traditional bakhoor and oud incense
- Location: Al Ras, Deira, near Dubai Creek
- Nearest metro: Al Ras Metro Station (Green Line)
- Timings: Generally 9:00 am to 9:00 pm (Friday mornings may be limited)
Dubai Creek
Dubai Creek is a historic saltwater inlet dividing Deira and Bur Dubai. As Dubai’s birthplace, it was central to the city’s early days of fishing, pearling, and trade.
You can take a dhow dinner cruise to enjoy a calm, peaceful and glittering Dubai nightlife.
Things to do at Dubai Creek
- Take a traditional abra ride for just a few dirhams
- Walk along the waterfront promenades of Deira and Bur Dubai by the creek
- Watch traditional dhows loading and unloading goods
- Take a traditional dhow dinner cruise
Note: Taking a traditional abra ride along the Dubai Creek is one of the best things to do in Dubai for couples, so you must visit if you are a honeymoon couple.
- Location: Between Deira and Bur Dubai
- Abra stations: Deira Old Souk & Bur Dubai Abra Station
- Timings: Abra services operate daily
Al Ras
Al Ras was one of the first areas settled in Dubai, central to its commerce and daily life before the oil boom. It became a cultural and commercial hub due to trade routes connecting it to India, Iran, and East Africa.
Today, it is best known for its historic streets, energetic souks, and old-world charm. You can get an authentic old Dubai experience.
Things to do in Al Ras
- Check out the traditional shops
- Visit old merchant houses and heritage-style buildings
- Try different cuisines (Emirati, Iranian, and South Asian cuisine)
- Location: Deira, along Dubai Creek
- Nearest metro: Al Ras Metro Station (Green Line)
- Time needed: 1 to 2 hours
Deira Waterfront Market/ Fish Market
The Waterfront Market, formerly the Deira Fish Market, is located in Deira, by Dubai Creek. This modern and well-organised venue offers visitors a beautiful glimpse into local life and the fresh food scene in Dubai.
The market is famous for its wide variety of fresh seafood sourced daily from the Arabian Gulf, including hammour, kingfish, prawns, crabs, lobsters, and oysters.
The Waterfront Market offers a variety of local goods. In addition to seafood, it has fruit and vegetable stalls, meat shops, spice vendors, and dry goods. This makes it a convenient one-stop market.
Things to do at the Deira Fish Market
- Watch fishermen and vendors selling the day’s fresh catch
- Purchase seafood and have it cleaned and prepared on-site.
- Explore the fruit, vegetable, meat, and spice sections
- Observe Dubai’s everyday trading culture away from tourist crowds
- Location: Al Khaleej Road, Deira
- Nearest metro: Palm Deira Metro Station (Green Line)
- Timings: Early morning to late nights
Heritage House (Bait Al Banat)
Heritage House, also known as Bait Al Banat. It is a restored house cum museum that dates back to the late 19th century and showcases traditional Emirati family life.
It was built as a merchant’s residence, which has classic Emirati architecture, including coral stone walls, wooden beams, inner courtyards, and wind towers (barjeel) designed for natural cooling.
Things to see at Heritage House
- Traditional living rooms, bedrooms, and kitchens
- Exhibits on Emirati clothing, jewellery, and household items
- Courtyard spaces that illustrate family and social life
- Displays focusing on women’s roles in traditional Emirati society
- Architectural details such as wind towers and carved wooden doors
- Location: Al Ras, Deira, near Dubai Creek
- Nearest metro: Al Ras Metro Station (Green Line)
- Entry fee: Free
- Timings: 10 am to 7 pm
Naif Souk
Naif Souk is the best traditional market to shop for Dubai souvenirs. It is a budget-friendly shopping market, where you can buy clothing, textiles, perfumes, bags, shoes, electronics, accessories, souvenirs, and household items.
Things to do at Naif Souk
- Shop for traditional and casual clothing at low prices
- Buy Arabic perfumes (attar), incense, and oils
- Browse souvenirs, handbags, shoes, and accessories
- Practice bargaining, which is expected here
- Explore nearby street food and cafés
- Location: Deira, near Naif Road
- Nearest metro: Baniyas Square Metro Station (Green Line)
- Entry fee: Free
- Timings: Generally 9:00 am to 10:00 pm
Al Mamzar Beach Park
Al Mamzar Beach Park is located near the Dubai-Sharjah border, which is known for its clean beaches and well-maintained green spaces.
It has five sandy beaches, shaded picnic areas, swimming pools, playgrounds, and cycling paths, all within a gated park. And that’s why it is one of the best places to visit in Dubai with family.
Things to do at Al Mamzar Beach Park
- Relax or swim at the beach and lagoon areas
- Enjoy picnics and barbecues in designated spots
- Rent chalets or cabanas for day use
- Go cycling or walking along scenic paths
- Visit on Ladies’ Day (weekly) for women-only access
- Location: Al Mamzar, Deira (near Sharjah border)
- Nearest metro: Al Qiyadah Metro Station + taxi
- Entry fee: 5 AED (approximately 130 INR)
- Timings: 8 am to 10 pm
Deira Clocktower
The Deira Clocktower is an early modern landmark in Dubai, symbolising the city’s transformation. Located at a major roundabout in Deira, it marks a significant point in Dubai’s mid-20th-century development.
The clock tower was built in 1965 by Sheikh Rashid bin Saeed Al Maktoum. It marked the opening of Dubai’s first land road connecting Bur Dubai and Deira. It represented progress, connection, and modernisation at the time.
Things to see and do
- Admire the distinctive concrete arch design with its four clock faces
- Take photos, especially in the evening when it’s illuminated
- Use it as a landmark while exploring old Deira
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions like Al Rigga, Baniyas Square, and Dubai Creek
- Location: Deira, at the intersection of Al Maktoum Road and Umm Hurair Road
- Nearest metro: Al Rigga Metro Station (Red Line)
- Entry fee: Free
- Time needed: 10 to 15 minutes (photo stop)
Traditional Dining & Street Food
Visiting Deira is one of the best things to do in Dubai at night for traditional dining and street food. You get an incredible mix of flavours shaped by the city’s trading history.
With years of trading history with India, Iran, Pakistan, and the Middle East, you can find a wide range of cuisines here.
Unlike fine-dining hotspots in modern Dubai, Deira focuses on home-style cooking, family-run restaurants, and street-side eateries. You’ll find generous portions, bold spices, and recipes that have been passed down for generations.
Must-try foods in Deira
- Emirati dishes: Machboos, Harees, Balaleet
- Middle Eastern favourites: Shawarma, falafel, hummus, grilled meats
- Indian & Pakistani classics: Biryani, kebabs, curries, naan
- Iranian cuisine: Juicy kebabs, saffron rice, stews
- Street snacks: Samosas, chaat, Luqaimat, fresh juices
Best areas for traditional food
- Al Rigga & Naif: Late-night street food and budget-friendly restaurants
- Baniyas Square: South Asian eateries and cafés
- Near Dubai Creek: Old-style restaurants with local flavours
Note: Most places are cash-friendly and affordable. And Late evenings are the best time to visit for street food vibes. So, plan accordingly.
Conclusion
If Dubai’s high-rise buildings are the future, Deira is where the story began. It is a place packed with beautiful souks, old-world charm, creekside views, and soul-warming food.
Deira proves that you don’t need glittering towers to fall in love with the city. Come for the history, stay for the street food- and leave with a much richer Dubai experience. So, when are you planning to visit?
Plan your Dubai itinerary and don’t miss out on the customisable benefits that we offer for your memorable vacation.
FAQs about Deira, Dubai
1. How do I get to Deira?
Deira is well connected by the Dubai Metro (Red and Green Lines), buses, taxis, and abra services.
2. What is Deira famous for?
Deira is famous for the Gold Souk, Spice Souk, traditional markets, abra rides, and budget shopping.
3. Is Deira safe for tourists?
Yes, Deira is safe for tourists, including solo travellers, with a strong police presence and busy streets.
4. Can you bargain in Deira souks?
Yes, bargaining is common and expected in Deira’s traditional markets.
