Shopping at Naif Market Taught Us to Bargain Like Pros
I remember this core memory like it was yesterday. I was looking for my buddies at Naif Market when I saw one of them negotiating with (or getting hustled by) a vendor. I stayed there for 15 minutes, which may seem short, but patience wasn’t really my forte.
But I was getting bored, so I had to try something. As they were going back and forth about “fixed prices,” I took my friend’s arm and said “Sorry, we’re walking away now.” And just when I thought I had failed, the seller suddenly called us back with a discount!
It just dawned on me. This is it—my very first taste of haggling technique! Since then, we’ve become regulars at Naif Market and its nearby bazaars. Here’s a travel guide if you want to test your haggling skills soon:
What is Naif Market known for?
Naif Market is known for offering a big space for various Middle Easterns goods and services. This includes regional clothing and accessories, perfumes, electronics, hair extensions, henna designs.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Naif Market is in the mornings when there’s less people and it’s cooler. For us, it’s best to avoid Fridays due to overcrowding. Also, note that many shops close during early Friday afternoons for prayer.
Things to Know
How to Get Around
Where to Shop around Naif Market
Fabric Boutiques
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Whether you have an upcoming event or not, it’s best to keep a couple of top-notch fabrics in case you’ll want a tailored suit or dress. For this, Naif Market offers traditional textiles, as well as cotton, silk, wool, and polyester.
But before buying fabrics, we believe you should know about the purpose of the textile—do you need an elegant dress or suit, chic upholstery, or durable shopping bag?
Of course, the aesthetics are a big deal when choosing the right fabrics. Take your time to select the best colors, patterns, or designs that match your vision. If applicable, mind the texture as well!
Abayas and Kandura Shops
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Ready-to-wear clothing for last-minute events is perfectly fine too! You’ll find plenty of ready-made abayas (long, loose-fitting robes for women) and kanduras (ankle-length robes for men) at the market.
The fabrics used here are usually lightweight and breathable. Think cotton, linens, or silk, so no need to fret when wearing one of these under the scorching Dubai sun.
Also, prices in Naif Souk can cost from AED 40 to AED 200 and above—it can get costly real quick! Remember that these pieces are a fashion statement, so it’s normal to really think this through.
Accessory Stores
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For us, there’s a difference between wearing the clothes and styling them. And the things that can make or break your look are accessories, like scarves, jewelry, and watches which you can find at Naif Market.
Of course, there are some useful items to have, such as headscarves. While it’s not mandatory for women to cover their heads, female tourists often have to cover theirs when entering sacred places like mosques.
Just a word of advice: try to avoid wearing clothes and accessories with potentially offensive symbols or slogans. Or, stay on the safe side by asking a local friend first. Better safe than sorry!
Leather Good Outlets
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Naif Market offers a bunch of high-quality genuine leather goods. But vegans, don’t turn away yet! You may ask for faux leather items around, so you can still snag some fabulous finds.
After all, there are many bags, wallets, belts, shoes, jackets, and accessories with leather on them here. Even smaller items like keychains or phone cases have them too!
With leather’s classic feel and shiny quality, we believe it’s a timeless staple that can blend into plenty of outfits and occasions. In our opinion, this makes it a great investment.
Fragrance Shops
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First impressions last, and we feel one of the best things to ace this one is through the right fragrance. Luckily, the market has a bunch of perfume stores you can sniff through as you choose your best scent.
Local perfumes such as oud (rich scent from the agarwood tree) and musc or musk (soft, earthy scent from a musk deer gland) are some of the most popular ones.
To help you choose, we suggest categorizing the scents into floral, oriental (e.g., incense-like), woody, and fresh (e.g., citrus). Once you find out what appeals to you, start there and ask one of the perfumers to help you pick the right combination.
Gold Souk
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Address: Deira – Al Ras
Gold Souk is just 10 minutes from Naif Market, if you want more options for authentic jewelry. The gold here is globally known and typically priced lower than in many other places, so we believe it’s worth a go.
With its vast collection, we reckon you’ll easily find something for any occasion, like engagements, weddings, birthdays, formal events, and the like.
Although gold is the main focus, we bet you might like other precious metals, diamonds, and pearls to diversify your collection. Perhaps a splash of color can make things better? We say check out the sapphires, emeralds, or rubies too if anything clicks.
Spice Souk
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Address: 41 34th St – Deira – Al Ras
If no one has told you about the Spice Souk’s saffron spices yet, we think you might be missing out. This spot is a 3-minute walk from the Gold Souk, so you won’t need to go too far.
You might not need any spices right now. But when you see the big and colorful selection here, we reckon you might reconsider.
These offerings are some of the most exotic and aromatic items we have encountered, so why not sample some cardamom, turmeric, and cumin when you can?
Where to Eat around Naif Market
Marfa Al Noor Restaurant
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Address: 141 Naif Rd – Deira
Contact Details: +971 4 271 1866
Pricing: $
Just a 7-minute drive from Naif Market, Marfa Al Noor Restaurant is known for its spicy grilled chicken. We heard there are long lines for this now and then, so be sure to get in line early. Do note that this can be really spicy for some, so be careful with that.
Otherwise, you can go for the regular grilled chicken or chicken charcoal for a milder kick. We also like that the chicken is served with fries, hummus, garlic paste, and kubooz (pita bread). For us, this is quite a filling meal!
While there aren’t many desserts here, we still like the selection of “Crush Milk” juices or milkshakes, mainly because we’re Nutella, Snickers, and KitKat fans. Alternatively, you may opt for the fruity flavors like mango or strawberry.
Spicy Cafe Mandi & Grill Naif
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Website: https://spicycafegcc.com/
Address: Zain East Hotel – Naif Rd – behind West Hotel – Deira – Al Murar
Contact Details: +971 58 860 4337, +971 4 330 9596, [email protected]
Pricing: $
Another win for the spice fanatics is the Spicy Cafe Mandi & Grill Naif. We noticed it’s among the dining spots near the market with lesser crowds, so we bet many would like it here.
We also appreciate that there are tons of chicken options—grilled, wings, charcoal, butter, lollipop, and more! We love that there’s a complimentary soup as well. So besides the spice kicks, you’ll feel warmth in more ways than one.
To end things on a sweet note, we suggest the signature kunafa (layered pastry) for some traditional goodness. But if you want a modern twist, it’s amazing for us that this also comes in vanilla, chocolate, or kulfi (Indian ice cream).
Al Amba Restaurant
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Address: Street # 24 Naif Rd – Deira – Al Murar
Contact Details: +971 4 271 5946
Pricing: $
Taking a break from the hot spices, Al Amba Restaurant is the Indian eatery for veggie fans. It serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner meals, so we feel you might find its menu a tad overwhelming at first.
We recommend getting your hands on the veggie skewers, like paneer tikka (grilled spice cheese), tandoori alo (roasted spiced potatoes), and veg mix platter to sample everything. Of course, you may grab some seafood for some meat if you prefer.
Continuing on the healthy train, we like that there are plenty of fresh juices like mango, orange, and fresh lime mint. Yet if you want to indulge in a bit of gulab jamun (spongy milky balls) or falooda (rose ice cream), we can’t blame you—they’re a delight!
Pak Darbar Restaurant
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Website: https://pakdarbargroup.com/
Address: 28 17b St – Naif
Contact Details: +971 4 225 6446
Pricing: $
Pak Darbar Restaurant is a Pakistani spot near Naif Market where you can get some fantastic skewers or BBQ. We also like that it offers a good mix of other cuisines like Indian and Afghan.
For us, those with a big appetite might enjoy the mixed grill with rice or the lahori chargha (whole steam-cooked chicken). The lamb shines from the long list of mutton dishes too! We say try the mutton special or karahi (spiced and wok-cooked) as well.
Unfortunately, there aren’t any desserts, so we suggest cleansing your palate now and then with raita (yogurt side dish) or salad.
Al Naji Restaurant
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Address: Al Musalla Rd – Naif
Contact Details: +971 4 221 1824
Pricing: $
Those who want something open as late as midnight can go to Al Naji Restaurant. It’s frequented by regulars for its South Indian dishes, like chicken biryani (mixed rice dish), chickpeas, and samovar tea (made with a traditional Russian boiler).
We think you shouldn’t skip the beef roast and mutton head curry, either. For us, these dishes are warm and hearty, perfect to enjoy when it’s cool or at night.
If you’re looking for seafood or lighter alternatives, you may also switch lanes to the fish biryani and the fish kadai (curry).
Where to Stay near Naif Market
Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Deira
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Website: https://www.adagio-city.com/gb/hotel-a7n6-aparthotel-adagio-dubai-deira.shtml
Address: 110 Al Khaleej St – Deira
Contact Details: +971 4 233 9333, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Aparthotel Adagio Dubai Deira is a 4-star hotel with a strategic location. For one, it’s only a 2-minute walk to the metro station and a 10-minute drive to Naif Market.
We also adore the sleek floor-to-ceiling windows and the roomy studios with well-equipped kitchens and sitting areas. But if you go for the 1- or 2-bedroom apartments, you’ll get separate living rooms, which we think is great for families.
And in our opinion, the Gulf views by the rooftop pool make this spot even more relaxing. And don’t worry if you need more essentials, there’s a supermarket just within a walking distance!
Garden City Hotel
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Website: http://www.gardencityhoteldubai.com/
Address: 35A St – Naif
Contact Details: +971 4 880 8831, +971 50 225 9313, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Garden City Hotel is a budget-friendly 3-star accommodation about a 13-minute walk from the market—a motivating exercise for a shopping spree reward, we say.
The rooms here may look simple, but we like that it’s complete with amenities like Wi-Fi, TV, minifridges, and coffeemakers. It’s got laundry services and currency exchange services too when you need them.
Plus, you can enjoy the breakfast service, as well as the restaurant and the lobby lounge. Keep in mind that there’s no free parking in the area, though, but you can pay AED 50 for one.
Mercure Dubai Deira
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Website: https://all.accor.com/hotel/A7N4/index.en.shtml
Address: Al Yazia plaza – 110 Al Khaleej St – Deira
Contact Details: +971 4 491 0971, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Mercure Dubai Deira is a 3-star pad with over 150 spacious rooms to choose from. This hotel is also the closest to Gold Souk, which you can access in about a minute of walking!
Although this is among the wallet-friendly options on our list, the classic room can comfortably take up to 3 people. For us, the combo of white and soft blue colors also make the rooms very relaxing and easy to sleep in.
When it’s time to chow down, we love that there’s a buffet of continental or full English or Irish breakfast served here. Restaurants serving local and international cuisine are also available—you may request for vegetarian, dairy-free, and halal options too!
Wyndham Dubai Deira
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Website: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/wyndham/dubai-united-arab-emirates/wyndham-dubai-deira/overview
Address: Makani # 2884896729 – 4 Corniche Rd – Deira
Contact Details: +971 4 525 5000, [email protected]
Pricing: $
The sophisticated Wyndham Dubai Deira is a 4-star hotel located across the street from a waterway. We believe this explains the marvelous Gulf views—just make sure to upgrade to get them!
Plus, it offers posh rooms with the basic amenities, but also with sitting areas and sofabeds. If you want a bit more space, suites provide separate living rooms. But if it’s just the exclusivity you’re after, the club quarters come with access to a private lounge.
But what we love most is the heated outdoor pool—we’re pretty sure night swims would be a blast! After that, we recommend checking out the onsite spa for the ultimate relaxation.
Carlton Dubai Creek
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Website: https://www.carltondubaicreek.com/
Address: 15 Baniyas Rd – Deira – Al Rigga
Contact Details: +971 4 311 9000, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Carlton Dubai Creek is another one among shoppers’ favorites, since this 4-star lodging is a 9-minute drive from Naif Market, a 9-minute walk from the Gold Souk, and a 14-minute drive from the Waterfront Market.
And right off the bat, the furnished studios provide a cozy vibe as it’s filled with various shades of brown and green. But make sure to put in a request in advance since only some rooms come with balconies, creek or city views, and fully-equipped kitchenettes.
A flavorful lunch or dinner also awaits guests, since there’s a shisha (flavored tobacco) lounge serving Lebanese fare. We say treat your friends here then head over to the rooftop outdoor pool to make the most of your stay.
Tips When Visiting Naif Market
Since you’ve already got the insider scoop on this famous market, check out a few more tricks below to ease your journey:
Consider using public transport.
Since parking can be a hassle at Naif Market, it can make your trip smoother if you opt for the metro or buses for now.
Haggle like a pro.
Bargaining is normal and expected at the market. We recommend going around the sellers to see the best prices first.
Double-check the quality.
While there are tons of great deals around, carefully check the items like fabrics or electronics before buying them. We say don’t lose money by trying too hard to save it!
Stay hydrated.
Sometimes, things get too exciting at the market that you can overlook how quickly Dubai’s heat can sneak up on you! Keep a bottle of water with you at all times and remember to drink lots throughout the day.
Go with a local.
We think one of the best things you can do to drop any shopping jitters is to go with an expert. This can be any trusted friend or local who has already gone through the experience.