Tried and Tested: 24 Hours Is Too Short to Shop in Souk Al Marfa
Shopping has never really been my boyfriend’s thing. He tries to play along by giving me nods and thumbs-ups at the mall, but he gets bored really fast. I always end up telling him to sit at the nearest bench, where he’ll eventually snooze (and yep, snore).
For him, malls are all the same—just a bunch of stores selling the same stuff under different names. So, I made it my mission to find a place where even he could have fun too. And when I heard good things about Souk Al Marfa, I convinced him to tag along.
The funny part is, he swore he was just going to look around. The next thing I know, he’s on the other side, haggling for spices and leather goods like a pro! We even made a travel guide for future reference since we didn’t have enough time. Check it out below!
What is Souk Al Marfa known for?
Souk Al Marfa is known for being a traditional souk or “market” with modern vibes. It’s located on the waterfront of the Dubai Islands, so locals and travelers flock here for both the colorful culture and scenic views.
Best Time to Go
The best time to go to Souk Al Marfa is from November to March when the cooler months make it more comfortable for visitors to explore the shopping destination.
Things to Know
How to Get Around
Where to Shop around Souk Al Marfa
Fashion Boutiques
Media credit: soukalmarfa
Want to look and feel brand new? Then, it’s probably time to change your entire wardrobe (or at least amp it up a bit)! Soul Al Marfa offers various clothing stores selling reasonably priced trendy clothes, shoes, and accessories.
Our advice: research beforehand to know which styles and colors look good on you. Better yet, we say go the extra mile and get a color analysis from an expert if you can! This way, you’ll find it easier to snag the most suitable items in a shorter amount of time.
Otherwise, we think it’s just as fun to bring a few fashionable friends to help you out. For us, the real ones are both the most honest (yet still nice and helpful) in critiquing your looks.
Textile Shops
Media credit: sapphirelunatravels
If you want a more personalized outfit, that’s fine too! You can handpick the best textiles or fabrics from the marketplace. There are tons of colors, patterns, and textures here to make sure no one arrives at the party or event in the same style as you.
Moreover, you’ll see various scarves and accessories, as well as rugs and carpets all around the souk—great for souvenirs and gifts, we say.
Jewelry Stores
Media credit: soukalmarfa
Souk Al Marfa has several stores offering gold, silver, and other precious metals. For travelers, we recommend checking out traditional jewelry for some unique designs. As for the locals, there are tons of modern styles too!
You can find necklaces, bracelets, rings, earrings, and other sparkling accessories. In our book, it’s best to have a metal type, color, design, or shape in mind to make the search easier.
For us, the jewelry selection here is great for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and other milestone events. Nevertheless, we believe gifting a loved one on ordinary days or “just because” can make it just as special (if not more).
Perfume Souks
Media credit: soukalmarfa
Did you know that the Emirati people are very particular about perfumes? If you don’t have your signature scent yet, why not get yourself one at the souk?
There are perfume shops here where vendors can help you pick the best fragrances. Whether you’re a man or a woman, we like that there’s an extensive collection here for almost every preference.
Of course, it’s smart to check if you’re allergic to any ingredients used. Afterward, you can enjoy how the seller packages the perfumes in glittery gift bags—so fancy-looking!
Home Goods Shops
Media credit: sapphirelunatravels
Are you on a tight budget? Let’s play a little game of “I Spot” or “I Spy” at Souk Al Marfa. We’re pretty sure you can spot a bunch of discounted home goods here, so better keep on the lookout!
We’re in awe that there are many antiques and vintage pieces here. Who knows? You might score some fancy old clocks, replicas, or intricate wooden chests that can be timeless decor for you at home.
Plus, lots of kitchenwares like pots, pans, and kettles are here to explore, just in case your home cooking needs a little step up.
Electronics and Gadget Stores
Media credit: soukalmarfa
Check your earphones—when did you buy them? If it’s been a while (like a few years ago), they’re probably already partially damaged or worn out. If so, we say pay the electronics stores a visit in the marketplace.
While you’re at it, see if you need new chargers, cables, and portable ports as well. When in doubt, ask the pros—we think it’s much better to inquire now than come back and queue later to return the wrong items.
Waterfront Market
Media credit: wfm.uae
Between shopping at Souk Al Marfa and going home, you might want to stop by the Waterfront Market for some fresh and dried regional seafood. This spot is a covered market with uniformed porters to assist you in carrying or transporting your goods.
We think this is helpful, especially for bulk shoppers or those with heavy purchases—no need to fret if you’ll be shopping alone today!
Night Souk
Media credit: sapphirelunatravels
If you wish your retail therapy to last all day, we reckon you won’t get bored since the Night Souk offers more exciting options in the Old Dubai area. For one, it’s got over 5,000 shops—not to mention about 100 cafes and restaurants too!
This is open from sunset to midnight, so note that there isn’t any conventional air conditioning here (just big cooling units). Still, we think the cool air and ambiance will be enough to make your shopping spree as comfy as possible.
And since the souk is on the Deira Islands waterfront by the Deira Mall (and within the residential area), we like that this is easily accessible by land and water.
Where to Eat around Souk Al Marfa
Krua Thai
Media credit: kruathaidubai
Website: https://kruathaidubai.com/
Address: Souk Al Marfa – Dubai Islands
Contact Details: +971 56 394 2424, [email protected]
Pricing: $
Seafood lovers! Krua Thai is the Asian restaurant to go to after a long day of shopping at Souk Al Marfa. Here, we love the combo sets ideal for 2 to 5 people (depending on the option). You can get noodles or rice with several tasty dishes on the side.
Personally, we couldn’t get enough of the Pad Thai (stir-fried rice noodles with meat or veggies). It’s also great for us that this is customizable, so you can get seafood, beef, chicken, or even vegan!
If you want to try more flavors, we recommend the pineapple fried rice with shrimp and grilled chicken or the classic mango sticky rice—a true crowd favorite!
Cafe Nargun
Media credit: cafenargun
Website: http://www.cafenargun.com/
Address: Shop No. Nw 122 – Souk al Marfa – Deira Island
Contact Details: +971 55 347 1030, [email protected]
Pricing: $
Craving pizza in the middle of the day? Cafe Nargun offers a bunch of delectable options worth exploring, in our opinion.
We’re all about the classic cheese pizza, but you may also get tofu, vegan, vegetarian, and the like. For us, the pizza goes well with the club sandwiches, cheeseburgers, or vegan wraps for a fuller meal.
Moreover, we’re impressed by the wide variety of drinks available. There are lots of healthy beverages like apple, avocado, and banana juice, though you may go for mojitos for a fun time with pals.
Bait Al Zain Mandi Restaurant
Media credit: baitalzain_mandi_restaurant
Website: https://baitalzainmandi.com/
Address: Island – Souq Al Marfa – Deira
Contact Details: +971 4 388 9545, [email protected]
Pricing: $
Fancy exploring authentic local food? We think Bait Al Zain Mandi Restaurant is amazing for travelers looking for traditional Arabic food, specifically Yemeni Mandi cuisine.
This spot’s specialty is seafood, so we suggest trying the smoky fish mandi (smoked rice dish) or fish hammour mandi first. But if you love red meat all the way, you may go for the mutton soups or beef mandi ribs.
As for the sweet delights, we like the kunafa (cheese pastry dessert) and the luqaimat (fried sweet dumplings) to balance out the savory flavors.
Smile Cuisine
Media credit: smilecuisine.uae
Address: Souk Al Marfa
Contact Details: +971 50 408 7835
Pricing: $
Those who like mussels might love Smile Cuisine with its variety of grilled options. We mean, it’s not every day you can get spicy Thai, spicy lemon, cheese butter, or our top pick—the garlic butter flavor—for mussels!
There are plenty of skewer options with spicy sauces too, such as shrimp, octopus, or squid. Just be sure to check out the menu on the spice levels before diving in right away.
Fateema’s Kitchen By Zubaidah
Media credit: fateema_by_zubaidah
Address: Souq Al Marfa – Thai Market – Dubai Islands – Front
Contact Details: +971 58 677 6453
Pricing: $$
Fateema’s Kitchen By Zubaidah provides a 100% halal menu with warm and hearty options if you just want to fuel up before continuing your shopping spree.
One of our favorites is the tom yam goong (Thai hot and sour soup), though this also comes in a fried rice or fried noodle version.
And while there are no dessert options here, why not try the healthy salads for a change? There are regular ones like papaya and mango, though there are also spicy ones for the heat seekers.
Where to Stay near Souk Al Marfa
Hotel Riu Dubai
Media credit: riuhotels
Website: https://www.riu.com/en/hotel/united-arab-emirates/dubai/hotel-riu-dubai/
Address: 8824+H6 – Dubai Islands – Front
Contact Details: +971 4 231 0999
Pricing: $$
Hotel Riu Dubai is a 4-star accommodation known for its casual rooms with coastal tones—a nice place to chill, we say.
Apart from the usual amenities like Wi-Fi and minibars, we love that all rooms have balconies or terraces! But if you want something extra, we suggest upgrading to suites to get living areas or sofabeds.
What’s more, we love that this hotel takes fitness to the next level—besides regular workout classes, there’s also kayaking and standup paddleboarding to explore! But if you’re not into all that, there’s a female-only spa, a sauna, and a hot tub for relaxation.
Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai
Media credit: centaramiragedubai
Website: https://www.centarahotelsresorts.com/centara/cdd/
Address: Dubai Islands – Front
Contact Details: +971 4 522 9999, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Going with your family or crew? Centara Mirage Beach Resort Dubai is a 4-star beach hotel perfect for sun and water enthusiasts!
The highlights for us are the family rooms with 2 double beds—there’s even a pillow menu to explore so you’ll have the best sleep! You can also get free cots or infant beds.
And if you have a bigger company, we like that upgrading to a suite would give a separate dining area to help contain all the chaos.
Park Regis by Prince Dubai Islands
Media credit: parkregisbyprincedubaiislands
Website: https://www.parkregisbyprincedubaiislands.com/
Address: Dubai Islands
Contact Details: +971 4 875 8888, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Here’s another win for beach fanatics: Park Regis by Prince Dubai Islands is a chic 4-star spot on Dubai Islands near Souk Al Marfa.
While most of the suites seem very spacious, we think you might like the Deluxe rooms the most with their sea-facing balconies. And if you want to get more involved with the water, you can get into rowing, kayaking, or paddleboarding.
For us, the dining options here look great too, with both traditional Levant cuisine (Eastern Mediterranean flavors) and international favorites available from the all-day dining venue.
Garden City Hotel
Media credit: gardencitydubai
Website: http://www.gardencityhoteldubai.com/
Address: 35A St – Naif
Contact Details: +971 4 880 8831, [email protected]
Pricing: $$
Garden City Hotel is right in the bustling shopping area of Deira. We believe this spot’s location is handy for travelers—especially for those who want to see Dubai’s cultural offerings from Indian and Persian vendors nearby.
Although this place is a 3-star, we appreciate that all rooms have private bathrooms with separate toilets and baths. There’s also a daily buffet breakfast and a lobby bar on-site, so we think you won’t be missing out that much if you’re watching your dirhams.
Those who prefer lighter meals (especially in the early afternoon) can also try this hotel’s cafe’s wide array of snacks. There are no pools or hot tubs here, though, so we say keep that in mind.
Days Hotel
Media credit: daysinn
Website: https://www.wyndhamhotels.com/days-inn/dubai-united-arab-emirates/days-hotel-dubai-deira/overview
Address: One Deira Plaza Gold Souk Metro Station Al Corniche – 111
Contact Details: +971 4 525 5100, (800) 225-3297
Pricing: $$
Days Hotel is a 3-star haven known for its handy location in the middle of cruise ship docks, shopping districts, and the airport. It’s adjacent to a metro station, so we also think commuting would be hassle-free.
We love the cozy rooms with the basics like Wi-Fi, desks, and minibars. But the way we see it, you might enjoy room service in the suites even more, with the separate living areas they add.
Once hunger strikes, you can also enjoy Italian cuisine onsite. Of course, most Italian dishes aren’t complete without a shot of espresso afterwards. So, we say try out the counter-serve cafe here for a quick caffeine fix!
Tips When Visiting Souk Al Marfa
Now that you know all about the famous souk, here are some tips to ensure your retail therapy goes smoothly:
Dress lightly or in adjustable layers.
The marketplace can get pretty warm, so we suggest wearing breathable clothing. This includes donning comfy shoes for a whole lot of walking—you’ll thank us later.
Visit during the coolest times.
Shop in the early morning or late afternoon! If you’re a traveler, we believe you shouldn’t underestimate just how Dubai can get strikingly hot.
Stock some dirham cash.
While many vendors accept cards, some of them still prefer cash for quicker transactions.
Learn some Arabic.
Part of being an effective negotiator is speaking the trader’s language—literally! A useful one is kam al-thaman, or “how much?” For us, sellers might appreciate these efforts and just give you a sweet deal.
Take a tote bag.
This is a fantastic way to efficiently carry all your goods as you wander around the souk.
Explore local snacks.
There are a bunch of food stalls and cafes around the souk, so don’t forget to check out some tasty Arabian delights! For us, sampling them is among the most fun ways to get to know Dubai’s culture.