Souk Madinat Jumeirah
The Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a perfect place for shopping and dining. Dubai is renowned for its glitzy & glamorous ambiance. Massive buildings, shopping malls that seem to house every global brand, futuristic gaming zones – the sights & sounds are magnificent. Dubai is also blessed with beautiful beaches by the azure sea.
However, apart from the ultra-modern districts, Dubai also boasts of its traditional quarters. These are places that seem to still follow the old-world Arab lifestyle. Small living quarters, narrow lanes & by-lanes, and the souks dominate these localities.
Yes, souks. The traditional Arab marketplaces have existed for centuries. Selling everything from spices to garments and clothes to jewelry, the souks are an integral part of the traditional Arab lifestyle. While the smaller, traditional souks exist in the older quarters, there are souks located in swankier tourist spots that are a perfect fusion of old & new. And prominent among them is the Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
Read on to know everything that you wanted to know about the fascinating Souk Madinat Jumeirah.
What to expect at Souk Madinat Jumeirah
A market bustling with activities; an atmosphere that is electric; incredible sights & sounds; are just a few adjectives to describe the effervescent Souk Madinat Jumeirah. Located near the landmark Burj Al Arab Hotel, the Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a wonderful mix of shopping & dining zones. Here’s what you can do at the Souk Madinat Jumeirah to have a rewarding time.
Go on a Shopping Spree
Looking for some memento of the lovely city of Dubai? Or maybe, some gifts or decorative items for near & dear ones back home? Then this old-styled market is the perfect retail therapy destination for you! The various walkways & winding alleys inside the market are lined with an array of shops selling a wide range of clothes, jewelry, Turkish pottery, fragrant spices, and multiple gift items. Get a feel of the local flavors & go for some items designed as per the beautiful Moorish styles. Don’t forget to experience the view at Palm Jumeirah which will allow you to experience a whole new bird’s view of Dubai City.
Get on a Gastronomic Journey
Almost 50 restaurants & bars are waiting to welcome you here, leaving you spoilt for choice. It’s literally a global gastronomic trip here as you can get to taste the best of continental food, Swiss delights, the ever-popular Indian cuisine, or even traditional Persian dishes that have been cooked in the same way as they have been down the ages. Book yourself a seat by the canal & enjoy the breeze as the majestic Burj Al Arab forms a perfect photogenic backdrop.
Go for a Gondola Ride
The beautiful canals that line the Souk Madinat Jumeirah make for the perfect opportunity for a gondola ride. These traditional Arabian wooden boats – abra – will sail languidly through the placid waters while you enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Dubai skyline, dominated by the towering Burj Al Arab. If you are an adventure lover then do check Jet Ski ride at Jumeirah beach.
Catch a Theatre Show
Are you a culture aficionado? Then pay a visit to the nearby Madinat Theatre. It doesn’t have a high seating capacity – just above 400 – so the shows are more enjoyable as they are more intimate. Ballet, stand-up comedy, musical performances, plays – every type of performing arts can be enjoyed here. In the festive season, the theatre is buzzing with a whole lot of panto & other activities.
And that’s not all. The newly-launched Theatre of Digital Art Dubai (ToDA) has taken this art space to the digital sphere. Enjoy a multi-sensory & immersive art exhibition here in virtual reality. Artworks from masters like Wassily Kandinsky & Claude Monet are here for you to see. Excellent background music & visual effects take the viewing experience several notches higher.
A visit to this theatre would be a most stimulating intellectual experience.
How to reach Souk Madinat Jumeirah?
If you are taking the metro, then get down at the Mall of Emirates station and take a cab from there. Alternatively, you can take a cab for the entire trip from your hotel in Dubai.
Timings
The Souk Madinat Jumeirah is open from 10:00 A.M. to 11:00 P.M. However, the restaurants are operational between 8:00 A.M. & 2:00 A.M.
Entrance Fee
There is no such ticket fee to enter Souk Madinat Jumeirah, thus you can explore so many things here.