Places to include in a Souk visit themed Dubai sightseeing package Traditionally speaking, Arabic souks have always been a great meeting place. Traders and vendors from near and far would gather round with their wares and display them in an effort to entice buyers to purchase them. The souks always had an air of festivity about them and not surprisingly, went on to become a hub of human interaction in the socio cultural context. The modern transformation of the traditional souk mirrored that of the growth of city life. But even today, many elements that are central to the souk can be found to have been carried over from the past. This holds true for the wide variety of goods and wares for sale and to the fine art of bargaining that is inherent to every transaction carried out at the Souk.
Such is the growing popularity of the Souks that many leisure services operators offer Dubai city tour packages to their clients. These tours are designed to give tourists a glimpse of the souk life and get them acquainted with a slice of Arabic heritage. There are about six such Souks in all and they are located along the sides of Dubai Creek. Gold Souk: Gold fever is serious business in Dubai. The city is famed for its artisans who churn out some breathtaking designs from the soft, yellow metal. Everything under the jewellery pantheon can be found here. Any design needs, whether traditional, modernist or a varying mixtures of both, can all be sated here. Those preferring a colourful tweak to their yellow ornaments too find favour over here. The artisans are true magicians, churning out designs in various finishes, hues and textures.
Fish Souk: Popular amongst seafood lovers, the Fish Souk is hardly the place for those with a squeamish stomach. Among the fascinating sights and smells that waft through the place are the gutting and cleaning of a mind boggling variety of fish that goes on through out the day. Visitors can now also soak in some of the fishing heritage at the on premises museum. They can then go on to sample the freshest catch of the day at the speciality seafood restaurant. Spice Souk: Going down the narrow, winding streets, one simply has to follow the multiple, layered aromas that come wafting into one’s nose, to find their way to the famed Spice Souk. It presents an experience that one is likely to remember long after they have managed to tear themselves away from the aromatic extravaganza. Unlike those cookie cutter supermarkets, the traders at the Spice Souk are knowledgeable and ever willing to advice and guide shoppers in their decisions. Needless to say, bargaining is a must, if one is to strike the best deal. Besides the above three, there are also souks for shopping, textiles and food. So the next time you are on the lookout for a souk visit themed Dubai sightseeing package, you know the places to be covered.