Souk Madinat Jumeirah – guide

Souk Madinat Jumeirah Dubai – get to know it better

A traditional Dubai souk and a modern Arab market in one – Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a unique place on the map of Dubai. The luxurious Madinat Jumeirah resort features canals and Arab-style architecture, which are illuminated in the evening by atmospheric lights, providing a romantic spectacle for those gathered at the tables of nearby restaurants. Here you can smell traditional perfumes, buy clothes made from the best local fabrics, and find fancy souvenirs and aromatic spices, just like in Old Dubai. Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a reflection of Dubai – tradition and modernity in one.

Where is Souk Madinat Jumeirah located?

Madinat Jumeirah Market is located in the Al Sufouh district, in close proximity to Dubai Marina, Umm Suqeim and Palm Jumeirah. The souk is part of the luxurious Madinat Jumeirah complex, which includes 5-star hotels, resorts, beaches, shops, restaurants and shopping malls. The market is surrounded by Venetian-style canals with a magnificent view of the neighbouring Burj Al Arab, the symbol of Dubai, a ‘7-star’ hotel in the shape of a sail.

How to get to Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai?

How do I get to Souk Madinat Jumeirah and is there parking available? There are three ways to get to Madinat Jumeirah: by public transport, taxi or hire car. The cheapest way is by bus: there are two bus stops near the market, Madinat Jumeirah 1 and Dubai Police Academy 1, which are served by buses from Dubai Marina and other districts of Dubai, such as Downtown or Al Barsha. The journey by taxi or rental car can take between 20 and 40 minutes from Dubai Marina, depending on traffic and the time of day. If you want to go to the market by rental car, you can park in the available secure car park, the location of which can be found here. However, based on customer reviews, we definitely recommend travelling by bus or the fastest option, which is by taxi.

What is worth buying at the Madinat Jumeirah market?

What to buy at Madinat Jumeirah? What are the prices and opening hours at Madinat Jumeirah? Souk Madinat Jumeirah is a place where you can immerse yourself in the world of stylish boutiques, designer clothes and local textiles, learn about the Arab world of fashion and try on beautiful jewellery. The air is filled with the scent of Arabic perfumes and spices. If you plan to shop at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, it is worth buying luxury products, handicrafts or high-quality perfumes. You can also buy souvenirs from Dubai at the market, but it is definitely better to buy them in Old Dubai, e.g. tea and magnets at Arafat's Shop. The price range is generally high, and it can be said that the Madinat Jumeirah market is expensive, and certainly more expensive than Old Dubai, but some of the prices are due to the quality of the products and the value of the original brands. A break from shopping can be found in the attractions at Souk Madinat Jumeirah, such as a cruise on a traditional abra boat through the Venetian-style canals or a live jazz or other music concert on one of the terraces.

If you like the atmosphere of Arab souks and want to visit a few such places during your stay in Dubai, then you definitely must visit Al Bahar Market, a modern Arab souk near Burj Khalifa. Of course, you cannot miss Old Dubai and what to buy at the Dubai Gold Souk and read the guide to the Dubai Spice Souk.

Restaurants and cafés in Madinat Jumeirah

Shopping can quickly make you hungry. And there's no better place for coffee and lunch than the market at Burj Al Arab, which has the best view in town! At Souk Madinat Jumeirah, you'll find several highly rated restaurants and well-known café brands. For fans of Italian cuisine, a visit to Trattoria is a must. It is one of the best-rated Italian restaurants in Dubai, with delicious pizza and phenomenal pasta. You can try Lebanese cuisine at two restaurants: Al Nafoorah - Jumeirah Al Qasr and Al Makan Restaurant. You can eat steaks made from the highest quality meat with quality certificates at The Meat Co. Souk Madinat Jumeirah. And if you fancy French flavours, La Promenade, with its stylish outdoor tables, will transport you straight to Paris. And for coffee? You can grab a coffee to go at Seattle's Best Coffee, and if you want to sit in a café and enjoy the views, it's best to choose one of two popular global chains: Costa Coffee and Starbucks.

There's no denying that Dubai is full of stylish and romantic restaurants, such as those in Souk Madinat Jumeirah. If you want to discover other romantic places in Dubai, read our guide Best date ideas in Dubai: Romantic moments for two.

Shopping in Dubai – advice from Two Continents

Shopping? We love it! Two Continents are experts on this topic, and our team regularly explores local souks and bazaars in search of the best deals. On our website, you can read several useful guides about shopping in Dubai:

• Everything you need to know about shopping in Dubai
• What can you buy cheaply in Dubai? A shopping guide for tourists
• Where to shop tax-free in Dubai?
• How to negotiate prices in Dubai? A guide to local shopping customs

Before your holiday, it is worth doing some shopping and booking attractions in Dubai well in advance. The same applies to accommodation in Dubai, which is best chosen in comfortable private apartments with a view of the city. Don't want to organise everything yourself? Buy a trip to Dubai and get accommodation, a package of attractions, insurance and tour guide assistance at a promotional price. All you have to do is buy your flight and enjoy your holiday!

Questions and answers (FAQ):

• What are the opening hours of Madinat Jumeirah Souk?

Souk Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai is open daily from 10:00 to 23:00. Opening hours may change during public holidays.

• Is Madinat Jumeirah Souk expensive?

Yes, Madinat Jumeirah Souk is generally considered one of the more expensive places in Dubai, as it is a stylised, luxurious version of a traditional Arabian market, located in a resort with 5-star hotels. Prices for products and services (such as food and souvenirs) are generally higher here than at traditional markets in Dubai, but the atmosphere and beauty of Madinat Jumeirah are definitely worth experiencing for yourself.

• Is it worth visiting Madinat Jumeirah in the evening?

Yes, Souk Madinat Jumeirah is worth visiting in the evening. It is even a better option than visiting during the day. Souk Madinat takes on a romantic and magical atmosphere, with particularly beautiful views of the illuminated Burj Al-Arab and the Venetian-style canal waters.