In this article, I present the district of Deira in Dubaione of the city's oldest!
Here you'll find
- A presentation of this atypical neighborhood
- What to see and do in Deira
- How to reach Deira easily
- Practical information for your visits
- The most interesting attractions in the area
- And much more!
If you're looking for information about Dubai's Deira district, you'll love this article.
Follow the guide!
Deira Dubai: article summary
Deira Dubai, discover the old center of Dubai!
The Deira district is one of Dubai's oldest districts and it only takes a few moments to discover its enchanting atmosphere. It lies to the north-west of the city, on the other side of the Dubai Creek which separates the Bur Dubai and Deira.
To get from one to the other, you can borrow an abrasion - a traditional boat - for a derisory sum and a 5-minute mini-cruise to admire the area's atypical façades.
A little history
Since Dubai's new buildingsin the Downtown Dubai or Palm JumeirahAs a result, the Deira district has lost some of its commercial appeal. It is, however, a perfect location for a visit to Dubai that's a little off the beaten track!
As you wander through its narrow streets and traditional stores, you'll feel the importance of Deira to the city. Established in mid-17e In the 19th century, it was a key trading center for the town, thanks to its position on the ocean.
At the beginning of the 20e century, the Deira district reached its peak thanks in particular to pearl fishing, before beginning its decline. The town center moved south, with a concentration of important buildings around the Sheikh Zayed Road which crosses Dubai.
For visitors looking to discover the town's pastIt's a must-see! You'll be seduced by the charm of the district, which is part of the the old Dubai (with Bur Dubai, Satwa and Karama) and its many activities!
Good to know For a trip back in time to Dubai, don't miss a visit to the Dubai Frame
What to see and do in Dubai's Deira district?
The Deira district, with its traditional architecture, smells, atypical flavors to be discovered in the restaurants and stalls, its many boutiques and its constant hustle and bustle, has plenty to offer.
Visit not-to-be-missed tours in Deira!
The souks of Deira
The souks are Deira's main attractions and you can visit :
- Visit Gold Souk (or Gold Souk) where you can buy jewelry, precious stones and gold watches. There are countless stalls to discover, and you can (and should) bargain your way to a nice souvenir!
- The Spice SoukA true paradise for food lovers. Here, the smells will turn your head and the colors will delight your eyes. If you're looking for an unusual souvenir to bring back from Dubai, the spices, herbs and other aromatics to be discovered in this vast souk will fit the bill perfectly!
- The Naïve Souk which offers everything from traditional clothing to decorative objects, trinkets, perfumes and food... enough for all your shopping needs!
There are many souks in Dubai and these will give you a very good overview of this cultural tradition, with price negotiations, in-depth conversations with passionate salespeople and a very local clientele!
Al Mamzar park and beach
If you are planning to visit one of the Dubai beachesthe one at the heart of the park Al Mamzar is very pleasant.
The park, located on the northern edge of Deira, offers a full range of facilities to ensure that families have a great time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.
The Deira clock
The Deira clock, formerly known as the Dubai ClockIt stands at the center of a traffic circle on the eastern edge of the district, and is considered one of the 17 most beautiful clocks in the world by The Telegraph newspaper.
If you're passing through, take a look!
Al Ghurair shopping mall
If you're looking for a shopping spree without getting caught up in the hustle and bustle of the Deira souks, you can head to the shopping mall from Al Ghurairone of the oldest in Dubai.
There are more than 380 stores and reasonably priced items to suit every customer. And despite its impressive size, it's one of Dubai's smallest malls, well behind the excessiveness of the Dubai Mall !
Heritage House
This traditional houseis well worth a visit. It's a vast mansion dating from the late 19th century, and its rooms give an insight into how life was organized in the Emirates a hundred years ago.
I highly recommend a visit, as it's one of the few places where you can delve into the city's cultural past. It's just a 5-minute walk from the Souk de l'Or.
On the other hand, you can discover the future of Dubai at the museum of the future !
Al-Ahmadiya School
Right next door to Heritage House, you'll find this restored traditional schoolwho revolutionized education in Dubai by integrating new subjects into the curriculum as early as 1956.
The staging is basic, but we learn a little more about Dubai's education system. Given that it's freeIf you'd like to take advantage of your visit to Heritage House to drop in.
How do I get to Deira easily?
The Deira district is located northwest of Dubaias you can see on this interactive map of Dubai.
You can easily reach this district via the following means of transport:
- Visit metrogreen line, getting off at Union or Al Ras (for the souks); red line, getting off at City Center Deira (a large shopping center).
- With an abrasiona small motorboat, for 1 AED (about 30 cents), which you can take from the Bur Dubai landing stage.
- Visit buslines 33 and C19 from Karama; lines C10 and C14 from Jumeirah
- By cab
Deira Dubai: practical tips and information
Deira is one of Dubai's most charming neighbourhoods, and I'd like to give you a few tips and recommendations for visiting it!
Accommodation in Deira?
If you have a small budget and you're looking for low-cost accommodation, Deira is one of the city's least expensive areas.
The atmosphere is pleasant and it's easy to get to the city's major points of interest. Just 20 minutes by car/55 minutes by public transport from the emblematic Burj Khalifa.
Recommendations for your visit to the souks
If you're not used to the souks, your first visit may be disconcerting! It's all part of Middle Eastern traditions and it's good to know that :
- You'll often be coaxed into a store (without being touched).
- Negotiation expected as base prices are inflated
- Products of dubious origin can be found in the alleys between the stalls.
However, this is one of Dubai's must-sees! But if you don't want to get into the bargaining game, just enjoy the special atmosphere of these places!
Tips for visiting Deira
I recommend a visit to Deira at the end of the day. At sunset, the colors are sublime, reinforcing the impression of being elsewhere!
You should also be aware that Deira's population is very male-dominated, so as a woman, you'll need to be careful about the way you dresshere more than anywhere else in Dubai. This is to avoid attracting attention and creating discomfort.
What to see and do in the area?
If you're looking for What to do in DubaiAfter your visit to the Deira district, here are my suggestions for visits in the surrounding area:
- Take a walk along the estuary of Dubai Creekto discover this fast-developing district. You'll have a superb view of the Dubai skyline!
- Visit the waterfront market (Waterfront Market), located to the west of the Deira district. Enjoy fresh fish stalls and seafood restaurants.
- Discover the Dubai Museum of Illusionslocated on Dubai Creek. It offers family puzzles and original sensory experiences!
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