The Markets of Bur Dubai

Walking towards Dubai Creek, you'll come across the captivating Old Souk market. As you navigate the narrow alleyways, the souvenir shops try their persuasive tactics. But just a short distance ahead, on your left, awaits a breath-taking bazaar. Both sides offer stalls with aromatic spices and incense, evoking a warm, earthy scent. Traditional clothing from Pakistan and India fills the air with a cultural essence. The collection of ouds and Arabic perfumes entices with their rich, woody, sweet, and smoky scents. The further you explore, the more enchanting it becomes. Arabic Lanterns illuminate the souvenir shops, casting vibrant colours. Outside, the native Afghans, dressed in their traditional attire, converse in Farsi. Their skincare secrets lie in a lifetime of consuming plentiful fruits, giving them a natural glow. Meanwhile, I eat one chocolate bar and end up with a pimple in just two days.

Negotiating with sellers can be quite the adventure. It's always fascinating to see how the starting prices can vary depending on where they think you're from. They might throw out numbers like one hundred to four hundred Dirhams for different items, but don't worry, you can bring those prices down to fifteen or twenty! Finding common ground, like language or nationality, can really help in these situations. When my mum visits the market, she likes to listen to what the sellers say to each other in Farsi or Pashto about how high they can go with the price, before showing off her own bilingual skills giving them quite a shock. It helps her establish a connection and build rapport. Once she starts conversing with them, it becomes a walk in the park to negotiate the price down. As for me, I like to use the classic "I'll be right back" move. After show interest in an item, tell them my absurdly lower price then walk away, and that's when they often entice me with a better price.

Dubai Old Village is a hidden gem, just a few hundred meters to the right. It's one of my favourite spots in the city. The traditional architecture and stalls run by native Afghans give it a unique charm. You'll find clothing suited for the Arabic culture and beautiful shawls for men and women. And let me tell you about Sul Fiume, a delightful Lebanese restaurant in the area. Their mouth-watering food, refreshing lemonade, and cute little baskets for chips make it a must-visit. Don't forget to try their addictive dessert, Umm Ali, topped with nuts. As you walk further down the Creek, the atmosphere comes alive with families, joggers, and couples enjoying the view on the left, and a line of restaurants lit up on the right.