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Treasure trove of textiles

DUBAI - Supple silk, soft cotton and lithe nylon are among the many vibrant fabrics on display at the Bur Dubai souk. Also known as the Textile Souk, this market runs along the creek opposite the Deira Souk.

Souvenirs and knick-knacks are also available here, but the area is best known for its stunning range of fabrics from the Indian subcontinent and the Far East.

The souk has a multitude of stalls displaying all sorts of fabrics, in a myriad of colours. The shop windows display raw silks in eye-catching patterns enticing the shopper.

Originally a wholesale market, the souk has now become home to retail shops as well. The best time to visit the souk would be the evenings when the place brims with tourists and residents who want to be part of the historic market.

The souk has come a long way from its export-import days. Before renovation, business used to be done on the streets, out in the open air. There were no proper roads and navigating the narrow paths used to be a harrowing experience. But now it is one of the most happening quarters of the city. The old-world architecture coupled with the ensuing haggling between the traders and buyers takes you back in time. The souk has managed to retain its quaint buildings with wooden shutters and small shops within.

Sona Textiles Company opened up a shop in the souk in 1998 when the economy was on an upward path. Sachin Kashyap, the manager gave a few insights about the difference the textile market has seen in the last 12 years. “When we started, business was really good,” he said.

“But the market has taken a serious hit this year. Sales have dropped considerably. However, the festive season is approaching and the market conditions have started to revive.”

Brocade, cashmere, chiffon, chintz, crepe, silk, cotton, wool, polyester, synthetic, nylon and many more fabrics can be found in the 400 plus shops in the souk.

Visitors can shop around for the best of textiles with colours, textures and weaves from around the world at the best of prices.

Elegant silks as well as georgettes and lots more beckon the shopper into the shop. And the fabric can be made into any type of outfit.

From Indian saris to glamorous cocktail dresses, take your pick from the numerous stores. Also, on-site tailors can copy from an original item or from a pattern. Previously, material used to come only from Japan, but now Korea and Indonesia are 
major suppliers. However, China remains the dominant supplier.

Qasim Ali is the manager of Dareq Al Khair Garments that sell pashmina shawls from 
Kashmir, India. The shop is filled with pretty shawls and scarfs in colours varying from baby pink, vivid purple and sea green to blue and intense red. “We get people from all over the world,” said Ali.

“British and German tourists especially love to buy pashmina as a gift. Business has picked up a lot this year and more tourists visit the souk 
everyday.”

Traditionally, dhows from the Far East, China and India would discharge their cargo and the goods would be bargained over in the souks adjacent to the docks.

The souk is a reminder of Dubai’s days in the 19^th century when it was a thriving port for traders. While much has changed since then, the souk still has plenty of worthwhile goods that are worth haggling over — from exclusive silks to hand-crafted souvenirs.

The early settlers in the market were Sindhis from India, who still have a large presence in the market. They were followed by the South Indian, Bangladeshi and Pakistani communities.

Towards the end of the souk is Bayt Al Wakeel Restaurant and Souvenir Shop, housed in a building built in 1935. Then it was a shipping office. D’souza, the manager of the restaurant said, “After the tourists experience the shopping aspect of the souk, they come here to taste traditional food. Our speciality is grilled seafood.” With a stunning view of the creek, it is packed in the evenings.

Traditional Arab fabrics as well as other ethnic dress material are also available in the souk.

The stores also sell local specialties which are special to this part of the world. A few shops also sell traditional slippers which go splendidly with any outfit. The reasonably-priced textiles make the souk a paradise for shoppers. You can buy yards and yards of fabric and still save a lot.

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