A Dubai market that will never go out of fashion

Dubai - The place is cool even in the heat of the day and by night, the traditional Arabic lamps illuminate the shops.

Locals and long-time residents say if you want to experience the "real" Dubai, go visit its old markets or souks. One such institution is the Textile Souk, located in Bur Dubai, on the southern side of the historic Dubai Creek.
Away from the towering skyscrapers but not without the convenience of a modern city, the narrow streets of the souk, with its quaint architecture, are filled not just with fabrics of different hues, texture and designs or with various souvenir items and exotic treasures but also of nostalgia that will bring you back to the times when Dubai started as a minor trading hub.
"In a city that is synonymous with shopping and imposing malls, the Textile Souk is the one hub that people from all around the world should make a point to visit when they come to Dubai," Laxman Sachnandadani, manager at Aman Tex, told Khaleej Times.
"Despite Dubai's massive growth, this place has withstood the test of times and definitely this market and the things we sell here will never go out of fashion," he added.
The Textile Souk has been renovated but it has retained its old feel. The wooden gates give shopaholics a warm welcome as they bargain for their "I (heart) ? Dubai" T-shirts, cashmere, pashmina or Burj Khalifa +paperweight and camel stuff toys. The place is cool even in the heat of the day and by night, the traditional Arabic lamps illuminate the shops.
The variety of items might overwhelm any first-time visitor/shopper but items are reasonably priced and quite affordable. However, one has to master the art of bargaining to get the best value for their money.
Lalchand Narwani, manager at Rochas Trading, said they put a small mark up to prop up sales. "Little profit is enough as it brings more sales and better business," he said.
"More materials are also available now compared to when we opened our shop back in 1984," Narwani added. "Before we only sold fabrics made of cotton and silk but now we have a variety of satin, wool and fancy laces from Korea, Japan and China.
"The souk also serves as the transit point to other markets in the GCC so wholesale traders also come here to get their wares," Narwani added.
On another note, parking can be quite a challenge at the Textile Souk. But visitors can always take the Metro and alight at either the Al Fahidi Metro Station of Al Ghubaiba Metro Station. One can also reach the Souk from Deira via abra, the traditional water taxi, at a cost of just one dirham.
After shopping at the Textile Souk, if one wants to complete the cultural experience, then he/she can also drop by nearby Bastakiya Quarter and the Dubai Museum to soak more of Dubai's history and tradition.
angel@khaleejtimes.com

• UAE