Our Version of the Old Dubai DIY Tour

Some time in April, my whole family visited me in Dubai. With just a little over a week stay, I came up with a full list of activities so they can have a truly memorable experience. 

I have been in Dubai since 2002 and yet there are still places I have not been to. Luckily, I have a few blogger friends who are very “adventurous“! I found this Old Dubai DIY Walking Tour from Lady’s blog which was a great help for me! Read the full article at Lady and Her Sweet Escapes blog.

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Done? 

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Ok, here is our version of Old Dubai walking tour!

We were supposed to go to Abu Dhabi by 4 pm that day so we only had a few hours to complete the tour. We planned our day carefully. Unfortunately, 2 hours of our time was wasted at the police station! (Someone hit the back of our car so we had to file a report). 

The plan was to take the metro to Al Ras station so we left our car at Al Ghurair Mall. We got on Union Station which is 3 stations away from Al Ras. We took exit 2 and walked our way to Gold Souq.

Gold Souq – Dubai City of Gold

I don’t wear jewelry much but my brother is very much into it. “It’s investment” – he says.

I gifted my family with a couple of chains and bracelets before and they all agree that it is cheaper here. Best part is that you can practice your haggling skills at the Gold Souq! We stayed here a bit longer than expected because we were looking for something specific. 

From the entrance of Dubai Gold Souq, go straight then turn right. Keep walking till you reach the big Kanz Jewellery Store on your left. This is where the World’s Largest Ring is located. Najmat Taiba (Star of Taiba) is estimated more than $3M and is the record holder from Guinness. (Read more here). 

From this corner, turn left and walk a bit more to reach Deira Grand Souq.

Deira Grand Souq – Textile, Spices and Herbs Market

Here we were able to get some souvenirs for our friends back home. We got about 2 dozens of fancy pashminas, a few kilo of pistachios, camel milk chocolates, different flavored loose teas, and chocolate dates! Again, don’t forget to ask for the “best price“.

We had to rush because the stores were closing. I didn’t realize they still have “split shifts” — meaning they close at 1 and reopen at 4 pm. We also didn’t realize that it’s already past lunch time and we still haven’t eaten!

Just across the street, you will see the Dubai Creek. 

Dubai Creek – Abra Station

From here, we rode the abra (wooden boat) going to the other side — Bur Dubai. For just a dirham per head, this authentic experience brought nervous giggles and a lot of laughter for some of us. Apparently someone in our group is scared of boats. (I’m not going to say who… LOL)

When we reached the other side, most shops were already closed. We were already hungry and also behind our schedule so we skipped a lot of the good spots and went straight to Creekside Restaurant to eat. 

Bastakiya Quarter

I was quite excited for this part but unfortunately, we were out of time. It was almost 4 pm and we still have yet to go back home to meet Mr. A and Ms. B. 

Bastakiya district is a historical neighborhood with well-preserved traditional Arabian homes. Now it is filled with museums, art galleries and some restaurants. We only buzzed through the area and took a couple of photos as keepsake. 

I was so bummed because I wanted the family to taste authentic Arabian cuisine from Local House or even Arabian Tea House (I haven’t been to both!! shame, shame, shame!). Instead, we hailed a cab and went back to Al Ghurair Mall where our car is parked. 

So there, our shortened DIY Tour.  

[Tweet “Tip: Allot a full day for a DIY walking tour of Old Dubai. It’s totally worth it!”]

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