What is Old Dubai and where is it?

Old Dubai is the historic district of Bur Dubai and Deira on either side of Dubai Creek. It contains the city's oldest landmarks including Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood, Dubai Museum, and the Gold and Spice Souks.

How do I get to Old Dubai by metro?

Take the Green Line. Al Fahidi station serves Bur Dubai; Gold Souk station serves Deira. Both are short walks from the main attractions.

What is an abra and how much does it cost?

An abra is a traditional wooden water taxi crossing the Dubai Creek. Shared crossings cost AED 1 per person. A private 1-hour creek tour costs AED 100 per boat.

Is Old Dubai safe for tourists?

Yes. Old Dubai is safe and well-policed. Dress modestly as it is a traditionally conservative area. Souk vendors are generally courteous.

What are the best souks to visit in Old Dubai?

The Gold Souk (200+ shops, Deira), Spice Souk (frankincense, saffron, Deira), and Textile Souk (fabrics and pashminas, Bur Dubai) are all free to browse and within walking distance of each other.

Old Dubai Guide – Bur Dubai and Deira Visitor Guide 2026

At a Glance

Essential Information

Entry Cost

Mostly Free

Dubai Museum AED 3; abra AED 1

Best Time

9am – 11am

Before heat and tourist crowds build

Location

Bur Dubai + Deira

Both banks of Dubai Creek

Metro Access

Green Line

Al Fahidi (Bur Dubai) or Gold Souk (Deira)

Duration

Half to Full Day

3–5 hours covers all highlights

Dining Budget

AED 20 – 50

Authentic local restaurants nearby

Overview

Discovering Old Dubai

Old Dubai encompasses two historic districts on either side of the Dubai Creek: Bur Dubai on the western bank and Deira on the eastern bank. The creek — called Khor Dubai — was the original lifeblood of the settlement, providing a natural harbour for trading dhows that sailed between the Gulf, India, and East Africa.

Today the area is a UNESCO-listed heritage zone and a sharp contrast to the modern Dubai of skyscrapers and malls. Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood preserves 1800s wind-tower architecture. The Dubai Museum, the world's oldest operating gold trading market, and a collection of fragrant spice souks all exist within walking distance of each other.

The area is best explored on foot with an abra (traditional wooden water taxi) crossing included to connect the two sides of the creek. The cost is AED 1 per person per crossing — one of the best-value travel experiences in Dubai.

Old Dubai creek with traditional dhow boats and historic buildings

Highlights

Top Attractions in Old Dubai

Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (Free)

A preserved cluster of 19th-century courtyard houses built from coral and gypsum, featuring the distinctive badgir (wind tower) design that pre-dates air conditioning. The neighbourhood contains several small museums and galleries — many free to enter. The XVA Art Hotel and Gallery here is worth a browse. Best explored on foot in the early morning before 10am.

Dubai Museum (AED 3)

Located inside Al Fahidi Fort — the oldest building in Dubai, dating from 1787 — the museum covers the city's transformation from a pearl-diving fishing village to a global city. Entry is just AED 3 for adults and AED 1 for children under 12. Allow 45 minutes. Open Saturday to Thursday 8:30am – 8:30pm, Fridays 2:30pm – 8:30pm.

Abra Water Taxi (AED 1)

The abra crossing is a defining Old Dubai experience. Traditional wooden boats make constant crossings between the Bur Dubai and Deira abra stations on the creek. The fare is AED 1 per person regardless of the time of day. The 5-minute crossing gives excellent views of the creek and the dhow wharfage. You can also charter a private abra for a 1-hour creek tour at AED 100 per boat.

Gold Souk (Deira, free to browse)

The largest gold trading market in the world, with over 200 shops displaying gold jewellery, diamonds, and gemstones. Low UAE taxes make this one of the most competitive places on earth to buy gold. Open 10am – 10pm with a 1–4pm Friday closure. No obligation to buy — browsing is encouraged and vendors are not typically aggressive.

Spice Souk and Textile Souk (Free)

Adjacent to the Gold Souk in Deira, the Spice Souk is a covered market selling frankincense, saffron, dried rose petals, and traditional Arabic spices. The Textile Souk (also called the Old Souk) on the Bur Dubai side sells fabrics, pashminas, and embroidery at prices well below mall retail. Both are free to enter and browse.

Al Ustad Special Kebab Restaurant

One of Old Dubai's most celebrated eateries, serving Iranian-style kebabs, stews, and flatbreads since 1978. A full meal with rice, bread, and a drink runs AED 20–30 per person. Located in Bur Dubai, a short walk from the abra station. No reservations required; queue if necessary. Cash preferred.

Costs

Tickets and Prices

Attraction / Activity	Price (AED)	Notes
Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood	Free	Open to all; some galleries charge a small fee
Dubai Museum — Adults	AED 3	Inside Al Fahidi Fort; Sat–Thu 8:30am–8:30pm
Dubai Museum — Children (under 12)	AED 1	One of the cheapest attractions in Dubai
Abra crossing (shared)	AED 1	Per person; Bur Dubai to Deira or reverse
Private abra creek tour (1 hr)	AED 100	Per boat (fits up to 12 people)
Gold Souk / Spice Souk / Textile Souk	Free to browse	Purchase prices vary; gold by world spot price + making charges
Al Ustad Special Kebab (meal)	AED 20 – 30	Per person including rice and flatbread
Dhow creek dinner cruise	AED 120 – 250	Buffet dinner; departs from Deira or Bur Dubai

Transport

Getting to Old Dubai

Old Dubai is best reached by the Green Line metro, which serves both sides of the creek directly.

Metro (Green Line)

For Bur Dubai: Al Fahidi station is the closest stop (formerly called Al Ghubaiba). A short 5-minute walk leads to Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood and the Bur Dubai abra station. For Deira: Gold Souk station drops you directly at the Deira entrance to the Gold Souk and is a 3-minute walk from the Spice Souk.

Taxi / Uber / Careem

Set your destination to "Al Fahidi Fort" or "Dubai Gold Souk" for the two most useful drop-off points. Fares: from Downtown Dubai AED 20–30, from Dubai Marina AED 45–60, from Dubai Airport T1 AED 25–35, from Airport T3 AED 50–65. Taxis are plentiful in the area for the return journey.

Water Bus (RTA)

The RTA water bus operates along the creek between Bur Dubai and Deira, stopping at Al Ghubaiba, Shindagha, and Deira Old Souk stations. Fares from AED 5 with a NOL card. A scenic alternative to the metro, particularly on the return journey.

Driving and Parking

Parking in Old Dubai is limited and metered. Al Fahidi parking area (near the museum) is the most convenient. Expect to pay AED 2–4 per hour. The area becomes congested from midday. Metro or taxi is strongly recommended for visitors arriving from Dubai Marina or Downtown.

Expert Advice

Visitor Tips

1
Start at 9am before the heat builds. Old Dubai's lanes are narrow and lack shade. The window from 9am to 11am is when temperatures are most manageable and crowds are lightest. By noon in summer (June–September) the lanes can become uncomfortably hot.
2
Take the abra crossing for AED 1. Do not miss the creek water taxi crossing — it is one of the most atmospheric and authentic experiences in Dubai. Simply walk down to the Bur Dubai abra station and board any available boat. Pay AED 1 to the conductor on board.
3
Visit the Dubai Museum before the souks. The AED 3 museum inside Al Fahidi Fort provides excellent context for everything else you will see in the area. Allow 45–60 minutes. Visit early before tour groups arrive around 10am.
4
Dress modestly in this traditional area. Old Dubai is a culturally conservative district. Shoulders and knees should be covered. This is also required to enter the mosque at Al Fahidi neighbourhood. Lightweight cotton clothing that covers both is a practical choice for warmer months.
5
Carry cash for the abra and small food purchases. Most souk traders and small restaurants in this part of Dubai prefer cash. AED 100–200 is sufficient for a full half-day including the museum, abra, and a meal. ATMs are available on both sides of the creek.
6
Book a sunset dhow cruise if you return in the evening. Several operators run 2-hour dinner dhow cruises departing from both the Deira and Bur Dubai sides of the creek from around 7pm. The creek illuminations at night are beautiful and the price (AED 120–250) includes a buffet dinner.

Explore More

Nearby Attractions

Gold Souk Dubai

200+ gold and diamond shops in Deira. The world's largest gold trading market, steps from the Deira abra station. Full guide to buying gold here.

Dubai Mall Aquarium

The world's largest aquarium inside Dubai Mall. Free to view from the mall; tunnel walk-through AED 140. Red Line metro direct.

Ski Dubai

An indoor ski slope at Mall of the Emirates. Slope tickets from AED 220. A striking contrast to the traditional Old Dubai experience.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Old Dubai and where is it?

Old Dubai refers to the historic districts of Bur Dubai and Deira, on either side of the Dubai Creek. It is the original settlement from which modern Dubai grew, and contains the city's oldest buildings, souks, and cultural landmarks including Al Fahidi Historical Neighbourhood (1800s), the Dubai Museum (inside a fort dating from 1787), and the world-famous Gold and Spice Souks.
How do I get to Old Dubai by metro?

Take the Green Line. For Bur Dubai, alight at Al Fahidi station and walk 5 minutes to the historical neighbourhood. For Deira, alight at Gold Souk station and walk 3 minutes to the Gold Souk entrance. The Green Line serves both sides of the creek directly.
What is an abra and how much does it cost?

An abra is a traditional wooden motorboat that has ferried people across the Dubai Creek for centuries. Shared abra crossings cost AED 1 per person for the 5-minute ride between the Bur Dubai and Deira waterfront stations. You can also charter a private abra for a creek sightseeing tour at around AED 100 per boat for one hour.
Is Old Dubai safe for tourists?

Yes. Old Dubai is safe, well-policed, and accustomed to tourists. The souks can be busy and the lanes narrow, but vendors are generally courteous and not aggressive. Keep standard precautions with your belongings in crowded markets. Dress modestly as this is a traditionally conservative area.
What are the best souks to visit in Old Dubai?

The Gold Souk (Deira) is the most famous — 200+ shops selling gold, diamonds, and gemstones at among the lowest prices in the world due to UAE tax conditions. The Spice Souk (adjacent in Deira) sells frankincense, saffron, and traditional spices. The Textile Souk (Bur Dubai, near the abra station) offers fabrics and pashminas. All three are free to browse with no obligation to buy.

Old Dubai Guide