Souk Al Bahar is a contemporary interpretation of the traditional Arabic marketplace in the middle of Dubai and is a mall that combines both the tradition and glamour. Being right next to the iconic Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain, this colorful shopping, dining, and cultural attraction site is appealing both to tourists and locals. It provides a unique combination of classical Arabic constructions with luxurious shops and a certain number of restaurants bringing world cuisine.
Souk Al Bahar is a place that will be able to provide a profoundly cultural experience when it comes to shopping for unique souvenirs, seeing the amazing sights of the Dubai Fountain, or appreciating fine cuisine. This article will take you through all that makes this souk so special, be it its history and architecture, shopping as well as dining.
General Information
There are a few practical things that you need to know when you visit the Souk Al Bahar to ensure you get the best out of your visit.
Opening Hours
Souk Al Bahar operates all days, but not around the clock with an average working time of 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM, but there are different timetables of individual shops or restaurants. To visit in a less hectic manner, visit in the early afternoon or evening when the souk is full of light shows and activities.
Accessibility
Souk Al Bahar is well reachable through the Dubai Metro with the nearest station being Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station. You may also take a taxi or walk to have a nice walk around the Dubai Mall. When you are driving, you have a number of parking spaces at the souk with its own parking lot.
Family-Friendly Features
Souk Al Bahar is a family-centric site and is also full of space, restaurants that children like, and other activities that make the youthful visitors busy. The location of the Dubai Fountain is also very close, and it provides children with the fun interactive experience.
Souk Al Bahar History and Background
Souk Al Bahar was a brainchild of the Downtown Dubai development project that was aimed at uniting the best of the present-day architecture and the Arabian tradition. The construction of the souk was done with the intention to provide the visitor with a real but contemporary market experience that reflects the rich cultural legacy of the city of Dubai and the UAE.
The souk is based on the Arabic markets (souk), where the traders used to trade spices, fabrics, perfumes, and local products. Yet, Souk Al Bahar is a total contrast to the congested streets of old souks. It incorporates the beauty of the vintage market design with the comforts of the present days such as air conditioning, wide walk paths and modern design features. The combination of old and new gives it the special charm which is appealing to the local shoppers and foreign visitors.
Design and Atmosphere of the Architecture
The architecture of Souk Al Bahar is a splendid blend of the traditional Arabic and modern design patterns. The architecture of the souk is inspired by the buildings of the old markets, the wind towers, wooden latticework and arches that facilitate free airflow. The color of terracotta is warm and cozy, with plenty of wood decorations, and the contrast of the highly sophisticated courtyards reminds of the beauty of the Arabian marketplaces of ancient times.
The open design of the souk is one of the most remarkable among its characteristics as it provides natural light to pass through and gives the visitors an enjoyable shopping experience. The crooked passages and the old wooden doors help to be brought back to the past, but the glass window and smooth edges remind us of the present. All these factors make the atmosphere welcoming and comfortable enough so that tourists can spend the time enjoying the beauty of the cultural heritage of Dubai.
The fact that the Souk Al Bahar is situated also contributes towards its attraction. It does not take into consideration the Dubai Fountain that is among the biggest musical fountains in the globe. Tourists can sightsee a beautiful panorama of the water show when they are shopping at one of the numerous restaurants in the water front promenade.
Shopping Experiences in Souk Al Bahar
Souk Al Bahar is a shopping center which is a combination of luxury, tradition and craftsmanship. It offers over 100 stores with a store or shop to suit any taste and budget. You will find a diverse range of shopping options whether you are in need of luxury designer items, hand-made original products, or classic Emirati products.
Luxury and International Brands
The souk will also have various luxury brands and boutiques, which will sell designer clothes, accessories, jewelry and home decorations. It has international brands like Chopard, Cartier and Louis Vuitton and this makes it the best destination to go shopping and treat yourself to luxury. The elegant ambience of the souk enables the clients to have a luxurious shopping experience within an Arabian background.
Local and Traditional Crafts
In case some people want to purchase more local products, there are also several boutiques with traditional Emirati products in Souk al Bahar. Textiles, carpets, pottery: handcrafted masterpieces allow visitors to explore the art and cultural diversity of the UAE.
Unique Jewelry and Exotic Perfumes
The artistic and cultural diversity of the UAE is presented in the form of handcrafted pieces of textiles, carpets, and pottery. One can also buy souvenirs like elaborate Arabian-style lamps, spice boxes, and the traditional oud perfumes that provide the visitor with a chance to bring a piece of Dubai back home.
Specialty Items
The variety of specialty goods, such as Arabic desserts, spices, and incense, is also one of the shopping attractions at Souk Al Bahar. Spa shops in the souk, like the spice shop, have a distinct color assortment of spices, like saffron to cumin, which can be used in cooking to give you a taste of the authentic. There are also beautiful handwoven fabrics, ceramics and special gifts that will remind the rich cultural background of the area.
Dining at Souk Al Bahar
Eating at Souk Al Bahar is a delicacy. The souk boasts of an amazing range of restaurants, which include both casual restaurants and fine restaurants. The atmosphere of both of these restaurants is indicative of the spirit of the Dubai food diversity.
Famous Restaurants
Souk Al Bahar also hosts some of the best renowned eateries in Dubai. Buddha-Bar is a pan-Asian restaurant with a mix of a luxurious ambiance, which is considered to be one of the most popular restaurants in the world. Clinton St. Baking Company offers comfortable American food with a twist to those who want something that is reasonably near to home. Most of the restaurants will have indoor and outdoor seating where you can have a view of the Dubai Fountain as you eat.
More to Visit: Guide to GAL Dubai / 3bk Restaurant Burj Khalifa Guide
Food around the Globe
Although the souk focuses on Middle Eastern traditional cuisine, there are also restaurants with international cuisine. There is no lack of choices in terms of what to eat, be it Italian or be it Asian. Restaurants and fast food chains will have a variety of food options to offer to suit every kind of taste in the city; be it a lighter snack or a luxurious meal; Souk Al Bahar will have something to offer.
Special Dining Experiences
The most outstanding experience of dining at Souk Al Bahar is the stunning views. Most restaurants do not pay much attention to the Dubai Fountain and one can only imagine watching the world-renowned water display during their restaurant visit. The performances in the fountain that take place after every half an hour in the evening are an add-on, making the eating out experience simply incredible.
Sights of the Area of Souk Al Bahar
Not only is Souk Al Bahar a shopping and dining venue, the place is encircled by some of the most historical landmarks in the city of Dubai.
Dubai Fountain
It does not need to be stated that Dubai Fountain is one of the key sights around Souk Al Bahar. Being one of the biggest musical fountains in the world, it provides the audience with an amazing spectacle of water, lights, and music that is not only impressive but also elegant. The fountain runs at specific times of day and evening shows are quite popular because of the amazing effects the water gives in combination with music.
Burj Khalifa
Only a few steps away in Souk Al Bahar is the Burj Khalifa, the tallest edifice in the globe. Tourists are able to use the elevator to the top floor where they can have a breathtaking view of the Dubai skyline and other desert areas. Souk Al Bahar being situated close to the Burj Khalifa is an ideal place where a tourist can visit and be able to see two of the most renowned landmarks of Dubai in a single location.
Dubai Opera
Another cultural treasure that might be found in the area is the Dubai Opera. Being a world-level performance facility, it is the place where many different kinds of events are held, including operas and ballets, concerts, and musicals. In case you feel like enjoying a cultural time, you can visit Dubai Opera as a nice addition to spending your time at Souk Al Bahar.
Waterfront Promenade
The space around Souk Al Bahar has a scenic waterfront promontory as well, which allows a visitor to have a peaceful walk along with admiring the spectacular sight of the Dubai Fountain and the Burj Khalifa. Cafes and lounges are set up along the promenade and therefore this is a good location to spend time after a day of shopping or a meal.
Souk Al Bahar Events and Festivals
Souk Al Bahar is not a year-round destination only, there are also various events and festivals year-round that reflect the cultural diversity of Dubai.
Cultural Events
Souk Al Bahar also hosts the traditional Emirati celebrations where the live music is performed, the cultural exhibitions, and the dance performances throughout the year. The souk is also arranged into a cultural center during special events such as Eid or the Dubai Shopping festival, which will guarantee a new twist to your visit.
Shopping Festivals
Souk Al Bahar has participated actively in the Dubai shopping festival that is one of the biggest shopping festivals in the area. In the process, there will be special offers and coupons at different stores, live music, and it is a lively period to be in the souk.
Conclusion
Souk Al Bahar is a destination center that every person visiting Dubai should visit. It is an ideal blend of the old Arabic souks and the new type of shopping and dining experience with the background of classic Dubai landmarks. Regardless of whether you are going there to browse some original things, have an excellent meal with a view or you are just going there to enjoy the beauty of the city, Souk Al Bahar is an experience that is not only memorable but also enriching.
The next time you visit Dubai, be sure to visit this unique souk and have the ideal blend of the ancient and the contemporary.
FAQ’s
What is Souk Al Bahar?
Souk Al Bahar is a new market in Dubai that covers traditional Arabian architecture with the contemporary luxury shopping and dining experience.
What is the location of Souk Al Bahar?
It is based in Downtown Dubai, adjacent to Burj Khalifa and the Dubai Fountain.
What can I buy at Souk Al Bahar?
Souk Al Bahar has a combination of luxury boutiques, Emirati traditional products, handcrafted products, jewelry, fabrics, spices, and souvenirs.
What are the best restaurants in Souk Al Bahar?
Popular restaurants are Buddha-Bar, Clinton St. Baking Company, and other fine dining and casual restaurants providing various cuisines.
Is Souk Al Bahar family-friendly?
Yes, Souk Al Bahar is a child-friendly place as it has plenty of room, children can eat there and enjoy the view of the Dubai Fountain.
How do I get to Souk Al Bahar?
Souk Al Bahar is easy to access via the metro (Burj Khalifa/Dubai Mall station), taxi, or on foot, at the Dubai Mall.
How long are the hours of operation of Souk Al Bahar?
The hours that Souk Al Bahar usually works are 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM with the different shops and restaurants working at different times.
Is there any event or festival at Souk Al Bahar?
Yes, Souk Al Bahar is the venue for cultural events, live shows, and is a huge participant in the Dubai Shopping Festival.
Is it possible to experience the Dubai Fountain at Souk Al Bahar?
Yes, most of the restaurants and outdoor areas in Souk Al Bahar have breathtaking views of the Dubai Fountain.
Does Souk Al Bahar have parking?
Yes, there are parking areas close to Souk Al Bahar such as visitor-specific parking areas.
Related:
Deira Perfume Souk Dubai Guide
