Do you ever wonder what old Dubai looks like? Deira is one of the oldest districts of Dubai where you can experience the heritage of the city. It is a trading hub surrounded by the fascinating Dubai Creek, Sharjah, and the Arabian Gulf.
- Gold Souk
- Spice Souk
- Waterfront Market
- Al Hamriya Park
- Hor Al Anz Library
- Explore The Museums in Deira
- Bowling Centre Dubai
- Deira City Centre Shopping Mall
- The Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
- Al Mamzar Beach Park
- Swissotel Spa and Sports
- FAQs
Things to Do in Deira
The city is glutted with glittering souks. It is not only a commercial district but also an ancient spot full of historical areas that are worth visiting, from markets, outlets, and museums. Check out the 10 best things to do in Deira, and enjoy the old culture.
1. Discover the Dubai Gold Souk
The Dubai Gold Souk is Diera’s most famous attraction. In fact, it draws visitors and jewellery enthusiasts from all across the world. Located in the heart of Deira, the souk is a hub for over 350 jewellery traders offering an array of exquisite gold designs.
You may be shocked at the extraordinary volume of gold sold here, with daily restocking reaching up to 10 tons!
Moreover, this bustling marketplace is a testament to the city’s historical connection with the gold trade.
Location
Gold souk: Gold Corner Building Sikkat Al Khail St., Deira, Dubai.
Opening Hours
- Saturday to Thursday: 09:30 AM – 09:30 PM
- Friday: 04:00 PM – 09:30 PM
2. Explore the Spice Souk
The gold souk isn’t the only famous marketplace in Deira; in fact, Deira is also home to a spice market, where you can shop for a wide variety of local and international spices.
As you stroll through the market, you’ll be delighted with the smells of cardamom, saffron, and aromatic herbs. You can also shop for nuts here too!
Location
Spice souk: Between Baniyas Rd, Al Ras Rd & Al Abra St, Deira, Dubai.
Opening Hours
10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
3. Shop for Fish at the Waterfront Market
Looking for fresh fish? If you are a seafood lover, find an immense selection of more than 400 stalls, and buy whatever you want. Now head to the spices section, and choose from plenty of local and international spices that will add a special flavour to your dinner.
You can also find fruits for a healthy snack at very affordable prices. It is not only food, but you can also purchase some fine products of clothes and perfumes. After a long day shopping, you can rest at the Waterfront Market‘s restaurants and cafes.
Location
Deira Enrichment Project, Al Khaleej Street – Deira – Dubai.
Opening Hours
24/7
Contact
+971 80 062 7538
4. Visit Al Hamriya Park
If you are looking for things to do in Deira for a family reunion, Al Hamriya Park is the place to go. It is good for both family and friendly outings offering plenty of electric rides in a lush, green environment. Perfect for kids to spend some fun time in the kids’ area. Adults can join the play at the football fields. There are serene green spaces to connect with nature.
Location
25th Al Hamriya St, Abu Hail, Deira, Dubai.
Opening Hours
Sunday to Saturday: 08:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact Information
+971 4 269 2954
5. Pick up Your Favourite Book at Hor Al Anz Library
The library opened in 1989, it contains books of all genres; fiction and non-fiction written by eminent and emerging writers. Your children can visit the reading hall and the activity room with audiovisual facilities.
Location
Deira, Dubai
Opening Hours
Saturday to Thursday: 08:00 AM – 08:00 PM
Contact information
+971 4 266 1788
6. Explore The Museums in Deira
Museums are considered one of the best things to do in Deira. You can take your family to the Dubai Women’s Museum, Naif Museum or the Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili, and enjoy the artefacts of the past. The museums are known as the most popular tourist attractions in Deira.
Women’s Museum
Explore and celebrate the celebrities and women in the UAE, and enjoy a unique collection of galleries and several amazing artists.
Location
Al Sabkha, Gold souk, Deira, Dubai.
Timings
Saturday to Thursday: 10:00 AM to 07:00 PM
Contact information
+971 4 234 2342
Naif Museum
Visit the old fort and get an insight into the heritage of the Dubai Police Force.
Location
Near Burj Nahar Park, Deira, Dubai.
Timings
Sunday to Thursday: 08:00 AM to 02:00 PM
Contact information
+971 4 227 6484
Museum of the Poet Al Oqaili
See the original collection of poems and precious artefacts of Mubarak bin Hamad bin Mubarak Al Manea Al Oqaili from the late 19th century.
Location
Al Ras Area, Deira, Dubai.
Timings
Sunday to Thursday: 09:00 AM – 02:00 PM
Contact information
+971 4 515 5000
7. Play at Bowling Centre Dubai
Looking for something fun things to do in Deira? Dubai International Bowling Centre caters to many players from all over Dubai in an enjoyable ambience. What’s more? It is not just a bowling centre. This immense entertainment centre has billiards tables and arcade games for all ages and for all tastes.
Location
44th St Al Mamzar, Deira, Dubai.
Opening Hours
Monday to Sunday: 09:00 AM – 01:00 AM
Prices
- Per game: AED 15 to AED 18 for weekends.
- Per lane/hour: AED 105 and AED 126 for weekends.
- Rent shoes for free while socks are at AED 4 per pair.
Contact information
+971 4 296 9222
8. Shop at Deira City Centre Shopping Mall
You should definitely stop by the City Centre Shopping Mall. There are plenty of fun things to do in Deira city centre. Enjoy the best dining, entertaining, and cinematic experiences.
You can also buy from a variety of renowned stores such as Aldo, Accessorize, Forever 21, and Mango. Take your kids to The Magic Planet to enjoy their time. That’s not just it! The mall has a bowling centre and entertainment hub for you to enjoy as an adult.
Location
8th Street, Deira, Dubai.
Opening Hours
Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Thursday to Saturday: 10:00 AM – 12:00 AM
Contact Information
+971 4 295 1010
9. Experience a Day Out at The Dubai Creek Golf and Yacht Club
On the fascinating Dubai Creek, you will find one of the best Deira attractions. Golf and Yacht Club offers you the best sports facilities in Deira.
You will have the opportunity to choose from any of the offered courses, The Championship Course, Park 3 Course and The mini golf Dubai Course.
You can have classes that suit your level at Peter Cowen Academy in Dubai Creek. Prices vary depending on the class, membership, and coach. There are also special classes for children and ladies only.
This is not only a place for sports. The place has an array of lounges and restaurants, like Cielo Sky Lounge and Boardwalk Restaurant with views of the iconic Dubai Creek.
Location
Baniyas Road, Deira, Dubai.
Opening Hours
Monday to Saturday: 08:00 AM – 02:00 AM
Contact Information
+971 4 295 6000
10. Al Mamzar Beach Park
Looking for a place to unwind? Al Mamzar Beach Park is a popular entertainment spot in Dubai.
From skating and swimming to cycling or even having a picnic and barbecue, there’s so much you can do in this hidden gem. This park provides the best backdrop for a memorable day with the family. The place is stuffed with facilities, so you don’t have to worry about your children.
Location
Al Mamzar, Deira, Dubai.
Opening Hours
Sunday to Wednesday: 08:00 AM – 09:00 PM
Thursday to Saturday & official holidays: 09:00 AM – 10:00 PM
Contact Information
+971 4 296 6032
11. Relax at Swissotel Spa and Sports
Escape the stress of the day at the Swissotel Spa and Sports. Relax and choose from an array of treatments that suit your body. You can also reinvigorate the facilities, a gymnasium and an outdoor pool.
You can refresh your body and mood with the jacuzzi, steam, sauna, or relaxing lounge. What adds up to this experience is the message and beauty & facial Treatments that you will come back for.
Location
Omar Bin Al Khattab Road, Deira, Dubai.
Opening Hours
Fitness Center: 6:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Spa: From Sunday to Wednesday: 10:00 AM – 10:00 PM – Thursday to Saturday 10:00 AM – 11:00 PM
Contact Information
+44 114 352 0397
FAQs
Deira is known for its vibrant and bustling markets, and the most famous one is the Gold Souk. This market is a major attraction and a significant reason why Dubai is often referred to as the “City of Gold.”
At the Gold Souk, you can find gold in various forms, from gold bars to designed jewelry, available in every grade and color you can imagine. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in exploring Dubai’s rich heritage in gold trading.
Deira is more than just a good area; it’s a vibrant and convenient place to live in Dubai. With its plenty of retail outlets, diverse dining options, and busy markets, Deira offers a dynamic and comfortable living experience.
Moreover, If you’re considering a move within Dubai, Deira is definitely a neighborhood worth exploring.
Deira is traditionally more affordable in comparison to many areas in Dubai. It’s a lively hub that is known for its colorful markets, diverse cultural communities, and a range of housing options that tend to be more budget-friendly.
Yes, Deira is a key part of Old Dubai, alongside Bur Dubai. Deira is bordered by the Arabian Gulf, Sharjah, and Dubai Creek, making it historically significant as Dubai’s original commercial hub.
