How to Explore Abu Dhabi's Souks and Markets

As retail hotspots that also double as cultural points of interest, Abu Dhabi's new and ancient souks are some of the top shopping venues in the city. Vibrant and teeming with produce and products, these Middle Eastern bazaars are landmarks in their own right in the capital of the United Arab Emirates. From exploring the city's best bazaars to knowing what to purchase and bargain like a local, here's a comprehensive guide to enjoying a shopping spree in Abu Dhabi's famed souks.

1. Start with the Carpet Souk

Whether one is based at the Anantara Sir Bani Yas Island Al Sahel Villa Resort or any other hotel, it's best to start one's journey into Abu Dhabi's top souks with a trip to the Carpet Souk, which is located on Al Mina Road. This is what most people envision when they think of an Arabian souk filled with exotic items. The souk has over a hundred shops that sell carpets from Iran and Afghanistan, as well as rugs and home decor items from Asia, Turkey, and China. Locals often come here to purchase prayer rugs and cushions, while Westerners will find carpets that serve various purposes. Handmade carpets are more expensive than machine-made rugs, and shoppers may notice imperfections in the handmade ones. Bargaining is a common practice in this marketplace, and skilled negotiators can reduce the initial price by up to two-thirds.

2. Find All that Glitters at the Madinat Zayed Gold Souk

The Madinat Zayed Gold Souk is not just for collectors of precious metals and jewellery but also for those who appreciate good design. The thoroughfare offers a wide range of jewellery made from gold and silver, as well as precious stones and diamonds. The craftsmanship of the pieces sold here is what sets them apart from those sold in jewellery outlets at plush malls. While bargaining is not really encouraged, one can try to get some concessions if a custom piece of jewellery is commissioned at one of the stores.

3. Spend an Afternoon Wining and Dining down Souk Qaryat Al Beri

Often compared to the environs described in most Arabic fairytales, the Souk Qaryat Al Beri is the perfect place for creatives and history buffs to lose themselves for a few hours. Lined with arches, ornate chandeliers, lamps and high-end vendors, the bazaar is a vast complex that houses not only international fashion labels but also cafes, salons, art galleries and fine dining restaurants. The waterfront eateries are by far the most popular venues for dining at Souk Qaryat Al Beri while the best things to buy at the marketplace include its antiques, handicrafts, abayas and jewellery. Boasting some of the best perfumers in Abu Dhabi, it's also a great place to buy fragrances. Haggling won't get one far at the Souk Qaryat Al Beri where quoted prices are not subject to change.

4. Grab Fresh Produce at Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk

After enjoying a day at any one of the venues that call itself the "best spa in Abu Dhabi", tourists can venture down to the Al Mina Fruit and Vegetable Souk to stock up on fresh produce to help aid any detox treatments that they may have enjoyed earlier. This colourful and aromatic market where Indian bananas, Pakistani mangoes and Jordanian tomatoes are stocked together is also the perfect venue to sample Abu Dhabi's homegrown strawberries and cucumbers. Dates and dried fruits are the best buys at this market where dates come in chocolate-coated, plain and nut-infused variations.

5.  Find Fresh Spices and Other Curios

Tourists in search of henna, frankincense, Arabic coffee pots and spices will find everything they are looking for at the Souk Al Zafarana where bargaining is not only tolerated but expected.