Looking for the true Arabic lifestyle? There’s no need to look further than the fascinating neighborhood of Deira in Dubai. This is and always has been the the commercial center of the city, after all. But what is there to do when you visit either as an expat living in Dubai or a traveler a staying in town for a couple of days? Does the notion of shopping exotic spices or gold jewelry excite you? Or perhaps a boat ride with your loved ones?
If you’re looking forward to a different experience in the city of Dubai, then you should give this thorough guide on Deira district by Dxboffplan a fair shot.
Quick look at the article’s key points:
Deira is one of the oldest and most beloved regions in Dubai. It is the center of trade, culture, and a crowded urban spot, for the enthusiasts. It has helped shape modern Dubai but most fortunately maintained its authentic vibe. The streets are full of pedestrians, colours and aromas, you might walk there once and dream of how you felt there when visiting for the rest of your life. The beautiful Dubai Creek is another significant point of interest there as well.
Deira is where tourists could experience the true spirit of Dubai. The very old markets and buildings have survived the extraordinary changes that has transformed Dubai into what we witness and adore today.
Deira has been and is still very much the trading hub of Dubai in terms of gold, spices, fabrics, and imported goods especially from the West.
Deira was among the first places where people lived and conducted their businesses in Dubai. This came about when the city was still linked through the waterway known as the Dubai Creek, through which the city was in touch with other surrounding regions like Iran, India, and Oman, as well as other parts of East Africa. In the past, ships known as dhows would come to the ports in Deira.
Most fortunately, the economic progress in Dubai has led to some spectacular changes in the neighboring towns but not Deira. Deira had kept what is most magical about it: historical and cultural authenticity. If you are the kind of travellers searching for narrow streets, traditional bazaars, the old route for caravans, then Deira should be on top of your list.
Deira stands across the creek and looks over Bur Dubai, Al Garhoud, and the creek. Thus, accessibility in Deira is straightforward. The nearness of the Dubai International Airport increases its value. The transportation systems in Deira include:
Public transportation in Dubai has never disappointed travelers and Deira is no exception.
The infrastructure systems in question not only facilitate the transportation of visitors in and out of Deira but also make their experience of getting around in Dubai a pleasant one.
Deira, in fact, is much more than an old and crowded area. The region still functions as an important economic hub, in addition to being a major cultural hotspot and among the leading tourist attractions in Dubai. For instance, Waterfront Market — a large, modern market for fresh food, fish, spices — in Deira has recorded over 50 million visits in 5 years!
The uniqueness in the composition of the region, in terms of the mixture of traditional markets, modern shopping malls, and commercial ports, and the multicultural neighborhoods, in effect, has contributed positively to the continued success and tourists visiting of the region.
The modern side of the city is represented by Downtown Dubai, Jumeirah, and the Marina while on the other hand, Deira, which is the historic commercial hub and the humble side of the city, is still there. A large number of the items that come into Dubai flow through the commercial center named Deira, and therefore the region has recognition among traders across the world. Among the things you can find in Deira are:
The fact that there have always been ports, loading docks, and shopping centers in the area has kept the region at the forefront of the economy in Dubai.
Deira, possibly more than any other region in the city, reminds you of the fact that the city is multicultural. There you’ll find people coming from east end west. They all bring their own culture, food, and lifestyle. It’s only natural therefore to see restaurants with a variety of exotic foods and different types of cultural activities and festivals in the area.
The area is the trendsetter in terms of the lifestyle of the past and present.
Deira has a colorfully rich history of culture, traditions, and sights. Ancient bazaars, lively streets, deserted harbors, and modern commercial centers are all cultural and tourist attractions in Deira.
As with any highly popular districts in Dubai, Deira has its own diverse Tourist Attractions to check out:
Dubai Creek in Dubai is the primary reason why the area where Deira now exists came into being. The famous waterways in the city, the Dubai Creek, has always served the city in an important capacity, even in terms of olden days transportation. Visitors can take rides on the famous wooden boats called abras and go across the waterways in exchange for a fee and witness the beauty of the city. The sunset in the waterways in the city has the most mesmerizing effect.
The Dubai Heritage Village represents the culture, crafts, and lifestyle of Emiratis. The site has clay buildings, manually made markets, looms, crafts, local shows, and the dress of Emiratis. The site enables visitors to experience the lifestyle of people in the past and compare it with the lifestyle in the modern era in Dubai.
The Women’s Museum is not just a significant cultural entity but also a vital location in the Deira region. That is mainly due to its displaying Emirati women’s massive contributions to history, culture, art, and social life through the various fields. One of the best museums in Dubai, this place contains various important historical documents, artworks, and even photos and segments about the lives of major Emirati women.
Al Mamzar Park and Beach are the first choice of coastal parks here. They have sandy beaches, swimming pools, sports courts, picnic areas and bike lanes. The beach is quiet and the park is huge, and together they create a wonderful impact on Deira’s image as a tourist hotspot.
This is one of the very first schools in Dubai, starting from the end of the 19th century. In the present time, the site has been converted to a cultural museum that allows people to stroll through the ancient classrooms, the old rooms as well as the lovely courtyard to taste the old Dubai prior to the process of modernization. Right next to it stands the Heritage House, an old Emirati residence.
Deira is not just known for its traditional markets frequented by shoppers, but also for having modern and family-friendly big shopping centers which contributed to its reputation in the area. Deira is a region where the luxurious, the economical, and the local markets coexist.
Deira has a diverse shopping scene with Historical shopping centers, large wholesale markets, family-oriented commercial centers, and modern malls offering a common space where all sorts of shoppers with their unique preferences and financial capabilities can find the right shopping spot. As a result, the deira shopping experience is not only limited to the world-class brands but is also one of the top places to shop in Dubai. Here are a couple of options to consider, some included in the best shopping centers in Dubai list:
Deira’s Gold Souk is one of the biggest and most popular gold markets globally, attracting millions of visitors each year. Here you can find 18K-24K Gold, precious gemstones, Arabic handmade pieces, luxury sets, and large and rare items. The site has affordable and transparent prices, given the worldwide gold rate each day, making it an excellent choice.
The spice market of Deira in Dubai is one of the most exotic and fragrant markets of the whole city. Different and powerful scents greet you as you enter the market. Saffron from Iran, spices like cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, black pepper, cumin, turmeric, etc. are some of the items that can be found at the market in addition to other products. Shopping is only one aspect of the Spice Souk experience.
Walking through the streets, speaking with the traditional shopkeepers, and getting to know the various spices of the Middle East and South Asia are some of the reasons why this is one of the-top activities in Deira.
The Dubai Deira City Centre mall has the firsts and the most famous ones in the city and it’s still very popular with the locals and the tourists. The mall comprises hundreds of stores of different brand names.
It has a modern cinema, a big food court featuring global cuisine, and entertainment for families which all make it one of the busiest places in the area. The perfect metro connection and easy access make it one of the top picks in Dubai.
Al Ghurair Centre is the one to feature the oldest shopping malls in Deira, Dubai that has undergone a total makeover and is now a modern-day shopping mall that people want to visit. The center is fully supplied with peace and is family-oriented; thus, it has clothes, cosmetics, bags and shoes, and branded products from all over the world. The international restaurants provide a good experience in dining, and the location right next to the Al Rigga Metro Station makes it very accessible and quick to get there.
Murra Market, a typical local marketplace, resides in the center of the Deira area and has long been famous among citizens and tourists alike because of the reasonable price it provides. Moreover, since Murra Market has always been among the cheapest shopping centers in Dubai where people can go and find affordable goods, the items it has on offer include clothing, footwear, household essentials, and other local commodities.
A lot of tourists frequent Murra Market because it provides economical shopping. Some travelers also come here because it offers an old market experience in Dubai.
The Deira district boasts a wide array of food options and is famous as well for them. Various restaurants from different parts of the world can be found here and all are offering dishes made from top-notch ingredients and yet very affordable. Some of the favorites you will find in the area are Iranian restaurants with authentic, traditional food. Here are some of the most popular restaurants to check out once you are there:
Deira has numerous options when it comes to accommodations that can suit every type of traveler. Deira has some of the most affordable stays in Dubai while keeping the visitors in close proximity to big markets, walking tracks alongside the waterfront, and public transport. Deira has something to offer every kind of visitor who needs both basic lodging or comfortable stays with all amenities. Deira offers the following accommodation options:
The cost you are going to have to pay to live in Deira is much lower than other regions in Dubai. It is for the affordable lifestyle that residents and those looking for a job settle down here.
Deira’s housing prices are cheaper than general property prices in Dubai, particularly those in the Marina, Jumeirah, and Downtown. Besides, food prices in Deira are low mainly because of the number of inexpensive eateries and cafes serving Iranian, Arabic, Indian, and Asian cuisines. Also, urban transport cost is moderate here owing to numerous ways to use it.
If you are considering living or staying in Deira, here is a cost of living comparison to other Dubai areas:
| Expense Category | Deira | Marina | Downtown | Jumeirah |
| Rent (1BR) | Low | Very High | Very High | High |
| Dining Out | Low | High | High | High |
| Groceries | Low | Medium | Medium | High |
| Transportation | Low | Low–Medium | Medium | Medium |
| Entertainment | Low–Medium | High | High | High |
To enjoy different aspects of your Deira trip and making it hassle-free, safe, and fun, you need to follow some guidelines;
Deira, Dubai is more than history and heritage; it continues to rapidly develop with modern infrastructure and commercial developments that will make it an attractive choice for investors. The government plans are aimed at ensuring connectivity, tourism, and commercial prospects to maintain Deira as the peak destination choice for residents and visitors alike:
Deira is one of the most popular regions in Dubai. History and modernity coexist very proudly here. No matter what it is you are after, rare spices or exotic jewellery, cultural scenes or traditional boat rides, you’ll find your desired and unforgettable experience here. This is the center of trade and economy after all, so you better expect malls and authentic restaurants and cafes as well. The place has a great level of connectivity and affordable cost of living so if you came once and fell in love with it, you might as well consider settling down in Deira for good. The family friendly vibe and rich cultural scene would be great for all members of your family.
This is Deira, where there’s always something fresh and exciting to explore. However, when you are ready to put your investment into Dubai, Dubai real estate, our team at Dxboffplan in Dubai is here and ready to provide you all the information you need about the latest property developments in the city. Get in touch with our experts today for more information.
Deira is known as a place of tradition alongside modern features, for instance the Gold Souk and the Spice Souk being hard to miss, to name just old markets, and no less than modern shopping malls, restaurants, and other attractions being part of the city.
Yes. The rent and housing cost and food expenses are lower in Deira compared to Dubai luxury districts like Downtown and Jumeirah.
The most popular attractions are the gold and spice Souk, the Creek and the colorful markets. There are also heritage museums, family parks and restaurants.
