Traditional souq to open in Deira

A new market with about 100 shops and restaurants will bring together modern facilities and advanced technologies.

DUBAI // A market called the Traditional Souq will open in Deira’s Naif neighbourhood next month.

Dubai Municipality said the 6,125 square-metre souq, with about 100 shops and restaurants, will combine modern facilities and advanced technologies with the UAE’s values, heritage and culture.

“It includes 98 shops, a traditional restaurant, cafeteria for traditional snacks, a prayer hall for women, internal and external squares for kiosks, folk celebrations and festivals and a Friday market,” said Khalifa Abdullah Hareb, the director of the municipality’s Assets Management Department.

There will also be stores selling Arabic perfumes, national dress and Arabic clothing.

“It also includes shops for tools, equipment for land and sea travel, ornaments, coins, jewellery, and other products, such as national fronds, handicrafts, old books, carpets, porcelain, ancient weapons, local souvenirs, local sweets, dates, popular cuisine, spices, old photos and a studio to take photos with traditional backgrounds,” Mr Hareb said.

Shop rents will range from Dh6,000 to Dh10,000.

“The construction of the Traditional Souq is aimed at maintaining the traditional values of the country and our forefathers, creating an environment of culture and memories for the new generation,” said Hussain Nasser Lootah, the municipality’s director general.

“This would be an exotic market to sell and buy anything traditional with unique facilities and specifications that would adorn Dubai.”