Thing to do
Deira Gold Souk
Deira's covered gold market, where lanes of jewellers display necklaces, bangles and bridal sets in their windows, close to the spice souk and Dubai Creek.
A converted warehouse district in Al Quoz with more than 70 galleries, design studios, cafés and creative businesses, and a busy programme of exhibitions and events.
Good to know
Established in 2008 in a block of former industrial warehouses, Alserkal Avenue has grown to around 500,000 square feet and is the hub of Dubai's contemporary art scene. More than 70 galleries, performing arts groups, designers and independent businesses share the site, including names such as Ayyam Gallery.
Wandering between the warehouses is free, and it is easy to fill an afternoon dipping into exhibitions, then stopping at one of the cafés or speciality food shops. The calendar includes talks, workshops and markets, and it is busiest during Alserkal Art Week. Galleries tend to keep their own hours and many close on one day of the weekend, so check the official website before visiting. Al Quoz is not walkable from the metro, so take a taxi.
Reviewed by Lifestylemetro · Details checked October 23, 2026
Yes, the galleries and public spaces are free to browse.
Cafés, speciality food shops, design studios and a regular programme of workshops and events.
Café
A courtyard café in the Al Fahidi heritage quarter serving Emirati breakfasts, karak tea and traditional sweets under a large central tree.
Hotel
An ultra-luxury resort on the Palm Jumeirah crescent with sky-high pools, a beachfront, signature restaurants and access to the vast Aquaventure waterpark next door.
Attraction
The world's tallest building, rising 828 metres over Downtown Dubai, with observation decks on levels 124, 125 and 148 open to ticketed visitors.
Bar
A rooftop venue 54 floors up at Address Sky View, combining a modern Asian restaurant, a sky bar and a club lounge with close-up Burj Khalifa…