Dubai Municipality has unveiled a major redevelopment of Deira’s traditional markets, completing a heritage-focused project that adds nearly 1.8 kilometres of tourist trails while preserving the area’s historic character. The AED9.5 million initiative strengthens the emirate’s cultural identity and supports over 500 local businesses, aligning with broader urban and tourism strategies.
Integrated heritage trails spanning Deira’s historic marketplaces
The newly completed project introduces three dedicated tourist trails weaving through Deira’s oldest commercial districts. These trails aim to offer visitors a cultural and immersive experience while supporting the function and visibility of over 500 shops in the Grand Souq area.The three routes span a combined length of 1,784 metres and cover a total area of 25,800 square metres:
- Gold Souq Trail – 995 metres
- Al Ahmadiya School Heritage Axis – 430 metres
- Spice Souq Axis – 359 metres
These interconnected trails link seven traditional markets, including:
- Herbs Market
- Spice Souq
- Utensils Souq
- Perfume Market
- Carpets Market
- Textiles Souq
- Household Market
The project also connects these markets to nearby historic sites like the Al Ahmadiya area and Bin Naeem Mosque, creating a continuous walking experience that blends commerce with cultural discovery.
Infrastructure upgrades to enhance visitor experience
As part of the revitalisation, Dubai Municipality has executed a broad set of enhancements across the public spaces within the trail network:
- Public space rehabilitation across all routes
- Installation of fabric shading structures spanning 210 square metres
- Canopy installation behind Bin Naeem Mosque covering 200 square metres
- Upgraded shop façade lighting to boost visual aesthetics and nighttime visibility
- 38 signboards mounted on columns to aid navigation
- 154 directional floor markings for orientation
- 770 square metres of pavement improvements to facilitate easier movement
Additionally, three public squares have been redeveloped with new seating areas and enhanced amenities, contributing to both comfort and functionality.
Authentic materials and cultural restoration techniques
To preserve the architectural authenticity of the area, the Municipality employed traditional construction materials and techniques. Restoration works incorporated sarooj, a traditional lime-based plaster, to rebuild and maintain original façades and structural elements.Wooden shading structures were carefully restored to reflect traditional craftsmanship, while open market areas were modernised without compromising their historical integrity.These measures ensure that the markets remain visually faithful to their heritage while being structurally upgraded for contemporary use.
Strategic role in Dubai’s cultural and tourism vision
This development supports Dubai’s broader planning and tourism goals, including:
- The
Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan , focused on sustainability and integrated urban growth - Dubai Municipality’s heritage preservation programme, aimed at protecting architectural and cultural assets
- Promotion of Dubai as a global cultural and tourism destination
Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, highlighted the significance of the project, stating:“Deira, with its heritage and traditional markets, is an inseparable part of Dubai’s cultural and historical identity. This project honours that deep-rooted legacy while keeping pace with the present and future.”He emphasized the dual focus of the initiative — preserving the past while enabling economic growth.“It enriches the journey for residents and visitors eager to discover Dubai’s past through its bustling markets — spaces where heritage, culture, and commerce converge — while also enhancing economic growth and supporting traders and investors.”
