Dubai Municipality has completed a landmark project in Deira’s traditional markets, creating three new heritage tourist trails spanning 1.7km for Dh9.5 million. The initiative preserves the charm of old Dubai while enhancing the visitor experience and supporting more than 500 shops in the Grand Souq area.

The trails at a glance

• Gold Souq Trail – 995 metres
• Al Ahmadiya School Heritage Axis – 430 metres
• Spice Souq Axis – 359 metres

Together, they connect seven bustling markets, including the Herbs, Spice, Utensils, Perfume, Carpets, Textiles, and Household souqs, along with the Gold Souq and Al Ahmadiya area, linking them with nearby heritage landmarks.

Upgrades for visitors

• Restored shop façades with authentic materials like sarooj (lime plaster)
• New shading and canopies for comfort
• Enhanced pavements, seating, and public squares
• 38 signboards and 154 floor markings for easy navigation
• Improved lighting to highlight the market character

Preserving heritage, boosting tourism
Bader Anwahi, CEO of the Public Facilities Agency at Dubai Municipality, said the project celebrates Deira’s deep-rooted cultural identity while enriching Dubai’s position as a global tourism hub. “It honours the city’s past while creating vibrant spaces where heritage, culture, and commerce converge,” he said.

The project is part of Dubai Municipality’s broader heritage protection programme and supports the Dubai 2040 Urban Master Plan, reinforcing the emirate’s reputation as a destination where tradition meets modernity.