If you are a shopping lover and roaming about in the streets of Dubai, Meena Bazaar Dubai is your dream place. Sales associates will be showcasing a stunning selection of vibrant dresses, beautiful jewelry, ,Amazing fragrances, Spices, Traditional Food and stylish accessories.
Meena Bazaar lies on Al Fahidi Street (Bur Dubai). It reflects the traditional atmosphere of Indian markets with rushy streets, customers bargaining and a variety of Indian items. You can buy the best quality fabric, stitched or unstitched. Moreover you can customize the ready-made clothes from the tailors.
Famously known as ‘’Little India’’ of Dubai, Meena Bazaar is a hub of commerce and culture. You will find a large number of shops selling classic embroidered dresses, jewelry with original gemstones and delicious Indian food available on stalls. You can buy imported goods, South Asian Fashion, and handicrafts at a very cheap price. As soon as the evening breaks, the cultural events start entertaining the people with different performances of musical bands and acts.
History of Meena Bazaar Dubai
In the early 19th century, Meena Bazaar was only a platform for merchants trading at the Bank of Dubai Creek. Over time, the UAE opened doors for the world to establish multicultural markets to extend international business opportunities. The traders from South Asia who settled in Al Fahidi Street gave birth to this multicultural harmonious market. These merchants brought famous South Asian textiles, jewelry, handicrafts, aromatic spices and antics to Dubai, which became the people’s attraction center.
Due to the glamour, crowded streets, variety of textiles and jewelry and Indian food, the market gave a picture of the traditional Meena Bazaar of Delhi, India, which led the Taxi drivers to call it Meena Bazaar. The name Meena Bazaar came from from Shardha Trading, one of the oldest shops in Bur Dubai.
What we can go to Meena Bazaar ?
Meena Bazaar is an ideal place for shopping lovers, who are fond of clothes, jewelry and other accessories. It is a worth visiting place for foodies and fun lovers. You can get Indian and Pakistani desi food with the richest South Asian taste and Dubai Cuisine, too. You can also buy all the spices for your cooking needs. These taste-enriched spices are imported from South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East. You can also get electronic items from Bur Dubai Meena Bazaar.
Why Meena Bazaar is so famous?
Meena Bazaar is famous for its South Asian textiles, jewellery, food, and handicrafts available at very affordable prices. It is a famous market to shop for traditional apparel, casual, and formal wear. It is famously known as “Bur Dubai’s Little India”. The lively environment of the market, vibrant fabrics, beautiful and pocket-friendly accessories, and above all the option of bargaining are the point of axis for the buyers.
Why it’s called Meena Bazaar?
Mughal emperor Shahjahan had once visited a market in Peshawar (now in Pakistan), where he saw a covered marketplace for women where they could buy everything they needed. He used this idea and established a place in Shahjahanabad (Old Delhi) on the same pattern. This place was named after the word “Meena” which means “Woman” and “Bazaar” means “Market”. So it become famous as Meena Bazaar where women found everything they needed to buy. The Bur Dubai market works on the same pattern and its atmosphere is the same as of Delhi’s Meena Bazaar, that is why people started calling this market Meena Bazaar and the title remained thereafter.
Why you should go there?
People who are staying in Dubai must visit Meena Bazaar. It is not only a shopping point and place for gastronomic pleasure, it unfolds numerous opportunities for enjoyment and entertainment. You can spend a mesmerizing time watching Arabian cultural performances like Tanoura dance and Belly dance. You will love to indulge in the vibrant cultural heritage of Dubai. It is an all-in-one place where you can SHOP-DINE-STAY and enjoy simultaneously.
How to reach Meena Bazaar Dubai?
Meena Bazaar is situated near Khalid Bin Waleed Street in Bur Dubai. You can reach there by private or public vehicle. However, you may find difficulty in parking your private vehicle in congested alleys. The best way to reach there is through a cab or public transport at the nearby Sharaf DG Metro Station. You can also use an alternative i.e. Dubai RTA which operates a vehicle every 10 minutes between BurJuman Metro Station 2 and Airport Terminal which costs a very reasonable fare.
You can also choose an alternate which is the Dubai RTA Bus that runs between Airport Terminal 3 and Baniyas Square Metro Bus Stop. The fare of the ride is cheaper but it takes around 33 minutes of travel time.
Meena Bazaar Timing
You can visit Meena Bazaar from Saturday to Thursday from 08:00 to 23:59 Gulf Standard Time Friday Timings are from 14:00 to midnight.
Shops are kept closed during lunch break which usually lasts from 30mins to 1 hour.
These working hours are two hours short in the month of Ramadan.
What kind of food is available there?
The streets of Meena Bazaar are consistently flooding with food lovers. It has fine dining restaurants, food stalls, and cafes. You can enjoy delicious biryani, aromatic Kebab, and desserts. Meena Bazaar offers a variety of Indian food at restaurants including Rangoli Vegetarian Restaurant (known for its fusion of Indian flavors with Arabian spices), Mumtaz Mahal Indian Specialty Restaurant, Mumbai Masti Juice Centre, Vegnesha, Maharaj Express, and Puranmal Meena Bazaar. Apart from these, Bait AL Mandi Restaurant serving Yemeni Cuisine, and Fisherman’s Hub Arabian Courtyard Hotel are famous restaurants in Meena Bazaar.
Amazing Facts about Meena Bazaar
Cheapest Market for Dry Fruits, Chocolates and Dates
Bur Dubai Meena bazaar sells dry fruits, dates and chocolates at incredibly cheap prices. The shops import different quality almonds, and walnuts from the US, Chilli, Iran, and Afghanistan. They sell organic as well as roasted dry fruits. The Pistachio is imported mainly from Iran. Cashew nut is imported from India and Vietnam. Raisins are imported from India and Iran whereas black raisin is imported from South Africa.
You will find the best quality dates in Meena Bazaar. The most expensive dates are “MAJDOOL” which is imported from Palestine. You can buy a variety of dates like AJWA, SUGAI, KHUDRI and AMBER from Saudi Arabia, Majdool from Jordan and dry dates. The shops also sell plain and roasted seeds of different fruits, Saffron is mainly imported from Iran, and the best quality chocolates are imported from Europe, the Middle East and many other countries.
A central place for casual and occasional shopping
A large number of clothing shops sell local wear, ethnic and Branded wear. The best quality fabric originally from the Indian Subcontinent including Pashmina, cotton, rayon textiles, silk, chiffon, and georgette is sold in this market. You can find timeless Indian and Pakistani embroidered dresses available in both stitched and unstitched forms. You can buy western wear, ethnic wear and traditional Indian Sarees from there. Among the famous brands getting hold of Arabian textile fashion are Bareeze, Anhar Fabrics, Regal Fabrics and many other international designers.
Bridal Wears
Locals and foreigners visit Meena Bazaar to choose their outfits on special occasions. Be it an Eastern or Western wedding, the brides rush to Meena Bazaar to get their wedding dresses like Lehanga, Gowns, bridal jewellery, and other accessories. Even grooms can fetch their outfits and accessories for their most special day.
A place to get authentic gems and jewellery
Meena Bazaar is famous for authentic gems and jewellery. You can get platinum jewellery, precious antiques, and gold and silver jewellery, moulded in delicate designs that attract buyers. These jewellery designs are influenced by Indian, Pakistani, and Arabian cultures. A famous jewellery brand in Meena Bazaar, Malabar Golds and Diamonds, specialises in authentic gold jewellery, silverware, gemstones, and antiques. Similarly, Popley Kewalram Jewellers, another famous brand brings an intricate collection of platinum jewellery, silverware, antiques, and imported items. JJ Sons offers you to get customized gold and platinum earrings, rings, watches, and antiques. Apart from these, TATA’s fine jewellery at Tanishq Jewellers, Meena’s Jewellers, and Joyalukas are the popular jewellery brands.
Electronics Shops
You can buy electronic gadgets like mobile phones, watches, laptops, cameras, drones, tripods and other accessories at very affordable prices. You can find multiple shops like City Talk, Watch and Talk, Dream City and especially Al AIin Market selling electronic gadgets at cheap rates. If you are a Vlogger, you can buy all the accessories required to shoot your videos. They sell JOBY accessories like tripods, BOYA mics, ZHIYUN, MAVIC MINI, and DJI Camera Drones. You can also buy stands with lighting installed like ring lights.
Spices Shops
A plethora of flavours and scents may be found in the centre of Meena Bazaar. These spice stores, with their bright hues and appealing aromas, provide a sensory experience unlike any other. Many different culinary specialities will tempt your taste buds, ranging from exotic spices like turmeric, cinnamon, and cumin as you discover the real flavour of Middle Eastern cooking. Meena Bazaar shops have all kinds of herbs and spices. They sell Irani Gulab (dried), Kayser, Lavender, Sunflower and all other dried herbs and spices. These spices are mainly imported from the Indian Subcontinent. You can buy whole, ground and powdered spices in Meena Bazaar Dubai. If you can not compromise on the taste of your foods, you should visit Meena Bazaar to buy all the spices required for your cooking.
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Tips to remember before visiting Meena Bazaar Dubai
- Keep a few points in mind to avoid any inconvenience during your visit to Bur Dubai Meena Bazaar
- Many shopkeepers in the market do not accept cards of UPI payment methods, so, try to keep sufficient cash amount with you.
- Try to visit in the evening hours to shop in the minimal crowd.
- Wear comfortable outfits and footwear to help you walk for longer hours in the market.
- Get to know the timings to shop during working hours and avoid visiting the market during lunch breaks.
- Keep a water bottle with you because the heat and humidity in the market can impact you negatively.
- Always carry additional shopping bags with you because the shopkeepers do not provide the bags.
- Keep hold of your valuables to protect them from pocket pickers and theft in busy markets.
Nearby attraction spots in Meena Bazaar
The charm of Dubai Meena Bazaar does not end with shopping and dining in the bazaar, it extends to its surroundings giving some fascinating sights. You can relish more with your Dubai tour package by exploring the amazing locations around Meena Bazaar.
Dubai Frame
It is an iconic landmark symbolizing the city’s past, present and future. The Dubai frame is a 150m tall structure. Visitors can reach its top with a state-of-the-art elevator and walk through the glass walkway which serves as a connector between two towers. You can reach the Dubai Frame through public transport like the Metro— Al Jafiliya Station is nearby.
Al Fahidi Historic District
The famous historic Al Fahidi District, also known as Al Bastakiya is situated in the neighbourhood of Meena Bazaar. The historic place takes you back in history and you can get a chance to explore Dubai Museum and the city’s past with its wind-tower infrastructure. You can reach there from Meena Bazaar through a taxi or public bus like Bus 8 or 27.
Al Seef
Witness the co-emergence of modern and traditional life at Dubai Creek’s Al Seef waterfront promenade. You can walk through the charming streets and shop for mementoes or dine on the local cuisine. It is within walking distance from Meena Bazaar. You can have a quick ride to Al Seef or can go on walking.
Dubai Creek
You can enjoy the awe-inspiring view of Dubai Creek. The sight is breathtaking. Get Chance to witness the modern skyscraper and the traditional souks (markets) in one place. You can roam there on an Abra ride. You can choose a taxi from Meena Bazaar or can walk to Dubai Creek in a few minutes.
Dubai Gold Souk
An alluring place in the surroundings of Meena Bazaar is Dubai Gold Souk which grabs the attraction of jewellery lovers and gems lovers. You can easily walk to Dubai Gold Souk or take a short ride with a taxi to witness the glamour of glittering treasure.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do you require a booking to visit Meena Bazaar?
No, there is no need to book to visit Meena Bazaar but you can only visit during the working hours of the market.
- How can I get to Meena Bazaar?
Visitors can go to Meena Bazaar by public transportation options like taxis or the nearby Sharaf DG Metro Station. Private transport is also an option but you can not easily find the parking.
- What are the opening hours of Meena Bazaar?
The opening hours of Meena Bazaar from Saturday to Thursday are 08:00 to 23:59 Gulf Standard Time while Friday Timings are from 14:00 to midnight.
- What is Meena Bazaar famous for?
Meena Bazaar is famous for shopping for the best quality clothes, shoes, precious gems and jewelry, electronics, spices and delicious foods.
- What is the meaning of Meena Bazaar?
Meena Bazaar is a shopping market exclusively for women. However, Meena Bazaar Bur Dubai brings everything for everyone.
