This is our third time in Dubai. A three-day stop on the way to Vietnam. Where to stay? We considered two options: Deira – the old, commercial part of Dubai, and Sharjah – the neighboring emirate. Sharjah is cheaper but also more conservative and less “Dubai-like.” In the end, Deira won – because it’s close to the airport and feels more authentic. But is it safe in Deira, Dubai?
Deira – Dubai that breathes, not just sparkles
If your vision of Dubai is just glass skyscrapers, golden doorknobs, and air-conditioned bus stops, Deira might surprise you. This is where the city truly lives. Not in an Instagram-worthy sense of “wow, look at this infinity pool,” but in reality – in narrow streets, crowded markets, and the smell of fresh bread and spices. Deira is one of the oldest districts in the city. Tight, chaotic, full of street vendors and local eateries where you can eat well for less than the price of a coffee in Dubai Mall.
Many consider Deira to be “less safe,” which in tourist language usually means: it’s cheaper and more authentic. In reality, we didn’t feel threatened at all here – except for the moment when a perfume seller tried to convince us that his fragrance “lasts for two weeks” 
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Who lives in the Deira district?
Deira is Dubai’s immigrant hub. It is primarily inhabited by people from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, the Philippines, and East Africa. They have been shaping this city for decades – running shops, frying the best samosas in the area, and managing businesses that have allowed Dubai to become what it is.
Is it worth staying in Old Dubai?
If you dream of a room with a view of the Burj Khalifa and breakfast for 200 PLN, then no. But if you want to see Dubai that is not a sterile postcard, but a city that breathes, smells, and lives – then yes. We highly recommend the hotel Rove City Centre.
The trip from the airport to the hotel takes less than 10 minutes Rove City Centre features a fitness center, a year-round outdoor pool, and a restaurant The Daily. The restaurant serves meals throughout the day. Guests can enjoy free WiFi in all areas. There is also a self-service laundry on site.
The metro station is just a stone’s throw away from the Rove City Centre.
Nearby, there is also a Day to Day store, which has become our favorite shop in Dubai. We will write about it below.
What to See and Do in Deira District?
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Take an Abra Ride – the Cheapest Attraction in Dubai
One of the biggest attractions in Deira is the crossing over Dubai Creek. And here comes the star – the traditional abra. This wooden boat has been used by Dubai residents for centuries to move between Deira and Bur Dubai. The cost of this adventure? Just 2 dirhams (approximately $0.55). Yes, there are still things in Dubai that cost less than a candy bar from a vending machine.
The ride lasts just a few minutes, but it’s enough time to feel the atmosphere of old Dubai.
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Visit the Gold Souk
The Gold Souk was established in the 1930s when Dubai began to develop as an important trading port. Gold and other precious metals became key commodities, and the Gold Souk quickly gained significance. Over the decades, it has transformed into one of the largest and most famous gold markets in the world. But if you thought you’d find romantic nooks and charming corners here, think again! Crowds of people, seemingly in a trance, gaze at the displays of gold chains and rings at every turn. It’s not the most interesting place for those needing some space. 🙂
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Visit the Spice Souk (Spice Souk Dubai)
The Spice Souk is part of the historic souk located in the Deira district. Right by the shores of Dubai Creek. At first glance, it attracts us with its atmosphere – narrow streets, stalls filled with a variety of spices, herbs, teas, and traditional Arabic sweets. As soon as you step onto the market, you are surrounded by a blend of aromas. From spicy curries to sweet cinnamon and strong vanilla. The Spice Souk Dubai is located right next to the Gold Souk.
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Visit Al Shindagha Museum
The museum is located in several houses along Dubai Creek, offering unique multimedia thematic exhibitions, each with its own guide. This extraordinary experience becomes even more magical after sunset. When strolling through the maze of narrow, beautifully lit streets with a map in hand, you can discover various attractions waiting for visitors.
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Shop at Day To Day
Of course, who would have thought that in the old part of Dubai you could find a paradise on earth like Day To Day? You can buy everything there – from electronics (that work) to souvenirs that will sit on a shelf collecting dust. And the prices? So affordable that you might wonder if they sell it out of love for the customer or just want to clear their shelves. We tossed a watch for Adam into the cart. You know, after all, time is important on vacation :D. We also bought a few t-shirts, karak tea (because who doesn’t dream of a hot cup of karak on a chilly day in Poland?). We could not leave without dates (you need something sweet to nibble on), magnets, and a few other trinkets. At Day To Day, you can feel like a king of shopping in a land of endless bargains!
How to get from Deira to Burj Khalifa?
One of the most convenient and cheapest ways to get from Old Dubai to Burj Khalifa is by using the metro. A ticket for this journey costs 4-6 AED (depending on the zone you board from). It’s worth buying a round-trip ticket – it’s a bit cheaper. The journey takes about 20 minutes, and trains run every few minutes. You need to take the red line train towards UAE Exchange and get off at Dubai Mall station.
And once you reach Burj Khalifa…
…remember that in Dubai, everything must be bigger – even the weeds 
In the heart of Dubai, right next to the Burj Khalifa, you can stumble upon gigantic dandelions. No, they don’t grow here naturally. This is an art installation by Polish artist Mirek Struzik. Yes, you read that right – Mirek is Polish, and he created a meadow for Dubai :). His gigantic dandelions look like someone took ordinary field plants and tossed them into a laboratory where engineers in Dubai design their next megastructures. The result? A futuristic meadow made of stainless steel. Illuminated in such a way that in the evening it resembles a scene from a science fiction movie.
If Dubai has one rule, it is: make an impression. And Mirek Struzik’s dandelions fit perfectly into this philosophy.
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