If you're on the hunt for a specific traditional outfit so that you can wear it in Dubai, you're in the perfect place!
Trust us, we will reveal something that’ll make you look dapper and stylish—you might even feel like a sheikh! All males dream of being in Dubai, wearing a kandora or Thawb with Agaal and Ghutra.
So, let’s set off for a journey on a fun shopping adventure to discover some of the best places in this exciting city and find traditional outfits.
Textile Souk
The first stop is your fabric souk, and it is a true gem for those seeking traditional attire. Located in the heart of Dubai’s old town, this market is a sensory overload of colors, textures, and styles.
The place is the true revival of the old days when traders from all parts of the world visited Dubai to sell everything from silk to cotton.
You could get the various fabrics from those used for kandoras and dishdasha, the long robes that today are symbols of Emirati culture.
But the good news is that the design, color, and type of fabric also come in a full collection.
Whether you need something fancy for a wedding or a more casual one for an everyday outfit, Textile Souk can provide you with that. And never forget to haggle, a little is expected and part of the fun.
Meena Bazaar
This bustling market in Bur Dubai blends old charm with a touch of modern style. If you're looking for a spot for traditional clothes for guys, then this is the place to be.
It has a cool mix of Indian and Middle Eastern styles, so you can expect some unique designs that will make you look bold and sleek. Here, you can pretty easily sort everything to find, from fancy embroidered kurtas to sherwanis to classic white kandoras.
But this bazaar is more than just a place to shop; it’s a whole cultural site. The winding alleys, lively shops, and amazing smell of spices and incense will lead you to a world full of character and vibe while you enjoy the lively atmosphere around you!
Naif Souq
This dazzling traditional market, which has been around since the 1930s, perfectly blends the old with the new. It offers a complete package, from toys to outfits and accessories.
If you're looking for traditional outfits for boys, Naif Souq is definitely the place to go! It has fantastic shops where you can find Pandoras, thobes, and more, often at really great prices.
What makes Naif Souq special is that it's full of fun and has a down-to-earth atmosphere. A wonderful spot that is loved by both. With so many excellent options, we are sure you will find something you adore.
Remember to brush up on your haggling skills to get the best deals possible—it's just for fun and, of course, to grab a better deal!
Souk Madinat Jumeirah
This is one of the most traditional and luxurious markets situated next to the iconic Burj Al Arab and offers an upscale shopping environment for one looking for both tradition and luxury on a single platform.
Here, you can get some really stylish kandoras and dishdasha with delicate embroidery and fine fabrics, which are ideal for special occasions.
While the prices are a bit higher than those of other marketplaces, you may find the entire shopping experience worthwhile.
It is well-decorated and has beautiful views, creating a carefree yet glamorous atmosphere. It is perfect for a whole day of leisurely family shopping.
Dragon Mart
If you want to have a very modern shopping experience with various options, you must visit Dragon Mart.
This spacious shopping centre is known for having a very massive variety of products, from traditional clothing to modern outfits, at easy cost. Here, you share a piece of good luck with a mix of modern styles that might appeal to your taste.
What makes Dragon Mart stand out is its tremendous size, with more than 4,000 shops. This means you'll probably find what you need and perhaps you will look at them and remember to buy a few things you didn't know you wanted.
It may be an ordinary, everyday kandora or a full-blown evening outfit for a special occasion. This super-spaced place has everything. With all the different vendors, you'll definitely find something in your budget.
Al Karama Market
If you are looking for cheap yet quality traditional outfits, then Al Karama Market is your best bet.
The market is very vibrant and full of affordable clothing shops that focus on Emirati and Arab clothing, yeah, I mean the traditional ones.
The most popular, and probably everyone wants, is simple white kandoras and other more ornate ones with embroidery and embellishments, Al Karama has the best assortment.
Known for no frills and straightforward shopping, you find, among other things, children's wear to adult-sized traditional outfits. Do not forget to bargain a little—part of the fun!
Gold Souk (Deira)
You might be asking why the Gold Souk in Deira is mentioned here when talking about boys' outfits, and this is because of the accessories and other stuff for your costumes!
While we all know it is famous for its glittering jewelry, it is also a great place to find stylish extras that complement traditional clothing.
You can find everything from elegant cufflinks to decorative buttons that are really suitable for kandora or maybe some personal touch.
The Gold Souk is really a Dubai experience, with its spacious and luxurious shops brimming with gold, silver, and precious stones.
It is an excellent place where you can find something special for your outfit every time you visit. Thus, it is a fantastic one-stop shop for all things traditional.
Global Village
When you want the international flavor, Global Village will give you the taste. This seasonal market is a melting pot of cultures in which you can easily find traditional clothing from all around the world for example, you can find male clothes from the Middle East and beyond.
Whether you’re after a simple thobe or something more knotty for a special occasion, you’ll find it here.
Aside from the clothing, Global Village also offers a variety of entertainment, food stalls, and cultural performances. It’s a combo of shopping with fun, so it’s perfect for family hangouts.
You will enjoy the lively atmosphere and will also love the unique, international shopping experience.
BurJuman Centre
If you are looking for a well-structured mall-based shopping for trendy with traditional outfits, then you must go to the BurJuman Centre, it will be your ideal place. This is the place to go if you want quality and variety in an air-conditioned comfort.
This well-established mall boasts a variety of stores that sell traditional Emirati clothes. From high-end boutiques to a more affordable retail range, it is not wrong to say there is something in BurJuman for every taste and budget.
Here’s your plus point: after you finish shopping or are tired of it, you can dine in one of the mall's many dining outlets. It is shopping without sweating—literally!
Ibn Battuta Mall
Last on the list, but definitely not least, is Ibn Battuta Mall. If you are satisfied and still looking for more traditional boys' outfits in Dubai, this place is a good destination. You can try your luck here.
This mall is unique in that it is based on the travels of the renowned explorer Ibn Battuta, is’t this amazing? And even, the various sections of the mall are named after the countries he visited.
The Arabic, Persian, and even Indian sections of the mall feature shops selling traditional boys' outfits.
This mall is not only about shopping for traditional wear but also a fun and educational experience for the whole family.
Besides, the amazing architecture and all the great shops make it super easy to find the perfect dress for your cultural adventurer!
Conclusion
While Dubai may host its modern malls and luxurious shopping, its traditional markets can offer something really unique: dressing up in traditional boys' outfits.
Whether you want to dive into vibrant textile souks, bargain in Al Karama, or stroll through the luxurious Souk Madinat Jumeirah, you are pretty sure to find something that is stylish, comfortable, and perfectly suited to your needs.
Grab your shopping bags and your haggling skills, of course, that's important, and get ready to uncover some of the best markets in Dubai!
Also Read: What to Wear in Dubai?