Meena Bazaar is a famous area in Bur Dubai, nicknamed “Little India” due to its many South Asian clothes shops, tailors, and tasty Indian street food.
If you need an outfit for an Indian wedding, desire some cheap South Asian food or want an authentic experience of the other side of Dubai, Meena Bazaar is the perfect spot for those adventuring out of the typical tourist areas.
Here are my tips for the best shops in Meena Bazaar and things to do – I had lots of fun buying outfits for my friend’s Indian wedding here and dealing with the tailours.
Meena Bazaar Location
Meena Bazaar was originally called Cosmos Lane after the road it’s situated on and has served as Dubai’s Indian community since the early 1970s. This traditional-style shopping market is near Khalid bin Waleed Street in Bur Dubai.
The area is filled with rows and rows of small shops, from raw material shops to gold jewellery.
Dubai’s Meena Bazaar has so much variety it’s easy for a new visitor to get confused. So read more below to unravel everything about Meena Bazaar Bur Dubai!
What is Meena Bazaar Dubai famous for?
Meena Bazaar specializes in textiles, especially South Asian fashions. You’ll find an assortment of Indian-style clothing and accessories here.
There are also lots of eateries offering Indian food, from street bites to sit-down restaurants. Freshly fried samosas and spicy chaat are the perfect quick snacks to fuel you as you shop.
When is Meena Bazaar open?
Meena Bazaar is open every day of the week, Monday to Sunday. Different shops have different opening times but most shops open from 9 am till 10 pm and later on weekends. On a Friday, they don’t open in the morning and instead will open at 4 pm.
Some shops close daily during lunch hour.
Restaurants usually stay open until 11 pm or Midnight, and at weekends, they commonly stay open until the early hours of the morning.
*It’s important to note that during the Holy month of Ramadan, these hours may differ.
Getting to Meena Bazaar in Dubai
You can choose from driving, getting a Careem (Uber) or public transport via the metro or bus. Dubai has a very good public transport system so I recommend using public transport for this area.
- The nearest metro is Al Ghubaiba or Sharaf DG, which will take you approximately 15 minutes to walk to Meena Bazaar from either. Depending on what zone you travel from, it will cost between 5 to 10 AED.
- Buses: 15, 21, 29, 44, 8, C1, C18 & X13
- Taxis are a great option, both Uber and Careem are available. If you’re staying further away, getting a Metro and then a taxi will make the trip more affordable if you don’t want to walk the 15 minutes or wait for a bus.
- Driving to Meena Bazaar, public parking is available, and you’ll pay 2-3 AED per hour to park. However, it can be difficult to find a parking spot in the area as the street parking fills up fast.
Insider tip – I recommend using the Metro or getting a taxi as there is a shortage of parking in the area and the area get congested with traffic. The bus or metro drops you close by plus it’s enjoyable to walk around the area.
What can you buy at Meena Bazaar Dubai?
At Meena Bazaar, you can find almost everything related to South Asian fashion as this is what the area is known for.
Insider tip – Don’t be afraid to haggle! Most of the store owners and employees know that buyers will haggle so they will usually give you a high price to begin with.
The most common shops include:
Textiles and Fabric shops
I love seeing all the beautiful, colourful fabrics covered in gold and silver embroidery in the shop windows of Meena Bazaar.
The types of fabric available in the market are limitless, and sellers will bring out giant rolls for you to inspect. Be it cotton or cashmere, there are many high-quality fabrics imported from all over the world.
Dress Pattern Shops
You’ll also find what are called dress patterns, these are pieces of fabric that are cut already but require stitching by the tailor so their custom to your size.
These shops often also offer tailor services, but I find them more expensive than going to a tailor yourself. The main advantage of using them is a quicker turnaround time and convenience, but you may need to return the next day.
Clothes Shops
These are shops stocking fully made clothes and dresses, ranging from affordable cheap clothes to one-of-a-kind luxury Indian outfits.
If you need something ready and don’t have time to wait a few days for the tailor, these are the perfect option for you, but they are typically more expensive than buying dress patterns.
Jewellery and gold shops in Meena Bazaar
Need some dazzling accessories or a heavy gold jewellery set for an upcoming event? Meena Bazaar is perfect for both fashion jewellery and pure gold.
Due to the area, the gold jewellery here reflects Indian tastes in its designs and use of gold.
Some of the most famous jewellery stores here are:
- Malabar Gold
- Diamonds and Khushi Jewelry
Insider tip – Gold is sold by weight but it’s still possible to haggle the amount you are paying. Make sure to check what the current market rate is for gold when you go but don’t expect to pay exact market rate as there’s a premium added for making of the jewellery.
If you’re purely shopping for gold jewellery or prefer jewellery with Arabic or European-style designs, I recommend going to either the Gold Souq nearby in Bur Dubai or Gold and Diamond Park.
Read my full guide to buying gold in Dubai, including where’s best to go for you and what to watch out for when buying gold!
Perfume shops
You’ll also find a lot of perfume and fragrance shops in the area, because of course if you want to look good then chances you’ll want to smell good too.
There’s a range of more Arabic-style perfume shops with oud to cheaper perfume shops offering ‘copy-cat’ perfumes that smell like your favourites without the expensive price tag.
Tailors in Meena Bazaar Dubai
Once you’ve bought the fabric, there’s no need to go anywhere else to get the dress of your dreams stitched!
Meena Bazaar is home to many tailors but be aware you’ll have to come back in a few days to pick up your outfit. If it’s close to Eid, it can be weeks! So you’ll need to plan ahead.
I recommend walking around and visiting a few different tailors to ask for a quote before picking. I’d go for the one where you like their work and give you a good price. They may inflate it if you’re a Westerner too!
Personally, I found my tailor in Umm Suqeim gives me a better price than the ones in Meena Bazaar. Plus, it’s easier for me to get to, so it may be worth checking with your local tailor, too.
Restaurants in Meena Bazaar Dubai
The vast majority of food offered here is very affordable compared to the rest of Dubai, so it’s a great area to pick up a cheap lunch or dinner in Dubai! From affordable sandwich shops and Indian restaurants to tea places serving 1 dirham Karak.
Veganesha
Rating: 4.8 out of 5
Hours: 12 pm till 12 am
Best street food options at Meena Bazaar Dubai
As mentioned above, the scrumptious and affordable street food is what Meena Bazaar Dubai is famous for. So while you’re there, don’t forget to give these lip-smacking delights a try! Also make to wash it down for a Karak Tea, called a Masalla Chai in India.
Disco Sandwich by Palace Restaurant
Huge & loaded – the Disco Sandwich will certainly have you up on your feet and dancing. It has a generous filling of omelet and tomatoes sandwiched between two buttered buns. And, let’s not forget the blob of ketchup to complement the flavors.
Pani Puri by Rangoli
Rangoli serves the perfect plate of Pani Puri to satisfy your Indian food cravings. Each plate comprises six crisp Puris filled with moong, Chana, and sweet/spicy Pani.
Chips Sandwich by Al Halawa Cafeteria
If you want to try something exciting and fun, go ahead and order the famous Chips Sandwich at Al Halawa Cafeteria. The sandwich features a huge roll filled with samosas, vegetables, fries, and sauces. Yum!
Tips for shopping and getting to Meena Bazaar Dubai
Indeed shopping at Meena Bazaar for the first time can be challenging. If you have not been to traditional markets before, you may find it a little bit overwhelming with many shop employees calling you in or approaching you on the street. There’s many shops to choose from and it can be difficult finding your way around.
To help make your visit the best, here are a few tips I’ve gathered from my years of experience.
- Plan your trip and choose the timing wisely. If you prefer to visit when it’s less crowded, it’s best to go in the day. Around lunch time until late afternoon. Some shops might not be open in the day or early morning as business is slow.
- Choose public transportation to avoid parking issues. Or, ask someone to drop and pick you up later. The area can be difficult to drive around and lack of parking is a real issue in the area.
- Always pack a bottle of water and a few snacks. You may or may not like the Indian food options available.
Other tourist attractions and things to do in Dubai nearby
This is the old city centre of Dubai, so lots of the history and culture of Dubai is here. So you can definitely spend a whole day enjoying the other side to Dubai. There’s also lots of museums in the area.
- Ride an abra across Dubai creek
- Visit the gold souls in Naif
- Visit the spice souqs in Deira (close to Naif)
- Visit the Museum of Illusions
- Walk around the traditional style village on the creek Al Seef Dubai
- Have dinner on a Dhow Cruise along Dubai Creek, Dhow’s are large traditional wooden boats.
- Hour a tour around Al Fahidi Historical District
- Visit Dubai Museum
- The Dubai Frame
Places to stay near Meena Bazaar
If you’re planning to visit a lot of the historic areas in Dubai then getting a hotel close to Deira or Dubai Creek will make your stay super convenient and often this area is a lot more affordable than other areas of Dubai.
Here are some of my favourite hotels in the area!
Four Points by Sheraton Downtown Dubai
This hotel is located in between the historical district and The Dubai Frame. It’s also a little bit closer to Downtown Dubai than some of the other options.
They have one by the same brand that is even closer to Meena Bazaar as well if you want to check it out, Four Points by Sheraton Bur Dubai. The rooms are slightly more modern, so both are a great option and both are similar prices per night
Rating: 4 star
– Gym
– Spa
– Sauna
– Outdoor swimming pool
– Free wifi
– Free valet parking
– Airport shuttle (extra charge)
– Bar & restaurants
– Room Service
Check-in is 3pm
Check-out is 12pm
Costs starting from per night in winter: 307 AED ($84 USD) per night plus taxes
Aloft Al Mina
This is a stunning and modern hotel. It’s a chain that I’m a huge fan on as they really think of all the details, such as international plugs and USB sockets in case you forgot your adapter! They also have really cool communal areas, perfect for freelance working, modern high end gyms and outdoor swimming pools
Rating: 4 star
– Gym
– Outdoor swimming pool
– Free wifi
– Free valet parking
– Airport shuttle (extra charge)
– Bar & restaurants
– Room Service
Check-in is 3pm
Check-out is 12pm
Costs starting from per night in winter: 368 AED ($100 USD) per night plus taxes
Golden Sands Hotel Creek
This modern boutique hotel is located close to Meena Bazaar and offers luxury at an affordable price, overlooking Dubai creek. They also have lovely large room, so if you love to spread out while on holiday. These are perfect!
Rating: 5 star
– Gym
– Spa
– Outdoor swimming pool
– Free wifi
– Free valet parking
– Airport shuttle (extra charge)
– Bar & restaurants
– Room Service
Check-in is 3pm
Check-out is 12pm
Costs starting from per night in winter: 543 AED ($148 USD) per night plus taxes
Make sure to check out some of my other helpful articles about Dubai after this one:
Taste of India; How to make yummy karak chai (Masala Chai) at home
Buying Gold in Dubai; what you should know before you go
12 fantastic restaurants with Burj Khalifa and Dubai Fountain views
Luxury without the cost; The best 4 star hotels in Dubai
Best Kerala restaurants in Dubai for your South Indian food cravings
Final Words
All in all, the Meena Bazaar shops are the ultimate solution to purchasing clothes in Dubai. You would be simply amazed at the quality of things you can get at such reasonable prices.
Hopefully, this guide to shopping at Meena Bazaar Dubai has helped resolve all your queries. In case you still have any questions, let me know in the comments below!
