WANDERLUST - 3 Must See Artisanal Gems in Dubai

Traveling in Dubai this month, I was reminded of the countless beautiful places to find handmade goods made by local artisans from the region. Over the last decade Dubai has became a destination for global and Middle Eastern artisans who have evolved their traditional crafts into modern designs. You’ll find handmade products from Emirati and Syrian artisans making caftans, traditional jewelry, and an array of beautiful household items made from wood, metal and unique fabrics. In the old days, you visited the ancient souk, or the “gold souk” in Dubai to find coveted crafts. Today, you are spoiled by the array of options. Here are the places I visited on a trip last November that I loved:

• Sauce on the Sea - This little cabana is an extension of the successful clothing and accessories retail chain Fatima Ghobash, Zayan Ghandour and Dina Saleh

• O’ de Rose - This artisanal gem is located at the heart of a residential community and features home goods, caftans and accessories from the region.

• Souk Al Bahar - The closest you would get to an ancient city souk experience in Dubai. A new building modeled after the old souks of Damascus and Turkey, each store has a collection of artisan made goods from India to Morocco. 

I was truly inspired by the beautiful handmade products infused with a modern twist!

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-Rama Chakaki