Dubai Gold Souk

This traditional market offers hundreds of stores selling primarily gold jewelry but also silver and precious stone jewelry in intricate Arab and Indian designs. Visitors often spend a whole day here!

The largest, oldest and one-of-a-kind gold market happens to be in Dubai. In spite of the fact that the commodity is gold, it is the only market in the whole wide world that has no security outside the shops. A maze of covered walkways having glittering shops on either side is surely a breathtaking place to visit even if you are not buying anything from here. Fun fact: the largest gold necklace is displayed right here in the Gold Souk. 

It is located in an area called Deira which comes under the old part of Dubai. You can come here by crossing the creek by sitting in the frequently running abras (water taxis) in the creek. While window shopping through the shops, you will be able to see the market price of gold displayed outside the shops in Dirhams and it is constantly updated each time it changes. The variety starts from the mixed 18 carats gold, going up to 21, 22 and then to the pure 24-carat gold. After you select the piece(s) of jewellery, the retailer weighs the piece and lets you know the price. The making charges are added as well with the product. 

You will find a vast variety of intricate gold jewellery sometimes studded with precious stones like rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. Other than gold, you can also buy genuine and carefully inspected diamonds, pearls, and other precious metals from a few shops. The visitors do not have to worry about the quality and authenticity of gold here because of the regulation of prices by the Dubai government. But the price isn’t. Believe it or not, you have a scope to bargain for this precious metal as the shops sometimes set a high price for their products mostly for the reason that there is a high tourist turnover at the market.

A trip to Dubai isn't complete without a trip to the famous Gold Souk, one of the oldest and most fascinating traditional markets in the emirate. Whether you’re just browsing, or genuinely on the hunt for even the slightest amount of precious gold, walk through the glittering Gold Souk to find designs from around the world crafted with a variety of carats.

Long lines of market stalls showcase a myriad of authentic and eye-catching products – you never know when you’ll spot something special for you and your loved ones. All merchandise is carefully regulated by the Dubai government to ensure the authenticity of the quality you receive.

You can be sure your purchases will be genuine. In addition to gold, look out for diamond-encrusted ornaments, strings of pearls, platinum and silver. Retailers are more than up to offer a bargain, provided you are fair with your price. The Gold Souk is located on the Deira side of Dubai Creek, just a short walk from other bustling souks and abra stations.

Things to Do in Gold Souk

1. Shopping: 

Buy a huge variety of gold jewellery from over 300 retailers lined on either side in this traditional gold market. The vendors gladly show you the pieces of jewellery and weigh it to decide the price for it.

2. Bargain: 

The main trading of gold goes on through bargaining. Haggle your way out and pay less money for your liking of jewellery. Although the global gold prices cannot be reduced, there is a scope for decreasing the making charges.

3. Window Shopping: 

Stroll through the biggest gold market in the world even if you don’t want to buy any piece of jewellery. This will surely be a delightful experience to remember. You will be able to see dazzling shops on both sides of this golden labyrinth that may tempt you into buying a piece. There are also street vendors selling gold and “genuine fake” products like Rado & Gucci watches.  

4. Gold To Go: 

A unique concept here, the Gold ATM or vending machine spits out gold bars and custom made gold coins. The ATM has options to give out one, five, and ten grams of gold bars and coins. There are slots for both cash and cards from where you can pay for your gold items. 

What to buy from the Golden Market 

The souk has a lot to offer; not just gold but silver, diamond, emeralds, rubies, sapphires and several other stones as well. The souk is full of jewellery and ornaments and with tiny souvenirs too. When in the famous gold market, you can splurge on a wide variety of watches, earrings, bracelets, necklaces, rings or even religious figurines and sculptures.

If you are looking for some lifetime investments or gifts, then you can buy gold coins, biscuits, bars or cards from the souk. You can purchase similar readymade designs from the shops or carry your designs and get them customised. You can get your broken jewellery pieces repaired from the shops and booths spread across the streets. You can also spot clothing and decorative items in 22 karats or 24 karats pure gold!

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Significance of the Gold Souk 

Whether you want to buy something or window-shop, you should visit this beautiful market to witness the most eye-catching and selected quality and designs of gold and other precious metals. Also known as the Gold Mall, this fascinating souk presents and exhibits the beautiful craftsmanship and intricate detail work done by the goldsmiths. Located at a walkable distance from the Old Souk Marine Station, the souk has many registered and authorised gold shops and only a few kiosks and stalls.

Many tourists visit Dubai solely for its thriving gold industry which has all sorts of unique designs and gold ranging from 18 karats to 24 karats.

The gold souk is famous worldwide and has a mention in the Guinness World Record Book as well! The world's largest and heaviest ring weighing 64 kilograms with a 5.1-kilogram stone resting on it is found here.

Best places to visit near Gold Souk:

1. Dubai Spice Souk Market: 

Visit this place for a burst of sensational smells and sights and sometimes tastes. You can buy haggle for some of the best quality spices and herbs sold by both weight and packets. The vendors also suggest the use of these spices in food and drink recipes.  

2. Al Fahidi Historical District: 

With most of the original infrastructure preserved, you can get a good understanding of the Emirati culture in the mid 19th century. Formerly known as Bastakiya Quarters, now they are restored into museums, cafes, cultural exhibits, craft shops, art galleries, and two boutique hotels. 

3. Women’s museum Bait Al Banat: 

A visit here will educate you about the important contribution of Emirati women in building the rich history of UAE. This place is a documentary center dedicated to the life and role of women in all fields of life like culture, arts, style, and rituals.

4. Heritage House: 

Closed for renovation till further notice, this structure was once home to a wealthy pearl merchant. Now a museum, it showcases the traditional Emarati lifestyle and architecture during the 19th century.

5. Al Ahmadiya School: 

Now a museum, this school, just adjacent to the Heritage house was the first-ever school in the history of UAE. You will be able to get a quick history lesson about the education system here.

6. Deira Perfume Souk: 

Just east of Gold Souk you can find thousands of exotic and traditional Arabic fragrances at the Perfume Souk. Buy oud or bakhoor for your home or get a personalized scent made according to your personality and skin type.

Best Hotels to Stay Near Dubai Gold Souk

1. Raffles Dubai : 

The pyramid-shaped Raffles Dubai is a confluence of Asian and Middle Eastern architecture. It features a range of over-sized rooms and suites with private balconies, outdoor pool, Spa, mini-bar, flat-screen TV, luxurious bathrooms and fine toiletries. Raffles 7 in-house bistros serve national and international gourmet dishes and mind-refreshing drinks.

2. XVA Art Hotel: 

Housed in a century-old wind-tower building, the 15 compact rooms are decorated with local themes like Henna Room or Dishdash Room by eminent designers and artists of the region. The rooms are provided with modern amenities like air-conditioning, private bathrooms, tea and coffee making facilities. XVA art stores present local objet d’art, handmade handbags, and gold ornaments.

3. Rose Garden Hotel Apartments : 

It is one of the best hotels in Dubai and the highlight of the hotel is the roof-top pool that offers a panoramic view of the city. A trendy hotel with an ultra-modern gym and sauna beckons sporty types. Studios and suites with air-conditioning, free Wi-Fi, fully equipped kitchens including microwave and refrigerators, and satellite TV’s offer clean, comfortable and convenient living standards.

4. Savoy Central Hotel Apartments : 

The hotel comprises 123 executive studios, 7 family rooms, and 24 interconnected rooms with elegant interiors and great amenities that gives stress a vacation and invites gratification. The roof-top swimming pool, well-equipped kitchenette, health centre with gym, and satellite TV are the additional facilities provided by this hotel. An In-house eatery provides breakfast, lunch, and dinner.

5. Barjeel Heritage Guest House: 

A budgetary heritage hotel set against the dazzling blanket view of the Dubai Creek gives a taste of traditional Arabian hospitality in this 21st century. The capacious and stylish Arabian themed room located on the ground floor alongside the waterfront and amidst the serene courtyard lawn mesmerizes the visitors.

6. Grand Hyatt Dubai: 

A 5-star hotel decorated in Italian style comprising 674 well-appointed rooms features a swimming pool, free Wi-Fi, kids’ club, 24-hour gym, running tracks and a fitness centre. Some of the rooms offer a bay view. All rooms fitted with walk-in rain showers, bathtub, and branded toiletries.

7. Four Points by Sheraton Downtown : 

The 43-floor Hotel with 244 capacious well-appointed rooms and modern facilities is the 40th tallest structure in Dubai. A range of accommodation that includes guestrooms and suites with well-equipped Gym, refreshing and scenic roof-top swimming pool, pub, and 3 restaurants provide ultra comfort and cosiness.

8. Movenpick Hotel: 

If living life King-size is your attitude, then look no further than Movenpick Hotel. The 5-star hotel located in the vicinity of key commercial areas, shopping complexes, and attractions is home to 255 cosy rooms and suites that deliver an unrivalled experience to customers. An additional 57 apartments with provisions up to 3-bedrooms along with individual kitchens make visitors feel at home and pampered. Seven in-house bistro’s supply an entire range of gastronomic delights from Indian to International cuisines that leave guests gratified. A top class bar, vibrant nightclub, roof-top pool, fitness centre, and sauna help visitors unwind and relax

Tips to Enhance Your Shopping Experience 

1. Since all shops are not air-conditioned (though most of them are) and the market gets crowded, it is advised to visit in the evening as the temperature goes down and the nights are more relaxed and better.

2. Be aware of the current prices of different types and quality of gold as it would help you in bargaining and reduce the chance of you being fooled.

3. Be sure of what and how you want to buy and go and explore with a clear mind to avoid any last-minute confusion or hassles.

4. The shopkeepers usually quote a higher price so make sure to bargain and try reducing the costs by 25%

5. The same jewellery can be spotted at several other shops so explore as much as possible before buying anything as you might get a better deal.

6. Make sure to travel light and safe and to take care of your bags and children.

7. Resist purchasing gold from stalls or booths for a lower price as they might sell fake or unauthentic products.