Dubai Gold Souk is a must-visit shopping destination for tourists and local residents in the city. It’s the best place to find rare and affordable jewelry pieces and Dubai gold at the most competitive prices. If you want to make an investment or simply update your jewelry collection with the help of modern gold merchants, here’s a comprehensive guide for first-timers visiting Dubai Gold Souk.
Things to Know Before Visiting Dubai Gold Souk
If you wish to visit Dubai Gold Souk and see the selections of Dubai gold and other souvenir items in the area, plan ahead and know what to expect. Here’s everything you need to know about the traditional gold market in the city.
What is Dubai Gold Souk?
Dubai Gold Souk, also known locally as Gold Souk Dubai, is a traditional market in Dubai. It is one of the most visited markets in the city, courtesy of its item selection and affordable prices. Dubai Gold Souk currently consists of nearly 400 retailers; most of them are jewelry traders dealing with buying and selling major items like gold, platinum, diamond, and silver.
The market is also known globally as the largest gold market in terms of size and revenue and as the holder of the largest ring in the world, weighing 64 kg. The piece, which was recognized by the Guinness World Record and cost $3 million, is owned by Dubai-based company Taiba.
Who Can Visit Dubai Gold Souk?
Dubai Gold Souk is a busy market with lots of pathways and walkways. Regardless, anyone is welcome to enter the market to purchase jewelry or Dubai gold, discover the process of jewelry making, or simply gawk at the eye-catching displays. There are wheelchair-accessible ramps and areas for people of determination, public attractions for children, and food stalls for hungry shoppers.
If you want a comprehensive tour with a full itinerary and detailed history of Dubai Gold Souk, there are travel and tour companies offering private and group tour packages. A guided tour would provide a more educational and enjoyable experience.
Is Dubai Gold Souk Safe and Regulated?
Dubai Police pay excellent attention to Dubai Gold Souk since it’s a jewelry market selling precious items. Accordingly, they are tasked to apply strict security measures based on international standards and the latest technologies supported by AIs. Due to these efforts, in 2019, the Dubai Police reported that there were no robberies in Dubai gold and jewelry stores last year, including Gold Souk Dubai retail stores. The feat continued until today, at the time of writing.
In terms of regulation for buying and selling jewelry, the Dubai Gold & Jewellery Group (DGJG), the largest trade body for the jewelry sector in Dubai, monitors and regulates Dubai Gold Souk. DHJG’s responsibilities also include the manufacturing, wholesale, and retail of jewelry and precious metals.
COVID-19 Considerations
Dubai Gold Souk and all its retailers follow special health and safety measures to combat COVID-19. Establishments and vendors in Dubai are required by the World Health Organization (WHO) and local authorities to ensure social distancing among guests, sanitize high-touch areas and locations, conduct temperature checks for staff and guests, and promote contactless payments. Dubai Police may limit the number of visitors a day based on local regulations.
Visitors, too, are required to follow individual safety protocols. Visitors should wear face masks when entering the Gold Souk Dubai and physical stores, avoid physical contact among staff and other visitors, and submit basic personal information for contact tracing purposes. Children and senior citizens may not be allowed to enter some areas.
All these COVID-19 protocols are still subject to change daily, weekly, or monthly. The local and the national government could release amended safety protocols in the future and allow more Gold Souk Dubai stores to operate as the pandemic progresses and new solutions arise.
When is the Best Time to Visit Dubai Gold Souk?
Timings at Gold Souk Dubai and its retail stores vary. Most retail stores are independent and can operate anytime they want. On average, stores operate between 10:00 AM to 10:00 PM. Some stores are closed from 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM to take a break. Considering the timings and the flock of visitors, the best time to visit the market is during mid-morning, starting from 11:00 AM.
How Long Should You Visit and Explore Dubai Gold Souk?
If you plan to purchase jewelry, Dubai Gold, or other souvenir items, it will take you a long time to explore the entire market and visit multiple retail stores. After all, you need to browse, canvas, and decide before purchasing an item. If you simply plan to take a tour, you can get around the market in 1 to 2 hours.
Where is Dubai Gold Souk Located?
Gold Souk Dubai is at Gold Corner Building, 3rd Floor, Gold Souq, Deira. It is situated in the city’s busy commercial district, easily accessible from all parts of Dubai. For landmarks, the market is located next to the Dubai Spice Souk on the side of Dubai Creek.
Dubai Gold Souk Preparation and Visiting Tips
As you get acquainted with a few important facts about Dubai Gold Souk, you now know what to initially expect before you book your visit. Let’s head to the actual preparation and visiting process to help you plan a hassle-free market experience.
How to Get to Dubai Gold Souk
Dubai Gold Souk is only 10 minutes away from the city center, but travelers with private or rented vehicles can easily reach it from other neighboring areas through Sheikh Zayed Rd/E11, Baniyas Rd/D85, and Al Maktoum Rd/D89 in 15 to 20 minutes.
If you want to commute, city buses can take you to the Gold Souk Dubai and its surrounding areas. Take buses 10, 13B, 27, and C9, depending on your location, then alight at the Gold Souq Bus Station, Deira – Old Souq, or Sabkha bus stations. It will take you a 6 to 13-minute walk from these stations to reach the gold market. If you want to take the metro, ride the Red Line to the Al Ras Metro Station. From there, you can take a 9-minute walk to reach the market.
What to Bring and Wear to Dubai Gold Souk
Dubai Gold Souk is a traditional market where you can shop and roam around, so there’s really not much to bring aside from your plans, other valuables, and our list of Gold Souk Dubai tips.
Clothing
Some areas in Dubai are more conservative and traditional than others, so you should really plan what you wear in public places. For this reason, it’s wise to dress modestly. Make sure to wear breathable and light clothing as Dubai’s heat can be unbearable at times.
Valuable Items
It’s best to bring secure small to medium-sized bags to carry your valuable items like mobile phones and wallets. Don’t bring huge bags that would give you a hard time shopping and walking around the market.
What to Do at Dubai Gold Souk
Dubai Gold Souk is the biggest and most accessible jewelry market in the city. But it doesn’t just offer an array of retailers and manufacturers selling gold; you can also find particular areas with unique offerings. Here’s a list of things you can do at Dubai Gold Souk:
Shop for Gold and Other Rare Jewelry
Retailers and manufacturers in the area generally sell 18-karat, 22-karat, or 24-karat pure gold. But some shops also sell pure gold bars, mainly from a machine. Gold price in Dubai is generally cheaper than in other countries because of its availability and the Emirati’s laws and taxes for gold. Gold Souk Dubai price for these items, particularly, is relatively affordable. There is currently no import duty tax or value-added tax (VAT) on gold bars entering the UAE market.
Aside from gold bars and jewelry, you can also find shops selling pearls, diamonds, silver, platinum, and other precious stones and metals. They can be in the form of traditional jewelry, belts, or chains. The styles of the jewelry and accessories at Gold Souk Dubai mostly feature traditional Arab, Indian, and modern Italian designs.
Try Traditional Meals
Traditional restaurants and cafes offering Arabian and Indian dining options are everywhere at Gold Souk Dubai. If you get hungry shopping, you can easily stop by at one of these food stores to eat. Locals recommend trying local Shawarma, an Arab dish with thin meat cuts served in a wrapped flatbread, and Sulaimani Tea, a black tea with spices.
Buy Some Souvenirs
There are also plenty of souvenir shops in Gold Souk Dubai that don’t just sell jewelry and accessories. There are stores selling dry fruits, Dubai-made clothing, figurines, chocolates, and more. Drop by at some of these stores to maximize your shopping experience.
Go Sightseeing
Take a walk inside Gold Souk Dubai and its nearby historical areas for some sightseeing. The entire district of Old Souk in Dubai houses traditional stores and landmarks that you can freely explore.
Dubai Gold Souk Buying Tips for Locals and Tourists
Dubai may be the most dedicated gold market globally, so it’s no surprise that the competition is tight among manufacturers and retailers when it comes to Gold Souk Dubai price. Inside the market, nearly 400 outlets vie for your money. You have a plethora of options to choose from, so you must choose wisely. For reference, here’s a list of tips for buying gold and other precious items in Gold Souk Dubai:
Decide What Kind of Item You Want to Buy
You can window shop all you want. Impulse buying is also not forbidden. However, we recommend you make a final decision of what kind of item you want to buy before you enter Gold Souk Dubai. This will save you a lot of time.
Know the Market Price
Know the average market price of the item you want to buy if there are available resources and references around you. Gold, specifically, is an investment with fluctuating values. Gold price in Dubai changes every day. Take a good look at the market price of the items you want to purchase so that you can find the best value.
Do Some Store Hopping
Though time-consuming, you can find the best item at the best price if you explore multiple stores. So, list down numerous options before making your purchase. According to locals, shops located on nooks and corners usually offer the best prices because of their disadvantaged location.
Master the Art of Bargaining
Every retail store has a set gold price in Dubai, which also applies to other jewelry items. For this, master the art of bargaining, and get the best value of the item you want to buy based on the market price.
Try bartering 25% off the stated price while considering the rate and the cost of labor. Who knows? You might just get lucky. If it doesn’t work, work your way below 20%. Don’t be discouraged if you can’t get the discounted price you want since some items at Gold Souk Dubai are genuinely made with rare and expensive materials, so retail stores set a fixed price to earn back their capital.
Pay Through Cash
If you can afford it, pay through cash. Most retail stores in Dubai Gold Souk tend to offer lower prices or give customers discounts if you make the entire payment upfront. This tip doesn’t mean, however, that you shouldn’t use your credit card. Just remember that cash is still king in the Dubai gold market.
What to Do After Visiting Dubai Gold Souk
Gold Souk Dubai is not the only “souk” or market you can visit in the city. The Old Souk alone carries all the traditional items you can find in Dubai. To buy more souvenir items or discover the traditional offerings of Dubai, visit the spice and textile market. For luxury items, go shopping at the biggest malls in Dubai.
