Dubai is famous not just for its deserts, adventure parks and resorts, but for its many shopping hubs as well. Dubai's famous gold souk happens to be the world's largest gold market! Situated in Deira, this golden souk is the most famous and highly visited tourist spot in Dubai because of its excellent quality and designs of gold. With more than 350 jewellery traders and retailers, Gold Souk is restocked with at least 10 tons of gold daily.
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!
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. Source
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.
Tips to Enhance Your Shopping Experience
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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 reduces 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.
How To Reach Dubai Gold Souk
Gold Souk, also known as the Gold Mall is adjacent to the highly visited Spice Souk. It can be reached by getting off at the Al Ras Metro station and then a small boat ride or an abra, which will bring you to this place. The boat rides are fun and can be taken for AED 1 per person. You can also walk from the Khalid Bin Walid Metro Station and walk through old markets and souks and then take a boat from Bur Dubai Creek Abra Station. You can also take a bus to Gold Souk Terminus from Union Metro Station.
