Dubai gold souk is a traditional market (souk) located in the Deira business district near Al Dhagaya which includes more than 380 stores most of them selling jewelry. Some of the shops in this gold souk, which is still the most reputable gold market in Dubai, have been operating for up to 4 decades and others are opened recently. The main merchandise sold at this shopping center includes gold, gems, and precious metals, diamonds, and sometimes silver. While the Dubai municipality intends to renovate Dubai gold souk, its set to become one of Dubai's most vibrant tourist destinations.

History of Dubai Gold Souk

For having a better look at what now has become a very successful and gigantic market with lots of attention, it is interesting to have a bit of history in hand. The history of Dubai gold souk dates back to the early 1900s when only a bunch of unrecognized local jewelers had shops in this place. In 1940, Indian and Iranian merchants started setting up stalls in the area and creating a hub for more people as they come and go but the oil boom of the 1970s was the real miracle that bloomed the iconic Dubai gold souk the way it is today. The market has been gone through expansions and renovations several times over the years, yet it still retains the old and pleasant atmosphere of an Arabic souk. It is said that about 10 tons of gold are distributed daily among the vendors of this market, which some consider being an exaggeration, but given the welcome of global buyers, it can be true. Dubai gold souk has now become one of the busiest and most popular jewelry markets in the world, which is unique in terms of the variety of shining and stylish goods, luxury jewelry, expensive and at the same time economical items for sale. It is estimated that 20% of the gold in the world trades in this market. Visitors of this bustling market can have a fair deal on jewelry and gold, and even if you are not here to shop, you will be delighted to see the magnificent, brilliant, and dazzling treasure of gold souk. And it could become an exciting and exceptional day for you. Because of the high demand, many city tours in Dubai, which usually include places such as the Dubai Museum, Dubai Mall, Palm Jumeirah, Burj Khalifa, and the Burj Arab, usually have a stop to visit the gold souk as well.

Tips on How to Shop in Gold Souk Dubai

If you are interested in shopping, especially jewelry, do not miss this massive mall, a variety of impressive and eye-catching golds are waiting for you here.

• You can come here for both shopping and sightseeing, enjoy exploring this exceptional market and take photos of your adventure. The place has an unbelievable vibe, gives a thrilling sense of adventure and excitement like you are on a Treasure Island.

• Wear comfortable shoes because the gold souk is large and there are many stores to go around. Don’t purchase at the first shop, the variable items with similar elegance and shine can be found in other stores so take your time and enjoy the move from one shop to another.

• haggling with sellers without embarrassment to buy gold at a better price is very common here. And do not worry, bargaining and lowering the price is an old habit of this traditional market. Shopkeepers here understand a little negotiation over the price of gold but don’t overdo it.

• Since the price of gold is constantly changing, to have a good deal, always ask the price of gold that day from the hotel concierge or an acquaintance you trust before going to the gold souk. So, in summary research before attending the market is important.

• Don’t worry about fake gold. As long as you stay away from street vendors outside the actual gold souk, you are safe since the shop owners are working under strict regulations. Inspectors of the Dubai municipality regularly inspect the market, scales are being checked for accuracy, and they even send samples of gold to the laboratory for testing.

• You can always use credit cards to buy golds here but surprisingly store owners of this market are in favor of cash, so if you purchase with paper money, you can have the goods at a better price and enjoy discounts.

Location of Gold Souk Dubai:

The gold souk is situated in Deira of “Old Dubai”. For accessing this market, the nearest subway station is Al Ras (Green Line) and stations nearby are Al Sabkha and Gold Souq. You can also take the bus at bus stations like Dubai Marina/ Jumeirah beach residence, Al Sufouh (Madinat Jumeirah), Umm Suqeim (Burj Al Arab), and Jumeirah to the gold souq bus station. Crossing the creek from Bur Dubai via abra is also another way of reaching the market.

Gold Souk, The Best Recommended Time:

You can visit gold souk Dubai almost every day as this market is open 7 days a week, from 10 am to 10 pm Saturday to Thursday (but you should know that most shop owners close their stores at 1-4 pm). As Fridays are the weekend for Islamic countries, timing on Fridays is 4-10 pm in the gold souk. Aside from the usual schedule, the best time to buy gold in this popular international market is the Dubai shopping festival or the Dubai summer surprise. Great and exceptional deals in these attractive festivals are waiting for tourists who have gone to the enchanting land of Dubai both for fun, sightseeing, and to buy the best golds, jewelry, and similar products. The Dubai shopping festival is held from December to January of each year, and the Dubai summer surprise runs from June to August. However, if you cannot attend these festivals or your schedule is such that you may not be able to visit Dubai at this time, Sundays and Saturdays are recommended days of the week for buying gold at this souk considering the international gold market doesn't open until Monday at 2 pm, which is why the price of gold remains almost unchanged during these two days. And for this reason, you will likely be able to make a nice deal and find good jewelry.